What Is Muriatic Acid?

Muriatic acid is a strong, corrosive, inorganic mineral acid that is soluble in water. It is made by absorbing hydrogen chloride in water. When muriatic acid is diluted in water it becomes hypocloric acid, which is also strong. Muriatic acid can be very destructive, yet at the same time quite useful.

Dangers of Muriatic Acid

Muriatic acid can cause burns to skin and eyes, so it is important to always use gloves and eye protection when working with it. Any prolonged exposure to fumes from muriatic acid can cause breathing difficulties, skin and eye irritation, and discoloration of skin and teeth.

Helpful Uses of Muriatic Acid

1. Swimming Pools

If your pool water is too alkaline, adding muriatic acid will bring up the PH level to proper proportions. Slowly add 1 part muriatic acid to 10 to 20 parts water, and add it carefully to pool water to raise the PH.

2. Masonry

Muriatic acid is used to clean mortar from brick and to etch concrete. Masonry is too alkaline to accept paint well. Using muriatic acid to clean it raises the PH and allows it to be painted successfully. Dilute as above, apply the solution and rinse thoroughly.

Extreme caution should always be used when coming into contact with muriatic acid.