Balancing Double Replacement Equations: HCl + NaOH

[touma]

I have a lab report to do with some different reactions to balance. I'm having a little trouble with a few so pleasee help!

In the following Double Replacement Reaction equation:
HCl + NaOH ---> NaCl + H2O

How can I balance this equation? When balancing it, do I need to regard the Hydroxide as different elements or just as one compound. If I thought them as different elements, there would be 1 H on one side of the yield and two H on the other side.
If that was the case, I would just add another H to the left side of the yield sign but then the Oxygens woul dbe unequal causing a chain reactio of problems!
Sorry if this is confusing, but please help!
Thanks!

 

[PPonte]

touma, I think it is already balanced.

 

[touma]

Oh ok! So the OH acts seperatly! Ok thanks.

 

[dav2008]

You want to count elements.

There are 2 hydrogens on the left and 2 on the right.
There is 1 oxygen on the left and 1 on the right.
Same for sodium and chloride.

If you want to see it in terms of cations and anions you can look at it as:

HCl + NaOH ---> NaCl + HOH