Common questions

What is a good substitute for muriatic acid?

What is a good substitute for muriatic acid?

Phosphoric acid
Phosphoric acid is a good substitute for muriatic acid and in most situations will clean surfaces just as well with less risk. Phosphoric acid is a main ingredient in many commercial grout and concrete cleaners that are readily available to consumers.

What can you substitute for muriatic acid in a pool?

Alternatives to Muriatic Acid for Swimming Pools

  • Sodium Dichlor. Sodium dichlor is a granular or tablet form of chlorine sanitizer with a pH range of 6.8 to 7.0, nearly neutral.
  • Trichlor. Trichlor tablets are also effective in reducing or eliminating the need for muriatic acid.
  • Sodium Bisulfate.

Can I use baking soda to lower alkalinity?

Some people recommend using baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to adjust both pH and total alkalinity levels. Adjusting the pH level in a 10,000 gallon pool from 7.2 to 7.6 takes only 12.2 ounces of soda ash, and adds less than 10ppm to the total alkalinity.

How do I lower the alkalinity in my pool?

The two most popular chemicals available to help you lower the total alkalinity in your swimming pool are muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate (also known as dry acid).

Does bromine lower alkalinity?

Bromine has a low pH of around 4, and using bromine tablets will slowly lower pH and alkalinity over time, requiring additions of a base chemical to raise pH and alkalinity. Bromine is far less affected by pool or spa water pH than chlorine, and able to be an active sanitizer at high ph levels of 7.8 – 8.2.

What do I do if my pool has high alkalinity?

The first step is to lower pH by adding muriatic acid. Lowering pH will make your pool water more acidic and neutralize the alkaline materials in your pool. You should aim to lower your pH to a range of 7.0 to 7.2. The second step is to aerate your pool or hot tub to break up the remaining alkaline materials.

Will bleach neutralize muriatic acid?

Yes, bleach is very strongly alkaline, so if accidentally mixed with acid will — in addition to releasing dangerous chlorine fumes — neutralize the acid.

Is muriatic acid same as bleach?

Muriatic acid is an effective cleaning agent on its own and should not be mixed with chemicals like bleach or potassium permanganate. Mixing these chemicals together produces chlorine gas, which can cause breathing problems and even death.

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