When adding acid to your pool to lower pH or Alkalinity, always dilute the
acid in a bucket of water first, stir, and then pour the solution around the
pool’s perimeter. Avoid shallow areas like tanning ledges and benches, and
add away from skimmer throats. Add the solution with the circulation
system running.
The reason is that acid is much denser and heavier than water. If you do
not dilute, it will sink to the bottom and can damage the surface, especially
plaster surfaces. Always add chemicals to water; never water to chemicals.
– Always properly test, calculate dose, and measure dose.
– Stir with an object that cannot be damaged by the acid, i.e., a wooden
or plastic dowel, then rinse them thoroughly.
– Slowly pour the diluted solution around the perimeter of the pool.
– Rinse bucket well afterward with pool water
– Protect eyes when working with pool chemicals and avoid inhaling
chemical vapors and dust.
– After pouring acid and putting the lid back on, dip the entire bottle into
the pool to rinse any residual off of the bottle that may have
unintentionally gotten on the outer surface.
Benefits:
– the diluted acid will mix better with your pool water and achieve the
desired effect faster and more evenly.
– You are less likely to damage pool surfaces with concentrated acid.
– unintentional splash on surfaces outside the pool while pouring the
solution, including you and your clothing, can be cleaned up easily
and is less likely to damage that surface.
Spills:
Sodium Bicarbonate, or Alkalinity Increaser, is an excellent neutralizer for
spilled acid. It can then be picked up with paper towels or rinsed away with
large amounts of water.
You can listen to “The Deep End Pool Podcast” every week at 9:00 AM CST on Saturdays. You can LISTEN LIVE online on TURF’S UP RADIO!
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The Deep End Pool Podcast focuses on residential pool maintenance and may not cover commercial pool requirements. Please consult the CDC and local authorities regarding the code requirements for commercial pool maintenance.
Do you have a pool question for Frank? You can email him at [email protected]. He just might read and answer your question on air!