Muriatic Acid & pH Reducers
Muriatic acid and other pH reducers are used to lower the pH and alkalinity of your pool water. When your pH is too high, it can cause cloudy water, scale buildup, and make your chlorine less effective.
Why It Matters
High pH makes chlorine work harder and less efficiently, leading to poor sanitation. It can also cause calcium scale to form on pool surfaces and equipment. Keeping your pH in the ideal range helps your sanitizer do its job and protects your pool.
Recommended Levels
To keep water chemistry balanced:
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Ideal pH range: 7.2 – 7.6
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Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
When pH rises above 7.6, a reducer is needed to bring it back into range.
Types of pH Reducers
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Muriatic Acid – Powerful and fast-acting; also lowers alkalinity. Requires careful handling.
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Dry Acid (Sodium Bisulfate) – Granular and easier to handle; ideal for residential pool owners.
Both are effective but should be added slowly and with the pump running to ensure proper distribution.
Tips for Using pH Reducers
Always test your water before adding any chemicals. Add reducers gradually and retest after circulation. Use caution when handling muriatic acid—it’s very strong and can cause burns or damage surfaces if splashed.
Takeaways
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Lowering pH helps chlorine work better and prevents scale buildup.
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Muriatic acid is strong and fast; dry acid is safer to handle.
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Test regularly and adjust slowly to stay within the ideal pH range.