A Guide to Using Muriatic Acid for Pool Maintenance

Muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, is a commonly used chemical in swimming pool maintenance and cleaning.

It is normally used to lower the pH and total alkalinity levels in pool water to ensure that it is safe for swimming and to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. However, muriatic acid can be a dangerous and highly reactive chemical, so it is important to understand how to use it properly and safely.

In this article, we will provide clear information on what muriatic acid does for a pool, the key considerations for its use, and its benefits and potential drawbacks.

Why use muriatic acid in pools

The pH level of a pool is an important factor in maintaining a healthy and balanced pool environment. The ideal pH level is between 7.2 and 7.8.

• If the pH level is too low, the water can become corrosive and damage the pool and equipment.
• If the pH level is too high, the water can become cloudy and cause skin and eye irritation.

Muriatic acid lowers the pH level of pool water to bring it within the ideal range.

How muriatic acid adjusts pH level

Muriatic acid releases hydrogen ions into the pool water, decreasing the pH level.

The pH level measures the acidity or basicity of a solution and is measured on a scale of 0 to 14.

• A pH level of 7 is neutral
• A pH level of less than 7 is acidic
• A pH level greater than 7 is basic.

By adding muriatic acid to the pool water, the hydrogen ions lower the pH level, bringing the water closer to the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.8.

How much muriatic acid to lower pH in pool

How much muriatic acid to add to pool water to adjust the pH level depends on the size of the pool, the current pH level, and the desired pH level.

It is important to measure the pool’s pH level regularly using a test kit or test strips and to add the appropriate amount of muriatic acid.

Too much muriatic acid in pool water can cause the pH level to become too low, which can be dangerous for swimmers and damage the pool and equipment.

This table shows how much muriatic acid to lower pH in pool that holds 10,000 gallons to reduce the pH down to 7.5:

pH Level	Muriatic Acid (ounces)
8	5 – 8 ounces
9	10 – 16 ounces
10	16 – 24 ounces
11	24 – 32 ounces
12	32 – 40 ounces
13	40 – 48 ounces
14	48 – 56 ounces

For larger (or smaller pools), use the same proportion to lower the pH from 10 in a 25,000-gallon pool and add between 40 and 60 ounces (multiply by 2.5).

Although I have used muriatic acid at times, I rarely need to. This is mainly because I do not usually use liquid chlorine to shock my pool. Liquid chlorine has a pH of 13, likely increasing it and requiring muriatic acid to lower it again.

How to use muriatic acid in pool

It is important to always slowly add muriatic acid and test the water at intervals to ensure the desired pH level is reached and maintained. Adding too much muriatic acid can lead to a dangerous drop in pH, so it is always best to add it in small increments and monitor the water’s pH level regularly.

You should also avoid adding the acid directly to the pool, as it can cause skin and eye irritation. Instead, add the acid to a bucket of water and stir it in. Then, slowly pour it into the pool, walking around the edge as you do to distribute it evenly.

Run your pool pump to ensure the acid is mixed throughout the pool.

Safety when adding muriatic acid to pool

Proper handling and storage of muriatic acid

Muriatic acid is a highly corrosive and strong mineral acid, and it is essential to handle and store it properly to avoid injury. Store it in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Never mix acid with any other chemicals.

Protective gear to wear when adding muriatic acid to the pool

Wear protective gear when adding muriatic acid to a pool to avoid skin and eye irritation. This can include gloves, eye protection, and a long-sleeved shirt. It is also important to avoid inhaling the fumes from the muriatic acid, as they can be harmful.

Precautions to take to avoid skin and eye irritation

If muriatic acid comes into contact with the skin, thoroughly wash it in clean water. If muriatic acid gets in the eyes, it is important to rinse them immediately with water for at least 15 minutes and to seek medical attention if necessary.

Using muriatic acid with a vinyl liner

If you have a vinyl-lined pool, you should use muriatic acid sparingly, as it may affect the liner, particularly if it is patterned.

If necessary, you should lower the pH using dry acid instead of muriatic acid.

Using dry acid vs muriatic acid

Dry acid is sodium bisulfate, which, as the name suggests, contains sulfates. Over time, sulfates can build up and start to attack the structure of your pool.

On the other hand, muriatic acid is chlorine-based and is also produced by the body as stomach acid. It will not adversely affect the pool’s structure and is typically cheaper than dry acid.

The importance of maintaining the pH level in a pool

The ideal pH range for pools

The ideal pH range for a swimming pool is between 7.2 and 7.8. This range is considered neutral and provides optimal conditions for swimmers and pool equipment.

When the pH level is within this range, the water is less likely to cause skin and eye irritation, and the chlorine in the water will be more effective at killing bacteria and other harmful substances.

Problems with low and high pH levels

If the pH level in a pool is too low, the water can become corrosive and damage the pool and equipment. This can lead to expensive repairs and decreased enjoyment of the pool. Additionally, low pH levels can cause skin and eye irritation, making it uncomfortable for swimmers.

On the other hand, if the pH level is too high, the water can become cloudy, reducing visibility and making it difficult to see the bottom of the pool. High pH levels can also cause the chlorine in the water to be less effective at killing bacteria and other harmful substances.

Summary

Can I use Klean Strip Muriatic Acid in my pool?” – yes! Klean Strip Muriatic Acid is a reliable choice for understanding how to use it in swimming pools. There are numerous uses of muriatic acid for pool maintenance. So, what does Muriatic Acid do for a swimming pool? Well, it is a powerful chemical that aids in pool cleaning. Whether you have an above-ground or in-ground pool, Muriatic Acid can tackle various pool issues. But what exactly does Muriatic Acid do in a pool? This acid helps to balance the pH levels, sanitizes the water, and removes stubborn stains or deposits. So, what does acid do for a pool? It plays a crucial role in maintaining your pool’s cleanliness and hygiene. However, following safety guidelines and using Muriatic Acid properly is vital to avoid any harm to yourself, others, or your pool.

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