Acid Washes in Rio Verde

What an acid wash does and when it makes sense

An acid wash is a deep cleaning for plaster pools. With the water drained, we apply a diluted acid solution to the walls and floor, scrub it in, and rinse. The acid removes a very thin layer of the surface, taking set-in algae stains, mineral scale and dull discoloration with it.

It is not something to do every year. Each wash takes a little plaster away, so a surface can only handle a limited number of them over its life. Done at the right moment, an acid wash can buy years before resurfacing. Done too often, or on plaster that is already thin, it can speed up the need to replaster.

That is why we start with a look at your pool and an honest opinion. Sometimes a stain treatment or our calcium removal and tile cleaning service solves the problem without draining. When a wash really is the right call, we help you plan it so it fits your budget and the season.

What's included in an acid wash

Surface check before we start

We look at plaster thickness, rough spots, chips and hollow-sounding areas. If the surface is too worn for a wash, we tell you before any work begins.

Draining the pool

We pump the water out following local discharge rules. This is the same careful process we use for our pool drain and refill service, including attention to the hydrostatic relief valve on pools that have one.

Controlled acid application

We mix the acid to the strength your surface needs, work in sections, and keep each area wet so the acid does not etch unevenly. Heavier stains get extra attention rather than a stronger blanket treatment.

Neutralizing and cleanup

Acid residue is neutralized with soda ash before it is pumped out, so it does not go anywhere it shouldn't. We rinse the surface, clear the deep end and leave the deck clean.

Refill and water start-up

Once the pool is refilled, we balance the fresh water and bring the chemistry up gradually. New fill water starts with a low mineral load, which is one more benefit of the job.

Signs your pool may need an acid wash

• Stains that won't brush out

  Brown, black or green blotches that stay put after brushing and shocking are usually set into the plaster. Surface cleaning can't reach them.

• Gray or dingy plaster overall

  If the whole pool looks dull even when the water is clear, years of minerals and organic staining have built up in the top layer.

• After a long green spell

  A pool that sat green for weeks can be left with algae shadows after our green to clean recovery. A wash removes what the cleanup could not.

• Rough, scaly patches

  Calcium scale on the walls and steps feels like sandpaper. Hard water makes this common across the area, and a wash smooths it back out.

• Water that's due for a change anyway

  If your water has high dissolved solids and needs replacing, pairing the drain with an acid wash saves you from draining twice.

How an acid wash day goes

1. 1

   Free quote and a plan

   We look at your pool, talk through what a wash will and won't fix, and give you a clear quote by phone. If timing matters, we help you pick a cooler stretch of the year.

2. 2

   Drain and prep

   We drain the pool and protect nearby plants and decking from acid splash. Equipment is shut down so nothing runs dry.

3. 3

   Wash, scrub and rinse

   We work section by section, scrubbing the acid in and rinsing before it sits too long. Handling acid safely is second nature for a firefighter owned and operated company, and we treat it with that same care around your home.

4. 4

   Neutralize and refill

   Residue is neutralized and removed, then refilling starts. Plaster should not sit empty in strong sun, so we keep this step moving.

5. 5

   Balance the new water

   We bring the chemistry into range over the first visits and check the surface once it is under water. If you're on our weekly pool cleaning, that care just carries on.

What affects the cost of an acid wash

Every pool is a little different, so we quote after seeing yours. The price comes down to how much surface there is, how stubborn the staining is and what else needs doing while the pool is empty. Knowing these ahead of time makes it easier to set money aside and schedule on your terms.

Pool size and depth

More surface area means more acid, more labor and more water to drain and replace.

How heavy the staining is

Light discoloration may need one pass. Deep metal or algae stains and thick scale take extra passes or spot treatment.

Surface type and condition

Plaster, quartz and pebble finishes each react differently to acid. Thin or damaged plaster needs a gentler approach, and sometimes we recommend against a wash.

Extra work while drained

Tile cleaning, minor patching or pool repair on fittings is easier with the water out. Adding it now can cost less than a separate visit later.