Adding Borates to Your Pool with 20 Mule Team Borax (level of 30-50 ppm)

WEBSITE: www.swimmingpoo...
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In this video I show you how to add Borates to your pool with 20 Mule Team Borax. After watching the video you will see if this is the way you want to do it or maybe you would rather buy a Borate product like PoolProof. In the latter case all you will need to do is basically pour the PoolProof in your pool and you are done.
To see a video on using PoolProof instead: • Video
Finding enough 20 Mule Team Borax can be a challenge. I went to three different Walmarts and found 3 boxes between them. I took a shot and stopped by my local Target and they had about 20 boxes -nice.
Here is a good article that you can refer to for more details: www.troublefree...
The first thing to do is get your Alkalinity to 80 ppm. I noticed that after adding all the Borax and Acid the Alkalinity only went up 10 ppm. Not a huge jump at all. That is good because after getting the Borate level to 50 ppm the pH and Alkalinity will be stable.
A good starting pH is 7.4 or even 7.2 since it will rise dramatically once you start to add the Borax. So take a week or two and get both your Alkalinity and pH in range.
I used the The Pool Calculator: thepoolcalculat...
This gave me about how much Borax to add. My pool is roughly 16,000 gallons. According to the chart I needed 12 boxes of Borax and almost 4 gallons of Acid.
I poured the Borax directly into the skimmer with the pool running. I prefer that method as it circulates it very quickly. the high pH will not damage your equipment. Right after adding 12 boxes I dumped in 2 gallons of acid and waited four hours. I retested and added 1.5 more gallons. I checked the pH again around 9 pm and found it to be about 7.6 - I called it a night.
The next day when I got home I checked the Borate levels. It was about 50 ppm or a little over - so the 12 boxes were right on the money. The pH was 7.4 - acceptable but a tad low. I probably could have just used 3 gallons of acid.
If you do this and the pH is under 7.0 - add another box of Borax to bring it up. That is the one problem with this method. Getting the pH back to 7.6 takes some practice. I've been working with pool chemistry a long time so I hit it pretty good on my first try. The alkalinity was 90 ppm. I expect now for the alkalinity a pH to stay about in that range as the Borates will stabilize both. That is why it is important to start with both in the range listed above. Adjusting the range afterwards is harder as the Borates absorb both the acid and base in the water. So get those numbers correct first (alkalinity 80 ppm and pH 7.4-7.6).
Was this difficult? Not really for me but I have a lot of experience. I was kinda cringing when I added 2 gallons of acid - not what I usually do at all. For a new pool owner or if you don't want to mess with all the adjusting of the pH I would recommend the easier method for you.
The benefits of a Borate level of 50 ppm are:
Stable pH and alkalinity
Less chlorine usage as the pH is stable
Softer and less irritating water
Borates inhibit algae growth so you probably won't get any algae in your pool
If you have a salt cell it will stay cleaner due to the stable pH
And last your pool water will sparkle like never before - watch the video at the 5:17 mark to see how my pool water sparkles when the Sun hits it. Amazing.
Total Costs: $50 for 14 boxes of Borax (I used 12 boxes). $17 for the Borate test strips and about $20.00 for the acid. Maybe add $15.00 for running my pool 24 hours.
A little over $100.00
If I used the PoolProof it would have been about $195.00. So about half the cost.
RELATED VIDEOS:
To see a video on the benefits of Borates in your pool: • Benefits of Adding Bor...
The BBB method - Using Bleach, Baking Soda & Borax to Maintain Your Swimming Pool: • The BBB method - Using...
PoolProof by Nisus: The Easy Way to Add Borates to Your Pool: • Video
How to use Borax to Raise the pH in your Pool - How much Borax to Add: • How to use Borax to Ra...
To calculate your pool volume (how many gallons): • Pool Volume (long vers...
Pool Test Kit: Chlorine, PH and Acid Demand: • Pool Test Kit 5-way, H...
For High Alkalinity, how to lower Alkalinity: • High Alkalinity, lower...
Muriatic Acid, pH Down: • Muriatic Acid, pH Down
Stuff I plugged in this video:
HoseHanger Pro - Installation & Review (Automatic Cleaner Hose Hanger): • HoseHanger Pro - Insta...
The NEW Kreepy Krauly by Pentiar (360040 or 360042) - Full Review: • The Kreepy Krauly by P...
Solar Breeze: The Robotic Solar-Powered Pool Cleaner Review: • Solar Breeze: The Robo...
Nexa Pure Salt Chlorine Generator Review: • Resilence (Nexa Pure) ...
To get out of Debt and become Debt Free: daveramsey.com/

