sodium bisulfate vs muriatic acid hot tub

2021/05/21

Periodically drain the water. Start out slow and take your time. As a general rule, you will need 1.6 lbs (725.75 g) sodium bisulfate or 1.3 qt (1.23 L) muriatic acid for every 10,000 gallons (37.85 kL) of water to drop the total alkalinity by 10 ppm. It may not display this or other websites correctly. To do this, well be using a standard pool size, which averages about 17,000 gallons (77,284 L). This site is owned and operated by AJH Trade Group. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. See the. The pH will drop faster than the alkalinity, so you need to fix the alkalinity first. Because the sulfates from sodium bisulfate are notorious for damaging concrete surfaces once theyre above 300 ppm, its safer to use sodium bisulfate in either a fiberglass or vinyl pool. As a general rule, you add about 10 ppm worth of sulfates for every pound of sodium sulfate you use in a 10,000-gallon (45,461 L) pool. It's been more than 30 years since I studied chemistry, and for me it was just a requirement for graduate education. The cost of muriatic acid depends on the amount and concentration of the product. It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. I don't keep and acid around outside of the acid that's in the container that the stenner pump pulls from. Dry acid powders can be just as dangerous as muriatic acid. Turn the hot tub on. Only after the two have been well combined will the pH and alkalinity be consistent throughout the hot tub, and you need to wait until these measurements are consistent before moving on any further. Afterward, fill the hot tub back up, balance the pH and alkalinity as needed, and continue to monitor the conditions as usual. As the topic title states, I have a situation where my TA is very high as is my pH. pH Down and pH Decreaser is an umbrella term, most often used in the pool and spa industry, that includes any product that can lower the pH of pool or spa water. They are typically sold in both a 30% concentration version (at pool stores) and a 15% concentration version (at hardware stores). The ideal pH range for hot tub water is between 7.4 and 7.6, but the acceptable range is between 7.2 and 7.8. Website Design by Sitewired Web Solutions. Both sodium bisulfate and muriatic acid are dangerous chemicals and should be handled with care. Pour the acid in gradually instead of dumping it in all at once.

In this case, say were trying to lower the pH from 7.9 to 7.5. We can convert in reverse to double-check our math.

Pouring the acid into the bucket first and adding the water can cause damage to the bucket and may result in ineffective mixing. You should completely drain the water in your hot tub at least once every four to six months. July 2001. When the alkalinity and pH get too high, chlorine-based disinfectants are less effective. Since the two are so closely connected, you will often need to correct both at the same time. From the, Sulphate attack occurs under balanced water conditions, even at concentrations below the maximum recommended concentrations. Huge Discounts on Slightly Blemished and Open Box Hot Tubs and Swim Spas! Determine your initial measurements based on total alkalinity. CO, is injected using pressurized tanks and a feeder system.

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On average, a gallon of muriatic acid costs roughly $20 to $25. Per its namesake, a major component of sodium bisulfate is sulfates. Muriatic acid appears most often as a liquid acid that is commercially produced and sold in 1-gallon jugs. Hello , This is an inactive thread.

See footnotes. Hot Tub Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer) High | How to Lower, How to Fix a Slimy Feeling Hot Tub (Clear Biofilm), Vapor reduction technology reduces 90% of harmful vapors that come with traditional muriatic acid, The difference between this and traditional muriatic acid is not very noticeableStings the eyes even though fumes are reduced, Very quick and efficient (works in under 15 minutes), Fumes can be quite intense (a mask is recommended). This is based on reducing pH from 7.9 to 7.5 in a 17,000 gal (77,284 L) pool. AJH Trade Group also participate in other affiliate programs. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase.

The guys at Everything Hot Tubz were Fabulous! You will need to balance the pH and alkalinity of your water nearly every week if you use the hot tub regularly.

For most pools, muriatic acid is probably the better option as it doesnt add sulfates to the water. Re: High pH and High Total Alkalinity- use Muriatic acid or not? That explains why the UK's Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) advises against sodium bisulfate as a primary acid, which will segway us into our next topic. Give the water a chance to balance. Muriatic acid is a highly corrosive and hazardous chemical that is the diluted version of hydrochloric acid. for every ounce of muriatic acid, you need ~1.31 ounces of sodium bisulfate to do the same thing. of 38.5% sulfuric acid = 1.00 fl.oz. in the pool industry. In this article, Ill be helping you compare and contrast the two most common chemicals used to lower pH and alkalinity, muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate, so you can decide which option is best for you. With a bit of chemistry knowledge and some research, I learned that sodium bisulfite reacts with water to form sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, the latter of which is a weak alkali. If levels are still high, repeat the process while adding less muriatic acid each time. AJH Trade Group is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.

About 1-1/2 teaspoons buy a small volume squirt bottle (they sell then on amazon) or a dispensing container with a chamber -.

