Using borax to raise pH

[redghill]

I want to add borax to my pool but my total alkalinity is high at 170 ppm. Can I add muratic acid to lower the total alkalinity which will also lower the pH and then add the borax to raise the pH back up to 7.4?

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! The best way to increase pH without also increasing the TA you just lowered is with good/steady aeration. The instruction on the Lower Total Alkalinity - Trouble Free Pool page will help. Use MA to knock the pH down to about 7.0-7.2, then let the aeration increase the pH to about 7.8, perhaps even 8.0 before hitting it again with acid. You should see a biggest TA drop that way.

 

[JamesW]

Why do you want to add Borax?

If for borates, use boric acid.

With a TA at 170 there should not be any reason to increase pH.

What's going on?

What are you trying to accomplish?

 

[redghill]

My thought was if I add acid to lower the TA into the correct range why can’t I then just add the borax to raise the Borate level to 50 ppm and also let it raise the pH at the same time?

 

[RMcGirr83]

pH will still rise naturally. Many use boric acid, like me, if wanting borates in the pool. Doesn't effect pH at all unlike borax.

 

[JamesW]

If you drop the TA all at once, the pH will go too low.

There's usually no need to rush lowering the TA. Just lower the pH to 7.2 and the TA will come down over time.

Boric acid is the best way to add borates.

 

[redghill]

I have ordered the boric acid. Do I put it in all at once or use multiple doses?

 

[JamesW]

You can do it all at once. Do it when the pH is higher than 7.5.

 

[RMcGirr83]

It dissolves pretty quickly I used 35 pounds in 5 pound increments to get our pool to 50