Borax does NOT work the same way, but it DOES inhibit algae IF you get borate levels above 50 ppm. (Some effects occur at lower levels)

Read this: http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?9755; your privilege status when I update your membership is dependent on that info.

And, by the time your upgraded, I'll have finished revising the new borates guide.