An excellent point. But, speaking only for myself, I know why I would tend to use Muriatic: because (1) I always have it on hand, for the pool, and (2) I already know that it's OK to use in my pool, and what, exactly, its affects would be in my water. I have some efflorescence on my tile, and I know I have to get to it this year before it gets too bad. I really don't want to be splashin' Muriatic around while working in the pool, in my face, breathing it in, etc. But I know it's affect on my water will be relatively harmless. I would much rather try vinegar ('cause I've got a gallon of that, too), but I don't know if getting a lot of that in my pool water is a good idea or not.
