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.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Muriatic Acid

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
 Stronger and more effective  It contains hydrochloric acid—a toxic
chemical
 It can damage metals
 It can cause burns on skin and eyes
 Difficult to handle
 It is corrosive

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dry Acid

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
 User-friendly  Reaction time needed is longer
 Less corrosive
 Easier to find

Comparative Analysis

MURIATIC ACID DRY ACID

PRICE 830PHP PER DRUM OF 20 LITERS 2300 PHP PER SACK OF 50 KG
AMOUNT 5 LITERS PER WEEK 1-2 KILOS PER DAY
NEEDED
TIME NEEDED 1-2 HOURS 3-4 HOURS

In conclusion and recommendation it is preferably safer to use dry acid because it is less
corrosive and user-friendly to the pool attendants. It is also good for the swimmer because it is
not itchy on the skin. In addition, it is good for the pool itself because it is less caustic and
doesn’t damage the surface.