The muriatic acid most commonly used in pools is 31.45% HCl. Regardless of the acid you use, measure and dose it correctly and dilute it prior to adding it to the pool. Here’s a video showing why dilution is so essential: It’s 2021, and due to the chlorine shortage, there is now a muriatic acid shortage.
Why is there a shortage of pool acid?
The shortage stems from a fire at a chlorine plant last year. BioLab, a leading chemical plant that manufactures pool and spa treatment products, caught fire on Aug. 27, 2020—and the chlorine shortage stems from that incident, USA Today reports.
Is there a shortage of pool chemicals?
A year after many public pools across the country shuttered due to the pandemic, some of them are being forced to close again thanks to the ongoing shortage of chlorine. Those that aren’t closing are warily keeping an eye on the rising cost of chlorine, which has nearly doubled in some places.
Where can I get muriatic acid?
Muriatic acid is used to remove excess mortar from bricks and to balance the pH of swimming pools, so it can often be found at both home centers and pool supply stores. Look for it in the building supply or gardening sections.
What is a substitute for muriatic acid for pools?
Certol ACID Magic is a muriatic acid alternative that will safely and effectively clean, clarify your pool water and etch pool surface concrete. Use ACID Magic exactly as you would standard muriatic acid. Up to 90% less fumes than standard muriatic acid.
Will chlorine prices go down in 2022?
Rising Costs of Chlorine in 2022
Between high demand and material availability, we have seen multiple price increases across every channel in our industry. Does this mean that the cost of chlorine is going to keep rising? Unfortunately, yes. We expect chlorine costs to continue to rise next year.
Why is there a shortage of chlorine in 2021?
The factors of COVID-19 isolation, an increased demand for backyard pools and the Louisiana fire have combined to create the worst chlorine shortage the country has ever seen.
Are chlorine tablets in short supply?
Between the pandemic and a catastrophic fire, the U.S. is currently experiencing a major shortage of chlorine tablets. But it doesn’t have to end your summer swimming fun. The COVID-19 pandemic caused waves in the world of shipping and manufacturing, leading to shortages of appliances, lumber, electronics, and more.
Is there still a shortage of chlorine tablets?
Chlorine tablets are still being produced and delivered to retail stores during this temporary shortage. Until the supply chain is normalized, we’ve made it easier for you to find stores that have product in-stock.
Is liquid chlorine in short supply?
Even liquid chlorine storage containers are in tight supply. This isn’t a new phenomenon. Of course, there’s a rise and fall; a give-and-take to supply and demand that occurs within basic economics.
What is muriatic acid sold as?
Pool supply stores sell muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate as pH reducers.
Is there another name for muriatic acid?
CAS Number: 7647-01-0 Synonyms: hydrochloric acid, Muriatic acid, HCl Chemical Formula: HCl, aqueous Molecular Weight: 36.46 Description: Muriatic acid is a clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid and has a pungent irritating odor.
What household products contain muriatic acid?
Hydrochloric acid can be an ingredient in household cleaners such as toilet bowl cleaners, bathroom tile cleaners and other porcelain cleaners, due to its corrosive properties that help clean tough stains.
What is as good as muriatic acid?
Phosphoric acid is a good substitute for muriatic acid and in most situations will clean surfaces just as well with less risk. Phosphoric acid is a main ingredient in many commercial grout and concrete cleaners that are readily available to consumers.
Can I use vinegar to lower pH in pool?
Ordinary household vinegar could in theory be used to lower the pH of your pool. The pH of vinegar is about 2.5, which is quite acidic when compared to your pool water. Household vinegar is very weak though (when compared to a strong acid like muriatic acid), so you would need quite a bit to lower pH.
Can I use vinegar to lower the pH in my swimming pool?
If you want to lower the water’s pH, you can measure it and pour it directly into the water. White household or apple cider vinegar can be used.
Will there be a pool shortage in 2022?
Chlorine Shortage 2022: The Nation’s Chlorine Supply Takes Yet Another Potential Hit. *Update: Fortunately, it does not appear that this factory fire has resulted in any major chlorine loss and will not contribute to the expected ongoing chlorine shortage in 2022.
Where do they make chlorine tablets?
That boom, experts say, created even more demand for chlorine. Then a manufacturing facility of one of the country’s major suppliers of chlorine tablets, BioLab, burned down last August, right after Hurricane Laura. The plant, located near Lake Charles, Louisiana, expects to resume operations by spring 2022.
Is the chlorine plant rebuilding?
The new facility will replace the old manufacturing plant and restore the jobs that were lost resulting from its destruction. It is expected to be completed in 2022.
Why is pool salt in short supply?
Several factors, including COVID-19 and a massive fire at a chlorine plant, are responsible for the chlorine shortage. If you’re a pool owner, you have several alternative options to replace chlorine, including bromine and saltwater pools.
Is there an alternative to chlorine in a pool?
There are alternatives to chlorine including bromine, ionizers, and ozonators, though with each you’ll still need to use some chlorine. A fourth alternative is PHMB, which doesn’t require the use of any chlorine.
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