I have a question regarding adding borax to increase pH. I don't necessarily want to go through the process of getting my pool to a 50 ppm borate level, but I am thinking of using borax to increase pH. If I understand corectly borax will increase pH without significantly increasing TA, is that correct? I have noticed that my TA has risen to about 130 and was wondering why. I searched through some of the posts here and found that my "pH Up" powder (Nature's Way pH up - sodium carbonate) may be the culprit. I've seen a lot of posts about using borates but, at least the posts i've read, seem to mostly focus on bringing the pool up to the 50 ppm level. I wanted to know if I decide to add borax instead of pH up to increase pH will I need to somehow test for borate levels? This is my 3rd season with a pool and I notice the pH always seems to drop between testings. Ph up is the last of the chemicals from the pool store that I am currently using but will probably stop using that as well. My latest test results follow in case you need to know those to better answer this question:
FC -- 2.5
CC -- 0.5
TC -- 3.0
pH -- 7.2
TA -- 130
CH -- do not test as I seem to always have problems with this one
CYA -- 60 - 65
I should also note that I already added 13 oz. of the pH up and 14 oz. of 8% bleach the other day. I lent my test kit to a friend who was havng a problem with his pool and needed to get it ready for a pool party today. I haven't tested since Tuesday evening. I've been using the BBB method for about 1 1/2 months after using Trichlor pucks. I also added stabiizer last year so that is probably why my CYA level is high. I am considering draining the pool 1/3 per pool calculator. Thanks.
FC -- 2.5
CC -- 0.5
TC -- 3.0
pH -- 7.2
TA -- 130
CH -- do not test as I seem to always have problems with this one
CYA -- 60 - 65
I should also note that I already added 13 oz. of the pH up and 14 oz. of 8% bleach the other day. I lent my test kit to a friend who was havng a problem with his pool and needed to get it ready for a pool party today. I haven't tested since Tuesday evening. I've been using the BBB method for about 1 1/2 months after using Trichlor pucks. I also added stabiizer last year so that is probably why my CYA level is high. I am considering draining the pool 1/3 per pool calculator. Thanks.