Your aim as a responsible pool owner is to keep your pool spotless, sparkling, and secure. Even while maintaining the balance of all the chemicals in your pool can be challenging, it doesn’t have to be a full-time job.
It can be overwhelming, but we’re about to significantly simplify your life. Focus on pH and water alkalinity as your main considerations. The cornerstone for chemical harmony in your pool is these two parameters.
When it comes to regular pool maintenance, high pH and water alkalinity are two frequent problems. Sodium bisulfate, a sanity-preserving vitamin, can resolve both of these problems.
Why Is Acid Used in Swimming Pools?
In pools, acid is administered as needed to lower pH and lower total alkalinity. When water is introduced to an acid, which includes a lot of hydrogen ions (H+), it turns bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and carbonate ions (CO32-) into carbonic acid (H2CO3). Lowering the pH, carbonic acid is CO2(aq) that has been dissolved.
To illustrate how the equilibrium of carbonates changes when acid is added, travel left along the chart:
Swimming pools would typically be functioning at a pH above 8.0 if acid wasn’t there to correct the pH’s natural rise. Because of this, it is difficult to keep a balanced LSI, especially during the summer when the water is heated. Additionally, a high pH results in a lower percentage of hypochlorous acid (%HOCl), which results in weaker chlorine in non-stabilized pools.
Muriatic acid is the most typical acid in swimming pools. Hydrochloric acid is dilute in muriatic acid (HCl). Pools most frequently utilize muriatic acid, which is 31.45% HCl. Whatever acid you choose to use, make sure to accurately measure, dose, and dilute it before putting it in the pool.
What Is Sodium Bisulfate?
When sulfuric acid and a sodium base, such as sodium chloride or sodium hydroxide, are mixed, sodium bisulfate, often referred to as sodium hydrogen sulphate, is formed.
As you are probably aware, the outcome of mixing acids and bases is typically a neutralized solution of the two. However, in this instance, the pH of the sodium bisulfate, which is still quite acidic, is only partially neutralized.
Numerous names are used for sodium bisulfate. You may have heard it referred to as sodium hydrosulfite, monosodium hydrogen sulphate, sodium acid sulphate, dry acid, acid salt, and sodium salt of sulfuric acid. Nitre cake and niter cake are two more, less obvious names.
Its chemical name is HNaO4S, and it functions as a cleaning agent, pH adjuster, fungicide, herbicide, and anti-microbial agent in a number of household items. Sodium bisulfate is an acidity regulator used in pool maintenance that lowers the pH and total alkalinity of your pool water.
Sodium Bisulfate Formula
Here is the sodium bisulfate formula, below:
NaCl + H2SO4 → HCl + NaHSO4
Salt + Sulfuric Acid → Hydrochloric Acid + Sodium Bisulfate
Pros of Sodium Bisulfate:
Reducer for Pool & Hot Tub Spa pH
- Environmental and non-toxic
- Small and convenient to store
- Rapid and efficient lowering of pH and alkalinity
- works in spas and swimming pools (hot tubs)
pH Reducer from In The Swim
- A bag covers the bucket so that it can be closed after usage.
- a good deal for the money
Cons of Sodium Bisulfate:
- The sodium bisulfate concentration in relation to other ingredients is not specified on the container.
- more expensive than muriatic acid since it is weaker.
- lacks clear information on how to operate it.
- more expensive than muriatic acid due to its weakness.
- Rapid and efficient lowering of pH and alkalinity
- works in spas and swimming pools (hot tubs)
Sodium Bisulfate Fun Facts:
- It’s a salt with acid.
- It is extremely soluble in water.
- It is light in weight.
- When exposed to water, it disintegrates.
- It’s typically steady
- It corrodes flesh and metals.
Sodium bisulfate is a crystalline solid that is white, gritty, and easily dissolved in water. It can be kept and used as needed. Even while it may not be something you use frequently, it can save your life if the chemicals in your pool are out of balance.
