How do you add muriatic acid?

[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

[PatL34]

If you have a SWCG, then Muriatic Acid is the only pH reducer you should be using. As Mohawk says, sodium bisulfate only increases you total TDS.

Pat

[joelq]

I'll be adding my first dose of Muriatic Acid tonight (pool just filled this past Saturday). I like the idea of measuring how much to add with a glass measuring cup. Do I rinse the cup after I pour the acid in? I would think not given the "never add water to acid" warning. Do I just leave the cup to dry?

[Rangeball]

I use a plastic measuring cup, and when I've poured all the acid in, I dip it in the pool and pour it out 4 times, making sure to get it totally rinsed, then set it aside to air dry in the garage with my other pool tools.

[aquarium]

Yeah, just quickly dip the measuring cup into the pool water and empty a few times. No violent reactions here so far.

[joelq]

A couple other questions about handling muriatic acid:

- how do you take the seal off that's under the cap? I've been using needlenose pliers to take them off and it's a big pain!

- how do you dispose of the empty muriatic acid jugs? Do you just throw them in the trash bin? Recycle bin? Special collection?