Total Alkalinity And Borax Question

[JBC]

I have followed this forum for a while since I switched to the dichlor method of upkeep. I want to express my thanks to those who contribute so much time and effort to making it a success-outstanding job! I have a Hot Springs Prodigy - 325 gal - which is in a sun room and really gets babied-used 1-2 times a week and we are very careful about maintenance. Took a sample to the dealer yesterday and all OK I think except for Total Alkalinity of 12 and SI of -1.0. When I add bleach I add a very small amount of dry acid and the pH stays right around 7.8 with little variation. From what (I think) I have read on the forum this should present no problem but I want to be certain I am getting this right

Also, when borax is added does this increase the TA or is the only way to raise it thru the use of something like Na bicarb?

I tried to find an answer to this on search of old posts but wasn't certain I was getting all the nuances.

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

[chem geek]

Adding a small amount of acid when you are dosing with bleach is fine. Just add them separately and let each mix before adding the other.

50 ppm borates will increase the TA by 5 ppm at a pH of 7.5. If you want to increase TA, you add baking soda, but normally you want to keep the TA low at around 50 ppm when using bleach so as to minimize carbon dioxide outgassing. If you find the TA dropping and want to increase it, use baking soda.