Overview
This guide details the process for raising borate levels in a 16,000-gallon pool to 50 parts per million using borax, including calculations, pH balancing, and testing steps.
Preparation and Equipment
- Remove pool cleaners (e.g., Kreepy Krauly, solar cleaner) before starting.
- Ensure pool chemistry is balanced before adding borax.
- Gather a reliable test kit for pH and alkalinity, borate test strips, 12 boxes of borax, and muriatic acid.
Calculating Borax and Acid Amounts
- Use a pool calculator to determine chemical amounts based on pool size (e.g., 16,000 gallons).
- For a target of 50 ppm borate, input current pH and alkalinity.
- Calculation recommends 59 pounds (12 boxes) of borax and approximately 3.5 gallons of muriatic acid.
Adding Borax to the Pool
- Set pH to approximately 7.4 and alkalinity to around 80 before adding borax.
- With pool pump running, pour borax slowly into the skimmer.
- Distribute all 12 boxes evenly while the system circulates.
Managing pH After Borax Addition
- After adding borax, pH will rise significantly.
- Gradually add two gallons of muriatic acid and allow circulation for four hours.
- Test pH after four hours; if still high, add another 1.5 gallons of acid.
Monitoring and Testing
- Continue circulating pool water for 24 hours post-chemical addition.
- Check borate level and pH the next day using appropriate test kits.
- Borate level should reach the target 50 ppm, and pH should stabilize near 7.4.
Ongoing Maintenance and Tips
- Keep extra boxes of borax on hand for future pH adjustments.
- Adding small amounts of borax can correct low pH without significantly altering borate levels.
- Verify pool size for accurate dosing, especially with free-form pools.
Recommendations / Advice
- Use a pool calculator for precise chemical dosing based on pool dimensions.
- Test chemical levels regularly during and after treatment.
- Consider liquid borate alternatives if handling borax powder is concerning.