singingpond
Well-known member
A lot (most?) of pool store pH Up product is sodium carbonate. That is what the OP reported using previously. Yes, it does raise TA a bit too, but that sounds OK in this situation, since TA is still very low.Also borax is preferred for raising pH. (That's probably what "pH up" is just in a different box and higher price)
To the OP -- if you want to raise pH with minimal effect on TA, then borax is indeed preferable (the "20 Mule Team" laundry aid will do fine). Again, you can check PoolMath (down near the bottom for effect of adding chemicals), or review the link that Isaac (I believe) provided earlier in this thread.