Author Topic: Muriatic Acid (Read 10729 times)

Brewman · « **on:** June 29, 2006, 02:54:43 pm »

I need to change my spa water soon, and my tap water is very high in alkalinity. To get the alk in range, I have to add a lot of Ph Decreaser. We're talking 25 ounces, give or take. I'd like to not have to add so much stuff to the water.

Would muriatic acid have the same effect as I'm getting with Ph decreaser? (lowering the alkalinity along with Ph?)

I'm aware of the dangers and risks of using this stuff, just wondering if it'd work.

Thanks

Hot Tub Forum · « **on:** June 29, 2006, 02:54:43 pm »

Brewman · « **Reply #1 on:** June 30, 2006, 07:35:13 am »

Anyone, Anyone, Bueller, Bueller?

Is this thing on?

Guess I'll be the crash test dummy on this one. I'll rig up an experiment outside the spa and see what happens.

Vinny · « **Reply #2 on:** June 30, 2006, 08:21:19 am »

Hey Brewman,

I've never used muriatic acid but from what I've read I believe it'll work and I also believe it's more potent. Since your aware of the possible problems .... I think you will be fine.

Bonibelle · « **Reply #3 on:** June 30, 2006, 08:27:07 am »

Safety Glasses...I know, It's a mother thing...but really wear safety glasses, sun glasses some kind of eye protection. My friend splashed some in her eye adding it to a pool....it's not a friendly chemical. It will surely lower your pH, but be so careful using it.

Chris_H · « **Reply #4 on:** June 30, 2006, 10:13:35 am »

Brewman,

For a lowering alkalinity in a pool it is great and cheap, but for a spa I would just recommend against it. It is just too potent. For example, if you added accidentally 1 extra ounce it could really affect your water negatively.

However, if you chose to use it � I believe one gallon of muriatic acid is equivalent to 11-12 pounds of PH decreaser. So you would probably only need 4 ounces.

Chris

Brewman · « **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2006, 10:25:05 am »

Thanks for the feedback everyone.
I'll see how it goes if I decide to use the stuff.

If I do decide to use it, I'll carefully add small amounts over time, testing the water along the way.

Happy 4th, everyone!

Bonibelle · « **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2006, 10:27:21 am »

And you will wear your glasses....

Steve · « **Reply #7 on:** June 30, 2006, 01:47:09 pm »

When in retail and dealing with people that were on well water that had very high alk (400+), we would always recommend muriatic acid. When used corretly, it will work great by lowering alk much quicker, not effcting TDS as much as a dry acid and being far more cost friendly.

This should be used to get alk close to range where a pH decreaser in a powder form should be used from that point to "baby it" into the correct range. Give it a couple days for the pH to rebound and adjust as needed from there.

As mentioned, just be careful with it.

Gloves are recommended!

Steve

wmccall · « **Reply #8 on:** June 30, 2006, 02:30:37 pm »

This acid is a common purchase in Pool places? Fortunately my alk/OH tend to run pretty together.

Chris_H · « **Reply #9 on:** June 30, 2006, 02:43:10 pm »

Little safer than the original stuff.
http://www.spadepot.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SD2000&Product_Code=CA1062

Brewman · « **Reply #10 on:** June 30, 2006, 08:55:19 pm »

I found a gallon jug of the stuff at the local big box (Fleet Farm) for under $3/gallon. It was in the paint department. I've seen it a ton of times, just never noticed it. Near the TSP and all those other fun substances. I figure a gallon of that stuff should last a good long time, unless I find some concrete that needs etchin.

I'll be careful- I handle a lot of other dangerous stuff (Gun powder, caustic, etc..) so I should be okay with this stuff. I'll take the proper precautions.
(And I promise not to load it into my son's Super Soaker and blast the cat that's been leaving his calling card in my neighbors kid's sandbox.)

If I recall, my alkalinity is in the 400+ range out of the tap. We have city water but it's drawn from the ground.
I like the idea of lowering the reading without dumping all that Ph decrease stuff in.

Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 90's and very humid. Should make for a fun water change and cover scrub.

tony · « **Reply #11 on:** July 01, 2006, 09:15:43 am »

Brewman

I am fortunate to have excellent water out of the tap, but if I were in your situation I would do exactly as you are by trying the muriatic acid. Extreme situations call for extreme measures. I am sure it will be a good solution for you.

DPS · « **Reply #12 on:** July 01, 2006, 05:12:59 pm »

Be sure that the area is well ventilated, the fumes can be very dangerous.

Brewman · « **Reply #13 on:** July 01, 2006, 05:43:26 pm »

My spa is outside, so ventillation is not a problem.
Did the water change this afternoon, water is coming up to temperature as I post- probably about 70 degrees now.
We're charring some mammal flesh with some friends this evening, then taking the boat out for an evening spin. By the time we get back- water should be good and ready.

Hot Tub Forum · « **Reply #13 on:** July 01, 2006, 05:43:26 pm »

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