How much is the TDS increased if Borax is added to 50 ppm

[mbar]

This thread is great. There is a lot of great info. Next year when I open my pool I plan on running it with high borates. This way I will be able to keep the chlorine very consistant, and low, without getting algae and having to shock. Having a fiberglass pool I have found through my own experience that high chlorine along with high ph will stain the surface of the pool. This way with the borates, even while using the bleach, the ph should not drift up easily. I have also found that the easiest way to keep a stain free fiberglass pool is to add as little as possible (in the form of different chemicals) to the water. It is tough to follow how all of the different chemicals will react with each other. Therefore the less is better. You should be able to maintain a safe and stainfree pool by keeping the water balanced with Bleach, borax and baking soda. Of course you need stabalizer if you have an outdoor pool. Keeping up on the water testing will keep you from getting any algae, so you won't even need to shock. If you keep your chlorine in line with the "best guess" chart, you don't even need algacide. I would suggest a metal sequesterer if you have a fiberglass pool, or if you have a well. Keeping the ph at the low level, along with the right amount of chlorine for the amount of stabalizer will keep any metals from falling out of the water onto the surface of the pool. Many pools get stained when shocking - if the stains are caught early, bringing the ph down to 7 and adding a metal sequesterer will fade the stains. Rust is different than other stains. I have found that using a very fine sandpaper on fiberglass will remove the rust easily - using a pumace stone on plaster will do the same thing - and using a "Magic eraser" will do the same on vinyl. I am sure there are other chemicals that will remove rust, but my suggestion would be to try these first, because using these tools would not put any chemicals in the water. I love this forum, because it offers so much imput - It is great to learn from each other's experience. I have learned so much - I can't wait to add the borates next summer - Well besides that, I can't wait till the warm weather again Smallpooldad - send me a little sunshine through your thoughts, while we "enjoy" the frozen north

[waterbear]

Just want to add that the borates are still working great for me! I have had no downside to using them and a LOT of benefits!