Muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) IS a chemical that deserves respect but should not be feared. You probably use things just as dangerous every day. Ever use Draino? It's lye, every bit as dangerous as muriatic acid. Ever use liquid toilet bowl cleaner....active ingredient in most of them is hydrochloric acid. Ever put gasoline into your lawn mower? Do you know how explosive gasoline vapors are? The biggest danger in using muriatic acid is fear because that leads to accidents. You should respect it and take safety precautions but if you are afraid of it don't use it! You can use sodium bisulfate (dry acid, pH decreaser) instead. It is easier to use but still a dangerous chemcal. Rubber gloves and eye protection are always a good idea when working with chemicals. Keep pets and children away from the area while you work with it. And remember that if you get any on yourself you can just jump into the pool to wash it off quickly. The most important rule is NEVER ADD WATER TO ACID...ALWAY add the acid to water.