What is the Difference Between Cyanuric Acid and Muriatic Acid?

Cyanuric acid and muriatic acid are two different chemical compounds that serve different purposes in pool maintenance:

Cyanuric Acid:

• Chemical formula: (CNOH)3
• Also known as chlorine stabilizer
• Used to stabilize chlorine in swimming pools
• Does not noticeably lower pH
• Occurs as a white, odorless solid

Muriatic Acid:

• An aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride
• Also known as hydrochloric acid
• Used to lower the alkalinity and pH of the pool
• Can be used for cleaning grout, stains, and pool filters

The key difference between cyanuric acid and muriatic acid is that cyanuric acid is useful for stabilizing chlorine, whereas muriatic acid is used for lowering the alkalinity and pH of the system. They are not interchangeable and cannot be substituted for each other.

Comparative Table: Cyanuric Acid vs Muriatic Acid

Cyanuric acid and muriatic acid are two different compounds with distinct properties and uses. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

Cyanuric acid is an acidic compound with the chemical formula (CNOH)3 and is used to stabilize chlorine in swimming pools, protecting it from UV degradation. Muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride with the chemical formula HCl. It is used for lowering pH, cleaning stains, and cleaning filters. The two acids serve different purposes and cannot be substituted for each other.