This acid is used to lower the pH of your pool in a controlled manner. In this article, we'll explain what hydrochloric acid is, why you should use it, how it works, how much you should use, and what can happen if you use too much of it.
How does hydrochloric acid affect pH?
When you add muriatic acid to your pool, the acid lowers the pH of the water. In general, the lower the pH, the more acidic the water is, while a higher pH indicates a more alkaline environment. For comparison, tap water typically has a neutral pH of around 7, while the ideal pH for a pool is between 7.4 and 7.6.
The following table will help you determine the right amount of hydrochloric acid for your pool. It shows how much hydrochloric acid is required in milliliters for different pool sizes and pH values:
It's important to know that even a small amount of hydrochloric acid can significantly change the pH of your pool. Therefore, you should be extremely careful and careful not to add too much acid. If the pH value is too low, all parts of the pool that come into contact with water will corrode.
How to safely add hydrochloric acid to your pool
Proper use of muriatic acid is critical to the health of your pool. Here are some steps to help you:
- Switch on pump: Make sure the pool pump is running and the water is circulating. This helps distribute the acid evenly throughout the water.
- Pre-measure: Measure the amount of hydrochloric acid needed in advance to avoid adding too much. If you still add too much acid, you will either need to add pH increasers or, depending on the severity of the decrease, partially drain the water and refill with fresh water.
- Pour in acid slowly: Walk around the edge of the pool with the measured amount of muriatic acid and slowly pour the acid into the water. Be careful not to splash the acid on curbs, patio tiles or other parts of the pool. If a spill occurs, rinse the affected area immediately with water to minimize the risk of discoloration.
- Maintain circulation: Leave the pump running so that the acid is well distributed in the water.
- Test water: After a few hours, check the pH and adjust the pool chemistry if necessary.
Important safety information
Handling hydrochloric acid requires special caution. Always wear appropriate protective equipment such as acid-resistant gloves, closed-toe shoes, long-sleeved clothing, and eye protection. It is also advisable to have a water source nearby in case skin or clothing comes into contact with the acid.
Tips for using hydrochloric acid
- If even a tiny splash gets on your skin or clothing, rinse the area immediately. Don't wait to see if it burns or itches - act quickly!
- It is best to open the bottle outside or in a well-ventilated room to avoid inhaling the fumes.
- You should also be careful when filling - the calmer you put the acid into the water, the less it will splash. Sounds logical, right?
- Measure the required amount of hydrochloric acid carefully beforehand to avoid the risk of overdosing and the associated problems.
By the way: Residual hydrochloric acid can also be used to clean stubborn stains on hard surfaces around the pool. However, you should never use the acid directly on a pool liner.
How long does it take for hydrochloric acid to work in the pool?
As soon as the acid is in the pool, it starts working immediately. The full effect develops after a few hours once it is completely mixed in the pool water.
What happens if you put too much hydrochloric acid in the pool?
If too much acid has slipped into the pool, don't panic. Sure, it's not ideal, but there are solutions. The quickest way to get the pH value back under control is to:add something that increases the pH, or by draining some of the water and replacing it with fresh water.
Can you clear a cloudy pool with hydrochloric acid?
Yes, you can! If the cloudiness is caused by high alkalinity and calcium deposits, hydrochloric acid can actually helpto get the water clear again.
With these tips and advice, you should be able to use hydrochloric acid safely and effectively in your pool. Always remember: correct dosage and use is the key to a healthy and beautiful pool.
