I have been using Lye (sodium hydroxide ) to raise ph. It is simple, cheap, and there is no borate concern as with Borax. It's available as Red Devil drain cleaner, fine crystals, dissolves quickly, and packaged in 2 pound bottles for about $4 at Ace Hardware. I have a 16000 gallon pool, water fill comes from my well at 6.6 ph (northern Baltimore). Have you guys tried Lye? Just wondering why Borax is being used since there borate problems. I'm a commercial (certified) Pool Operator of 25 years experience with our community swim chub : 130,000 gallons. Used 20% liquid in 55 pound carboys & chem feeder with Aquasol controller. Worked great, crystal clear water. Alak stayed 100 ppm all season.