We drain the pool, apply a diluted muriatic acid solution to the surface, scrub it by hand, then neutralize the acid with soda ash before refilling the pool. Acid washing a pool strips off a very thin layer of plaster and takes the stains locked inside it along for the ride, exposing clean plaster underneath. The short version? You get a surface that looks resurfaced, but pay a fraction of the price.
Stripping a layer of your pool surface off may sound harsh, but it actually works in your favor. Most plaster and marcite coats are half an inch thick or more, and a careful acid wash only removes a fraction of that. Your pool can handle a few acid washes over the life of its finish before it’s time to resurface.
Our Northeast Florida climate is hard on pool surfaces. Long, humid summers give algae a growing season that never truly ends, and plenty of pools here run on well water with enough iron to leave rust-colored streaks.
If you’re seeing any of these signs in your pool, it’s time to reach out for a free estimate!
Unfortunately, it will not repair cracks, chips, or a surface that has gone rough. If your plaster feels like sandpaper under your feet, it might be time to consider resurfacing. We’ll be happy to guide you on which option is the best fit for your pool, so you can feel confident in your choice before moving forward with any service.
An acid wash is a deep cleaning process where a pool is drained, and a diluted muriatic acid solution is applied to the plaster to dissolve a thin surface layer, taking embedded stains with it. It becomes necessary when stains, algae, or mineral buildup have set into the surface, and normal brushing, shocking, and filtration no longer bring the plaster back.
An acid wash removes plaster by design, so it does use up a small amount of your surface. Done correctly on a healthy plaster coat of half an inch or more, that tradeoff is minor, and the finish is left smooth. Done too often, or with acid mixed too strong, it thins the plaster and shortens the life of the finish. That is why it should be done by a licensed crew and only when the pool calls for it.
Most acid washes are a one- to two-day job. The wash itself takes a few hours. Draining and refilling account for most of the time, and that varies with pool size and water source. We will give you a firm window with your estimate.
Every five to seven years is typical for most pools, and no sooner than every three years. Each wash removes plaster, so a pool can only take a handful over the life of its finish. If yours needs one more often than that, the underlying water chemistry or circulation issue should be addressed instead.
