Adding muriatic acid

[Brucetassone]

Hi,
I am new to pools so I went to my pool experts and they told me to add muriatic acid to my water. They told me to add the acid to the pool and leave the pump off for at least 4hrs. I read several posts that say to leave the pump on to circulate the water. This seems more logical. What is the proper method for adding the acid.

Thanks

 

[woodyp]

They have recommended that you acid becuase your PH level it too high. Got any numbers to post? We recommend PH around 7.5. Pour it in front of an upturned return nozzle (slowly) and allow the pool to ciruclate for about 30 minutes. NO "pool experts" would recommend that you not circulate it. Welcome to the forum.

 

[GreatCanadian]

Yeah. Turn off circulation, pour in MA, have it gather and sit at the bottom before it SLOOOOOOWLY disperses itself. Great advice. Can't believe they actually told you that.

 

[JohnN]

What type of pool do you have? If you have a vinyl liner, that is a sure way to ruin it. The acid would probably eat a hole right through. You want to leave the pump running at least 30 minutes after adding chemicals.

 

[Brucetassone]

I just purchased the pool from a large residential pool store. I took my water there to be tested and they gave me a sheet with the instructions that are as follows:
1. Shut off pool pump and wait for water to settle.
2. Add acid in pool at the opposite side of pool from skimmer.
3. Leave pump off for min of 4-6 hrs.
4. Turn pump on for at least 6 hrs.
5. Retest.

My numbers are:
FC: 8.8
pH: 7.4
Total alkalinity: 180
Calcium: 175
Stabilizer: 15
Thanks

 

[duraleigh]

7.4 is perfect for pH. Are you sure this was a pool store and not a pool hall?

 

[JamesW]

Definitely leave the pump on. Their method is based on an old discredited myth.

http://www.poolhelp.com/handouts/oB_Aci ... andout.pdf

Their concern was probably the TA. Here is the proper way to lower the TA.

pool-school/lowering%20total%20alkalinity

 

[Donldson]

I believe they are trying to reduce his alkalinity. It sounds like the same idea as an acid slug, and just as likely to cause liner damage.

Er, yeah, what James said

 

[Richard320]

Welcome!

You have done well to find us and ask before making all the stupid mistakes the professionals would have you do.
Where'd you get those test results? Who makes a CYA test that reads to 15? It wasn't test strips, was it? :grrrr:

A few hours spent in Pool School and a few bucks on a decent test kit, and you are set to have a trouble free pool, with water that sparkles so much you'll be the envy of the neighborhood.

 

[GreatCanadian]

7.4 is perfect for pH. Are you sure this was a pool store and not a pool hall?

LOL. Good one!!