[@SPL]

Achieving a Borate level of 50 ppm by adding boxes of 20 Mule Team Borax is not extremely difficult. Here is a video where I add 12 boxes and then bring the pH back down to the original reading.

[@Artr543]

I did this I am in Florida. It rains in the summer and my pool stays sparkling clean now. Thanks for the advice.

[@andrewgaffka3525]

Another awesome video! Looking forward to doing this on my pool to stabilize the ph. That was my least favorite byproduct of converting to salt. Most importantly, love the Dave Ramsey shout out! Also a huge fan and congratulations on being debt free. “Debt is dumb, cash is king and the paid off home mortgage has taken the place of the BMW as the status symbol of choice” 👑 😎👍🏼

[@paddle562]

I used this borate method after some particularly heavy rainstorms in South Texas that caused my pH to drop to 6.8 and 30 alkalinity. No matter how much chlorine or algaecide I would add, the algae would start growing again the next day. It's been 2 weeks since I did the borax treatment with muriactic acid balance and the pool has never looked so crystal clear before. Not only is the algae not coming back but I notice that I don't have to use as much chlorine on a regular basis to keep the pool algae free. As a side benefit, my skin feels a lot softer coming out of the pool.

[@SPL]

Awesome! No algae in my personal pool either since doing this.

[@danielbrothers2914]

Great Video Man.... we just ordered the strips from amazon and will be buying all our borax soda ash and M-Acid from walmarts ... and will be doing this special process to our 24 ft above ground pool.... can't wait.... you have been a blessing to us... keep it up... thanks... Jesus Bless you...from Me and She in South Carolina

[@SPL]

Thanks for the great feedback! 👍

[@BigSexiMan]

Cool! I want to add borates to my pool! FYI... I have the HoseHanger Pro also. Yours is installed upside down. The top should be horizontal (not sloped).

[@krehbein]

Good video. You kind of rushed it at the end describing how it changed the look of the water. Do you think it sparkles quite a bit more now? Do you think the hassle is worth the bennefits? Wonder how much borax you'll need to add throughout the year to maintain levels.

[@SPL]

Sparkle is worth it. Borax doesn't leave the water except thru draining or filter backwashing. So you will only be adding a small maintenance dose each season.

[@krehbein]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 Thanks! Now that I have a cartridge filter and don't need to backwash I'm going to give it a try.

[@drdrew3]

Besides the summer the water is silky smooth. And much less dry skin chalkiness

[@luboxing]

Really love the video! My question is for non-salt water pool does the 30-50ppm still hold? I have read somewhere on Internet that only 20oz of Borax per 5000 gallons of water is needed to achieve the benefit.

[@SPL]

You will need at least 35 ppm to have any effect. That is through manufacture testing by BioGuard.

[@johnwoolfrey5093]

great video. I just bought a house with a pool (in escrow) and i'm learning as much as I can about them. Your page is great. Your spa flows into your pool like mine. How do you prevent it from losing all its heat? Can you stop it from flowing in the pool? Should it always flow into the pool? Also, do you use any type of pool cover to help reduce evaporation? Thanks /John

[@SPL]

Well, when you put the spa in "spa mode" and heat it the valves are turned to prevent the spillway from returning water back to the pool. So the spa will be a self-contained miniature pool. Once you are done using the spa you should turn the valves back to "pool mode" so the pool can circulate. The good news is that it is relatively inexpensive to heat your spa up. I would say each time you heat it the cost is $6-$10 counting the electricity and gas. Pretty inexpensive entertainment. Once the spa reaches say 100 degrees the heater will turn off and then come back on sporadically to keep it at 100 degree.The main gas use is getting it say from 70 degrees to 100 degrees. As far as pool covers most customers 99% don't use one because they are a pain to take off and on (the solar covers are used here a lot) so they are not worth the trouble. Some parts of the country winterize their pools so a cover is a must. Here is Ca. we don't do that. Evaporation is just part of owning a pool. It happens only a few months during the year and it can't really be prevented. Thanks for watching and glad they are a help to you.

