Borax substitute - UK/EU

[andy2510]

Hi

looking through the posts and Pool School I note that you recommend Borax to raise PH, and this is available in Laundry Bleach. I have used this in the past to raise the PH of my pool.

However the EU has blocked Borax to be used in laundry products and you can no longer get laundry bleach with this anymore, and I have run out of my supply! I note that there are substitutes (i.e. Soda Crystals) , however are they as effective in raising PH? Has anyone tried? I don't want to use this on a whim in case the balance of the pool is negatively affected.

Thanks in advance for any advice

Andy

 

[Donldson]

The pH increaser sold in pool stores is sodium carbonate, that might be what soda crystals are. See if you can find an ingredient list before you buy anything, you want to make sure there aren't additional extras in it.

Keep in mind that sodium carbonate will raise both your pH and your TA.

 

[wjr75]

Can you find boric acid pellets there? That's what I use which I buy from Duda Diesal. I don't use this to raise the ph however.

 

[Fingaling]

After looking up what soda crystals are... they are not want you want. Soda Ash will raise your ph. Soda Crystals seem to be a formula of soda ash and something else.

You should be able to find soda ash in some stores in the UK, although I don't know how common it is.

 

[Stump]

Use the cheap method aeration to raise PH

 

[andy2510]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll keep an eye out for Sodium Carbonate and Soda Ash. I'll have to see which products contain these (alongside other ingredients).

I have a 4-year old and 2-year old so aeration isn't much of a problem whilst in use! It during the times where the pool can't be used (due to poor weather and school) that would mean the water is undisturbed apart from the filter pump.