When using a pH neutral source of chlorine (taking into account both chlorine addition and the using up or breakdown of chlorine), there is no need to have the TA higher than 80. The higher TA is only for when you use more acidic sources of chlorine such as Trichlor where a TA of 100-120 or so is more appropriate (or if you used other acidic chemicals such as non-chlorine shock on a regular basis -- this is not needed in outdoor pools).

So you can certainly lower your TA to 80. You could even go lower depending on your CYA level (with lower CYA levels you can go even lower in TA down to around 60-70). Since the TA is something very easy to increase again if for some reason you don't like or want to run at low TA, you can certainly try that to see if it helps. With the Borates, you pretty much commit to having them since only a drain/refill will remove them (though there's really not much reason to remove them).

Richard