Sulfates why so bad?

[Pool-creetin]

I see dry acid is discouraged here for its sulfate content. Why is that? Does not sulfate and chloride ions cancel each other out at the end point?
Just trying to get a better understanding.

 

[benavidescj]

Here is a good article on why you should not. http://www.pwtag.org/TECHSulphate%20Attack.php

 

[chem geek]

[EDIT] This link fixes the one above that is now broken. [END-EDIT]

That's a great link/article. Thanks for posting it. It's one of the few references that gives a maximum limit (300 mg/L) for sulfate levels in pools. As for references on sulfate attack on cement and concrete, there is also Sulfate attack in concrete and mortar, Mitigating Sulfate Attack, External Sulfate Attack and Sulfate attack on cementitious materials containing limestone filler as well as a variety of articles on sulfate-resistant cement and concrete. This report goes into more detail about the mechanisms for sulfate attack in concrete.

 

[flipflop]

Here is a good article on why you should not. http://www.pwtag.org/TECHSulphate%20Attack.php

That site has evidently moved that article. Here's the new link.