Why is there a shortage of muriatic acid?

As expected, demand for those non-stabilized chlorine types–mainly liquid chlorine–has increased substantially. Anyone paying attention noticed multiple price increases in 2021 alone. On top of that, the chlorine shortage led to a shortage of muriatic acid too.

Is there a shortage of muriatic acid for pools?

And in non-stabilized pools, a high pH means a lower percentage of Hypochlorous acid (%HOCl), which means weaker chlorine. It's 2021, and due to the chlorine shortage, there is now a muriatic acid shortage.

Why is there a pool acid shortage?

The shortage started last August, when a fire sparked by Hurricane Laura destroyed the Louisiana chemical plant that makes most of the country's chlorine tablets. The pandemic-fueled increase in backyard pools has exacerbated the situation by spiking demand. Some cities delayed planned openings.

Will there be a pool chemical shortage in 2022?

A combo of pandemic-related increased demand, and the tragic destruction of a key chlorine manufacturer have led to 2022's swimming pool chlorine shortage.

Why did the price of muriatic acid go up?

Most chemical producers put the increase into effect during the first week of October. “Our suppliers informed us that demand has just skyrocketed, while supply has not,” said Diane Carlson, owner of Blue Sky Pool Supply in Los Gatos, Calif. “So, as a result, their muriatic acid prices have gone up across the board.”

Most Common Sign of Low Stomach Acid is...

Where do I find 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.

Why is pool chlorine so expensive 2022?

Increased demand.

As COVID concerns curtailed vacations, more American homeowners put their money in their backyards. Swimming pool construction surged during the pandemic, with many contractors reporting order backlogs well into 2022. More pools mean more demand for chlorine.

Is there a shortage of swimming pool chemicals?

Two major factors are leading to the shortage. High demand from a pandemic swimming pool boom and a major chemical plant fire in Louisiana that devastated production capacity.

Can I use bleach in my pool?

Clorox itself recommends using between 100 and 200 ounces of regular-strength bleach per 10,000 gallons of pool water -- one gallon is 128 ounces, and many bottles of bleach are available in one-gallon or half-gallon sizes. Pool professionals tend to recommend more conservative amounts of bleach.

Will chlorine prices go down in 2022?

Most people do that with chlorine. Unfortunately, for the past couple of summers, chlorine has been hard to find. The good news is there's a light at the end of the tunnel; chlorine prices are expected to come down as the supply goes up. The bad news is that probably won't happen until 2023.

Why are pool chemicals so expensive this year?

According to experts, there is a chlorine shortage due to a swimming pool boom and a fire at a chemical plant in Louisiana. This shortage will make it more expensive to keep pools clean.

Why is pool chlorine still so expensive?

Chlorine prices have nearly doubled since last summer, and pool owners are now wondering why. “One of the main reasons is that there was a fire in a Louisiana plant. This plant produced 35% of America's chlorine tablets,” said Paul Healy, owner of Splash Pool Supply in South Windsor.

What is a substitute for 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.

Is hydrochloric acid the same as muriatic acid?

Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride. It is a colorless solution with a distinctive pungent smell. It is classified as a strong acid.

Which is stronger sulfuric acid or muriatic acid?

The more negative the pKa, the stronger the acid. An acid like sulfuric acid that can give away two hydrogen ions has two pKas. The pKa1 for sulfuric acid is -3, while its pKa2 is 1.99. The pKa for muriatic acid, by contrast, is -7.

Can you use pool shock instead of chlorine?

SKIMMER NOTES: No. Chlorine and shock are not the same thing.

Shock has a more intense chemical strength than the traditional chlorine sanitizers, and it also differs in how you should apply it to your swimming pool. Short answer: No.

Is liquid chlorine better than tablets?

We dive in and find out. Liquid chlorine is preferred over chlorine tablets by pool professionals however home swimming pools will benefit too. Liquid chlorine quickly raises or maintains chlorine levels without raising stabilizer. Chlorine tablets maintain chlorine levels and add stabilizer to the pool water.

Should you shock your pool every week?

Shocking your pool regularly will help to keep the water clean and free of contaminants. You should aim to shock your pool about once a week, with the additional shock after heavy use. Some tell-tale signs that your pool needs to be shocked are cloudy, foamy, green, or odourous water.

What is an alternative to chlorine in pools?

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. All four have drawbacks, including cost. Chlorine is relatively cheap.

What can I use instead of pool shock?

Common unscented household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) works well to shock a pool.

What can I use instead of chlorine tablets in pool?

Chlorinating Liquid is a popular choice among pool owners and can be used as a substitute when chlorinating tablets may be unavailable. Chlorinating liquid is not stabilized, which means it may require a chlorine stabilizer to help the chlorine last longer.

Does Lowe's have muriatic acid?

Jasco 1-Gallon Muriatic Acid at Lowes.com.

Is all muriatic acid the same for pools?

It is commonly used to clean and lower pH levels on brick walls to help paint stick better. The muriatic acid in pools is similar but has a lower concentration of hydrogen chloride, and it is often used to deep-clean and break down the residue found in pool filters.

Does salt and vinegar make hydrochloric acid?

When vinegar is mixed with salt, the acetic acid in the vinegar reacts with the sodium chloride or salt to produce sodium acetate and hydrochloric acid. The hydrochloric acid is a strong acid.