Why Borax in The Skimmer?

ive read here that borax should be added to the skimmer, but broadcasting seems to never be mentioned. im curious as to why it gets added through the skimmer and not just spread around the pool?

also, ive read where PoolDoc says that some pools like a certain PH. mine seems to like 7.4 ive got to the point that i know 2 of my topped off level scoops ( small butter tub ) bring me right up to 7.6, but my pool falls right back to 7.4 within 24hrs and seems to want to stay there. TA has been at 110 and staying there. i assume i shouldnt try and fight the PH since 7.4 is just fine right?

i tested my tap water and PH is 8.0 / FC is .5 or less / ALK is 30, i was wondering how much impact my tap water will have on my pool water ( now that i can properly test ) over time. i would think with a PH of 8.0 it would be bring up my PH as i need to add about 1-1.5 inches of water every 4-5 days as its lost from eveporation when it doesnt rain.

BTW i dont think my water has ever been so sparkly! oh, and skimmer socks rock! thanks for the info folks! im ordering more skimmer socks and will order all my reagents, or anything from amazon through the site!

You can broadcast the borax, but that is just more trouble and through the skimmer is just fine. No reason not to make it easy on yourself. Plus, sometimes the Borax is clumpy and if you add it through the skimmer, you can see the clumps and break them up.

A pH of 7.4 is just perfect. Don't fight it. Topping off with your tap water may increase the pH some, but with only an inch or so being added, it isn't going to affect it too much.

Glad your water looks great! It's amazing what a little knowledge can do for your pool, isn't it?

Borax is a lot less likely to cloud the water if you add it through the skimmer, too....

watermom - sounds good, and yeah i see the clumps break up going into the pump pre filter housing. i wont fight the PH... my pool chores just got even easier! i figure i can cut back on PH and TA testing to about once a week since they both seem so stable. im actually keeping a log of the time, date, what was tested/my results, and how much bleach was added to keep FC where i want it. keeping the log is helping me learn my pools personality!

aylad - good point!