Help me double check what I'm doing (boric acid)

[ParB]

Hi all,

Just replaced my SWG cell a week ago and my FC is a bit high as I'm being figuring out how to set it for my pool (moved from a ic-40 to an ic-60.

My water is excellent, super clear and no issues at all.
FC 10
PH 7.7
TA 100
CH 425
CYA 50 (I think it's actually closer to 60 I had to rush through this in the morning today)
Salt 4000
Fwiw I also tested for phosphates and that is zero.

All tests tone with Taylor and tf test kits.

I got a 42,000 gallon pool. Pool math says that 70lbs of boric acid should yield a ppm of borates of 35. I ordered 70 lbs of boric acid granular form from duda energy.

First of, does adding 70 lbs seem about right for my pool?

Second, should I try to lower the TA a bit before I add the boric acid?
My TA has been real stable around 100 for about a year or two and it's a real pain to lower it, but it you recommend that I take it down further first then I'll do it.

My objective is to stabilize PH so it increases more slowly. I hear the borax also makes the water silkier which is a nice secondary benefit.

Thoughts?

I don't really have a great way to test Bor levels once I've added it so i want to get a second set of eyes on it before I charge ahead. I have a automatic pool cover so once it's in the water it stays, I don't get diluted by rain and I have a bit of evap but not that much.

Thanks!

 

[PoolStored]

You amount seems about right...but I would hold off adding it.

I am a borates user. I would recommend that you figure out how to lower your TA first to the low end of the range for your pool (60). You may find that even with the borates, it does not slow the pH rise you expect. Just had another member with the same situation and confused why, even with borates, their pH continued to rise..it was because their TA was high like yours.

Lower Total Alkalinity

A lower Total Alkalinity level can help a pool owner stabalize their pH increase. We'll explain how to lower TA with a little help from muriatic acid.

www.troublefreepool.com

You might notice the instructions before adding borates to lower TA the low end of the range...for this reason.

Borates in pool - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

You can roll your own drop test...very accurate. I would recommend a smart stir for this test...

New borate drop test at piscines-apollo vs. test strip

Thanks, SunnyBlues. You have been reading and learning a LONG time to remember all those experts. Thanks for your testimonial.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ParB]

Thanks! Exactly the advice I was looking for