How to alter pH without a Borate Test Kit

[bottomcat]

I am very new to pool chemistry. I bought a Taylor K2006 based on this forum, I am using Borax to raise pH, but the K2006 does not test for Borate. So when I go to the PoolCalculator I can't enter a value for Borate and I do not know how much Borax to add. Should I not use the online PoolCalculator? What is the proper method of determining the amount of Borax to add? I initially added 2 lbs based on the calculator.

Latest results:
FC=7.0 ppm; CC < 0.5 ppm; pH=7.4; TA=120 ppm; CH=90 ppm; CYA=100 ppm; Temp =68 F; water is crystal clear

[Watermom]

Are you trying to add borates to your pool or just maintain pH?

[bottomcat]

Just maintain pH.

[Watermom]

Your pH is fine at 7.4. When you do need to raise it, just add a couple of cups of borax at a time and then after a few hours retest and redose until you get it where you want it. Better to make small gradual changes instead of big ones where you sometimes overshoot your target.

[bottomcat]

Thanks watermom. Would it be wise to add Borax to raise up to 7.6 given that it should start drifting down with rain?

[Watermom]

It won't hurt if you want to do that. A lot of rain always makes my pH drop some, too.