I've just filled my new DIY inground pool and spa. The entire system is waterproofed with a rolled on SEMCO membrane, then about 70% has been covered with mosaic and porcelain tiles. My ph is coming in at 8.4 (alkalinity is 187ppm) and the local pool supply guy wants me to use dry acid vs muriatic acid to "protect the tile" as I lower the ph. Is that legit, or just a way to sell their much more expensive dry product?
Dry acid or Muriatic on tile?
- Thread starter Nateski
- Start date
I've just filled my new DIY inground pool and spa. The entire system is waterproofed with a rolled on SEMCO membrane, then about 70% has been covered with mosaic and porcelain tiles. My ph is coming in at 8.4 (alkalinity is 187ppm) and the local pool supply guy wants me to use dry acid vs muriatic acid to "protect the tile" as I lower the ph. Is that legit, or just a way to sell their much more expensive dry product?
- May 23, 2015
- 24,436
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
There is no difference in the effect of dry versus muriatic acid in terms of pH … the “protect your tiles” line is a load of malarkey. Muriatic acid is just fine - just add it by pouring it slowly (pencil diameter stream) in front of a fast-moving return in the deep end of the pool. Then gently brush the pool to mix the water if you’d like a bit of cardio exercise. Your tile will be fine.
Last edited:
- May 23, 2015
- 24,436
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
There is no difference in the effect of dry versus muriatic acid in terms of pH … the “protect your tiles” line is a load of malarkey. Muriatic acid is just fine - just add it by pouring it slowly (pencil diameter stream) in from of a fast-moving return in the deep end of the pool. Then gently brush the pool to mix the water if you’d like a bit of cardio exercise. Your tile will be fine.
Be careful of that pool store test with the TA ( alkalinity). They usually goof that up.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,831
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
And give you an adjusted TA that is lower and not directly comparable to TFP TA guidelines.
TA - Further Reading
www.troublefreepool.com
- Feb 6, 2015
- 6,140
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
You would be well served by purchasing one of the recommended test kits.
Test Kits Compared
The TF-Pro would suit your needs well.
Once you get a proper test kit, test your fill water as well for pH, TA and CH.
Pool store testing is inaccurate and not repeatable. It is geared more toward selling you magic potions you don't need.
Test Kits Compared
The TF-Pro would suit your needs well.
Once you get a proper test kit, test your fill water as well for pH, TA and CH.
Pool store testing is inaccurate and not repeatable. It is geared more toward selling you magic potions you don't need.