Borox

Hello Stevek,

Borax can be used in a pool to raise the pH level as opposed to using Soda Ash. Here is some information I found on another forum in regards to this:
"In pool water, borate levels of 50 ppm or higher inhibit algae, as well as slightly increasing the water's 'sparkle' and slightly decreasing eye irritation. Please understand that the effects are not dramatic: high borates do NOT mean you can skimp on chlorine! But, having a high borate level can be the difference between returning from vacation to a clear pool instead of a green one . . . IF you did the other things right. And, it can make it more likely that your pool will open clear and ammonia free next spring. Borates are also a pH buffer in a range that's especially beneficial to SWCG (Salt Water Chlorine Generator) users.

One of the best things about the effects of borates is that they don't 'expire' or get used up: once you add it, it's there until you drain. Evaporation does NOT lower borate levels. Backwashing and draining are normally the only reason borate levels drop."

And from another:

"Several companies are selling sodium tetraborate pentahydrate as a pool additive under such names as Proteam's Supreme, Bioguard's Optimizer Plus, Poollife Endure, Guardex Maximizer, and others. Several claims have been made for these products when used in a 30-50 ppm concentration such as:
1) more stable pH
2) Algaestatic properties
3) reduced chlorine usage
4) silkier feeling water--less skin and eye irritation
5) clearer, 'sparkling' water

Do these products live up to the claims made for them?
A definite YES!

Remember that all pools are different so you might see dramatic results or just a slight improvement. There are a lot of other factors that come into play. Do borates help simplify pool maintenance? Another definite YES!

Are there any downsides to adding borates?
I can only think of two.
1) They are an additional expense
2) There has been some concern of toxicity if dogs drink large quantities of water from the pool."

The general consensus is that adding borates (via Borax) to the pool can inhibit algae growth. I would recommend that before attempting to go this route, which is not at all commonly used, is to have your water professionally tested. You would want to have them test for metals and copper as well. Keep in mind that you are increasing your pH with Borax and decreasing the pH with acid only to get borates in the pool. This can be costly. There are a number or other algae preventatives available that would be more cost effective. To answer your question, there is fact in the effects of borates. I do not know of a way to have the borate levels in your pool, as pool store water testing or test kits do not test for borates. This is not an alternative to using chlorine to sanitize your pool.

Inyo Alan