Prism Pools Inc./Spahh La Carte

Pool Chemistry – Borates

By-Dan & KimSarver

In this month’s issue we want to introduce you to Borates. Borates have been around for awhile but not used by many in the industry due to cost. But hopefully, this article can convince you that the benefits of borates can far outweigh the cost.

In any case, we always wish to educate ourselves and our customers. Doing this helps us provide the best quality products that a.) Lower your overall annual chemical usage and costs, and b.) Extend your pool plaster and equipment life.

What Do Borates Do?

Borates in pool water act as a buffer for stabilizing pH. With this in mind, there are many subsequent benefits that come from this, especially if you own a saltwater pool.

Let’s examine the benefits first.

·         A borate pool produces a silky soft feel. Your skin feels the conditioning similar to a saltwater pool, but does not have the associated cost of saltwater generators.

·         A borate pool reduces chlorine consumption by as much as 35 to 50 percent.

·         Borates reduce algae’ ability to grow. Algae cannot live in a borate pool.

·         Improved water clarity.

·         Because borates suspend calcium in a pool, it reduces the calcium and mineral line seen on your tile and waterfall.

·         Borates can be used with any sanitation use. (salt, chlorine, bromine or biguanide)

·         pH remains consistent. This is real important for saltwater pools where the pH produced by a salt cell is 13.5.

·         They reduce eye and skin irritation.

·         They’re safe and easy to use. You can swim within 30 minutes of adding borates to your pool.

·         Water balance remains more constant, requiring less time spent monitoring and dosing your pool and spa.

As you can see, there are quite a few benefits if using borates.

The use and application of borates in pool water is simple, but somewhat costly – initially. You can expect an approximate cost of $150.00 per 10,000 gallons of water for initial treatment. Afterwards, because borates can only be removed by displacement (rain, adding water, splash out), it is necessary to check the water every 6 months or so to determine the need for additional borate treatment.

Buffering pH

When added to pool water, borates form equilibrium between acid and the borate ion. Its ability to absorb acid and base without significantly altering pH, allows borates to perform as a pH buffer.

Because of their ability to maintain a steady pH, borates can be used in replacement of alkalinity products like acid, sodium bicarbonate, and soda ash.

Killing the Algae

Simply put, borates prevent algae from producing food through photosynthesis while also stopping the algae from eating food (metabolism). With this double whammy, algae cannot live.

Corrosion Control

Cloudiness and scale in swimming pools is an aesthetic issue. High calcium readings lead to cloudy water. Calcium comes from the plaster, surrounding rocks and soil. Calcium also comes from the use of pool chemicals added to the pool – like shock (cal-hypo) and calcium control products. High calcium readings can also lead to scaling.

Scale comes from precipitation of salts and minerals crystallizing from solution to scale. The scale attaches itself to pool plaster, lights, auto-cleaners, or anything lying in the pool. It is most evident on tile at the water line where it continuously builds up on itself.

Borates are somewhat costly in the beginning, but in the end borates greatly reduce your need for algaecides, water clarifiers, muriatic acid, and alkalinity control. Your pool has much more sparkle to it and your swimming experience is equal to that of a saltwater pool.