What is muriatic acid commonly used for in pool maintenance?

Muriatic acid is commonly used in pool maintenance for decreasing pH levels. Maintaining the correct pH balance is crucial for the overall health of the pool and for the comfort of swimmers. A high pH level can lead to problems such as scaling, cloudy water, and reduced effectiveness of chlorine. By adding muriatic acid, which is a strong acid, pool operators can effectively lower the pH to an ideal range, typically between 7.2 and 7.8.

Using muriatic acid also helps to prevent and address issues like poor chlorination, as proper pH levels enhance chlorine's ability to disinfect the water. Regular testing and adjustment of pH using muriatic acid or other chemicals is an essential aspect of maintaining a safe and enjoyable swimming environment.