ok so i just got a chance to go check the pool again to see how the borax effected the ph. here are my results:

pool check 3n1 test strips
{ppm}
total alk80-120ish
free chl/bromine 10/20
ph 7.2

im going to add a bit more borax to get the ph to 7.8 since i think i read that is ideal.
the pool smells like a pool lol. just doesnt look like one yet