In this episode of Pool School, host Roy "Al G." Free dives headfirst into the sparkling world of borates — what they are, why you need them, and how to properly add borax to your pool water. Roy walks you through dosing tips, balancing pH and alkalinity with muriatic acid, and explains how borates help stabilize pH, stretch chlorine supply, reduce UV degradation, minimize scaling, and even make your pool feel silky-smooth. Plus, he dishes out a healthy serving of lame dad jokes along the way. (You’ve been warned.)

Whether you're a new pool owner or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with practical advice, chemistry insights, and laughs to keep your water (and your mood) crystal clear.

Topics Covered:

• Why pH drifts upward in pools — and how borates put the brakes on it
• How to use borax to establish a 50 ppm borate level
• Why you must add muriatic acid after borax to rebalance pH and alkalinity
• How borates act as an algaestat, helping chlorine last longer
• Borates’ bonus role in protecting chlorine from solar UV degradation
• How borates reduce calcium scaling and extend equipment life
• Making your pool water feel softer and more luxurious
• Why borates are a set-it-and-forget-it solution (no constant re-adding needed)
• Pet safety considerations when using borates
• Dad jokes so bad they’re almost good

Key Takeaways:

• Dosage Guide: Add 2.5 pounds of borax per 1,000 gallons to achieve ~50 ppm borate
• Acid Balance: Add ~12 ounces of muriatic acid for every 2.5 pounds of borax
• Testing: Always test and adjust pH and Total Alkalinity after additions
• Maintenance: Only re-dose after significant water loss (splash-out, backwashing, leaks, draining)

Memorable Quotes:

“Adding borates to your pool is like giving it a seatbelt, a spa day, and a bodyguard... all at the same time.”“Borax doesn’t get used up. It just hangs out like that one uncle at every family barbecue — but way more helpful.”“Stretching your chlorine with borates is like hiring a personal assistant for your sanitizer. Algae? Sorry, it’s not taking calls right now.”

Dad Joke Highlights:

• Why did the pool water feel depressed? Because it had low self-‘steam.’
• What’s a pool’s favorite type of music? Anything with a ‘current’ beat.
• Why did the chlorine break up with the algaecide? Too clingy.

Links Mentioned:

• CDC Pool Chemical Safety Guidelines
• Detailed Borate Chemistry Resource (external)

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• Got pool questions or joke submissions for Roy? Email us at: [email protected]
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