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**Rant incoming!** Just dropped $200 at Leslie's on their 'premium borate treatment' for my Arizona gunite pool. Promised me that 'shimmering water' and perfect pH stability. Two weeks later - NOTHING. Water looks exactly the same, pH still bouncing around like a ping-pong ball in this desert heat. Feel completely ripped off. Anyone else been sold this snake oil?

I'm with you on the frustration, but as a mom who's been maintaining our pool for years, I'm skeptical about these 'miracle' products. Borates *can* help as a secondary pH buffer, but they're not magic. Did you test your water before adding it? If your alkalinity was out of whack or you had other imbalances, borates alone won't fix it. Also, that 'shimmer' is mostly marketing - clean, balanced water has its own sparkle without expensive additives.

**Minimalist approach:** I've had a gunite pool in Phoenix for 15 years. Never used borates. Consistent chlorine (liquid, not tabs), keep alkalinity 80-120, calcium around 250-350, and pH 7.4-7.6. That's it. Borates are an unnecessary expense and another chemical to manage. Save your money - return the product if you can and master the basics first.

From a holistic perspective, adding borates disrupts the natural balance. Your pool is an ecosystem! The desert environment already challenges it. Instead of chemicals, consider: 1) **Sun protection** with a quality cover to reduce pH rise, 2) **Aeration** to naturally balance pH, 3) **Enzymes** to break down organics gently. Borates are a harsh intervention. Your pool might be resisting them because it needs gentler care. Listen to your water!

Skeptical mom here too. Did some digging after our pool store pushed borates. The science: borates *can* buffer pH, but the effect is modest, especially in hot climates with high evaporation. That 'shimmer' claim is pure marketing fluff. For $200, you could have bought a high-quality test kit, liquid chlorine for months, and still had money left. Pool stores make money on complex solutions - simple, consistent maintenance usually works better.

**Update:** Tried to return it - 'all sales final on opened chemicals.' Of course. Thanks for the reality check, everyone. @PoolPal27 - going back to basics. @HydroHero29 & @SplashKing - you're right, my alkalinity was low when I added it, so probably wasted. Lesson learned: test first, don't trust shiny bottles with big promises.

**Welcome back to simplicity!** For Arizona gunite: 1) Test 2-3x weekly (get a Taylor K-2006 kit), 2) Adjust alkalinity first (with baking soda - cheap!), 3) Then pH (muriatic acid), 4) Chlorine as needed. That's 90% of it. Save the $200 next time for something useful - like a better pool brush or a nice umbrella.