do borates reduce calcium?

[Ferd]

Hi,

I've been thinking about adding borates and I've read the pool school and the forum sticky posts about that. One suggestion in that post is the Proteam Supreme Plus. The product description says that "water will feel softer, regardless of how hard it is". Does that mean the product contains something that reduces calcium? My gut feeling is no - from what I understand you only reduce calcium with reverse osmosis or by replacing water. But wanted to know what experts think.

Thanks.

 

[mknauss]

No. The two methods you state are the ways to remove calcium laden water from a pool.

 

[Ferd]

Thanks!

 

[Ferd]

A follow-up question, if I may: if I want to add borates, can I just add boric acid? (https://www.chemistrystore.com/Chemicals_A-F-Boric_Acid.html) is there a reason to buy the more expensive Supreme Plus?

 

[mknauss]

Boric Acid is what you want to use. Get granular. Not powder.

Read Borates in pool - Further Reading