Borax in Australia

[Oz Swimmer]

Hi, I was hoping someone with chemistry knowledge could help please?

We can't buy USA made '20 Mule Team Borax' in Australia. I can however, find a 'Borax' labelled product in my local big box dept store. The active ingredient in this Aussie product is 'Disodium Tetrborate Decahydrate' (100%). The active in USA made 20 Mule is 'Sodium Tetraborate'.

My question is- are these two compounds the same? Can I use at same rate and effect on my pool, as per pool math?

Kind regards,
Down Under

 

[JoyfulNoise]

It’s the same thing. Chemistry can be hard sometimes because there are different names for the same chemical species depending on the naming conventions used. IUPAC is the international organization that sets the definitive naming scheme for chemicals for academics and scientists but chemical manufacturers are not bound by its naming rules. So, often times, you will see slightly different names for the same exact thing. Makes it harder for the consumer but that’s just how it is.

 

[Oz Swimmer]

Great, thanks very much for the reply. My suspicion is confirmed.