Borates calculator

[chem geek]

I would split up the doses and since you've got gallons of acid you could add one gallon of acid and then 100/6 = 16-2/3 pounds of Borax, then acid again, etc. If you add slowly over a return flow in the deep end, then I would wait 5 minutes between additions which should give a reasonable amount of mixing assuming you've got some decent circulation. Put the pump on high if it's a multi/variable speed pump. Also, be sure to lightly brush the side and bottom after doing each addition to ensure thorough mixing. From the quantities you've given, it sounds like you've got a pool around 27,500 gallons or so, is that right?

[Jbonnette]

I'm figuring 27,000 gallons to be safe on the low end. From the math that I've done, the pool should be 32,000 gallons. However, when I add chemicals, they seem to have a "larger" effect than expected so I did some calculations based on the last batch of bleach that I added to the pool and it calculated out to 27,000 gallons. I added 364oz of bleach and overnight my FC when from 1.5ppm to 8ppm. I plan to do the same calculations on the borax addition to see if the effect is equivalent to 27,000 gallons as well. By the way, how do you test for borates?

[aylad]

I would allow at LEAST two hours between doses (with the pump running) to give the chems a chance to properly mix in the pool, then retest before you add more.....

Janet

[waterbear]

When adding borax and acid for a secondary buffer and algaestat I usually split it into tow or three equal doses. You really don't have to wait after each addition (I add borax first and then acid) but I do brush down the sides of the pool to "stir" everything after each borax/acid addition. Of course, I do this with the pump running. Let it circulate for about 24-48 hours before readjusting pH or testing your borate levels. It's really pretty much a no brainer if you have calculated the proper amount of borax and acid. If you overdose by a bit it's not a problem at all but generally you want to shoot for 50 ppm for a chlorine or bromine sanitized pool or spa. With biguanide up to 80 ppm will give better protection against pink slime and white water mold.