Acid Wash Your Swimming Pool

Acid Wash Pool - How To Acid Wash A Pool

If you are searching for “acid wash pool“, “how to acid wash a pool“, “acid wash pool cost” or “why acid wash pool“, this post should help!

There are a lot of reasons to own a pool, but just like some things, it is necessary to maintain it as well. Most people are fine to use a test kit, add chemicals and clean the pool while others want to use a professional service.

Either way, during the life of your swimming pool acid washing, may come up. For those who have no idea about pool care, this may cause you to ask questions like “What is acid washing?” and “Do I have to do it?”

Why Should A Pool Be Acid Washed?

There are some pools that will have stains or discolored surfaces that develop over time. For instance, magnesium or copper stains can turn plaster from white to blue. A black plaster pool may begin to look gray from calcium deposits. Sometimes these stains can’t be removed with scrubbing alone, and need to be acid washed to remove them. Plus, pools that have issues with hard water or algae growth will actually benefit from being drained, acid washed and then refilled. Acid washing can also be used to remove calcium on pool tile.

What Is Acid Washing?

Acid washing is a process that is done on a pebble tec® or plaster pool to remove a thin layer of the surface to remove stubborn stains and calcium deposits. The pool is drained and the sides scrubbed. Then a solution of muriatic acid and water is applied to remove the top coat of the pool. This is done manually using an acid brush. The residue is then neutralized with soda ash before being rinsed.

How To Acid Wash A Swimming Pool

What you will need: Garden hose, flower watering can, pump and discharge hose, 10-20 gallons of acid, soda ash, clothing, goggles, mask, gloves and boots, screwdriver, chisel and pliers, a little help couldn’t hurt.

Whether your pool is full of green algae, or you just want a clean, fresh-looking pool, acid washing your swimming pool can certainly help. Also called “drain and clean,” swimming pools require this type of cleaning when winterizing the pool isn’t done quickly enough, correctly, or algae has taken over due to lack of use or cared for in a while. The acid washing process basically strips the uppermost layer of plaster to reveal the fresh plaster underneath, so it’s not suggested to do it too often. But every once in a while is a great idea!

  1. Completely drain your swimming pool. As your pool drains, make sure to clean up any rubbish or debris as you go. If your pool has an auto-fill, make sure that you turn it off during the draining process. Once your pool is entirely empty, you can start the acid washing process.
  2. Make sure to protect yourself, as you will be dealing with chemicals. Change into protective gear that includes clothing, goggles, mask, gloves, and boots.
  3. Combine 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of Muriatic acid (remember Muriatic Acid is a dangerous corrosive, strong mineral acid) with 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water in a flower watering can. Acid must be added to the water and not the other way around. Be sure to follow this rule.
  4. Saturate one of the walls of the pool with a hose. The hose should not have a nozzle and water should be constantly running from the hose.
  5. Pour your acid mixture on the pool wall from the top to bottom in 10-foot segments at a time, leaving the acid on the plaster for around 25-30 seconds. During this time, you should be scrubbing and cleaning the pool wall with a pool brush.
  6. Make sure you rinse the section you just acid-washed quickly and thoroughly. Before moving to the next section, make sure you rinse the wall completely, so the acid doesn’t continue to eat at the plaster.
  7. Neutralize the pool using soda ash after the acid wash is finished. The acid washing process will leave a bubbly puddle of residue on the bottom of the pool that has to be removed before it starts to deteriorate the plaster.

How To Neutralize The Pool Using Soda Ash

  • Apply the soda ash to the acid puddle, scrubbing the mixture with a pool brush. You will need to use 2 lb. of soda ash per 1 gallon of the acid.
  • Using a submersible pump, pump the mixture into a bowl or similar.
  • Dispose of what is pumped, as the acid is harmful to plants and animals. Completely rinse out the bowl.
  • Pour clean water over any remaining residue, rinsing carefully around the pool drain.

How Often Should I Acid Wash My Pool?

Because acid washing will remove a thin layer of the surface of the pool, it does not need to be done yearly. Too many treatments will cause the pool to need to be re-plastered. Pools that have thin, old plaster should not be acid washed and sometimes a deep stain will not respond to acid washing. In that case, re-plastering is best. A professional will test the pool first to see if acid washing will help.

Best Time Of The Year For Pool Acid Washing 

Spring and winter are the best times to consider acid washing your pool, so at Above All Pool Care decided to provide you with basic information to help answer questions you may have.

How Much Does Pool Acid Washing Cost?

The cost of acid washing will depend on the size of your pool. For an average sized pool, it could range between $178$255 or $0.06 to $0.51 a square foot. Learn more about pool acid wash costs.

Helpful Tools To Maintain Pool Surfaces:

Pool Stain Remover is a great maintenance product that will remove stains caused by tannin, rust, manganese, iron, and copper. A great product to test out before having acid washing done.

You can also scrub away gross algae stains with a tough, durable algae brush. Regular scrubbing means less money, less hassle, and less work in the long run.

Lastly, a basic pool brush is going to be your first line of defense against stains and pool scum. Regular brushing between your regular maintenance will prevent build up on the pool surface.

Pool Acid Washing Services 

If you happen to live in the Gilbert, Chandler or Scottsdale area and could use pool acid washing services, give Above All Pool Care a call today at 480-370-1714  or visit or acid washing page for more information.

Let Above All Pool Care educate and equip you for your year-round swimming season.