High TA, low pH

[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.