[@archerscherer44]

Can I add in skimmer if I have a cartridge filter?

[@avinash561]

Thanks for this video and all the others ones. I have learnt everything about pool maintenance from watching your videos. I am planning on using this method to introduce borates into the pool. You removed your side suction automated vacuum, before starting the process. Does this process cause damage to the hoses and vacuum unit? Is it required to remove them? Thank you again for uploading the educational videos.

[@SPL]

Just a precaution because of all the acid I dumped in.

[@avinash561]

@@SPL Thank you for the quick reply. Do the filters need to be cleaned before this process? Somebody on a forum mentioned, clogged filters and needing to backwash, during this process.

[@FireDoug2001]

Great Video how to as always.... Thanks!

[@Cocora22]

I'm planning on adding the Borates to the pool. In the past I have done the mule team and also the bioguard. Around here it's difficult to find the mule team so this year I ordered Borates over the internet, specially the way things are these days. However, you did a video on the new pool plaster and I've been working hard on keeping the pool balanced. On that video you made several recommendations on multiple things to not do. Like no heater for a while, no pool cleaner and limited chemicals. With an in-line chlorinator my readings on the new plaster pool are: FC 9.5, CC .5, TC 10 , PH 7.4 ( measured with digital instrument ), TA 140 ( added 1 quart of acid ) CH 225 ( added 4 pounds calcium chloride) CYA 50, CSI _0.3 ( new plaster 3 weeks old ) . This will change in the morning due to the additions. But how long before I can add borates to the pool? The pool company has added stabilizer, put pucks in the chlorinator, broadcasted granular chlorine over the top, added muriatic acid to control alkalinity.

[@SPL]

You can add the borates once you get your ALK to around 100. Otherwise is becomes more difficult to lower after the borates are in the pool. 140 is a tad high.

[@Cocora22]

Thank you I will continue to strive for that goal. @@SPL

[@drdrew3]

20 Mule Team Borax now in Target and Home Depot

[@Catchafire2000]

Thank you. I've learned a lot from your teachings. If I have a sand filter, do you suggest adding this to the skimmer? What if I added it directly to the pool? Thank you from New Jersey?

[@SPL]

I add it directly to the skimmer. Won't affect the sand filter at all.

[@Catchafire2000]

@@SPL Thank you so much for the quick response and feedback. I can't thank you enough. In addition, the hose and cloth technique you discussed allowed me to successfully prime my pump and the check valve for the portable pump also worked.

[@Catchafire2000]

@@SPL If I add too much borax, will it turn my pool a milky white color? If so, any recommendations on what I should do? Thank you.

[@tenturns3283]

I’ve always read never to add more than 1/2 gal acid at one time, and always dilute . I notice you always dump gallons straight in. How is this not causing damage to surface?

[@kevind4064]

I agree. You always dilute. Always add chemicals to water. Never water to chemicals..

[@tweetiebird]

You dilute when you add it to a big pool of water, just slowly add and usually you walk around the edge of the pool and not concentrate the pour on one area of the pool and also turn on the pump. The more you handle acid the more chances for an accident. I prefer dry acid.

[@drdrew3]

He was diluting the acid in 18,000 gallons of water. Do it when pumps running and along entire length of pool instead of one spot. No problem adding several gallons at once when done properly. The process of diluting acid first in a bucket is just another opportunity to splash, spill or inhale the nasty stuff. The less you handle it the better

[@tonelives1023]

You are my hero !!!!!!!

