ServicesAcid Washes
Acid Washes in Sun Lakes
When brushing and chemicals no longer touch the gray streaks and dark blotches on your plaster, an acid wash can bring the surface back. We tell you honestly whether your pool needs one, show you what we find, and handle the drain, wash and refill.
What an acid wash does for your pool
An acid wash strips away a very thin layer of plaster, and the stains and scale stuck to that layer come away with it. Once the pool is empty, we work a watered-down acid mix across each wall and the floor with stiff brushes, rinse it off right away, and neutralize the runoff before the refill starts. What you get back is a brighter, smoother finish that holds less dirt.
This is not something to do every season. Each wash takes a bit of plaster, so most finishes only have a few in them over their life. If spot treatment or a good tile cleaning will clear the problem, we tell you that first.
If you suspect the staining came from a storm or another event your policy might cover, we photograph and write down what we see so you have clear records for your insurer. Coverage is your insurer's call, not ours, and cosmetic staining is often counted as normal wear, but solid documentation helps you ask the right questions.
What's included in an acid wash
Draining the pool
We pump the water out and route it according to local rules for where pool water can go. We watch the shell as the level drops for anything that looks out of place.
Pre-wash photos and notes
Once the pool is empty, we photograph the stains, scale lines and any cracks or delamination. You get to see the surface the way we see it, which also gives you a record if you ever need one for insurance.
Acid application and scrubbing
We work in sections, applying a diluted muriatic acid solution and brushing it across the plaster. We keep the acid moving and rinse quickly so it cleans without eating deeper than necessary.
Neutralizing and cleanup
The rinse water is neutralized with soda ash before it is pumped out. We clear the residue from the deep end so nothing acidic is left in the shell.
Refill and startup chemistry
We refill the pool and balance the fresh water, which matters because a newly washed surface is more sensitive for the first few weeks. We go over how to care for it in that window.
When an acid wash is worth a look
Blotches that survive scrubbing
Green, brown or black patches that stay put after a hard brushing and a round of shock usually mean algae or leaves have soaked into the plaster itself.
The whole pool looks dull
Clear, balanced water over a gray, tired-looking floor points to discolored plaster rather than a water problem.
Sandpaper feel underfoot
Hard water builds up calcium that turns the surface rough and traps dirt. When that crust covers the floor and walls, a wash is often the right fix.
Leftover marks from a green pool
After a stretch of neglect, a green to clean recovery can clear the water but still leave shadows in the plaster that chemicals alone could not reach.
Rust-colored or blue-green spots
Metals in the water or aging fixtures can leave reddish, brown or blue-green marks. Some lift with an acid wash, and if yours calls for another method, we will say so.
How the day goes
- 1
Look first, quote by phone
We start with a call and a look at the pool. We check the surface type and condition, then give you a free quote and an honest answer on whether an acid wash is the right fix.
- 2
Plan the timing
Draining a pool in peak summer heat puts stress on the plaster, so we usually aim for cooler months when we can. We set a day that keeps the pool empty for as short a time as possible.
- 3
Drain, document and wash
We drain the pool, take photos, and work through the acid wash section by section. Most of the job happens in a single day, with our crew in your backyard and not inside your home.
- 4
Neutralize, refill and balance
We neutralize and pump out the rinse water, start the refill, and balance the chemistry once the pool is full. You get a quick walkthrough and the before and after photos.
What affects the price of an acid wash
No two pools are quite alike, so we price an acid wash once we know yours. You get the quote by phone, with each part of the job spelled out, so nothing new shows up on the day.
- Pool size and shape
- A bigger pool means more time to drain, wash and refill, plus more acid and neutralizer. An attached spa or water feature adds to the work.
- How heavy the staining is
- Mild discoloration may clear in one pass. Set-in stains or thick calcium scale often call for extra applications and more brushing.
- Surface type and condition
- Plaster, quartz and pebble finishes each need a slightly different touch. When plaster is already thin, we change our method or let you know resurfacing may be closer than you thought.
- Problems that show up with the water gone
- Draining can uncover hairline cracks or plaster that has started to lift. Our own crew handles every repair in-house, with nothing passed to a subcontractor, and we quote that work on its own line so the choice stays yours.
- Water and refill
- Hard tap water changes how the fresh fill needs to be balanced. Some pools take more startup products to bring the new water into range.
Acid wash questions
Something not covered here? (480) 470-8754
How often should a pool be acid washed?
Only when it actually needs it. Each wash removes a thin layer of plaster, so we treat it as an occasional reset, not a yearly habit. Good weekly care and a filter cleaning on schedule can stretch the time between washes a long way.
Will an acid wash damage my plaster?
Done carefully, it removes a very thin layer and leaves the surface smooth. The risk comes from acid that is too strong or left on too long, which is why we work in small sections and rinse quickly. If your plaster is already worn thin, we will tell you before we start.
Can every pool be acid washed?
Plaster, quartz and pebble finishes can usually handle it. Vinyl liner and fiberglass pools should not be acid washed. If you are not sure what your pool is made of, we can tell you when we take a look.
Will my insurance pay for an acid wash?
Usually not on its own, since staining is often seen as wear and tear. If you believe the damage came from a covered event, we provide photos and written notes you can share with your insurer. Your adjuster makes the coverage decision, not us.
How long until we can swim again?
Most pools are drained, washed and refilling on the same day. Once the pool is full and the chemistry is balanced, you can swim. We will explain how to look after the fresh surface for the first few weeks.
What if the stains are only around the waterline?
Then a full wash may not be needed. Calcium removal and tile cleaning often handles waterline scale without draining the pool, and we will suggest that if it fits.
Ready to see clean plaster again?
Describe the stains and the overall look of your pool, and we will tell you plainly if an acid wash is worth doing. When it is, you hear the plan for the day and the price before we touch the plaster.