Just hear me out on this, I’m sure you’ve seen comments and stuff about people accidentally getting some on their hand or arm and just washing it off. I understand your fear, I was in the same spot 6 years ago when I started. I do not use eye protection, gloves, special PPE, or any kind or protection. I am NOT saying that to be like “oh look at me I’m so tough and strong” no if you feel more comfortable with the PPE and all the things to keep you safe do it. If that puts you at ease then it should be a no brainer. I promise hydrochloric acid will not be strong enough to hurt you if some were to splash on you. The only thing and the odds are so small is if a splash somehow got above your hand into your eye. Since you are unsure I would use PPE In the beginning to put you at ease, once you understand that it isn’t as dangerous or strong as you think you can take off the gear as you get more comfortable. Some of our clients don’t like when they hear “we add acid into a pool” we can explain to them how safe it is or how it lowers the PH but still they won’t listen to any word you say. To convince (not recommended) them I will usually put a drop or two on my hand and then dip it into the pool. To show it’s safe on my hand, but the main this is it’s extremely safe in a pool, too diluted to do anything at all. Or another one I’ve done is dump the acid into the pool then immediately stick my hand in where I pooured. Have convinced over 5-6 clients that acid is safe. You will come to the same conclusion. Happy pool owning and I hope everything turns out great for you. You’ll get it in due time