[@sexymamaz3059]

Tonelives haahah my mom saw this and like hey Ima run to the store quick bye and got all the stuff

[@allnaturaljo]

I want to start doing this tonight. I have a simple pool testing kit and strips. Everything appears to be balanced. Do you think I would be okay adding half the borax tonight with half (estimated amount) of acid, then check it in the morning. My point is I can't check it in 4 hours because I will be sleeping :-) Thanks!

[@toddmodem]

Joanna Gonzalez Joanna, if your PH tests in the "OK" range, then there is no point in adding the Borax. From personal experience I added a box of Borax and it brought my really low PH to the acceptable range, but it made my Alkalinity too high. I then added Muriatic Acid, which brought the Alkalinity down without lowering the PH. Bottom line is don't add both until you know what the levels are. If PH is low, then add Borax. If by doing so, and Alkalinity is too high, then add Muriatic acid to Balance. For most of the summer, I'm usually adding way more Borax than Acid. My pool is chronically low in PH.

[@southport97]

Joanna Gonzalez Go for it. Might seem expensive from the outset, but you will recoup the money spent in the long run of chemicals not used.

[@drdrew3]

For every 20 pounds of borax you add 1 gallon of muriatic acid. No need to test until 6 hours after ALL the borax is used (even if done over several days). It will take another 2-3 days of minor acid applications to get it just right. Seems like that much borax has an immediate and then a delayed effect on lowering pH - most likely because water not stable until total pool volume has circulated through the pump a dozen or so times. After that the pH is rock solid because of the buffet effect of borate

[@tweetiebird]

Everything i read about adding borax and how it controls high PH which I have stuggled with and go through dry acid like crazy and now to find out it also will lower how much liquid chlorine I have to add and buy means it will not only save me the frustration of trying to balance my pool but the chemical expense as well. I got black algae what a nightmare, had it chlorine, acid, presured washed, refilled and now it looks great and water is completely balanced, so now I'm thinking about adding the borax just concerned about my dog taking a drink from the pool and the borax harming her.

[@SPL]

It won't harm your dog. She would need to drink like 30 gallons without peeing to come to any harm. Try Boric Acid Powder from Duda Diesel .com

[@tweetiebird]

Thanks that's reassuring. I bought ProTeam Supreme Plus because I don't have to worry about it spiking my PH and I can add what I need all at once instead of for days. I will start with the 30 ppm first and see how it goes. I know it comes at double the price, but then it's not as labor intensive to do over several days or having to buy dry acid which is not cheap either; I don't want to work with liquid form. I'm 69 year old lady and less is more for me.

[@zelli63]

I read somewhere recently that borate or borax in the swimming pool. Water can be very dangerous for pets, like your dog and mine?

[@SPL]

Scientifically speaking they would need to drink 20 gallons without peeing to reach toxic levels. Wouldn't worry about it.

[@thesunderidge]

So do I want Boric Acid or Borax. which do you recommend. Boric sound like the better product. Can you add Boric all at the same time like Borax? Skimmer or Cast across Pool? Thanks Videos are awesome.

[@SPL]

Boric Acid Powder is better. Just broadcast into the pool directly on a low wind day. Easy and done with no major chemical adjustments needed.

[@drdrew3]

Boric acid hard to find and expensive to ship. Bulk size is usually 55 lb which is more than most people need. Borax is in Target and Home Depot in 4 lb increments

[@Ali.hz85]

Great video. This summer when I open my pool. Should I just add borax right away of should I do a normal open and clear algae first and then add borax? Thanks in advance.

[@SPL]

Would get it balanced and then add it.

[@johnwoolfrey5093]

Thank you.

[@magdarodriguez248]

HELP I have above ground pool so there's no individual skimmer like the one shown. there's a pump with a filter in it. Do I add it in there or directly in the pool?

[@SPL]

You can add it directly to the pool

[@kikokikeniko]

Do u save money by using the powder version over the liquid version? What if I add the powder over a 3 day period, can I run the pump for 8 hour a day? that way I don't have to run it 24 hours.. tell me what u think..thanx for your videos

[@SPL]

+kikokikeniko Powdered version is much cheaper. You can add it over a course of a few days if you want.

