What Is Muriatic Acid Used for in Swimming Pools?

Hydrochloric acid, also referred to as muriatic acid, is often used to balance the composition of swimming pool water. Muriatic acid is a dangerous chemical when handled improperly. Please take care to know how and when to use the chemical in your swimming pool.

Significance

The water in a swimming pool should have a pH balance that falls in the 7.2 to 7.8 range. In many states, the law requires that the pH is within this range.

Uses

If the pH balance climbs too high, muriatic acid can be used to drop the pH back into the acceptable range. Muriatic acid also is used to help control the total alkalinity of a pool. Total alkalinity is the measure of the ability of the water to maintain a desirable pH when acid is added.

Benefits

Without proper use of muriatic acid, pool water can be unsafe for swimming. Muriatic acid helps keep pool toxins in check.

How to use

Muriatic acid is usually diluted with water by 50 percent before it is put into the pool to prevent corrosion of pool equipment.

Warning

Muriatic acid should only be used while wearing a protective mask or eyewear, gloves and shoes. Muriatic acid can damage lungs, skin, eyes and any other part of the human body that it comes into contact with. In addition, the acid will immediately bleach clothing.

[tootsiegal]

on 7/11/2009 Muriatic Acid is used to clean my swimming pool filter. Usually once a year, I take the filter apart and the "fingers" get cleaned with the acid. I have a DE Filter. There are other kind of filters, for instance there is a sand filter. I do not know about cleaning them. I never use the Muriatic Acid as an additive to the water, although some people do.