Do I need to lower my TA before adding Borates?

etschwed

Member
May 26, 2024
7
Parma, MI
Pool Size
6400
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
First time owning a pool and we just got it setup. 18' Bestway pool. I've had a hot tub and maintained for a few years, so familiar enough with chemicals and maintenance. Just got the pool mostly balanced after testing through the local pool store. My TA is 132 and ph is 7.4. I looked on the how to article and it mentions 70-80 but then when I look at how to lower it, that article says only do it if you have one of those two issues.

My daughter is a human fish and will be using this plenty. I like the idea of smoother feeling water, better looking, and more stable overall. I always struggled with ph and alkalinity in my hot tub. I bought the muriatic acid and Borax and want to check before I start.
 
Welcome to the forum!
I would not bother with Borates for a while. Get used to managing your pool water chemistry. You need a proper test kit. See
Test Kits Compared
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool
Thanks. I bought the tp 100 test kit which won't be here for a few days and read through all the Faqs. Excited to swap chemicals for generic store bought as opposed to the pool place
 
Good choice on kits. Do not go by any pool store test. Just add 5 ppm FC worth of liquid chlorine each day until you get your kit.
 
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