How To Acid Wash A Pool

A large part of owning a pool is keeping it clean throughout the year. Sometimes, a complete acid washing of your pool area is a necessity. Acid washing is a cleansing process, performed on a plaster tool or pebble tec in order to remove a thin layer from the pool surface. If you are searching online for “how to acid wash a pool,” then this post will provide you with a six-step guide.

6 Steps Of Pool Acid Washing

Here are six simple steps to follow if you plan on acid washing your pool:

1. Drain the pool.
2. Mix one gallon of water & one gallon of Muriatic acid in a bucket.
3. Saturate one pool wall with a hose.
4. Pour acid mixture on the pool wall.
5. Rinse this section quickly and thoroughly.
6. Use soda ash to neutralize the pool area.

Step 1: Drain The Pool

Make safety your main priority when beginning the acid washing process. Protect yourself from these chemicals by wearing the proper clothing, which should include a mask, goggles, boots and protective gloves. Then start by draining your pool, completely. Clean up any debris leftover on the surface, if necessary.

Step 2: Mix One Gallon Of Water & One Gallon Of Muriatic Acid In A Bucket

Of course, keep all your protective clothing on after the pool is completely empty. Mix the combination of Muriatic acid and water in a bucket. Use one gallon of each substance in the bucket. Add the acid to the water in the bucket; never do this the other way around!

Step 3: Saturate One Pool Wall With A Hose

Saturate one of the pool walls with a hose. Always be mindful of what kind of hose you are using. Do not use a hose that has a nozzle on it. The water needs to flow constantly during this step.

Step 4: Pour Acid Mixture On The Pool Wall

Pour the acid mixture in 10-foot segments, if possible. Clean the pool simultaneously with the pouring of the mixture.

Step 5: Rinse This Section Quickly And Thoroughly

Completely rinse the section of the pool where the mixture was just applied. The rinsing should be done about 25 to 30 seconds after applying the acid. Rinsing this quickly and efficiently will prevent the acid from eating away at your plaster.

Step 6: Use Soda Ash To Neutralize The Pool Area

The acid washing cleansing process will typically result in some sort of residue puddle at the bottom of your pool. This needs to be removed as soon as possible because it can eat away at the plaster, just like the above step.

How Much Does It Cost To Acid Wash A Pool?

Regardless of how new or old your outdoor pool may be, general maintenance is needed to keep it in the best shape possible. If you leave your pool unattended for a long period of time (generally the winter season), algae buildup and stains could begin to show up on the surface and/or walls. The algae can make your pool water slimy and difficult to see through. This is an obvious sign that a draining and acid wash is necessary.

A typical backyard pool is about 500 square feet, which costs as little as $178 to acid wash. The prices will range from a low of  $178 to a high of $255 for a larger pool. This cost includes the hiring of a professional pool service, though. If you want to attempt to tackle this project yourself, then you’ll simply have to pay for the chemicals. The chemicals needed for an acid wash should cost an average of $30 total. A sump pump and protective clothing may be a worthwhile investment if acid washing by yourself.

When To Acid Wash A Pool

The pool experts suggest that you acid wash your pool in either the winter or spring. Regardless of the climate of the area you live in, it’s best to perform this process when you aren’t actively using the pool. Acid washing during the summer months is not recommended. Read more about pool acid washing right here.