How much Borax to add

[Mary-H]

in 15000 gallon SWG pool with pH tested as 7.2? Other chems seem to be in balance

 

[Mary-H]

i think i accidentally posted a blank reply, still need help

 

[Mdragger88]

A ph of 7.2 is fine- you can just aerate (point jets up or run water features) to increase ph without effecting ta. No chems needed.

What is your current ta & other results?

 

[Mary-H]

Thanks for responding!
TA is 80, total chlorine 7.5 (high), calcium hardness 180, stabilizer 80 salt 2900 (all ppm). I have Pinch-A-Penny test my water fairly regularly, and I try to keep an eye on just the chlorine and pH myself. Their paperwork indicates 7.4-7.6 is the ideal level, not sure if that is true or just their opinion.

 

[Mdragger88]

Mary,
You will find that TFP ideal levels & pool store ideal levels often conflict for various reasons like, the motivation to sell you products (tfp sells nothing), along with following antiquated industry standards.

What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Use our tool to find ideal chemical levels for any swimming pool. Check TFP recommended levels on pH, free chlorine, cyanuric acid, and more.

www.troublefreepool.com

Your ph of 7.2 is a little low but requires no intervention, With a ta of 80 your ph will likely rise on it’s own.
Your chlorine level is not high, in fact it is right around target for your cya if that is all free chlorine FC/CYA Levels.
Fc anywhere between minimum & slam level for your cya is fine & safe for people, equipment, & surfaces. Most here opt to run fc around high target or a scootch higher to allow for some cushion incase of higher bather load, equipment failure or other environmental factors.
One issue here is that you listed the total chlorine (tc) measurement which is the sum of fc (good stuff) + cc (bad stuff).
You need a proper test kit with an fas/dpd test to measure the two individually so you can be certain of your actual free chlorine level as cc’s (combined chlorine) over .5ppm warrants intervention.
All of the recommended kits-
(taylor k2006(c) salt or tf100/pro salt) contain this test as well as all the tests you need to properly & accurately test your own water, which is recommended over relying on the pool store
Test Kits Compared

 

[JamesW]

The question is why did the pH drop to 7.2 with a TA of 80?

Have you added trichlor, CYA or anything acidic?

 

[Mary-H]

Mary,
You will find that TFP ideal levels & pool store ideal levels often conflict for various reasons like, the motivation to sell you products (tfp sells nothing), along with following antiquated industry standards.

What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Use our tool to find ideal chemical levels for any swimming pool. Check TFP recommended levels on pH, free chlorine, cyanuric acid, and more.

www.troublefreepool.com

Your ph of 7.2 is a little low but requires no intervention, With a ta of 80 your ph will likely rise on it’s own.
Your chlorine level is not high, in fact it is right around target for your cya if that is all free chlorine FC/CYA Levels.
Fc anywhere between minimum & slam level for your cya is fine & safe for people, equipment, & surfaces. Most here opt to run fc around high target or a scootch higher to allow for some cushion incase of higher bather load, equipment failure or other environmental factors.
One issue here is that you listed the total chlorine (tc) measurement which is the sum of fc (good stuff) + cc (bad stuff).
You need a proper test kit with an fas/dpd test to measure the two individually so you can be certain of your actual free chlorine level as cc’s (combined chlorine) over .5ppm warrants intervention.
All of the recommended kits-
(taylor k2006(c) salt or tf100/pro salt) contain this test as well as all the tests you need to properly & accurately test your own water, which is recommended over relying on the pool store
Test Kits Compared

Mdragger88,
Many thanks for your detailed and prompt replies, I omitted the fact that the total chlorine was all free chlorine. I am reviewing your recommended test kits and am getting ready to order the Taylor K2006Csalt.
Happy holidays!
Mary

 

[Mary-H]

The question is why did the pH drop to 7.2 with a TA of 80?

Have you added trichlor, CYA or anything acidic?

Hi James,

My stabilizer was showing 80 ppm, but I usually keep it between 60 and 80, not sure I did anything to warrant this...pH seem to normally be around 7.4-7.6, thanks for your question!
Mary

 

[PoolStored]

I am reviewing your recommended test kits and am getting ready to order the Taylor K2006Csalt

Get the TF-100 Salt. Comes with the speed stir for about the same price. Speed stir makes test simple and accurate. One of my "I will fill the pool in without it" tools.

 

[Mary-H]

Get the TF-100 Salt. Comes with the speed stir for about the same price. Speed stir makes test simple and accurate. One of my "I will fill the pool in without it" tools.

Thanks!