High TA, low pH

[cscannon]

Thanks for stoping me. So do I only use Borax when both pH and TA are low? Is there a time to use Borax and a different time to use soda ash?

Also what about the threads I see where people are measuring their borate and trying to raise it?

Thanks,

Steve

[aylad]

The threads you see about raising borates is a theory that some are trying that says if your borates are at 50 (adding Borax is how you raise borates), then you use less chlorine to maintain the same sanitation, since the borate level apparently has some anti-algecidal properties. High borate levels are also though to stop the creeping up of pH in pools that have a SWG. The people who are raising borates are adding Borax, then adding muriatic acid to compensate for the rise in pH, so the borate level rises but the pH stays within normal levels. You can read more about the Borate theories here.. http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=4712.


When you add Borax to raise your pH level, the TA will rise slightly--but even a slight rise in your case will contradict your purposes, which is why Carl says to aerate your water to get your ph back up. If you aerate to raise the pH, and have NO rise in TA, then you can again lower both with muriatic acid, again aerate to raise pH back to normal, and thus accomplish your goal. If you're using acid to lower pH and TA, then add Borax, you'll never get the TA down.

Janet

[waterbear]

The threads you see about raising borates is a theory that some are trying that says if your borates are at 50 (adding Borax is how you raise borates), then you use less chlorine to maintain the same sanitation, since the borate level apparently has some anti-algecidal properties. High borate levels are also though to stop the creeping up of pH in pools that have a SWG. The people who are raising borates are adding Borax, then adding muriatic acid to compensate for the rise in pH, so the borate level rises but the pH stays within normal levels. You can read more about the Borate theories here.. http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=4712.

It's NOT a theory, it works! This is why there are many borate products on the market now such as Supreme, Optimizer, Endure, Maximizer, Salt Water Magic, Mineral Springs, and Salt Support just to name a few. Borates are a useful addition to ANY pool but really show benefits on stabilizing pH for those who use SWGs or unstabilized chlorine sources such as bleach.

The chemistry behind it is sound but complicated so I won't go into it here.

I run 50 ppm borates in my own pool and have a good percentage of my customers on borates also. However, you have to have the rest of your water balance under control before you add them.

[CarlD]

Thanks for stoping me. So do I only use Borax when both pH and TA are low? Is there a time to use Borax and a different time to use soda ash?

If your T/A is OK, and pH is low, you use Borax as your normal pH raiser.

If your T/A is VERY low, and pH is low, you can either use Borax for the pH, and baking soda for the T/A or use Washing Soda (soda ash) in place of both. Since per pound washing soda costs less than Borax and less than baking soda, it's a good, cheap way to raise both.

Also what about the threads I see where people are measuring their borate and trying to raise it?

Thanks,

Steve

Borates can help your pool, but until you understand the basics of BBB, you don't need to worry about them. In fact, you may NEVER need to worry about Borates. Gotta walk before you can fly.