PH Down (powder) vs Muriatic Acid.

[rcy]

Hi all. New user, first post. Great site.

So I had my water tested at the pool store (Pioneer Pools). I don't have a decent kit yet (can't find the TF-100 in Canada - not easily anyway). My PH was 7.8, stabilizer was 25, TA was 110, everything else was fine, though I don't know how my calcium went from 150 to 230 in two weeks all on it's own (another reason I want my own kit).

Anyway, the computer tester the store uses suggested 'x' amount of PH Down, which is a powdered product the store sells. They also have muriatic acid for sale.

It's $11.99 for 3kg of PH Down and the same price for 4 litres of muriatic acid.

Should I be using one over the other being a salt water pool? Is four litres a better deal than 3kg for the same price?

Thanks.

 

[JasonLion]

Welcome to TFP!

In those quantities, if the muriatic acid is 20 Baume 31.45% that quantity will lower the PH by almost twice as much as that quantity of PH Down (which we call dry acid).

Also, with a SWG there is a long term risk of cell damage if you use dry acid.

 

[rcy]

Thanks for the quick reply. What kind of damage does the powder cause to the cell?

The Duoclear comes with a lifetime warranty on the cell (as long as I replace the mineral cartridge yearly - yes, I know most of your opinions regarding this cartridge). They say it should last 3-5 years and when it quits I get a free replacement. What I need to figure out is how much a new cell costs vs $100 a year for the cartridge and see if I come out ahead.

 

[rcy]

Belive it or not, the Home Depot near me doesn't carry muriatic acid. I checked a RONA store (like a Home Depot but Canadian) and they have it for the same price as the pool store ($11.99), but the salesman told me some guy came in on the weekend and bought all the four litre jugs because he was opening his pool. He must be a member here..hahaha.

Anyway, I found two four litre jugs at the Canadian Tire for $8.99 in the paint dep't. It is 20 Baume etc. After donning my level 4 biohazard suit, I poured 12 ounces in front of the deep end return.

I caught a whiff of this stuff as it was going in - wow! Powerful stuff. Is it OK to swim shortly after pouring this MA in?

 

[JasonLion]

Give it 30 minutes to mix in and then it is totally safe. It is probably safe well before that, but it is nice to be totally sure.