The amount of muriatic acid to add to a pool depends on the pool size and the current pH level. Here are general guidelines:
- For a 10,000-gallon pool:
- pH 7.6-7.8: add about 12 ounces
- pH 7.8-8.0: add about 16 ounces
- pH 8.0-8.4: add about 24 ounces
- For a 15,000-gallon pool:
- pH 7.6-7.8: add about 18 ounces
- pH 7.8-8.0: add about 24 ounces (about 1 quart)
- pH 8.0-8.4: add about 1.5 quarts
- For larger pools, increase proportionally (e.g., 20,000 gallons: 24-48 ounces depending on pH)
A general rule is that 20 ounces of muriatic acid will lower alkalinity by 10 ppm in 10,000 gallons of water
. How to add muriatic acid safely:
- Always wear protective gear: goggles, gloves, long sleeves, and boots
- Turn on the pool pump to circulate water before adding acid
- Dilute the acid in water at a 1:10 ratio (one part acid to ten parts water) in an acid-resistant bucket. Always add acid to water, never water to acid to avoid dangerous splashes
- Slowly pour the diluted acid around the pool perimeter, avoiding pool surfaces to prevent damage
- Wait at least an hour before swimming; retest pH and add more acid gradually if needed
Avoid adding too much acid at once to prevent pH dropping too low, which can cause skin irritation and damage pool metals
. In summary, start with about 12-24 ounces per 10,000 gallons depending on pH, dilute properly, add slowly with circulation on, and retest after a few hours to adjust as needed
