Acid Washing Your Swimming Pool

Restoring Cleanliness and Clean

Over time, your pool’s surface can develop stains, discoloration, or buildup that simple cleaning methods just can’t address. Acid washing is an effective solution for restoring your pool’s appearance and giving it a fresh start. Whether your pool is suffering from years of hard water stains, algae buildup, or general wear and tear, acid washing can bring back its original luster. Here’s everything you need to know about acid washing your pool.

What is Acid Washing?

Acid washing is a process where a mild acid solution is applied to the interior surface of your pool to remove tough stains, mineral buildup, algae, and discoloration. The most commonly used acid for this process is muriatic acid, which safely dissolves these contaminants while leaving the pool's surface cleaner and brighter. It's an effective way to address stubborn stains on plaster or concrete pools, giving them a more polished and refreshed look.

Acid washing should not be done frequently, as it involves the use of acid that can wear down the pool’s surface over time. However, it’s a great solution for certain situations:

Algae and Organic Stains

In cases where algae or organic matter has deeply stained the pool’s surface, an acid wash can restore the appearance and remove deep-set stains.

Hard Water Stains

If your pool has built-up calcium deposits from hard water, it can leave unsightly white stains or scaling on the surface. Acid washing can effectively remove these stains.

Overall Discoloration

If your pool has lost its vibrant color or appears dull due to accumulated dirt, minerals, or chemicals, acid washing can give it a fresh start.

How Acid Washing Works

Acid washing is an effective method for restoring the surface of your pool, particularly when faced with tough stains, mineral buildup, or algae growth. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the acid washing process to ensure a thorough, safe cleaning for your pool:

1. Draining Your Pool

The first step in the acid washing process is to completely drain the pool. This is crucial for ensuring the acid solution works effectively without being diluted by the water. Draining the pool also allows pool professionals to inspect the pool’s surface for any cracks, chips, or areas that may need additional attention before the acid is applied. It’s important that this step is done slowly to avoid causing any structural damage to the pool, especially in plaster or concrete pools. Once the pool is drained, technicians can safely move forward with the cleaning process.

3. Scrubbing & Agitating the Surface

After the acid solution is applied, the pool surface is scrubbed to dislodge and loosen any remaining stains, mineral deposits, and algae. Technicians use specialized brushes—typically stainless steel or nylon brushes—to scrub the pool’s surface without causing damage. The scrubbing action helps lift away even the most stubborn buildup and works in conjunction with the acid solution to remove stains and debris that have built up over time. This step is done in sections to ensure that each part of the pool is thoroughly cleaned, including the sides, bottom, and hard-to-reach corners.

5. Rinsing & Cleaning the Pool Suface

After neutralization, the pool is thoroughly rinsed to remove any remaining acid, neutralizer, and debris. A high-pressure hose or power washer is used to rinse the pool walls and floor, ensuring all traces of the cleaning agents are removed. The water pressure helps wash away loosened stains and debris, leaving the surface clean and clear. This is a critical step in the process because it ensures that no chemical residues are left behind that could harm the newly refilled water or the pool’s surface.

2. Applying the Acid Solution

Once the pool is drained, a diluted solution of muriatic acid and water is carefully applied to the pool’s surface. Muriatic acid is chosen for its effectiveness in breaking down tough stains, algae, and mineral deposits. The acid is spread evenly across the pool’s surface, targeting areas with the most visible staining or discoloration. The acid works by chemically reacting with the minerals and organic matter on the pool’s surface, loosening and breaking them down for easy removal. This step is handled carefully, ensuring the acid is applied only where necessary to prevent surface damage.

4. Neutralizing the Acid

Once the acid has been allowed to react and break down the contaminants, it’s time to neutralize it. A base solution, such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), is applied to the pool’s surface to neutralize any remaining acid. This step is essential to prevent any leftover acidity from damaging the pool’s surface or interfering with the water chemistry. The neutralizing solution effectively cancels out the acid, ensuring a safe environment before the pool is rinsed. Technicians make sure to cover all areas where acid was applied to guarantee that no harmful residues remain on the surface.

6. Refill & Rebalance Your Pool

Once the pool is completely cleaned and rinsed, it is refilled with fresh water. This step is done slowly and carefully to avoid putting too much pressure on the pool structure. After the pool is full, it’s important to test and balance the water’s chemistry, including the pH levels, alkalinity, and chlorine content. Proper chemical balance is essential for maintaining clean, clear water and preventing corrosion or scaling. Finally, technicians will check the pool’s filtration system to ensure it’s working properly and that the pool is safe for swimming again.

