pH keeps climbing - will borates help?

[poolnoobgrandma]

Hello -
Current test results:
FC 5.0
pH 7.4
TA 50
CH 240
CYA 40
Salt 3100

TA, CH, and CYA drifting down because (I think) I have to keep draining rain out of the pool. New pebble sheen build (filled on 6/7/19).
I'm going to get and add CYA tomorrow. I am adding acid every couple of days to keep the pH in range. I'm thinking about adding borates (borax) to keep the pH from swinging so much, and since (from what I've read here) it's better to do that if your TA is on the low side, I thought about moving in that direction. Apparently I also need to add some calcium hardness.

Anyway, do you think adding borates will keep the pH from constantly climbing back to 8+? If so, are these good numbers to start adding borates? (Pool is pretty and clear)

Thanks!

 

[mknauss]

Borates - Why and How

Borates - Why and How Why Adding borates can improve your experience with your pool, but is completely optional. If you do plan to use borates, wait until everything else is settled down before adding borates, especially TA and PH. The only situations where we specifically recommend using...

www.troublefreepool.com

Use Boric Acid if you wish to add borates. The borax/muriatic acid process is not a good way to go.

 

[ajw22]

What pH range are you targeting to lower it to when your p.h gets to 8?

Work at keeping your CSI between 0 and -0.3. Your CSI is getting too low due to your pH getting too low.

 

[RMcGirr83]

New pebble sheen build (filled on 6/7/19)

It can take upwards of a year for the plaster to cure which is, probably, causing your pH to rise.

 

[poolnoobgrandma]

It can take upwards of a year for the plaster to cure which is, probably, causing your pH to rise.

Would borates slow that rise down?

 

[tim5055]

It can take upwards of a year for the plaster to cure which is, probably, causing your pH to rise.

This is the answer.

Borates will extend the time between acid additions, but will not eliminate it, especially with a new plaster finish. Borates are also (my opinion) something that you should not consider until your pool chemistry is rock solid and you are well versed in how it moves and comfortable maintianing it..

Were I in your shoes I would not think about adding borates for at least a year. if you have pets like I do I would never add them as they can be toxic to dogs. While the levels we recomend are genterally considered to be in the "safe" range, I won't chance it myself.

 

[poolnoobgrandma]

What pH range are you targeting to lower it to when your p.h gets to 8?

Work at keeping your CSI between 0 and -0.3. Your CSI is getting too low due to your pH getting too low.

I'd be happy anywhere between 7.2 and 7.8. I add acid, it drops to 7.4, and 2 days later it's bright red again. And adding acid all the time is (I think) lowering my TA. I'm not too worried about the CSI. The pool got cold (83). With a warm, no-rain day today, pool will get to 87 or 88 again, which will, with a small rise in pH (which I expect, because the pH keeps rising all the time) get the CSI back in desired range (per pool math app).

 

[poolnoobgrandma]

Borates - Why and How

Borates - Why and How Why Adding borates can improve your experience with your pool, but is completely optional. If you do plan to use borates, wait until everything else is settled down before adding borates, especially TA and PH. The only situations where we specifically recommend using...

www.troublefreepool.com

Use Boric Acid if you wish to add borates. The borax/muriatic acid process is not a good way to go.

Thanks - if I decide to add borates I will definitely use boric acid rather than borax.

 

[ajw22]

Don’t drop your pH below 7.6. The lower you drop the pH the faster it will rise.

Don’t worry about your TA dropping. You want it to. It will slow down pH rise.

Adding acid twice a week is normal for a pool at your stage.