Borax Pool Calculator

What Are Borates and Why Are They Important?

Borates are natural mineral salts that act as a pH buffer in pool water. They help keep pH levels stable by preventing rapid fluctuations that often happen when chlorine or other chemicals are added. In addition, borates can make pool water feel softer and clearer while preventing algae growth.

The ideal borate level for most pools is between 30 and 50 parts per million (PPM).

• Below 30 PPM, borate levels are too low to stabilize pH effectively.
• Above 50 PPM, you risk cloudiness and chemical imbalance.

That’s why it’s essential to know your current and target borate levels before adding anything to your pool.

Why Use a Borax Pool Calculator?

Calculating borax manually can be confusing. You need to consider pool size, current borate level, and target borate level. Adding too much can make your pool chemistry harder to manage, while adding too little won’t deliver the expected benefits.

The Borax Pool Calculator eliminates the need for complicated formulas. You just enter your pool volume, current borate level, and target level — and the calculator does the rest. It instantly tells you how many pounds or kilograms of borax you need to reach the correct concentration safely.

This tool is especially helpful when:

• You are starting to add borates to your pool for the first time.
• You recently drained or refilled your pool.
• You want to maintain steady water chemistry during hot months.

How the Calculator Works

This calculator uses the known chemical relationship between borax and water volume to determine how much borax is required to raise borate concentration by a certain number of parts per million (PPM).

You’ll need to input:

• Pool Volume in gallons or liters.
• Current Borate (PPM) measured from your water test.
• Target Borate (PPM) you want to achieve.

Once you click “Calculate Borax Amount,” the calculator provides:

• The borate increase needed in PPM.
• The total borax required in both pounds (lbs) and kilograms (kg).

This ensures you add exactly the right amount for your pool’s size and condition.

The Formula Behind the Calculator

The underlying calculation follows a simple, science-backed formula:

Borax (lbs) = Pool Volume (gal) × Borate Increase (PPM) × Borax Factor

Here, the Borax Factor is 0.00001 lbs per gallon per PPM.
The calculator then converts this to kilograms using 1 lb = 0.453592 kg for metric accuracy.

By automating this math, the calculator saves you from manual conversions and ensures precise chemical dosing.

Example Calculation

Let’s say your pool holds 15,000 gallons, and your current borate level is 10 PPM, but you want to reach 50 PPM.

• Borate increase needed: 50 − 10 = 40 PPM
• Borax required = 15,000 × 40 × 0.00001 = 6 lbs (≈ 2.72 kg)

That means you need around six pounds of borax to bring your pool to the ideal borate range.

How to Add Borax to Your Pool

1. Test your pool water. Confirm your current borate level before adding anything.
2. Dissolve borax before adding. Mix the measured amount with warm water in a bucket to ensure even distribution.
3. Add the solution slowly. Pour it in front of a return jet while the circulation system is running.
4. Allow the pool to circulate. Let it run for at least 24 hours to evenly distribute the borate.
5. Retest the water. After one day, check borate and pH levels again to confirm balance.

The calculator even provides dosing guidance directly below the results, so you know exactly how to proceed after calculation.

Benefits of Using Borax in Pools

Adding borax offers multiple benefits beyond simple pH stabilization:

• Keeps pH stable and prevents rapid fluctuations.
• Improves water clarity by reducing cloudiness.
• Prevents algae growth naturally.
• Softens water feel for a smoother swimming experience.
• Reduces chlorine demand, helping sanitizers last longer.

By maintaining proper borate levels, your pool water stays clearer, cleaner, and easier to manage.

Tips for Safe and Effective Borax Use

• Always measure accurately using the calculator before adding borax.
• Avoid over-treating; excessive borates can make pH adjustments harder.
• Regularly test your borate level every few weeks.
• If your pool has a saltwater system, borates can help reduce pH rise caused by the generator.