What Is Acid Washing and When Should You Do It?
Over time, pool surfaces can develop tough stains, algae, and buildup that regular cleaning can’t fully remove. When this happens, acid washing might be the solution. It's a deep-cleaning process used to restore the appearance of your pool by removing a thin layer of plaster or surface material along with the grime that's built up.
Here’s what you need to know about acid washing and when it’s a good idea.
What Is Acid Washing?
Acid washing is a cleaning technique that uses a mix of water and muriatic acid to remove stains, algae, and calcium buildup from the interior surface of a pool. It’s typically done on concrete, plaster, or gunite pools—not vinyl or fiberglass.
Because the acid strips away a thin layer of the surface, it should only be used when absolutely necessary. It's effective for restoring the look of a pool that's become heavily stained or discolored.
When Should You Consider Acid Washing?
Persistent Algae Growth
If algae keeps coming back despite regular cleaning and chemical balancing, it may be embedded into the pool’s surface. Acid washing can kill the roots and remove deep stains.Stains and Discoloration
Pools exposed to metals, hard water, and leaves can develop stains that don’t go away with brushing. If your pool has brown, green, or black stains, an acid wash might be needed.Cloudy or Dull Appearance
Even if your water is clear, a worn, dirty surface can make your entire pool look cloudy and uninviting. Acid washing brightens and freshens the finish.Before a Resurfacing Project
If your pool is about to be resurfaced, a professional may recommend acid washing beforehand to remove buildup and prepare the surface.Not Drained in Several Years
Pools that haven’t been drained in a long time may benefit from an acid wash to get rid of stains and refresh the surface before the next season.
How Often Should You Do It?
Because it removes a thin layer of plaster, acid washing should not be done more than once every few years. Pools with well-maintained water chemistry usually don’t need it often. If you’re regularly brushing and balancing chemicals, you may never need one at all.
Should You Do It Yourself?
Acid washing involves handling strong chemicals and draining your pool. It’s a job best left to experienced professionals who know how to do it safely and correctly. Improper handling can damage your pool, harm landscaping, or create safety risks.
Final Thoughts
Acid washing can bring life back to a stained or algae-covered pool surface, but it’s not something that should be done lightly or too often. Knowing when and why to use it can help you keep your pool looking its best without causing unnecessary wear.
If your pool has stubborn stains or buildup and you’re wondering whether an acid wash is the right choice, give Orchid Pools a call or text. We’ll help you determine the best and safest way to restore your pool’s surface and keep it in top shape.
About Orchid Pools
At Orchid Pools, we provide reliable and professional pool service throughout Palm Beach County, Martin County, Saint Lucie County, and Indian River County. Our team proudly serves homeowners in Port Saint Lucie, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Palm City, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Sebastian, Tequesta, Jupiter, Jupiter Island, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Juno.
We also serve many neighborhoods across the Treasure Coast and South Florida, including White City, Indian River Estates, Lakewood Park, Sewall’s Point, Saint Lucie West, Tradition, Southbend Lakes, Riverland, Sandhill Crossing, Verano, Hutchinson Island South, and Ocean Breeze.
Orchid Pools offers a complete range of residential pool services, including:
Regular pool cleaning and chemical balancing
Filter cleaning and backwashing
Algae and shock treatments
Pool pump repair and replacement
Pool filter system and heater repairs
Pool leak detection and repair
Skimmer and return line repairs
Pool lighting repair
Pool resurfacing, pool replastering, and pool regrouting
Pool saltwater conversions and pool salt cell cleaning
Pool green-to-clean services
Professional pool inspections
For dependable, expert pool care, call Orchid Pools today.
