Muriatic Acid self life?

[HighDesertPool]

I saw the other Muriatic Acid thread and it got me to reading. As a brand new pool owner I had no idea it shouldn't be kept indoors or away from the bleach.

I also didn't realize it caused oxidation.
I did wonder however why everything in our pump room was rusted. Just figured it was the humidity. Reading up about acid sent me looking.
Sure enough on a buried bottom shelf, 4 gallons of acid and 2 bottles of dry acid.

My question now is, what do I do with this stuff??

My test kit hasn't arrived yet. Do I don't know how much I'll need. I have generally high ph tap water so I'll assume I'll need to drop it eventually.

If it's too old how do I dispose of it?
If it's not too old would it be a bad idea to try and use it? (Bottles brittle?)

All acid has been moved to an outdoor wooden pool shed.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Texas Splash]

The acid itself should still be good. It's usually best to keep it outside away from everything else or anyone - especially children and pets. I keep mine in a Rubbermaid-type container, then that container is in one of those larger composite type tool sheds I can secure. But any type of external container will work fine. Heat doesn't affect acid.