How do you add muriatic acid?

[Donna's Poolboy]

I've never pre-mixed or diluted the acid simply because I feel like I'd be handling it one extra time and thus one more chance for a spill or splash. I don't know if it's been mentioned yet but I always open the jug outside next to the pool rather than inside the garage where I store it. Again: fumes, spills and splashes inside the garage--that would be bad.

Plus, acid washed jeans aren't cool anymore!

[newpoo]

When I first started using M. Acid it was if I were going into space. I had so much protection on I had a difficult time moving. It took me 30 minutes to add one cup of the stuff. As time went by I began to wear less and less stuff. So one day after church I remembered that I needed to add a cup (you guys no were I'm going with this) So instead of changing first I went out grabbbed the jug and started pouring in the deep end. Replaced the cap and went inside, seconds later my wife screamed at me was I alright , I looked at her and asked what she was talking about. She pointed to my pants and all I could do was stand there in amazement. Without my knowing the acid had splashed up my pant legs and totally ruined my slacks. Let's just say my new nickname is Neil Armstrong.

[mohawk]

Newpoo, that's funny-Neil Armstrong. I was wearing shorts when I poured the acid in-maybe it'll be long pants from now on. Denise

[milynor]

I always pour the acid into a old glass canning jar. They have measurements on the side of them and are easy to handle.

[Tredge]

I had posted the same question about a month ago....I was loosing my shorts and shirts from splashed acid that I didnt notice.

The recommendation was to dilute it in a bucket first then toss the bucket in the deep end.

Since then, no new holes in my shirts! I dilute roughly 5/1 water/acid

[Dr. Spike]

I pour it out of the jug slowly at the waterline in front of a return. I wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator (indoor pool).

[simsjim]

Couldn't you substitute granular Sodium Bisulfate to low PH? Is there a benefit to the Acid that the Sodium Bisulfate wont provide?

[mohawk]

I believe muriatic acid is cheaper and doesn't add sulfates to your pool. I was given certain chemicals when we purchased our pool and sodium bisulfate was one of them. I used 2 3lb containers in the pool and it only brought down the ph by 2 points. When I first used the muriatic acid, I poured approx. 3/4 c into the pool and it came down by 2 points. I still have a lot left in the gallon jug as compared to no more dry acid. Hope this helps. Denise