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Originally Posted On: https://cleverblu.com/whats-a-pool-acid-wash/
What’s a Pool Acid Wash?
How Does It Keep Your Pool in Top Shape?
Keeping your pool sparkling clean and inviting all season long requires more than just skimming leaves and adding chlorine.
Over time, mineral buildup, algae stains, and other impurities can mar your pool’s surface and reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers. This is where a pool acid wash comes in handy. This powerful cleaning method restores your pool’s pristine condition, leaving the water sparkling clear and the surface smooth and inviting.
In this blog, %COMPANY%’s pool cleaners explain everything you need to know about pool acid washes, including exactly what they are, the benefits they offer, and the steps involved in the process. Grab your goggles and get ready to dive deep into the secrets of keeping your pool looking and feeling amazing.
What Is Acid Washing for Swimming Pools?
A pool acid wash is a deep clean for your pool’s plaster surfaces. Think of it as a powerful exfoliation treatment that removes built-up grime, mineral deposits, and stubborn stains that chlorine and regular cleaning can’t tackle.
It uses diluted hydrochloric acid (also known as muriatic acid) to gently etch away the top layer of plaster, revealing a fresh, clean surface underneath. This process revitalizes your pool’s appearance, restoring its original beauty and crystal-clear water.
The following pool types are good candidates for acid cleanings:
- Gunite pools
- Plastered pools
- Saltwater pools
When Should You Consider Acid Washing Your Pool?
While a pool acid wash can be a powerful cleaning tool, it’s not an everyday maintenance task.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding if it’s time for an acid wash:
- Visible stains and discoloration: An acid wash can be a solution when your pool plaster has become dull or discolored or has stubborn stains that persist despite regular cleaning. These stains are caused by mineral buildup, algae growth, and metal contaminants that can be eliminated using muriatic acid.
- Ineffectiveness of chlorine: Mineral buildup can affect the effectiveness of chlorine in sanitizing your pool water. If you constantly need to increase your pool’s chlorine levels to maintain proper sanitation, an acid wash can help restore the chlorine’s effectiveness.
- Frequency of use and age of pool: Pools that are heavily used or older (5-7 years or more) may benefit from an acid wash more frequently. Regular maintenance and cleaning habits can influence this timeframe.
- Before refinishing: An acid wash is often recommended as a preparatory step if you’re planning to resurface your pool. This ensures a clean and smooth surface to which the new pool finish can easily adhere.
How Often Should You Schedule an Acid Wash for Your Swimming Pool?
General guidelines for acid wash scheduling frequency are as follows:
- Every three to five years: Acid washes every three to five years are usually sufficient for well-maintained pools with moderate use.
- More frequent washes: Heavily used pools, older pools, or those with persistent staining issues might require acid washes more often, potentially every two to three years.
Breaking Down the Process for Acid Washing Swimming Pools
An acid wash might sound daunting, but it’s manageable when broken down into steps.
Here’s a closer look at what to expect:
Draining Your Pool
Your entire pool will be completely drained before any acid solution is applied. This allows for a thorough cleaning of your pool’s entire plaster surface, ensuring the acid reaches all areas needing attention.
Applying the Acid Wash Pool Cleaning Solution
After your pool is empty, it’s time to prepare the acid solution. This typically involves diluting hydrochloric acid with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. During this stage, your pool cleaner won’t add water to acid. They always add acid to water to avoid a dangerous chemical reaction. During this step, they also wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, goggles, and long sleeves.
Then, they carefully pour the diluted acid solutions on your pool’s walls and floor, starting from the deep end and working their way upward.
Scrubbing and Cleaning Your Pool’s Surfaces
After application, your pool’s entire surface will be scrubbed with a stiff pool brush. This helps agitate the solution and loosen built-up grime, stains, and mineral deposits. Close attention is paid to stained areas and areas with heavy build-up.
Rinsing and Neutralizing the Acid
A technician with a high-powered hose will spray down your pool’s walls and floor, ensuring no acid residue remains. After rinsing, a neutralizing solution (often sodium bicarbonate or baking soda) will be applied to the pool surface to neutralize any residual acidity. This helps prevent damage to the plaster and ensures your pool is safe for swimming again.
Refilling Your Pool
Once your swimming pool has been thoroughly rinsed and neutralized, it’s time to begin refilling it with fresh water. During this process, it’s crucial to monitor the water’s pH level and adjust it using appropriate pool chemicals to bring it back to the recommended range (between 7.2 and 7.8). After an acid wash, your pool will likely require a shock treatment to kill any remaining bacteria or contaminants.
What Are the Benefits of Swimming Pool Acid Cleanings?
You want a pool that looks just as good as it did the first time you used it. Acid treatments are a cost-effective way to achieve your goal.
Here are some of the additional benefits of swimming pool acid cleanings:
- Restores a sparkling appearance: Mineral deposits, algae stains, and other impurities dull your pool’s surface and make the water look cloudy. An acid wash removes these contaminants, revealing a fresh, clean surface. This results in a sparkling, clear pool that looks inviting and refreshing.
- Improves water chemistry and sanitation: Mineral buildup interferes with the effectiveness of chlorine and other pool sanitizers. Acid washing removes these minerals, allowing chlorine to work more efficiently in keeping your pool clean and free of harmful bacteria and algae.
- Extends the lifespan of your pool plaster: Neglected mineral buildup can deteriorate your pool’s plaster surface. Acid washing removes these deposits, helping to maintain your pool plaster’s integrity and extending its lifespan.
- Enhances overall pool enjoyment: A clean pool is more enjoyable to use. An acid wash will transform the aesthetics of your pool, creating a more inviting space for swimming and relaxation.
- Prepares for resurfacing: Are you considering resurfacing your pool? Acid cleaning is often recommended as a preparatory step. This ensures a clean and smooth surface to which your pool’s new finish can adhere properly.
While effective, acid washing isn’t a substitute for regular pool maintenance. Consistent cleaning and proper chemical balancing are still essential for keeping your pool healthy and clear.
Schedule Pool Acid Wash Service to Maintain the Value of Your Swimming Pool
While an acid wash can work wonders for your pool’s appearance and health, remember it’s a powerful treatment best tackled with proper knowledge or by a qualified professional. With proper maintenance and an occasional acid wash, your pool can continue to be a source of refreshment and fun for years to come.
Do you have questions about removing specific build-up types and staining from your pool’s surface? Call %COMPANY%’s technicians at %PHONE1% for affordable pool cleaning solutions.
