LSI & Dosages with Orenda – Borate
Borate
While Orenda does not endorse the use of borates in swimming pools, many find borates helpful for maintaining water balance. Specifically, borates are used for slowing the natural rise in pH.
Borate is a buffer against a rise in pH, much like carbonate alkalinity is a buffer against a reduction in pH.
Like CYA, borates contribute to Total Alkalinity (TA), and therefore must also be deducted when calculating the water's carbonate alkalinity (or corrected alkalinity), which is required for the LSI equation.
The Orenda Calculator™ makes all of these corrections for you automatically. Just input your borate level and the other factors, and the LSI will adjust on the calculator in real-time.
Be aware: For health and safety reasons, never exceed 50 ppm borate in your water. Experts recommend 30-50 ppm. Learn more about borate toxicity here.
Learn more about borates here.