[@Paul-bo6zu]

So how do you get the boraxo to dissolve, I put a box of it in a bucket of hot water and it didn’t dissolve, so now what? Help

[@SPL]

Just add it to the pool and it will dissolve over time.

[@virginiacountrylife5064]

Thanks man! :)

[@AdamCanFly]

My pool is 33000 gallons. Pool calculator says I need 121lbs of Borax 20 Mule. That’s 29 boxes. Is there a cheaper way to get borates? Or a place to get bulk borax?

[@SPL]

Yes, bulk bags on ebay. Boric Acid is also good - it has a pH oh 4.8 so if you use Boric Acid you won't need to adjust the pH down. It will be pretty neutral after adding.

[@peterlopez9319]

Where did you get that orange acid jug holder??

[@SPL]

HASA

[@reyzor9185]

can you add the borax to the pool if it’s green or should you wait until after you add the chlorine?

[@SPL]

I would get the chemistry all dialed in first.

[@kristopherpdavis]

Can you recommend good gloves to use when you are doing pool maintenance the winter?

[@SPL]

Yes, try these: Atlas Glove WG772M 26-Inch Long Sleeve Nitrile Coated Cotton Lined Work Gloves Large

[@kristopherpdavis]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To - SPL thank you!!!

[@medina239ify]

Hey David, do you use borax on your pool route? I'm not sure if I should use it on mine. What would you recommend?

[@SPL]

I use it. It has the similar effect as United Chemicals EPH-P40 Easy pH - it will raise the pH without moving the needle on the Alkalinity. Soda Ash will raise both. Very effective: Borax to Raise the pH in your Pool - How much Borax to Add:kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHW9l2pul6yEacU You just need to keep in mind that the TA effects the amount to add.

[@angelmontes760]

I just got a pool built and I’m extremely curious about doing this to my pool. The guy at the pool store tells me that it’s a buffer and not necessary. My question to you is... Should I do it or not and why?

[@SPL]

Yes, I suggest adding borates to your pool to bring it up to 30 ppm. It makes a difference for sure. Pool Stores don't like borate products because then you buy less chemicals. 😜

[@angelmontes760]

Thanks for the quick reply 👍🏽

[@drdrew3]

Most retail pool store employees will tell you they “aren’t allowed to recommend borates because it’s not approved by some regulatory agency” or something similar. While that may be true the real reason is because the markup in their store on common chemicals is a huge part of their profits. They think borates would hurt their business in the short term

[@bestacrylicmounting8971]

I used to buy borax from a chemical supply co- much cheeper that way I believe

[@johnwoolfrey5093]

Why did you add Borax to your pool when it was already chemically balanced? Because you wanted the water to appear clearer, sparkling and for the feeling on your skin? Thanks /John

[@SPL]

There are many reasons to add Borates to the pool but I did it mainly to stabilize the pH and alkalinity since the salt water generator I have is always raising the pH in my pool. Since the pH is stable at 7.6-7.8 the chlorine will last a lot longer in the pool, I can then lower the output on my Salt system and extend the life of the salt cell. Plus the water will be sparkling ;). Here is the video on the benefits of Borates: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3_UdXmrd615jKc

[@drdrew3]

Algae prevention. Silky smooth water. pH buffer so chemistry more stable and less chemicals needed down the road. Shimmery water is a minor bonus effect

[@krehbein]

Do you have to wait until the borax is dissolved before adding MA?

[@SPL]

Would wait about 3 hours after to test the water to see what the pH level is at.

[@tweetiebird]

I wish everyone would state their pool size and how much borax they put in to their pools. I read no less than 35 ppm is needed to obtain results, is this regardless of pool size?

[@SPL]

Use this app www.poolcalculator.com/

[@greatjuankenobi217]

Is 30 or 40 borates ppm okay? And where can I buy the test strips for borates? And what are the benefits of having this much borates in the pool?

[@SPL]

30 ppm is a good range.

