Borax powder is effective way to clear up minor cloudiness in a cloudy pool. It works by slowly dissolving then bonding with small particulate matter like body oils, cosmetic residue, pollen or skin cells that may have caused the water to appear cloudy. To use it, first test your pool’s pH and adjust if needed.
Then broadcast about 1/2 cup of borax evenly across the surface when the pump and filter are running. It may take 24-48 hours for the powder to dissolve completely and the filter to catch bonded particles. Run the filter longer during this time. Borax is best for occasional, light cloudiness as it won’t remove algae or severely degrade chemicals.
Its natural chemistry makes it a safer alternative to harsher clarifiers when used as directed. Always clean your filter afterwards too.
Will borax Powder clear a cloudy pool
Borax can be effective at clearing up mild cases of cloudiness in swimming pools. The alkalinity of borax works to chemically bond with small particles that cause water to appear cloudy, such as body oils, skin cells, cosmetics or lotions. However, it works slowly over 24-48 hours as the borax powder fully dissolves and the filter removes the bonded debris.
It is best used for occasional cloudiness from normal pool use rather than an established condition. If cloudiness is severe or caused by algal blooms, then borax on its own likely will not suffice and a stronger shock treatment or clarifier may be needed. As a natural mineral product, borax can still help clear up light pool cloudiness when used as a supplementary product to an existing filtration system and proper chemicals.
How to Clean Pool with Borax Powder
Borax can be an effective natural way to help clarify a cloudy pool water.Check that the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels are in the ideal ranges for your pool type before applying borax. This guide provides instructions for safely using borax to clean a residential pool.
Preparation
Test pool water pH and adjust if needed to between 7.2-7.6. Vacuum debris from pool bottom. Backwash filter thoroughly to clean it. Run pump continuously during the borax treatment. Know your pool’s volume in gallons to determine borax dosage.
Borax Dosage
Take 1/2 cups of borax powder for every 10,000 gallons of water. Distribute in a circular pattern across surface while pump runs. May take hours to fully dissolve.
Borax Application
Sprinkle borax in a circular motion across pool using a shaker container or spoon. Do not directly sprinkle into return jets as this wastes product. Ensure even coverage across entire pool area. Allow pump to filter water for 24-48 hours continuously for borax to dissolve and work.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Cloudiness should clear within days but may take 2-3 treatments for severe cases. Check pH and shock as needed to maintain balance. Backwash filter after 3-4 days of continuous running. Continue normal cleaning routine. Re-treat with 1/4 initial borax dose as maintenance if needed monthly.
Safety Precautions
Wear gloves and avoid getting borax powder on skin or in eyes. Do not treat when pool contains bathers for 24 hours after application.Do not overdose which can raise pH and cloudiness.
What does Borax Powder do
Borax powder works as a natural clarifying agent for pool water. As a mild alkali, it has the ability to chemically bond with small particles that contribute to cloudiness in the water. Things like lotions, oils from skin and hair, pollen, dirt, and other debris can make the water appear hazy.
When borax is added to the pool, it slowly dissolves and attaches to these particles. This allows them to be more effectively filtered out by the pool system. By clearing these contaminants, borax helps produce clearer, cleaner pool water. It’s a gentle yet effective alternative to harsher clarifiers for occasional mild cloudiness caused by normal pool use.
How to add borax powder to Cloudy pool
Borax can help clarify cloudy pool water when used correctly. This guide provides instructions for safely applying borax to resolve mild cloudiness from debris or contaminants. Proper preparation, dosage, and follow through are key to achieving clear results.
Water Testing
The first step is testing your pool’s water parameters. Use a test kit to measure pH, total alkalinity, and chlorine levels. All should be within recommended ranges for Borax to be effective. Record this data for later reference.
Debris Removal
Use a pool vacuum head attached to the skimmer port to thoroughly vacuum the bottom and walls, removing any accumulated debris or sediment. A clean surface allows Borax to work optimally. Empty the vacuum filter bag/basket after each use.
Filter Preparation
To eliminate existing particles, backwash your pool filter before application. Follow your filter manual to properly backwash and rinse the cartridge or DE grid thoroughly. This prevents Borax bonding with debris already in the filter. Operate pump continuously during treatment.
Dosage Calculation
Determine pool size in US gallons. The standard dosage is 1/2 cup Borax powder per 10,000 gallons. Weigh or precisely measure Borax to avoid under/overdosing which can cause new cloudiness issues. Record amount calculated.
Safety Equipment
To prevent skin/eye irritation, suit up with gloves, eye protection and protective clothing before handling Borax or working around treated water. Wash thoroughly after application. Keep pets/children away from area until dry.
Application
With pump running, slowly sprinkle Borax powder in a circular motion across the entire pool surface while brushing with a telescoping pool pole to disperse. Avoid return jets which can cause concentration. Distribute evenly to dissolve more readily.
Monitoring and Follow Through
Check clarity every 6-12 hours. Backwash filter after 2-3 days of continuous running. Test water and shock as required to restore balance. For maintenance, monthly doses of 25% original amount can prevent recurrences when added after vacuuming and backwashing. With patience and consistent care, pools achieve brilliant clarity.
