Acid Washing for Pools
Acid washing a pool involves using a mild acid solution to remove stains, buildup, and discoloration from the pool’s surface. This treatment is used when stains are caused by high chlorine levels, hard water, chemical buildup, or when the surface has become rough or discolored due to algae or other contaminants. Acid washing can serve as both a preventative measure and a way to restore a pool’s appearance after neglect. As a general rule, a well-maintained pool typically requires an acid wash once every 5–10 years.​​
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Your Pool Needs an Acid Wash if it has...
Stains: Pools can develop stains over time from high chlorine levels, hard water, or other chemicals. An acid wash effectively removes these stains and restores the pool’s appearance.
Algae Buildup: Algae can grow on the pool surface, leaving discoloration and a slimy or rough texture. An acid wash removes the algae and restores the smooth finish of the pool.
Discoloration: Pools may become discolored due to chemical imbalances, poor water circulation, or prolonged sun exposure. An acid wash removes the discoloration and brings back the pool’s natural color.
Poor Water Quality: Neglected pools can develop cloudy water, pH imbalances, or high levels of contaminants. Acid washing helps improve water quality by removing buildup and contaminants from the plaster’s surface.
Preparation for Resurfacing: Acid washing is an essential step if you plan to resurface your pool. It is typically required before replastering or applying a new surface material to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish.
Is Acid Washing Really Necessary?
If a pool is not acid washed every 5–10 years as a preventative measure, stains, algae, discoloration, and other contaminants can build up on the surface. The top layer of plaster becomes brittle and more porous, making these issues worse over time. Left untreated, the pool can appear dull, dingy, and uninviting.
Additionally, if you don’t acid wash your pool, the buildup of dirt and grime can affect water chemistry, making it harder to maintain proper pH and chemical balance. This can lead to problems such as cloudy water, pH imbalances, and high levels of contaminants.
Acid washing your pool every 5–10 years can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Without it, the accumulation of dirt and minerals, combined with difficulty maintaining balanced water, can cause permanent damage to the pool’s surface—making it more prone to cracking, chipping, and peeling. The only way to repair this damage is a complete pool resurfacing, which can cost thousands of dollars.
We Are Well Equipped
Acid washing a pool requires skill and experience to be performed safely and effectively. The process uses a hydrochloric acid solution, which, if handled improperly, can damage the pool surface or cause serious injury.
We have:
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Familiarity with different types of acid solutions and their pH levels, and the ability to determine the appropriate solution based on the type of stain or discoloration on the pool surface.
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Knowledge of proper application methods and techniques, including which pressure gauge will yield the best results.
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Understanding of the correct handling and disposal of acid solutions.
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Experience with pool maintenance and water chemistry, allowing us to balance pH levels after the acid wash and ensure your pool is safe for swimming.
How We Do It
We begin by draining your pool in accordance with your city’s local regulations and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. This is done the day before the acid wash treatment, as the process typically takes about a day to complete.
Once the pool is drained, we brush and wash it to remove any dirt or debris. Next, we spray the pool with a concentrated, commercial-grade muriatic acid solution. The dwell time can last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, and reapplication may be necessary depending on the severity of the stains.
After the treatment is complete and the acid solution has been thoroughly rinsed, the pool is refilled—usually taking about a day and a half. Following this, your pool goes through the start-up chemical process to balance the water and help prevent future algae growth.
We take care of your pool at every step, ensuring it is safe, clean, and ready to enjoy at the end of the process.
Acid vs Chlorine Washing
Acid washing is a more aggressive process that removes a thin layer of the pool’s surface. It is used to eliminate stains and discoloration caused by factors other than organic growth, such as calcium buildup and other contaminants.
If the stains or discoloration are caused solely by organic matter, we perform a chlorine wash instead. A chlorine wash kills the organic matter, effectively removing the stains and discoloration. While the two treatments follow very similar procedures, acid washing is only used when a chlorine wash would not be sufficient.
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