Slowly pour the acid near your return jets to let the pump circulate it; Keep your pool filter circulating to let the chemical dissipate (normally within an hour); Retest your water chemistry after an hour or two. process calls for industry-standard muriatic acid (31.45% HCl). So that begs the question: is sulfuric acid appropriate for startups? Since it is in liquid form, its easier to spill. Similarly, signs of high pH also include poor sanitary conditions, cloudy water, the formation of scales, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Heres how to use muriatic acid to lower the pH in your pool. 1.02 gallons of 38.5% sulfuric acid = 10.5 pounds of 93.2% sodium bisulfate, [(1.02) x 47.1 ppm] vs. [(10.5) x 9.6 ppm]. 9.6 4.45 = 2.15. Your chemistry is wrong. It doesnt react as concrete does. The muriatic acid most commonly used in pools is 31.45% HCl, ) is perhaps the purest, safest pH reducer on the planet. You must add the acid to the water. Total alkalinity should be tested before the pH. This requires approximately 12 ounces (354 mL) of 31% strength muriatic acid or 16 ounces of sodium bisulfate granules. However it is also very corrosive and needs to be both handled and added very carefully. EPA Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. That would only occur in water with a pH near 2 or below since that is the pKa of sodium bisulfate. High levels of sulphate would otherwise react with and erode materials containing Portland cement, [emphasis added, and the original quote had SO, , which we will explain in a moment. Here's an excerpt from their report: In some cases, sulfates seem to aggravate the effects of chlorides. Adding the acid too quickly can cause damage to the sides, bottom, and equipment in the hot tub. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Note that if you see corrosion, etched plaster, or stained plaster, the pH and alkalinity are probably too low. One pound of sodium bisulfate leaves behind 9.6 ppm of sulfate in 10,000 gallons of water. Muriatic acid leaves behind chlorides (Cl, One gallon of sulfuric acid leaves behind 47.1 ppm sulfates in 10,000 gallons of water. Even if you suspect that the alkalinity of your hot tub water is high, you should confirm your suspicions by testing the water with an alkalinity testing strip or kit. The bottom line: sulfates destroy concrete, even if the LSI is balanced. I have gotten full strength MA on my skin many times and I assure you Im not a zombie extra on the set of The Walking Dead. Mix the chemical together with a small amount of water. Everyday low prices, save up to 50%. You can usually tell when the pH and alkalinity of your hot tub are high based on the way it runs. Additionally, muriatic acid works faster and is cheaper per dose. In my pool, I use MA and a stenner pump because I'm scared of the MA and prefer to only handle it once / year. Login with username, password and session length. So, while this product is good at lowering the pH by virtue of the sulfuric acid, it either does nothing for or increases TA by virtue of the NaOH it adds to the water. Monday to Friday: 10:00am-6:00pm of 31.45% HCl. Its available only in 93% concentration. Phone: (303) 806-9400.

Fewer hydrogen ions will cause the pH to spike. of 38.5% sulfuric acid, Whew.

The local spa store sold me some "pH down", which is sodium bisulfite. Doesnt come with clear instructions on how to use it. An ideal range for alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm. Always pre-dissolve it in a bucket of water. The reason is that gunite is built using a rebar framework that is covered in a concrete and sand mixture.

If done correctly, the alkalinity should already be balanced. Muriatic acid is more dangerous though. The container doesnt state the concentration of sodium bisulfate versus other ingredients. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thanks, TMan.

Vinyl pools are characterized by having a sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool structure. 2 H2O. Sodium bisulfate appears in granular form and is commercially produced and typically sold by the bucket. Test the pH of the hot tub. Once you balance the alkalinity, the pH will gradually adjust to it. acid): Chem geek- thank you for the correction and for sharing your knowledge. Commercial pools have brands like, Do not add undissolved sodium bisulfate to your pool. O. Ed and Johnny went above and beyond what was expected. You must log in or register to reply here. Though durable and versatile, gunite pools are highly vulnerable to sulfate damage, thus the best option is to use muriatic acid. - EPA.gov, This is a far more serious problem than the carbonate scale for two reasons. This means that to lower the pH any more will mean additional sodium bisulfate and therefore, more sulfates to your pool water. Once you notice this difficulty, it is time for you to change the old water out for fresh water. For a general idea, here are some of the most common muriatic acid products on the market. Choose the right chemical. Slowly pour the diluted decreaser into the center of the hot tub. This means that every time you add sodium bisulfate to your pool water, you increase the sulfate concentration in the water. Test the water chemistry to see how much youll need to add; Based on the manufacturers instructions, calculate how much muriatic acid youll need to add to lower the pH to the normal range; Add your muriatic acid while keeping your filter running. The pH may not be balanced yet, however. JavaScript is disabled. Both muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate are good options for lowering the pH and alkalinity in your pool, though each has its pros and cons. Test the alkalinity first, then the pH. As mentioned in our earlier example, it takes roughly a pound of sodium bisulfate to lower the pH by about 0.4. Because fiberglass is constructed using small glass threads, polyester resin, and weather-resistant gel, its much less prone to damage caused by sulfates. The cost of sodium bisulfate, like that of muriatic acid, depends on the amount and concentration of the product. Okay, the math checks out. of 93.2% sodium bisulfate = 12.1 fl.oz. Here is a case study by Que Hales of onBalance trying to remove it from a pool in Arizona: Total Alkalinity vs. pH and their roles in water chemistry, dissolve calcium chloride in a bucket of water, https://www.pwtag.org/sulphate-attack-february-2011/, Durability of Concrete and Cement Composites, Report on the Corrosion of Certain Alloys, https://aquamagazine.com/service/the-mystery-of-the-pointed-crystals.html, The difference between muriatic acid and sulfuric acid. Make sure that the pump and filters are running. Additionally, its stronger and will cause more damage to surfaces or body parts if its spilled or splashed. To lower both total alkalinity and pH, you will need to add an acid. Test the alkalinity and pH again. Allow the pump to circulate the water for three to six hours after you add the decreaser. Test the pH and alkalinity of your pool water so that you know how much you need to lower it; Follow the manufacturers directions to see how much sodium bisulfate youll need; Pour the product into the water near the return jets and deepest end of your pool, while keeping your pumping running; Let your pools filtration system circulate and dissolve the product in the water; Retest the water chemistry within 24 hours and repeat if necessary. of 31.45% HCl. The lifespan of the hot tub's filter will also decrease. Related Reading: What Is Muriatic Acid for in a Pool? Test the total alkalinity of the hot tub. New to the spa world. 1 pound (16 oz.) To decide which to use, youll have to think about your priorities: are you more focused on getting the pH down quickly, are you on a budget, or are you more worried about your safety? That's more than double (2.1x) the sulfates for an equivalent dose of acid! Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 3:00pm, Service Phone Lines: Muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate both have their pros and cons. Walk-ins I assume that by corrosive you mean to skin and surrounding structures and not to the internal plumbing and mechanics of the tub, correct?

