I apologize if this has been answered elsewhere but I'm having no luck finding it if it has. We live in the Dallas Metroplex and our tap (and therefore fill) water has a very high pH. When it is tested with the Taylor K-1000 kit the tap water nearly turns the test purple. The TA tests in at around 310 most days...but sometimes goes even up to 330. I spent a LOT of time trying to get both of these levels down which means a lot of MA. (I am envious of those who post they add MA a couple times a month...I add it a couple times a week!) With the Texas heat being what it is, it is not uncommon for me to have to add water to my pool twice a week during the summer. I am going through anywhere from 1/2 to 2 gallons of M/A weekly. I finally think that my levels are at good range but I have to check them daily as even when the TA his goal, running our filter 12 hours a day means that the pool is aerated and therefore the pH is constantly drifting up.
I know that borates are supposed to help buffer the pH levels in the pool but I have also read that they increase the pH. Obviously having to add water to the pool frequently will always mean that we have to add MA but even on days I'm not filing I have to add it to bring it down from running the filter. Would adding borates to my pool help to reduce this drift in between fill days or will it just raise the pH and help with water "feel"? I don't mind an initial increase if MA will drop it and then have it buffer it so that just running the filter doesn't spike me out of range...but I'm just learning so I'm not sure if I am missing something. For the most part what I am seeing is people trying to raise their pH and TA while I am trying to do the opposite.
Thanks for any input or guidance you can give. As always...this is the best place to be if you own a pool!
I know that borates are supposed to help buffer the pH levels in the pool but I have also read that they increase the pH. Obviously having to add water to the pool frequently will always mean that we have to add MA but even on days I'm not filing I have to add it to bring it down from running the filter. Would adding borates to my pool help to reduce this drift in between fill days or will it just raise the pH and help with water "feel"? I don't mind an initial increase if MA will drop it and then have it buffer it so that just running the filter doesn't spike me out of range...but I'm just learning so I'm not sure if I am missing something. For the most part what I am seeing is people trying to raise their pH and TA while I am trying to do the opposite.
Thanks for any input or guidance you can give. As always...this is the best place to be if you own a pool!