Planning on adding Borates... Should I assume 0 to start?

[jkarn]

Hi all,
I'm now thinking about adding borates to my pool and spa. Should I assume 0 to start, or should I test with the strips first?

 

[ajw22]

Assume 0 although wasting one test strip is not a big deal if you want to dip it.

Borates in pool - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[kul]

Why do you think you need to add borates?

Update- read the above link so disregard. Is your ph rising quickly?

 

[jkarn]

For a number of reasons. My Spa is not covered and is pretty big (10ft diameter), so I'm adding bleach almost daily (I used the dichlor/bleach method) and the ph does rise faster than I'd like. I also like the idea of the "silkiness" for the hot tub.

 

[duraleigh]

I would also like the silkiness feel I read about but anecdotally on this forum a majority of people say it's not really noticeable.

 

[ajw22]

I would also like the silkiness feel I read about but anecdotally on this forum a majority of people say it's not really noticeable.

I think @jkarn can give us a A vs. B comparison since he has two independent bodies of water and will add borates to one of them first and tell us what differences people feel.

 

[jkarn]

Can do! Will start with the spa

 

[jkarn]

For those interested, I've had good luck with 2 things for sure: pH is much more stable and the sparkle of my water is better.
1. pH - I have a waterfall that aerates the water in the pool and I have seen no impact of the waterfall on pH increase since adding borates. Same goes for the blowers in the hot tub.
2. All of my neighbors who have seen this pool throughout the years say that this year, it looks especially clear and sparkles like they've never seen

Not really noticeable on the "silkiness"

This cost me around $75 after shipping from Duda Energy with the granulated stuff ~35lbs