muriatic acid left after closing: disposal or storage?

[danandmanda]

For the first season ever, we have muriatic acid left over (about 1/2 gallon) as we're about to close up the pool. What suggestions would you make for what to do with it? Disposal? Storage? Something else I'm not thinking of? Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[mknauss]

Store it. Not in your garage or shed though. Cannot be near metals. I use a plastic trash can with lid that I leave outside.

 

[mikefamig]

What is the problem with storing it in it's original container on a high shelf in a heated environment?

I understand that you don't want children or animals to get to it but there are several things in the house that fall under that category including liquid chlorine and many household cleaners. My garage also has motor oil, automotive coolant, mineral spirits, acetone, lacquer thinner etc.

Mike.

 

[mknauss]

MA fumes will corrode metals. Also react with some other household chemicals.

 

[mikefamig]

Interesting, maybe I'll put the MA container inside a large sealed plastic bucket as an extra precaution. I think that I should have one around that is not vented.

Mike.

 

[mknauss]

Still best to leave it outside.

Freeze point depends on strength --
" the freezing point of full-strength Muriatic Acid (31.45% Hydrochloric Acid) is -46ºC (-50.8ºF). Half-strength Muriatic Acid (15% Hydrochloric Acid) has a freezing point of -18ºC (-0.4ºF)."

 

[mikefamig]

Or better yet I'll see if I can add it to the pool water before closing. I've had to add a little each week due to the PH creeping up on me and it won't hurt to go down to 7.2 or so.

Mike.

 

[mikefamig]

I hadn't thought of it but I do have a metal trash bin in the pool area that I can put it in. Thanks for the idea.

Mike.

 

[mknauss]

Do not put in or near metal. It will corrode it, fast.

 

[JJ_Tex]

The lids for the MA containers are vented. So even if you close it tight, it will still vent and could corrode metal.

I remember growing up my dad stored it on a metal shelf one season and the shelf was always rusty from that point on.

 

[danandmanda]

Still best to leave it outside.

Freeze point depends on strength --
" the freezing point of full-strength Muriatic Acid (31.45% Hydrochloric Acid) is -46ºC (-50.8ºF). Half-strength Muriatic Acid (15% Hydrochloric Acid) has a freezing point of -18ºC (-0.4ºF)."

I currently store the MA outside in a plastic garbage can as you suggested. Any thoughts on potential issues of the original plastic bottle becoming compromised due to MA exposure for several more months or winter temperatures if left outside? I live in PA so the MA clearly won’t be seeing -50 F. Just not sure how the packaging will fair. Thanks again.

 

[mknauss]

UV is the biggest threat to the MA plastic container. I would not keep it for years. But a normal 6 month or so storage span in your conditions should not be an issue.