Borates are worth it for pool pH stability.

Yes, borates help buffer pH and lower chlorine demand. I would add them if you’re tired of constantly adding acid and chasing pH swings.

Borates (sodium tetraborate pentahydrate, usually sold as “proteam” or just boric acid) raise the total alkalinity without raising pH quite as aggressively as baking soda. At around 30-50 ppm, they act like a shock absorber — pH drifts more slowly, and your chlorine works more efficiently because it’s not wasting itself fighting high pH.

The downside: getting the dosage right is a little math-heavy. You need to calculate by pool volume and current alkalinity, then add slowly. Too much and you can mess with calcium scaling or irritate eyes. Most pool stores sell borate test strips, so get those before you start.

Also, borates don’t replace your primary sanitizer (chlorine). They just make your life easier. If you already have a saltwater or high-use pool that eats acid, borates are one of the few chemical tweaks that actually deliver.

Worth doing. Just measure twice, pour once.