Acid Wash a Swimming Pool

Whether your pool looks like a swamp, or you just want a fresh, clean-looking appearance, acid-washing your swimming pool can help. Also called "drain and clean," pools need this type of cleaning when winterizing the pool isn't done correctly, or algae has taken over due to the pool not being used or maintained in a while. The acid-wash process essentially strips the top layer of plaster to reveal fresh plaster beneath, so it's not recommended to do it often. But once in a while is a great idea!

Steps

  1. Drain your pool completely. As you drain, make sure to clean up any debris as you go. If your pool has an autofill, you should make sure that you turn it off during the drain. Once your pool is completely empty, start the acid-wash process.
  2. Change into protective gear that includes clothing, goggles, mask, gloves and boots.
  3. Mix 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of acid with 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water in a watering can. Acid must be added to the water and not the other way around.
  4. Wet down one of the walls with the hose. The hose should not have a nozzle and water should be running from the hose at all times.
  5. Pour the acid mixture on the wall from top to bottom in 10-foot (300 cm) sections at a time, leaving the acid on the plaster for about 30 seconds. During this time, you should be scrubbing the wall with a brush.
  6. Rinse the section you just acid-washed quickly and thoroughly. Before moving to the next section, make sure you rinse the wall well so the acid doesn't continue to eat the plaster.
  7. Neutralize the pool after the acid-wash is complete. The acid-washing process leaves a foamy puddle of residue on the bottom of the pool that must be removed before it damages the plaster.
    • Apply soda ash to the acid puddle, scrubbing the mixture with a pool brush. You will need to use 2 lb. (.9 kg) of soda ash per 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of acid.
    • Pump the mixture into a bowl using a submersible pump.
    • Dispose of what you pumped, as the acid can kill frogs, fish and plants. Rinse out the bowl.
    • Pour water over any remaining residue, rinsing carefully around the drain.



Tips

  • If acid gets into the eyes or mouth, flush the area with the hose (no nozzle) for 15 minutes. If contact is made with the skin, rinse for 30 seconds as soon as contact is made.
  • Professionals will add a cleaning additive, like Bio-Dex White & Bright or Aquapoxy Etching Cleaner. This will thicken the acid mix making it adhere better to the walls of the pool. It will also neutralize the smell of the muriatic acid and reduce etching cause by muriatic acid.
  • If you do not see results after the first attempt, you might need to increase the acid/water ratio, scrub harder or increase the time the acid is on the wall. You may have to repeat the process a couple of times to get the walls clean.

Warnings

  • If the acid is not rinsed completely, it will continue to etch the plaster. Be careful not to allow the acid to run from the shallow end to the deep end as it will create an etched path on the pool floor.
  • Work carefully around the acid. Wear protective clothing, transport the acid safely by securing it in the vehicle, rinse off after you've finished acid-washing the pool, and have at least one other person working with you.
  • The acid-washing technique should never be used on a vinyl-lined pool. Detergents and conditioners work best for this type of pool.

Things You'll Need

  • Garden hose with no nozzle
  • Protective clothing
  • Gloves
  • Mask
  • Goggles
  • Old boots
  • Acid
  • Watering can
  • Pool brush
  • Soda ash
  • Submersible pump
  • Bowl

Related Articles

  • Clean Plaster Walls
  • Clean a Swimming Pool Filter

Sources and Citations

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