What does muriatic acid do for saltwater pools?

Answer 1

You don't use Muriatic acid to clean pools. It is used according to manufacturer's directions to balance the pH of your water. Acid v Alkalinity. Too high a pH, add acid. To low, add a pH increaser. 7.0-7.2 is about right.

Now, your pool maintenance people may suggest a muriatic wash for your pool if it is loaded with black (or other) algae. However, that should be done only by trained, experienced professionals as we are talking about ACID.

This acid in the water, administered properly will not have adverse effects; this I know because I once let my large in-ground pool go bad for a Southern California winter, and it became a breeding ground for mosquitos. I dumped in several gallons of acid to kill them and it didn't hurt them a bit! I hired a pool man and he said that the killer substance is the chlorine! (I got the problem cleared up before the little swimming buggers hatched into flying buggers!)

If you are talking about acid washing a pool it is best to hire a professional to do the job. If an acid wash is suggested to remove algae, call someone else until they tell you a chlorine wash is the best way to remove algae stains. Sometimes both are needed to remove algae and metal stains. Try to maintain a pH of 7.2-7.4. If you are going to acid wash your pool find someone who has done a couple hundred of them as I have replastered many pools because an idiot did an acid wash improperly.

Answer 2

Muriatic acid is used to reduce Ph

Answer 3

It lowers the pH