Ummmmm, I'm not the most well versed when it comes to pool lingo. What are Borates?? Assuming some kind of chemical....right?? If so, No. I basically only use a few hundred pounds of salt to open up the pool. Along with 2 gallons of liquid shock. Once pool is up and running, I rarely if EVER have to adjust the chemical balance. I only use the strips to test my water. I know, blasphemy...lol. But, my train of thought is....if my pool water looks crystal clear, and my strips say the chemicals are exactly or close to being right.....why screw with it.