Raising PH

[jrv331]

Im getting ready to open my pool this weekend and have a question. I know we use Borax to raise our PH, but if aerating also raises PH why not just do that instead?( assuming you have the means to aerate)
Thanks
John

 

[frustratedpoolmom]

Depends on your TA level. If the TA level is good, then yes, go ahead and aerate. Plus it's free.

If the TA level is on the low side too, then other chems will come into play.

 

[JasonLion]

Aeration is much slower than adding chemicals. If your PH is really low, 6.8 or lower, it is important to raise the PH quickly, which is best done with borax.

Another reason to use borax, or even soda ash, is if your TA level is currently too low. Aeration doesn't increase TA at all. Borax increases TA just a little. Soda ash increases TA quite a bit. All of them raise the PH.