Also Read: How To Remove Copper from The Pool? Here’s an Amazing Guide
Is Sodium Bisulfate a pH Increaser or A pH Decreaser?
In the pool and spa industry, the terms pH Down and pH Decreaser is used interchangeably to refer to any item that can lower the pH of pool or spa water. In this sense, sodium bisulfate and muriatic acid are both compounds that reduce pH. Both are effective in bringing down the pH and overall alkalinity of pool water.
Why It’s Important for Your Pool?
The most crucial aspect of pool upkeep is keeping your pool sparkling clean. Chlorine is by far the most effective tool in your pool maintenance toolbox for achieving this. However, if your pH or water alkalinity levels are out of balance, chlorine won’t be able to accomplish its job effectively.
Utilizing sodium bisulfate in your pool aids in maintaining these critical readings at the right levels, preventing hazy water, stopping equipment corrosion, keeping bacteria and other microorganisms out of your pool water, and generally assisting chlorine in living its best life.
Alternative to Sodium Bisulfate: Muriatic Acid
The diluted form of hydrochloric acid is known as muriatic acid, a very corrosive and dangerous chemical.
Muriatic acid is most frequently found as a liquid acid that is manufactured commercially and offered for sale in 1-gallon jugs. They are often marketed in both a 15% concentration version and a 30% concentration version (at pool stores) (at hardware stores).
Muriatic acid is also utilized as a household cleaning agent, particularly when it comes to removing stains and cleaning grout, in addition to being used to swiftly lower the pH and alkalinity of pool water.
Sodium Bisulfate vs Muriatic Acid
In the pool business, sodium bisulfate is offered at a concentration of 93.2%. Even if that sounds high, muriatic is still a weaker acid in terms of volume. One gallon (128 fl. oz.) of muriatic acid is about comparable to 10.5 pounds (168 oz) of sodium bisulfate, according to onBalance and other sources.
In order to achieve the same result, 1.31 ounces of sodium bisulfate are required for every ounce of muriatic acid. This helps to explain why muriatic acid is more expensive than sodium bisulfate for pools. See the dosage table above for more information.
Although each has advantages and disadvantages, sodium bisulfate and muriatic acid are both suitable solutions for reducing the pH and alkalinity in your pool. Although sodium bisulfate is safer but more expensive, muriatic acid is more effective but risky to handle. Your demands will ultimately determine which choice you select.
Muriatic Acid Price
Muriatic acid’s price is influenced by the product’s quantity and concentration. Muriatic acid typically costs $20 to $25 per gallon.
Sodium Bisulfate Price
Like muriatic acid, the price of sodium bisulfate is influenced by the product’s quantity and concentration. A 2-pound pail of sodium bisulfate typically costs $18.
Sodium Bisulfate vs Muriatic Acid: Which Is Less Expensive?
Muriatic acid is more affordable per dosage when used to reduce pool alkalinity and pH. Sodium bisulfate costs $9 per dose, compared to $7 for muriatic acid. This is based on lowering the pH in a 17,000 gal (77,284 L) pool from 7.9 to 7.5.
Sodium Bisulfate vs Muriatic Acid: Which Is Better for Pools?
Since muriatic acid doesn’t add sulfates to the water, it is probably a superior choice for the majority of swimming pools. Muriatic acid also has a quicker onset of action and costs less per dosage.
When Should You Use Sodium Bisulfate in Your Swimming Pool?
As a pool owner, you want to keep your pool healthy, spotless, and clear. It’s the most crucial aspect of maintaining your pool. Nobody enjoys swimming in a cloudy, algae-covered pool, after all.
Your go-to ingredient for maintaining your pool is probably chlorine. But occasionally, it need a little extra assistance. Something, you know, that will make the chlorine’s work a little bit simpler. Because if I know anything, it’s that unbalanced chlorine levels won’t do any good for a pool.