[@Rocket3576]

Hello, I re-plastered my pool about two months ago. Is it safe to add borates or should I wait? Thank you

[@Rocket3576]

I love your channel by the way! Thanks for sharing so much great information

[@SPL]

You can add it now without issues.

[@Rocket3576]

@@SPL Awesome! Thank you for all the information! I’ve really learned a lot on your channel. Keep up the great work!

[@leebun6076]

Help! I have a chlorine pool. Current PH 6.5 and alkalinity 220. 17500gal volume

[@SPL]

Add acid to drop the Alklainity and then put a submersible pump on the first step and let it shoot water onto the pool surface, the bubbles from this will raise the pH, while the acid lowers the Alkalinity.

[@ML78ify]

Can you add borate and muriatic acid to a vinyl pool?

[@SPL]

Melanie Foster yes.

[@mpnewhart8022]

I added borax to my pool last year noticed that my pool used less chemicals . I tested today and the test strips are really hard to read to determine how much is still in pool. It all looked the same.

[@SPL]

A bit of a drawback with the test strips. I would say you don't loss much each season.

[@drdrew3]

The test strips have short shelf life and hard to read. Only the digital tests are accurate and repeatable

[@CottageCupcake]

Can this be used with baquicil?

[@SPL]

I think they are compatible. I don't see why not.

[@andytaylor2644]

Hi what pool calculator do you use on this video

[@SPL]

Here you go: www.poolcalculator.com/

[@miaolson7744]

Does the Taylor kit test the conditioner in the pool from chlor pucks not borax?

[@SPL]

+Mia Olson Yes, the Taylor kit test for Conditioner. Borax you need test strips.

[@miaolson7744]

ok

[@Optix-Code]

Pool calculator line doesn't work no more

[@drdrew3]

Works fine

[@faapaialaupama2721]

Where did you buy the borax from

[@SPL]

Walmart in the detergent isle.

[@jacoe33333]

How much is a box?

[@SPL]

Around $5 at Walmart or Target

[@OnEvenKeel]

If the target range is 30-50 ppm, why did you start at 50 ppm?

[@SPL]

I like my levels on the higher end.

[@drdrew3]

50 is ideal

[@cecilia846]

where are you buy some borax

[@SPL]

Walmart or Target.

[@shashashxshx]

mana beli borax ni

[@brandonj.9638]

Hello. Question for you. I have a swg 14364 vinyl intex pool. I was thinking about adding borax to my pool like you did here to prevent the pH from going up so much. But my question is, if I do that, and then my pH and alkalinity still ends up going high later on(due to the natural process of the swg) I'll have to use muriatic acid to lower them. But if after doing so my alkalinity is good but my pH is below 7.0, what am I going to use to to increase my pH only if my alkalinity is OK? I ask bc from what I've researched borax is the best for increasing pH without having a big impact on alkalinity. But if I already put 50ppm of borate into the pool then according to safety articles I shouldn't add anymore borax. So what would you do to get them both in range again? I hope this makes sense. Thanks.

[@SPL]

You will have to simply raise ph with Aeration. Connect a hose to your return line and create surface turbulence. That will raise the pH. Like having the hose from the return line shoot water 2 ft into the air onto the pool surface that will raise the pH without raising the alkalinity.

[@brandonj.9638]

@@SPL Thanks for the response. Do you happen to have any videos showing tips or ways to accomplish this on an intex pool? I understand what you're saying, but the outlet for my pool is pretty basic eyeball outlet and I'm not sure if I could connect a hose to it. Is that something I could still do with that set up or would I have to make modifications? If that's not possible for me, if you have any cheap alternative aeration techniques to get more aeration I'd appreciate it(fountains, compressors, vacuums, etc). Maybe and idea for a video? Thanks in advance.

[@lyndoesthings275]

the amount of slime you could make.....

[@SPL]

Ha!

[@fashadenny204]

Wow borax😨😨

[@jameslloyd4748]

I WONT SUM

[@felixchxn]

Where did you get the borax?

[@felixchxn]

Where did you find the borax?**

[@SPL]

Walmart or Target stock it.