PH down vs. muriatic acic

[jonmar]

Is there any difference between the dry acid, commonly found in PH- and the liquid muriatic acid? Is one better than the other for lowering PH and TA? Thanks.

 

[rastoma]

liquid muriatic acid is cheaper

Since it's a liquid it incorporates almost instantly in the water where as the dry stuff can settle and some have fear cause damage while it's dissolving.

liquid muriatic acid is also usually easier to find at most hardware stores.

 

[PaulR]

On the other hand, muriatic is nastier if you spill it. But for the most part dry acid is worthwhile only for small pools and spas, because in those pools you would need pretty tiny amounts of muriatic.
--paulr

 

[chem geek]

Also, the dry acid (sodium bisulfate), or pH Down or pH Minus, increases sulfates in the water. With Muriatic Acid, one increases chloride levels, or plain salt. There might be some issues if sulfate levels get high, but we don't have enough experience to know at what level things become a real problem (the problems are more theoretical such as very high salt recrystallization with magnesium sulfate that could damage stone and a lowering of the saturation index as well).