How to Treat Too Much Muriatic Acid in the Pool

Things You'll Need

pH Test kit
Soda ash
Gloves
Goggles or safety glasses
Bucket
Stirring stick
Swimming pool filter manual

The amount of soda ash you use will depend on the size of the pool.

Maintaining a proper pH balance is essential to the upkeep of a swimming pool. Levels should generally be kept between a 7.2 and a 7.6 pH. Chlorine raises the pH level; to counteract this, muriatic acid is used to lower it again. If you use too much muriatic acid, however, the levels can dip dangerously low, which can cause rashes and eye irritation for swimmers and damage metal parts of your pool equipment. In these cases, a mixture of diluted soda ash should be used to bring the pH level back within the recommended range.

Step 1

Take a pH reading of the pool water if you have a pH test kit. If not, take a sample of the pool water to a pool store and they will test your water for free. Make a note of the pH level.

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Step 2

Fill a bucket about three-quarters full with water. Put on gloves and goggles or safety glasses.

Step 3

Add 4 oz. of soda ash to the bucket of water for every 5,000 gallons of water in your swimming pool, if your pH reading was between 7.0 and 7.2. If it was between 6.7 and 7.0, add 6 oz. for every 5,000 gallons of water. If it was below 6.7, add 8 oz. for every 5,000 gallons of water.

Step 4

Stir the water/soda ash mixture slowly to dilute the soda ash. You are just pre-dissolving the soda ash so that it will mix well in your pool, so the exact concentration of soda ash to water in the bucket is not important.

Step 5

Slowly pour the diluted soda ash into the deep end of the pool, as far from the wall and any filters or jets as you can.

Step 6

Wait for as long as it takes for the water in the pool to completely cycle, according to your filter's manual.

Step 7

Take another pH test. If levels are still outside recommended ranges, go back to Step 2.

Warning

Do not let the soda ash or the soda ash mixture come in contact with your skin, eyes or clothing.

Do not add more chlorine to raise the pH level. An over-concentration of chlorine can be harmful to swimmers.

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