PH 7.8 because I have to add water every other day

[lagatella]

I have an ionizer. The pool has a slow leak which will be repaired this winter (will require digging up filter line). I have to add about an inch of water every other day and our tap water is about 7.8 PH.

That means I have to add that horrible Muriatic Acid almost every night. Is there anything else I can use besides that acid? Some other kind of PH decreaser that isn't so toxic?

Everytime I see that cloud of gas I wonder what I've killed.

Also have yet to add bleach since the PH is so high in about 3 weeks. Pool is clear.

P.S. The pool is 36,000 gallons