Spirits of Salt, also known as Hydrochloric Acid, is a powerful and highly corrosive mineral acid with a wide range of applications. This acid is primarily used for industrial purposes, such as etching concrete and brick surfaces, and is essential in the pickling of steel to remove rust and iron oxide. It is also commonly used in laboratories as a reagent and in pool maintenance to lower pH levels in water. This product is ideal for tasks that require precise cleaning and surface treatment.
Common Uses of Spirits of Salt
- Brick Paver Cleaning: Effectively removes dirt, stains, and buildup on brick and paver surfaces.
- Concrete Cleaning: Suitable for cleaning concrete surfaces and preparing them for coatings.
- Surface Rust Removal: Used to remove rust from steel and iron surfaces.
- Acid Washing: Cleans and preps surfaces for additional treatments or coatings.
- pH Reduction: Lowers pH in water, especially useful for pools, hot tubs, and spas.
- Concrete Etching: Prepares concrete surfaces for overlaying or resealing.
Dilution Guidelines
- Brick Paver Cleaning: Mix 1 part acid with 25 parts water.
- Exposing Aggregate: Mix 1 part acid with 16 parts water.
- Overlaying Old Concrete: Mix 1 part acid with 8 parts water.
- Acid Washing: Mix 1 part acid with 10 parts water.
- Concrete Cleaning: Mix 1 part acid with 20 parts water.
pH Adjustment for Pools
Spirits of Salt is widely used to lower the pH levels in pools, which should be kept between 7.2 and 7.8. Below is a basic guide for adjusting pool pH levels with Spirits of Salt.
| pH Level |
Litres of Water |
Acid Required (ml) |
| 7.9 – 8.0 |
10,000 litres |
125 ml |
| 8.0 – 8.1 |
10,000 litres |
141 ml |
| 8.1 – 8.2 |
10,000 litres |
156 ml |
Note: If a high pH requires a larger quantity than shown, add the acid in increments, waiting 6 hours between applications. For instance, in a 50,000-litre pool, apply a maximum of 500 ml at a time.
Bulk Supply Information
As bulk suppliers of Hydrochloric Acid in New Zealand, we recommend that industrial customers download and review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for detailed safety and handling instructions.
Applications & Uses
Spirits of Salt, commonly known as Hydrochloric Acid (HCl), is a highly versatile and powerful cleaning, descaling, and industrial chemical used in various applications. It is a strong acid that effectively removes mineral deposits, rust, and scale, making it essential in cleaning, construction, and industrial processes.
- Cleaning & Descaling:
- Used to remove rust, limescale, and mineral buildup from surfaces.
- Effective in cleaning and maintaining brick, concrete, and stone surfaces.
- Essential for descaling water systems, boilers, and heat exchangers.
- Construction & Masonry Work:
- Used to clean excess mortar and cement from bricks and tiles after construction.
- Helps in etching concrete before applying coatings, paints, or adhesives.
- Assists in pH balancing in cement formulations.
- Swimming Pool Maintenance:
- Regulates pH levels in swimming pools by neutralizing excess alkalinity.
- Helps in breaking down organic matter and mineral buildup in pool water.
- Metal Cleaning & Processing:
- Used in pickling processes to remove oxidation and scale from metals before further processing.
- Aids in preparing metals for galvanization or electroplating.
- Household & Commercial Cleaning:
- Used as a powerful toilet bowl cleaner to dissolve stubborn stains and deposits.
- Industrial-strength drain cleaner to remove blockages caused by grease, hair, and mineral deposits.
- Agriculture & Water Treatment:
- Helps in pH adjustment of soil and water in agricultural applications.
- Used in wastewater treatment plants for neutralization and purification processes.
- Chemical Manufacturing:
- Serves as a key ingredient in producing various chemicals such as fertilizers, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
Potential Customers & Industries
- Construction & Masonry Businesses:
- Builders and contractors
- Bricklayers and tilers
- Concrete and cement manufacturers
- Stone and tile cleaning services
- Swimming Pool Maintenance & Water Treatment:
- Pool cleaning companies
- Public swimming pools and water parks
- Water treatment facilities
- Agricultural irrigation system managers
- Metal Fabrication & Manufacturing:
- Metalworking shops
- Galvanization and electroplating industries
- Welding and automotive repair shops
- Industrial & Commercial Cleaning Services:
- Janitorial and facility maintenance services
- Hotel and hospitality cleaning teams
- Industrial cleaning companies for heavy-duty scale removal
- Homeowners & DIY Enthusiasts:
- Households looking for strong descaling agents
- DIY renovators and home improvement professionals
- Chemical Processing & Manufacturing Plants:
- Fertilizer manufacturers
- Paint and coating manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical companies
Safety & Handling:
Usage: Commonly used for cleaning concrete and brick, removing surface rust, and adjusting pool pH.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from metals and out of reach of children.
Handling Precautions: Always wear protective equipment (gloves, goggles, mask) when handling this acid. Avoid inhaling fumes and direct contact with skin.
Disposal: Dispose of any unused solution in accordance with local regulations.
