How to Use Borax in Your Pool

Borax is commonly used as a household cleaner and water softener. Although its most common application is in household cleaning and laundry, it can also be used as an alternative to soda ash in balancing swimming pool pH. Before you know whether or not you should use borax, you'll have to test your swimming pool's pH, but actually using it is even easier.

Things You'll Need

• pH test kit
• Measuring cup

Instructions

Test Swimming Pool pH

1. Dip one end of the litmus paper from the pH test kit into the water. The paper will turn a color.

2. Match the paper's color to the color chart from the test kit to determine the water's pH.

3. Determine whether the water's pH is acceptable. The water's pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6. If it is lower than 7.2, you can use borax to raise it.

Using Borax in Your Pool

1. Slowly add borax to the water. A good rule of thumb is 1 cup of borax per 100 gallons of water.

2. Wait for several hours for the pool filter to mix the solution.

3. Test your pool's pH again. If it is higher than what it should be, wait 24 hours and then test it again. Don't add any additional pH adjusters until the pH balances back to acceptable levels.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid swimming in the pool for a few hours after adding any pool chemicals.

References

• Pool Solutions: Operating Swimming Pools at High pH -- How, and Why
• Pool and Spa News: Defending Your Balance
• 20 Mule Team: Borax FAQ