Why Borates Belong in Your Pool: Better Water, Fewer Chemicals

At Founder's Pool Service, LLC, we’re always looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to keep your pool clean, safe, and enjoyable. One of the most effective—but often overlooked—ways to improve water quality and reduce chemical demand is by adding borates to your pool water.

If you've never heard of borates or thought they were just another unnecessary chemical, here's why you might want to think again—especially if you own a saltwater pool.

What Are Borates?

Borates are naturally derived mineral compounds that help buffer water chemistry and provide multiple benefits for residential pool owners. They’re typically added in the form of boric acid or sodium tetraborate and can be easily integrated into your pool’s maintenance plan.

1. Reduces Chlorine Demand and Chemical Use

Borates act as a stabilizing agent, which means they help maintain a more consistent pH level and slow down the degradation of chlorine. As a result, your pool requires less chlorine over time—reducing your reliance on harsh chemicals while keeping your water safe.

This is especially beneficial during hot Arizona summers, where UV exposure and bather load can spike chlorine consumption.

2. Inhibits Algae Growth

Borates have natural algaestatic properties, which means they help prevent algae from taking hold in your pool. By interfering with the algae’s metabolic processes, borates make it more difficult for blooms to occur, even during periods of high heat and sunlight.

Fewer algae outbreaks mean less need for algaecides, shocking, and emergency cleanups—saving you time and money.

3. Buffers Against pH Rise in Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools generate chlorine through a process called electrolysis, which tends to increase the pH of your water over time. Without a buffer, this can lead to scaling, cloudy water, and reduced chlorine efficiency.

That’s where borates shine. They stabilize pH and help resist fluctuations, especially the common upward drift in salt pools. This means you’ll use less acid for correction and maintain more balanced water overall.

4. Enhances Water Sparkle and Feel

Aside from the chemical benefits, borates also improve the aesthetics and feel of your pool water. Customers often report that water treated with borates looks crystal clear, sparkles more, and feels noticeably silkier and smoother on the skin.

It's the kind of upgrade you can see and feel—every time you swim.

Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective

Because borates reduce your need for chlorine, acid, and algaecide, they align with our commitment to eco-friendly pool maintenance. By creating a more stable water environment, you're reducing chemical waste, minimizing water use from frequent draining, and saving money in the long run.

Should You Add Borates to Your Pool?

At Founder's Pool Service, we believe borates are a worthwhile investment for most pool owners—especially those with saltwater systems or those looking to minimize chemical use and maintenance frequency.

If you’re interested in adding borates to your pool or want to learn more about water chemistry optimization, contact us today. Our experts will test your levels, determine the proper dosage, and make sure your pool stays sparkling, balanced, and beautiful all season long.

Ready to reduce your pool’s chemical load and enjoy clearer, softer water? Request a service visit or consultation with Founder's Pool Service, LLC today. Let’s make your pool care smarter and more sustainable.