Used sodium bisulfate instead of muriatic acid to lower pH - damage to SWG?

[cinergi]

Hello,

First-time poster and pool owner here. I've been reading as much as I can about balancing pool chemistry. My levels are OK except my pH which was a bit high (8.2) so I added 2.6 cups of dry acid (sodium bisulfate). I have a Hayward Aquarite SWG and I only read afterwards that Hayward does not recommend sodium bisulfate as it can damage the cell, recommending instead muriatic acid.

I've purchased some muriatic acid for future use, but is it likely that I've damaged my SWG cell by adding the 2.6 cups of sodium bisulfate? My pool is 58,000 liters.

Thanks,
cinergi

 

[zea3]

I think longtime use of sodium bisulfate is problematic. Just use MA in the future if you need to drop pH.

 

[cinergi]

I think longtime use of sodium bisulfate is problematic. Just use MA in the future if you need to drop pH.

Thanks! I will definitely use muriatic acid as needed in the future.

 

[cinergi]

OK, I bought some muriatic acid and will add it tonight (pH is at 8.2). The Pool School instructions say to add it in front of a return, but is there any chance of damaging my pool equipment if the acid gets suctioned before it's had a chance to fully dilute? I ask because my return will blow the acid into the middle of the pool, where the main suction is located (8 feet down at the bottom).

Also, should I turn off my SWG while I add the acid, and if so, how long should I wait before turning it back on (assuming the circulation pump is running the entire time)?

Thanks,
cinergi

 

[mknauss]

To more thoroughly mix the acid use your pool brush to make a few passes around the area you pour the acid if it is a concern. The acid is heavier than water so a few passes of the brush mixes it well.

No need to shut off the SWCG during the add.

Thanks for posting.

Take care.

 

[chiefwej]

Acid dilutes and mixes in very quickly, no cause for concern.