Borates: Why?

Benefits of Using Borate:

• Keeps the pH of the water from going up (pH buffer against rises in pH)

• Helps prevent algae (it is an algaestat, not an algaecide)

• Lowers chlorine demand (preventing algae lowers the need for chlorine)

• Helps protect HOCl (hypochlorous acid – the killing form of free chlorine) from UV destruction

• Water feels softer and silkier

• Water looks clearer and sparkles

• Borate as a pH Buffer

  Buffering is when the water resists changes in pH when acid or base are added to it. The measure of bicarbonates (HCO –) and carbonates ( CO –2) is called total alkalinity. However, most of the total alkalinity in pool water is made up of bicarbonate. Adding borate to the water prevents the pH from rising so borate is a pH buffer too. Keeping total alkalinity at 90 ppm, cyanuric acid at 30-50 ppm and borate at 50 ppm, makes an ideal overall buffering system against up or down pH changes.

• Borate as an Algaestat

  Borate disrupts cell wall development, metabolism and cell division. So borate is good at preventing algae (algaestat- ic) rather than killing algae (algicidal). You will need less chlorine (have a lower chlorine demand) when using borates because you are preventing algae. Some manufacturers claim 30-50% reduction in chlorine consumption.

• Source and more in depth information, credit Bob Lowery:

  Guide to Borate for Pools • Pool Chemistry Training Institute