Pool Acid - Know Them Well
Hydrochloric acid is one of the most common pool chemicals; it is a strong acid, which is used to lower the total alkalinity or pH of water. Also, it is an acid used in the cleaning of an empty pool.
What is pH?
PH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in water. The PH value of water in the pool influences the comfort of the bathers as well as the maintenance of the pool.
"pH" means "hydrogen protene" or "hydrogen power". Water is electrically driven and ionized easily, so it always contains some level of hydrogen ions. The pH scale is exponential and configured so that the lower pH is measured in water (or in solution), it is more acidic. The higher the pH, the more alkaline.
Why Does pH Need to Be Balanced?
PH control is important not only for pleasant swimming, but also for the long lifetime of pool materials.
Since the pH of the human eye is about 7.5 lacrimal drops, the pH as close as possible to this value will make swimming pleasant. As a pool maintenance technician, I sometimes hear people complaining that swimmers have painful eyes because the level of chlorine is too high. But in those cases, the problem almost always lies in an unbalanced pH, not a high level of chlorine.
To reduce pH, the most commonly used liquid acid is hydrochloric acid, also called hydrochloric acid.
Sodium carbonate (sodium carbonate) is normally used to increase the pH. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can be used to increase pH if the alkalinity is low, but is more often used to increase alkalinity.
Every pool maintenance check list includes a requirement to check and balance the PH levels. Check out our website on pool maintenance.
What Is Alkalinity?
In short, the alkalinity refers to dissolved salts, such as carbonates, which maintain a stable pH. If alkalinity is in the right range, pH levels and levels of chlorine are easier to maintain.
To reduce alkalinity, add muriatic acid. Muriatic acid reduces pH and alkalinity.
To increase alkalinity, add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). This differs from sodium carbonate (soda).
How Much Acid to Add
ThePoolSupport.com explains that it all depends on the pH and size of the pool. If you use a test strip, it is usually difficult to accurately determine the pH level; You just know it's tall. Better testing, or a DPD drop test kit, will use phenolic red to give you a better idea of your actual pH reading. Some better test kits include an "acid demand" test that helps calculate more accurate dosing.
If you have a pH of 7,8 or more and a medium (15,000 gallon) pool in the soil, you need to add 1/4 gallon (one-fourth) of muriatic acid and repeat the test when the water has a circulating time. If you have a small pool or an overhead pool, start with a cup of acid, then test again and add as needed. If you have a spa, we talk about plugs at once. Very little acid is needed to adjust the pH in the spa.
For a more specific idea of the amount of acid to be added, see the table below or look at this calculator that will give you an amount based on the estimated volume and chemical properties of the pool.
Controlling pH
To reduce pH, the most commonly used liquid acid is hydrochloric acid, also called hydrochloric acid.
Sodium carbonate (sodium carbonate) is normally used to increase the pH. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can be used to increase pH if the alkalinity is low, but is more often used to increase alkalinity.
An important thing, but often ignored, is to ensure that the pH is accurate. High and low pH levels can cause various problems.
At high pH values, you will notice that on the surface of your pool and equipment there are deposits. On the other hand, a low pH level leaves you with very acidic water. This increases the risk of corrosion on the surface of the pool. It can also damage the equipment of the pool.
To solve this problem, you can find different types of acids and solutions.
For example, you can use a granule or cyanuric acid liquid to prevent damage to the chlorine from the sun. You can use concentrated vitamin C or ascorbic acid to remove metal stains.
Likewise, you will need to use some type of acid to return the pH balance to the pool.
When the pH is high, some acids can help control alkalinity. The most common choice is hydrochloric acid or muriatic acid.
Sulfuric acid can also be used, but this is not the safest choice. So, make sure your pool matches your swimming pool before going further.
Why Your Pool Needs Muriatic Acid?
Most people only think of chlorine to safely protect their pool for their loved ones. Muriatic acid is just as important.
Do not use acids when the pH of the pool is too high can lead to problems such as cloudy water, lack of scale and chlorine. Bathing in the pool when water is not treated with hydrochloric acid can cause skin and eye irritation.
If you have recently started to feel skin irritation after swimming, you may want to check the pH.
What to Consider When Choosing Muriatic Acid?
You can easily find many great brands selling muriatic acid, but your decision is not based solely on price. It is good to check the percentage of hydrochloric acid in the product to determine its effectiveness. Granular formulation can be a better choice if you are not sure to use liquid hydrochloric acid.