Copyright , Pure Planet Science & Technology, Inc. Sulfuric Acid, Sodium Bisulfate & CO2 | Muriatic Acid Alternatives, Muriatic acid is a diluted form of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl). If you use our referring links, it costs you nothing extra. Understand the relationship between pH and total alkalinity. It is crucial, however, that no one is in the hot tub while you are balancing the water. The hot tub should be set at its usual temperature and speed before you continue. Usually, if the sulfate level in your pool water exceeds 300 ppm, the water will start to attack and corrode concrete pool surfaces, metal components (including saltwater generators), and vinyl pool liners.

Concrete is vulnerable to damage spawning from high sulfate concentrated water. Hot Tubs, Swim Spas, Patio Sets, Gazebos and More, Hours:

We do not want to complicate the already-delicate water balance by introducing corrosive sulfates when the plaster is in its infancy.

Related Reading: Which Chlorine to Use for Vinyl Liner Pools? Muriatic acid costs $7 per dose whilst sodium bisulfate costs $9 per dose. Sodium bisulfate does not create sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide in water at typical spa pH. Like muriatic acid, sodium bisulfate lowers pH and alkalinity and is also used in household cleaning products and other applications.

We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. Which option you choose will ultimately depend on your needs. Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm, Hours: It is most common in commercial pools with chemical automation controllers. Signs of high alkalinity include the formation of scales along the sides and bottom of the tub, cloudy water, skin irritation, eye irritation, and poor sanitary conditions. You will get much more visibility by.

Lets first take a look at what these chemicals are individually so that you can have a better sense of the comparisons Ill be discussing later on. Though used to quickly lower the pH and alkalinity of pool water, muriatic acid is also used as a household cleaning solution, especially when it comes to cleaning stains and grout. First and foremost, unlike the. , and especially do not let it sit on the pool surface. I understand your caution but lets try to be sensible about chemicals. 12th Annual Year End Savings Event!

sulphate ions can migrate into the cement mortars, renders, screeds or concrete and begin to react. Scoop water out of your hot tub into an 8 gal (30.28 L) plastic bucket until that container is three-quarters full. Rapid changes in he pH are often symptomatic of low alkalinity, as well. Please consider. Assuming the cost of muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate is $20 per gallon and $18 for 2 pounds respectively, that means well be spending $7 on muriatic acid and $9 on sodium bisulfate. Is sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid safer? I also know that Sodium Bisulfate is not the preferred choice for maintaining pH in a pool. Similarly, the acid reacts with bicarbonates in the water and reduces the water's total alkalinity in the process. As long as you handle it with appropriate care, youre not in any danger.

Most visitors online was 3404 , on Jan 24 2020, Amazon.com | Perfect Pourz 8 ounce Plastic Liquor Flask - Small Flasks with a Built-in 1/2 Ounce Shot Glass: Flasks, Filter cleaning chemicals - SDS reviews, DIY guidance, With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. Add the diluted chemical to the hot tub. Any new postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. Muratic Acid is very good at lowering both PH and TA. Master pool chemistry with the Orenda pool chemical dosing calculator. Always follow the instructions on your pH/alkalinity chemical when preparing the correct amount.

The higher the sulfates, the faster the rate of etching. CO. 1.02 fl.oz. If either the alkalinity or pH is still high, repeat the process. Both can be used to lower the pH and total alkalinity of pool water. The pH of the water is essentially a measure of the level of acidity in the water.

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