Why does this muriatic acid calculator ask for alkalinity?
Total alkalinity buffers pH movement. A pool at 140 ppm alkalinity usually needs more acid to move from pH 8.0 to 7.5 than the same pool at 70 ppm alkalinity.
Free Pool Tool | Ellis County, TX
Lower pH with a conservative acid dose that accounts for pool gallons and alkalinity.
Calculator
Fractions like 1/4 or 1/8 work in number fields. Results are planning estimates, not a binding service diagnosis.
Result
Acid demand changes with alkalinity. Dose conservatively, circulate, then retest.
Pro Take
Don't love handling muriatic acid? You do not have to. A&M tests, doses, and balances pools weekly without you opening the bottle.
How to test
Use fresh pH and total alkalinity readings before adding acid.
Companion Guide
Read the paired blog post for the plain-English version of the chemistry, testing, and common homeowner mistakes.
Read the guideFAQ
Total alkalinity buffers pH movement. A pool at 140 ppm alkalinity usually needs more acid to move from pH 8.0 to 7.5 than the same pool at 70 ppm alkalinity.
Select the strength printed on your bottle, usually 31.45% or 14.5% muriatic acid. A weaker acid requires more fluid ounces for the same pH correction.
For a large pH drop, add part of the result, circulate, and retest before adding more. The calculator is intentionally conservative because acid demand is an estimate, not a lab titration.