Muriatic acid

[Steve Norman]

What's the best way to add muriatic acid to the pool?

 

[IceShadow]

Slowly pour it in by a return jet while the pump is running, don’t add chlorine for at least 30 minutes of the pump running after adding.

 

[Lilypad]

Lower the jug into the pool in front of the return, with the pump running. Water will "float" the jug and make it
easier to just tip it to slowly pour into the return stream. Less chance of splashing. Underestimate until you have good working knowledge of what your pool needs. Others prefer to use measuring cups, also good, but I don't
like to handle chemicals (especially MA) that many times. YMMV.

 

[Arizonarob]

I use the plastic measuring cups you get at Wally World. They have all the ounces and cup measurements you’ll need.

 

[apv]

Lower the jug into the pool in front of the return, with the pump running. Water will "float" the jug and make it
easier to just tip it to slowly pour into the return stream.

How long does it take for muriatic acid to be fully dissolved in the pool solution (assuming that the filter is running)? ie how soon can I re-test?

 

[RonsPlc]

Lower the jug into the pool in front of the return, with the pump running. Water will "float" the jug and make it
easier to just tip it to slowly pour into the return stream. Less chance of splashing. Underestimate until you have good working knowledge of what your pool needs. Others prefer to use measuring cups, also good, but I don't
like to handle chemicals (especially MA) that many times. YMMV.

Be careful using this method that you don't lower the bottle low enough that water enters the neck of the bottle.
You want the water to help float the bottle so that when you pour the acid, it does not splash.

 

[Richard320]

How long does it take for muriatic acid to be fully dissolved in the pool solution (assuming that the filter is running)? ie how soon can I re-test?

The rule for adding the next chemical is 15 minutes. For retesting, I'd go double that unless you speed it up by brushing real good in all directions to set up cross currents. Like stirring cream into coffee but on a huge scale.

 

[apv]

The rule for adding the next chemical is 15 minutes. For retesting, I'd go double that unless you speed it up by brushing real good in all directions to set up cross currents. Like stirring cream into coffee but on a huge scale.

Thanks. I will re-test in about 15 more mins.

I am trying to kill two birds with one stone:

1) lower my pH
2) measure my pool volume by change in alkalinity

 

[RMcGirr83]

How long does it take for muriatic acid to be fully dissolved in the pool solution (assuming that the filter is running)? ie how soon can I re-test?

Only an hour should do.

 

[tim5055]

Lower the jug into the pool in front of the return, with the pump running. Water will "float" the jug and make it
easier to just tip it to slowly pour into the return stream. Less chance of splashing. Underestimate until you have good working knowledge of what your pool needs. Others prefer to use measuring cups, also good, but I don't
like to handle chemicals (especially MA) that many times. YMMV.

This is very close to how I do it.

Safety first. Wear old clothes and eye protection.

I like to get in front of a return on my hands & knees and splash a little water on the pool deck crfeating a puddle.. Then open the acid bottle and partially submerge it in the water. Tilt the bottle to pour the acid in at close to water level, but don't let the bottle get submerged. I don't measure because it's an additional step for me to spill the stuff.

Remove the bottle from the water and set it down in the puddle on the pool deck while you replace the cap.

Try not to breathe the fumes.. Guess a little low on amount you need, then test again after it circulates well for at least 15 minutes. You can always add more.