ServicesAcid Washes
Acid Washes in Chandler
When brushing and chemicals no longer lift the stains, an acid wash takes off a thin, worn layer of plaster and shows the cleaner surface underneath. We drain, wash, neutralize and refill your pool carefully, following local rules for discharge water.
What an acid wash does for your pool
Plaster is porous. Over the years it soaks up minerals, metals, leaf tannins and the leftovers of algae blooms. Those stains sit in the surface itself, so no amount of brushing or shocking will pull them out. An acid wash uses diluted muriatic acid on an empty pool to dissolve a very thin top layer of plaster, taking the stains and scale along with it.
It is a strong treatment, and we treat it that way. Each wash removes a little of your finish, so it is not something to do every year. We look at your plaster first and tell you plainly whether an acid wash is the right call, or whether a gentler fix such as calcium removal and tile cleaning or a chemical stain treatment would do the job.
Because the pool has to be drained, the work also touches local rules about where pool water can go and how the acid is neutralized before rinsing. As an ROC licensed company, we handle those steps properly, so you are not left guessing about the drain line or the wastewater.
What's included in our acid wash
- Plaster check before we start
- We look for thin spots, delamination, cracks and rough patches. If the plaster is too worn for another wash, we tell you before any water leaves the pool.
- Draining done by the rules
- We pump the water out to an approved discharge point, usually the sewer cleanout at your home, rather than letting it run into the street. We keep an eye on the pool shell while it sits empty.
- Controlled acid application
- We work in sections, pouring diluted acid down the walls and brushing it in, then rinsing quickly so it never sits long enough to over-etch the plaster.
- Neutralizing the residue
- The acid water that collects in the deep end is neutralized with soda ash before it is pumped out. That protects your plumbing, your yard and the drain line.
- Refill and startup chemistry
- We refill, then balance pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness so the freshly exposed plaster is not attacked by aggressive water in the first weeks.
- Cleanup around the deck
- Hoses, buckets and pumps leave with us, and we rinse the deck and coping where any acid could have splashed.
Signs your pool is ready for an acid wash
Stains that won't brush off
Brown, green or black marks that stay put after brushing and shock are usually set into the plaster.
Dull, gray plaster
White plaster that has faded to a tired gray or tan across the whole pool often brightens a lot after a wash.
Leftover marks after an algae bloom
Once a green pool has been cleared, shadows of the algae can stay behind. An acid wash is often the final step after green to clean recovery.
Rough, scaly walls
Hard water leaves a sandpaper feel on steps and walls. Light scale comes off with the acid wash.
You're already draining
If the pool needs a drain and refill for high dissolved solids anyway, it is a sensible time to wash the plaster while it is empty.
How the job day runs
- 1
Look and plan
We inspect the plaster, test the water and find your sewer cleanout. You get a clear explanation of what we will do and what to expect.
- 2
Drain the pool
We pump the water to the approved discharge point. In Chandler's summer heat we keep the empty time short, since sun-baked plaster can crack and fade.
- 3
Wash and rinse
We wet each section, apply the acid mix, brush it, and rinse it straight away. Stubborn spots get extra attention, but we never chase a stain so hard that the plaster thins out.
- 4
Neutralize and clear
We neutralize the rinse water in the deep end, pump it out, and give the shell a final rinse.
- 5
Refill and balance
We start the refill and set up the water chemistry for fresh plaster. Brushing and testing over the next couple of weeks keeps the surface even.
What affects the cost of an acid wash
Every pool is a little different, so we price after seeing yours. Your quote by phone is free, and we explain each part of it so nothing shows up later as a surprise.
- Pool size and depth
- Larger pools take longer to drain, wash and refill, and need more acid and neutralizer.
- How deep the stains go
- Light discoloration may need one pass. Heavy metal stains or thick scale can take extra passes and more time.
- Finish type
- Standard plaster, colored plaster and pebble finishes each handle acid differently, and some need a gentler approach.
- Repairs found once it's empty
- An empty pool sometimes reveals cracks or loose tile. We show you what we find and price any pool repair separately, so you can decide.
Acid wash questions
Something not covered here? (480) 531-8048
Will an acid wash damage my plaster?
It does remove a thin layer, which is how it clears the stains. Done with controlled dilution and quick rinsing, a healthy plaster finish handles it well. Most pools can take only a few washes over their lifetime, so we check thickness first and tell you honestly if yours is near the end.
How long will my pool be out of use?
Draining, washing and refilling usually take a few days, depending on pool size and your water pressure. Once the water is balanced, you can swim again. We will tell you the timing for your pool before we start.
Where does the drained water go?
We pump it to an approved discharge point at your home, most often the sewer cleanout, instead of the street or gutter. The acid rinse water is neutralized before it goes anywhere. That keeps the job in line with local rules.
What if you find a problem while the pool is empty?
We show you and explain your options before doing anything. If you choose to have us fix it, our repairs follow manufacturer warranties, between 1-2 years, depending on the part or material.
Can I keep the plaster white afterward?
Balanced water is the biggest factor. Our weekly pool cleaning keeps chemistry steady, and clean filters help too, which slows new staining and scale.
See what's under the stains
Tell us about your pool and what the plaster looks like. We will talk you through whether an acid wash makes sense and give you a clear quote by phone.