ServicesAcid Washes
Acid Washes in Florence
An acid wash removes a thin layer of stained, scaled plaster to expose the cleaner surface beneath. Before we drain anything, we inspect the finish, test what kind of staining you have and tell you plainly whether a wash will fix it.
What an Acid Wash Does to Your Plaster
Pool plaster is a mix of white cement and marble dust or quartz, usually troweled on about half an inch thick. Over the years, algae, leaf tannins, dissolved metals and calcium settle into the top of that layer. Brushing and chemistry can't reach stains that live inside the surface. An acid wash, done with diluted muriatic acid on a drained pool, dissolves a very thin skin of plaster and takes the stains with it.
It is not the right call for every pool. Each wash removes material, so plaster that is already thin, rough or delaminating can be pushed closer to a replaster. Metal stains from copper or iron often respond better to a targeted treatment than to acid. That is why we test first and show you what we found before recommending anything.
What's Included in Our Acid Wash
- Surface and stain inspection
- We check plaster thickness at the steps and corners, look for hollow spots and etching, and spot-test stains so we know whether they are organic, mineral or metal. You get the results in plain terms before any work is booked.
- Controlled drain
- We pump the pool down and check the hydrostatic relief valve in the main drain area so the shell isn't left fighting groundwater pressure. Drain water goes where local discharge rules allow.
- Acid application and rinse
- Diluted muriatic acid is poured down the walls in sections and worked with brushes, then rinsed before it can bite too deep. Heavier stains get a second pass only where the plaster has thickness to spare.
- Neutralizing and cleanout
- The acid slurry that collects in the deep end is neutralized with soda ash and pumped out, so you aren't left with acidic water on the property.
- Refill and start-up chemistry
- We refill and balance pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness for freshly exposed plaster, which is more reactive for the first few weeks.
Signs Your Pool Needs an Acid Wash
Stains that brushing won't touch
Gray, brown or black blotches that stay put after brushing and shocking are usually set into the plaster, not sitting on it.
Leftover marks after a green pool
Once a green to clean recovery clears the water, algae can leave dark shadows on the floor and walls. Those often lift well with acid.
Chalky white scale on the walls
Hard water leaves calcium deposits that build into a rough, cloudy film. Waterline buildup is better handled with calcium removal and tile cleaning, but a scaled-over finish below it is a good candidate for a wash.
A dull, rough finish
Plaster that snags swimsuits or feels like sandpaper may be scaled rather than worn out. Our inspection tells you which.
How the Work Day Runs
- 1
Inspection and findings
We look at the plaster, test stains and explain whether a wash will help, how much it will lighten them and what it won't fix. If replastering or a metal treatment makes more sense, we say so.
- 2
Drain and prep
The pump and heater are shut down, the pool is drained, and we cover nearby decking and plants. Draining is planned for cooler hours, because Arizona sun can bake exposed plaster and set stains harder.
- 3
Wash, neutralize, rinse
We work the acid section by section, rinse each area, then neutralize and remove the slurry. Most pools are washed and ready to fill within a single working day.
- 4
Refill and balance
Your hose or fill line runs until the pool is full, then we restart the equipment and dial in chemistry for new-surface conditions. If your pool is on our weekly pool cleaning route, we keep watching that balance in the weeks after.
What Moves the Price of an Acid Wash
Every acid wash is quoted after we see the pool, because the surface tells us how much work it needs. You get the number by phone or on site before we drain, with the drain, acid, neutralizing and refill chemistry spelled out.
- Pool size and depth
- More surface area means more acid, more brushing time and longer pumping on both ends.
- Type and depth of staining
- Light organic stains often clear in one pass. Deep mineral scale or mixed staining may need spot work in several areas.
- Finish material
- Standard white plaster, colored plaster and pebble or quartz finishes each handle acid differently, and some need a gentler mix.
- Related repairs
- Loose tile, cracked coping or a failing return fitting found during the drain can be fixed while the pool is empty. That is quoted separately so you can decide.
Acid Wash Questions
Something not covered here? (520) 645-8108
How many times can my pool be acid washed?
It depends on how much plaster is left. A healthy finish can usually handle a few washes over its life, spaced years apart. We check thickness at the inspection and will tell you if your plaster is too thin for another one.
Will an acid wash remove every stain?
Not always. Organic and calcium stains usually lighten a lot, while copper and iron stains may only fade and can return if the metal source is still there. We spot-test first so you know what to expect.
Can you acid wash a vinyl or fiberglass pool?
No. Acid washing is for plaster and cement-based finishes. Vinyl liners and fiberglass gel coats would be damaged, so we suggest other cleaning methods for those.
Who does the work, and what credentials do you hold?
We are ROC licensed, and our own crew handles the job from drain to refill. Any repairs we find while the pool is empty, such as loose tile or a cracked return fitting, are completed in-house, not subcontracted.
Do I need an acid wash or just a drain and refill?
If the problem is high dissolved solids or water that won't balance, a pool drain and refill may be all you need. If the problem is on the plaster itself, the wash is what removes it. We'll tell you which after the inspection.
Find Out If Your Plaster Will Come Clean
We'll look at the stains, test what they are and tell you straight whether an acid wash is worth doing. The quote costs you nothing.