Planning on adding Borates... Should I assume 0 to start?

[jkarn]

Hi all,
I'm now thinking about adding borates to my pool and spa. Should I assume 0 to start, or should I test with the strips first?

 

[ajw22]

Assume 0 although wasting one test strip is not a big deal if you want to dip it.

Borates in pool - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[kul]

Why do you think you need to add borates?

Update- read the above link so disregard. Is your ph rising quickly?

 

[jkarn]

For a number of reasons. My Spa is not covered and is pretty big (10ft diameter), so I'm adding bleach almost daily (I used the dichlor/bleach method) and the ph does rise faster than I'd like. I also like the idea of the "silkiness" for the hot tub.

 

[duraleigh]

I would also like the silkiness feel I read about but anecdotally on this forum a majority of people say it's not really noticeable.

 

[ajw22]

I would also like the silkiness feel I read about but anecdotally on this forum a majority of people say it's not really noticeable.

I think @jkarn can give us a A vs. B comparison since he has two independent bodies of water and will add borates to one of them first and tell us what differences people feel.

 

[jkarn]

Can do! Will start with the spa