Surfaces and pool equipment may be prone to corrosion or accumulation when the pH and alkalinity levels in a pool are off. The water itself will get murky and unclean-looking. Additionally, swimming in these conditions may cause severe skin and eye irritation.
This is because the unlevel circumstances lead the chlorine molecules to break down considerably more quickly, making your pool vulnerable to a variety of issues.
Also Read: How to Remove Urine from Pool: An Ultimate Guide in 2022
How to Lower pH Using Sodium Bisulfate in The Pool?
Testing the chemistry of the water in your pool is the only way to determine whether sodium bisulfate is necessary. As a responsible pool owner, you are aware that regular testing is essential to maintaining a spotless pool.
Step 1: Test
Check the amount of the chemicals already present in your pool before taking any further action. That is Action 1. The pH of your pool should ideally always be between 7.2 and 7.6. You’re all set if your pH is within this range. However, if it rises above 7.6, it’s time to rebalance.
Step 2: Decide How Much To Add
The results you received from Step 1 will determine how much to add. Add three-quarters of the recommended amount after carefully reading the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s crucial to avoid adding too much.
Step 3: first, Dissolve
Before adding sodium bisulfate to your pool, some manufacturers advise dissolving it in water first. Others advise dilution prior to addition. Your kindergarten abilities will be useful in this situation. Observe instructions.
Step 4: Add The Sodium Bisulfate
If it’s a windy day, be cautious to avoid working with sodium bisulfate, which comes in powder form. Since it is acid, getting it on your skin or clothing could be quite harmful.
For an inground pool, make sure to pour the powder (or mixture) close to the jets and away from the intake/skimmer and the pool’s walls (for above-ground pools). As a result, the substance will have more time to mix evenly with the water and dissolve.
Step 5: Hold off a bit
Give the sodium bisulfate some time to finish its work now. Make coffee or read a magazine while you wait. Mark a few things off your to-do list. Prior to retesting the water or entering the pool, you should wait around 6 hours. Not at all. Avoid even glancing towards the pool.
Step 6: Retest the Water’s PH
Okay, so after six hours of waiting… Six hours have passed, right? I see, excellent. You can now retest the water to determine its pH values. You’re good to go if the water in your pool is properly balanced! Return to Step 2 and add the second quarter, rinse, and repeat if the pH is still too low.
How to Reduce Alkalinity Using Sodium Bisulfate
Since lowering the pH levels would ultimately lower the alkalinity, you should evaluate your water’s alkalinity along with its pH levels.
Check Your Level of Alkalinity
Check the alkalinity of your pool with your kit. The optimal range for this figure is between 80 and 120 parts per million. Adding sodium bisulfate will assist if the reading is greater than 120.
Adding the Sodium Bisulfate
Just as you did earlier, adhere to the directions and only add 3/4 of the suggested amount. But this time, you’ll add it slightly differently (if you have an inground pool). Turn off your jets and don’t use them to disseminate it.
Add sodium bisulfate gradually, then wait at least six hours before retesting.
Considerations for Safety
You should nevertheless exercise some caution even though sodium bisulfate is generally safe and has been deemed safe for humans by the US Food & Drug Administration.
Never swim in the water right after adding sodium bisulfate to your pool. Wait a minimum of six hours instead. Before swimming, evaluate the pool water to ensure that it has a healthy pH and alkalinity level.
Never recklessly add sodium bisulfate to your swimming pool. It needs to be a cautious, gradual procedure. Lack of measurement and excessive addition can cause your levels to change. Finding balance in this way might be challenging.
It should be noted that if sodium bisulfate is added in excess, both the plumbing and the pool’s surface may be harmed.
Conclusion
It could take some time to equal out and balance the chemistry levels in your pool. To get ideal results, you might test your waters, add sodium bisulfate once, wait, then retest. Or, you might find yourself balancing back and forth while attempting to find the perfect levels.
Concerns about the use of sodium bisulfate? Please let me know; I’m pleased to assist.
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