The Benefits of Acid Washing

Restores Your Pools Apperance

Acid washing removes years of staining and discoloration, leaving your pool looking brand new.

Improves Pool Surfaces

For pools with buildup, acid washing smoothens the surface and removes rough patches, making it more enjoyable to swim in.

Enhances Cleanliness

It helps remove deep-seated algae and mineral deposits that regular cleaning methods might miss.

Cost-Effective Options

Acid washing can be a more affordable solution than resurfacing or retiling your pool, especially when you just need to address surface stains.

Is Acid Washing Safe for Your Pool?

While acid washing is effective, it should be performed with caution. The acid can wear down pool surfaces if used too frequently or improperly. It’s essential to only perform acid washing when needed and to have it done by a professional to ensure the right dilution and technique.

For plaster or concrete pools, acid washing is a safe method, but for pools with fiberglass or vinyl liners, acid washing can cause irreparable damage. In these cases, alternative cleaning methods should be considered.

How Often Should You Acid Wash Your Pool?

Acid washing is a powerful tool but should be done sparingly. It’s not recommended to acid wash your pool every year. In general, acid washing is best performed every 3–5 years, depending on your pool's condition and the type of stains you’re dealing with. Overuse of acid washing can degrade the pool’s surface, leading to the need for costly repairs or resurfacing in the future.

How Foley Pools Can Help

At Foley Pools, we specialize in professional pool maintenance and restoration, including acid washing. Our team of experts knows the ins and outs of pool surfaces and can assess whether acid washing is the best option for your pool. We use the proper techniques and safe, high-quality materials to ensure your pool looks pristine without compromising its longevity.

Experienced Technicians

Our skilled professionals handle every step of the acid washing process safely and efficiently.

Comprehensive Pool Care

We don’t just focus on cleaning—we ensure your pool’s chemical balance and overall health are in check.

Fast & Reliable Service

We provide quick turnaround times, so your pool is back to looking beautiful and ready for use in no time.

Common Questions About
Pool Acid Washing

  • Acid washing is a cleaning process that involves applying a diluted acid solution to the interior surface of your pool. It is used to remove stubborn stains, mineral deposits, algae, and discoloration that regular cleaning methods can’t address. If your pool has developed hard water stains, deep-set algae, or just looks dull and tired, acid washing can restore its original appearance and smooth out the surface.

  • Acid washing should not be done frequently as it can wear down the pool’s surface over time. Generally, acid washing is recommended every 3–5 years, depending on the condition of your pool. If you have heavy staining or buildup, it may be necessary sooner. However, regular pool maintenance and proper water balance can help extend the time between acid washes.

  • Acid washing is safe when performed by trained professionals who understand how to handle the chemicals and apply them correctly. However, it’s not recommended for pools with fiberglass or vinyl liners, as acid can damage these materials. For concrete or plaster pools, acid washing is an effective cleaning method but should be done sparingly to avoid damage to the surface.

  • Acid washing is highly effective at removing mineral deposits, algae stains, and hard water scaling. It can significantly improve the appearance of a pool, especially when regular cleaning hasn’t been able to eliminate tough stains. However, some types of stains—like deep-set organic stains or stains from rust or metals—may not be fully removed with acid washing and may require other treatment options.

  • When done correctly, acid washing is safe for your pool’s surface. However, frequent acid washing can degrade the plaster or concrete over time. To avoid unnecessary wear, it’s essential to only acid wash when needed, and always have it performed by a professional to ensure the correct procedure and proper dilution of acid.

  • It’s highly recommended to hire a professional for acid washing. Handling muriatic acid and performing the procedure correctly requires specific knowledge and safety measures. Professionals have the experience and tools to apply the acid safely, scrub the surface effectively, and neutralize and rinse properly. Improper acid washing can cause damage to your pool and may pose a safety risk.

  • After acid washing, your pool will need to be refilled with fresh water and have its chemistry properly balanced (pH, chlorine, alkalinity, etc.) before it is safe for swimming. This process usually takes a few hours. Once the chemical levels are balanced and the pool is properly sanitized, it’s ready for use.

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Restore Your Pools Shine

If your pool is looking worn out, stained, or has mineral buildup, acid washing is the perfect solution to bring it back to life. Let the professionals at Foley Pools handle the job safely and effectively, ensuring your pool’s surface is spotless and restored to its former beauty.

Contact us today to schedule your acid washing service and get your pool looking brand new again!