Acid washing is a necessity that comes along with owning a pool. This is a cleansing process designed to remove a thin layer from the surface, ridding the area of troublesome stains and calcium deposits. Follow our guide below to properly acid wash your pool.
Acid Wash Steps
Follow these easy steps to thoroughly acid wash your pool:
- Completely drain your pool.
- Mix 1 gallon of Muriatic acid with 1 gallon of water in a bucket.
- Saturate one pool wall with a hose.
- Pour acid mixture on the pool wall (top to bottom) in 10-foot increments.
- Leave acid on the plaster for 30 seconds.
- Quickly and thoroughly rinse this section.
- Use soda ash to neutralize the pool area.
Make sure you are properly protected before attempting to acid wash your pool. Since you will be working with chemicals, it’s wise to wear protective equipment like a mask, goggles, gloves and boots. Start this cleaning process by completely draining the pool and cleaning up any leftover debris. Once you have the proper protective equipment on, it’s time to mix up your combination of water and acid. Make sure you always add the acid to the water; never the other way around.
Ensure the hose you use does not have a nozzle on it when you begin saturating the walls. The water must flow constantly during this step of the process. Pour the mixture in 10-foot segments, scrubbing and cleaning the surface simultaneously.
Completely rinse the area 25-30 seconds after the acid wash. You’ll want to rinse this quickly to prevent the acid from eating away at the plaster. Following the washing, it’s typical to see a puddle of residue forming at the bottom. Remove the residue, as it can also deteriorate the plaster.
Why Acid Wash A Pool?
Is acid washing truly a necessary evil during cleaning season? Magnesium or copper stains have been known to cause plaster discoloration, turning white to blue. Calcium deposits have also shown to cause deterioration. Unfortunately, oftentimes these stains or deposits cannot be removed by scrubbing the surface. Acid washing is necessary whenever you want to completely cleanse your pool area of any stains or growths.
How Much Does It Cost To Acid Wash A Pool?
According to Improvenet, acid washing costs an average of $202, with a price range of $178-$225. Prices are based on a standard 500 sq. ft. pool.
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