Comparative Analysis of Muriatic Acid and Dry Acid

Comparative Analysis of Muriatic Acid and Dry Acid

This study shows the differences between muriatic acid and dry acid. Furthermore, it presents the effects of muriatic and dry acid on the pool water, swimming pool and swimmers. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of muriatic and dry acid. Through the interviews of some pool attendants and through the help of online research, we will recommend which is the better pool chemical to maintain the pH level of the water and safer to the swimming pool and the swimmers.

        Muriatic acid is another name for hydrochloric acid which is extremely strong and corrosive at high concentrations. Thus, dilute mixtures of the acid and water are generally used as cleaners and chemical reactants in commercial and residential settings. Muriatic acid is added to swimming pools to lower the pH when needed, and it's sometimes added to streams to neutralize their pH levels.

Dry acid is also known by its chemical name as sodium bisulfate.  It is produced as a white, dry granular form by mixing sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide together.  The result is the acid salt sodium bisulfate, and water. For swimming pools, dry acid is used to lower pH and decrease total alkalinity in pool water.  In pools with high pH or total alkalinity, adding dry acid can help maintain the water balance of a swimming pool.

The difference between muriatic acid and dry acid is its form. Muriatic acid is a liquid chemical while dry acid is powdered solid. However, they both have the same function as lowering and maintaining the pH level of the water.

The researcher asked some pool attendants which pool chemical they would prefer. Below are their answers which are quoted.

According to John, pool attendant of Mansfield Residences, who uses muriatic acid for the Mansfield pool, “Pagdating kasi sa tubig ng Masfield, mas gusto niya ang muriatic acid. Nagtry kami nung minsan ng dry acid kasi yun yung dineliver tapos naging cloudy and green yung pool. Depende sa tubig kung anong nakasayan tulad dito, mas maganda ang muriatic kaysa sa dry acid.” When asked if what would he prefer in general, he answered “Kung general po mas maganda po ang dry acid kasi di siya ganun katapang at di ganun kahirap ilagay.”

According to Clifford, pool attendant of Timog Residences, who uses dry acid, “Mas magandang gamitin dry acid kasi di masyadong mainit sa balat tapos mild lang ang tapang nito. Mas safe gamitin ang dry acid kasi masakit ang muriatic acid kapag nalalanghap at Makati kapag kumapit sa balat”

“Mas magandang gamitin ang dry acid kasi nahahawakan at di maselan masyado. Di ganun kahassle kapag nilalagay na sa pool water.” said Johnlie, pool attendant of Hanin Town

In general, pool attendants prefer using dry acid because it is safer and less hassle when applying it. Moreover, it is not only safer to the pool attendants, but also safer to the swimmers because of less itchy and dry skin.