Sulfuric Acid vs. Muriatic Acid

Sulfuric acid does cause similar burns if splashed on skin and eyes.

Sulfuric acid has been used in some regions because it is less fuming and has claims of being safer than muriatic acid. But there is more than meets the eye when it comes to using sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is a mineral based acid made from sulfur dioxide. The lower cost and the lower fuming of sulfuric acid seems to be the draw. However, sulfuric acid is not completely safe, and it is not without side effect. Because it is a mineral based acid, it leaves a residual of sulfates behind, and that contributes to a very rapid build up of total dissolved solids or TDS.

When a pool is on a steady diet of sulfuric acid, high levels of total dissolved solids lead to a lack of sanitizer effectiveness, cloudy water, poor filtration, and scale.

The regular use of sulfuric acid leads to an increase in sulfates in the water. EPA guidelines for drinking water limit the levels of parts per million. Sulfate is considered a secondary contaminant because it creates taste and odor issues. An overlooked fact about sulfuric acid is that when used regularly, it can cause increased sulfates, which can lead to the destruction and erosion of all cement surfaces.

It can be especially destructive on cementitious based grouts, and leads to crumbling and erosion. Also, sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive to stainless steel. Another detrimental effect from an increase of sulfates results when there are also high levels of calcium, which result in the formation of calcium sulfate. Unlike calcium carbonate scale, which forms slowly, once the conditions are right, calcium sulfate can form rapidly and be extremely damaging to surfaces and equipment.

Calcium sulfate is also very difficult to remove. Sulfuric acid is sold under the auspice of being safer than myriatic because of lower fuming, but by diluting hydrochloric acid to approximately fifteen percent, fuming can be controlled. As for safety claims regarding irritation, sulfuric acid does cause similar burns if splashed on skin and eyes. So while slightly lower pricing and lower fuming may seem like benefits, it is important to understand all aspects before using any type of chemical product in pools.

HAASA muriatic acid has no side effect that cause a buildup of TDS, or a destruction of cement based surfaces, or a scale that is difficult to remove. And if low fuming is something you're looking for, then try HASA's special formulated acid fifteen for effective water balance control with low fuming and no hidden side effects. This is Terry with HASA.

If you have any questions regarding sulfuric or muriatic acid, feel free to contact us at w w w dot haasapool dot com, or check out some of our other videos on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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