What is Muriatic Acid for swimming pools?
Muriatic acid, also called hydrochloric acid, is a colorless, clear solution made by exposing hydrogen chloride in water. Muriatic acid has the chemical formula HCl, and is a strong mineral acid which is highly corrosive but has many industrial applications.
[sc:ad_middle]Muriatic acid is used in swimming pools for various purposes. It can clean pool surfaces, removing stains and help reduce scaling present on pool walls and equipment. Muriatic acid’s strong acidity can kill stubborn algae growth when other methods have been ineffective. Another key swimming pool application for muriatic acid is the its role in reducing pH and alkalinity. Although dry acid, also called sodium bisulfate, can be used to decrease pH and alkalinity, muriatic acid can be used in appropriate quantities. Being a highly corrosive substance, muriatic acid must be used with precaution, as it can burn skin and mucous membranes, and dissolve concrete, grout, plaster, stone, and tile on contact if spilled or splashed accidentally.
Source:
- Wikipedia: “Muriatic Acid”, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muriatic_acid