ServicesAcid Washes
Acid Washes in Guadalupe
When stains and mineral scale won't brush out, an acid wash strips a thin layer of plaster to reveal a cleaner surface underneath. We protect your deck and landscaping, neutralize every drop of acid, and rinse the area before we pack up.
What an Acid Wash Does for Your Pool
An acid wash is a deep reset for a plaster pool. We drain the water, then work a diluted muriatic acid solution over the walls and floor. It dissolves a very thin top layer of plaster, and the stains, algae shadows and scale go with it.
It is the right call when years of hard water, dust and leaves have left the finish gray, blotchy or rough, and regular brushing no longer touches it. It is not something to do every year. Each wash removes a little plaster, so we save it for finishes that truly need it and tell you plainly when a softer approach, like our calcium removal and tile cleaning, will do the job.
The work happens in your backyard, a few steps from your home. We treat it that way, keeping acid off your deck, plants and patio furniture and leaving the area rinsed and orderly at the end of the day.
What's Included in Every Acid Wash
- 01
Full drain to the right outlet
We pump the pool down completely and route the water where local rules allow. Hoses are laid neatly and moved off walkways when not in use.
- 02
Protecting your deck and yard
Before any acid comes out, we wet down the deck and nearby plants and keep the solution inside the pool shell. Equipment pads and anything close to the edge get covered.
- 03
Acid application and scrubbing
We apply the solution in sections, scrub with stiff brushes, and rinse quickly so the acid never sits long enough to etch more than it should. Stubborn spots may get a second pass.
- 04
Neutralizing before removal
The acidic rinse water that collects in the deep end is neutralized with soda ash before we pump it out. Nothing harsh goes into your yard or the drain.
- 05
Final rinse and site cleanup
We rinse the shell, the steps and the deck, pick up debris, coil hoses and haul away our containers. Your backyard is ready to use while the pool refills.
Questions about Acid Washes?
Call(480) 525-5014Signs Your Pool Is Ready for an Acid Wash
Stains that brushing won't lift
Dark patches from leaves, metals or old algae that stay put after weeks of scrubbing usually sit inside the top layer of plaster.
A dull, gray finish
White plaster that now looks dingy even with clear, balanced water has worn and discolored at the surface.
Rough, scaly walls
Hard water leaves calcium behind, and in our area it builds fast. If the walls feel like sandpaper, scale has taken hold.
Staining left after a green pool
Once a long algae bloom is cleared through green to clean recovery, shadows can stay in the plaster. An acid wash often removes them.
How the Day Goes
- 1
Look and quote
We check the plaster, the stains and the age of the finish, then give you a free quote by phone with a clear explanation of what an acid wash will and won't fix.
- 2
Drain and prep
We drain the pool, wet the deck and plants, and cover the equipment pad and anything that sits near the edge.
- 3
Wash, neutralize, rinse
We acid wash in sections, neutralize the runoff, pump it out and rinse the shell clean. We check the surface as we go so no area gets more acid than it needs.
- 4
Clean up and refill
We rinse the deck, clear our gear and start the refill. Once the pool is full, we balance the fresh water so the newly exposed plaster settles in well.
What Affects the Cost of an Acid Wash
Every pool is different, so we price the job after seeing it. Your quote spells out what's included, from draining to the first water balance, so the number you hear is the number you pay.
- Pool size and shape
- More surface means more acid, more scrubbing time and more water to drain and refill. Deep ends and large steps add work.
- How heavy the staining is
- Light discoloration may clear in one pass. Deep metal stains or thick scale can take extra passes or spot treatments.
- Condition of the plaster
- Thin, older plaster needs a gentler hand. If the finish is too worn to wash safely, we tell you before any work starts.
- Refill and startup
- Filling a pool and balancing fresh water takes chemicals and time. Your quote includes that startup so there are no surprises later.
Acid Wash Questions
Can every pool be acid washed?
No. Acid washing is for plaster and some aggregate finishes. Vinyl liners and fiberglass pools can be damaged by acid, so we use other cleaning methods for those. We confirm your finish type before quoting.
How often should a pool be acid washed?
Only when it needs it, usually years apart. Each wash removes a thin layer of plaster, so frequent washing shortens the life of the finish. Good water balance from weekly pool cleaning helps stretch the time between washes.
Is the acid safe for my yard and pets?
We keep the acid inside the pool, wet down nearby surfaces and plants, and neutralize the runoff before pumping it out. Keep pets and kids indoors while we work. Once we've rinsed and cleaned up, the yard is safe to use.
Will an acid wash fix cracks or rough spots?
It won't repair cracks or bare patches, and it can make thin areas more obvious. If we see damage, we'll point it out and talk through pool repair options so you know where things stand.
When is the best time of year to do it?
Spring and fall are best. An empty plaster pool sitting in intense summer sun can crack or pop loose, so we plan the drain and refill to keep the shell exposed as briefly as possible.
Bring Back a Brighter Pool
Tell us what your pool looks like and we'll explain whether an acid wash makes sense. We serve Guadalupe, Tempe, Chandler and nearby, and leave every backyard tidy.