When Is Pool Acid Washing Necessary?

Ever seen a pool tinged a shade of green or brown? That’s from algae which usually grows in warm, stagnant water. With fall in full swing, people are going for fewer dips — and with less pool usage comes higher chances of algae growth. If you haven’t gone swimming in a while and your pool looks a little murky, it’s probably time for an acid wash.
Should You Acid Wash Your Swimming Pool?
Acid washing a swimming pool sounds extreme, but it’s a pretty common off-season repair. A pool with mild or significant algae growth can benefit from an algae wash by a professional pool expert. This process involves draining the pool and spraying chemicals and water onto the surface. In other words, the acid eats away grime.
How Pool Acid Washing Works
Acid washing should only be done by pool service professionals due to the harsh chemicals used. Here’s what you can expect:
Drain the Pool
An acid wash won’t work unless your swimming pool is drained. Our pool contractors will drain all the water from your pool and remove the hydrostatic relief valve plugs. These valves let underground water pressure into the pool but must be removed once the water is drained.
Once the water is drained and the hydrostatic relief valve plugs are removed, the cleaners will scrub the walls of your pool to remove algae buildup. This helps prep the walls for the pool acid wash.
Apply the Acid
Acid and water are mixed into a 1:1 solution. The less acid used, the better. Pool cleaners use what looks like a long-necked watering spout to pour the acid mixture onto the pool surface.
Acid washing isn’t a one-person job. Starting at the deep end, a helper typically uses a tool like a broom to push the acid mixture. It’s important that the acid doesn’t sit too long.
Neutralize Waste
A puddle of wastewater will be found at the deep end of the pool. This wastewater must be neutralized before it’s disposed of. Our pool experts use a pH increaser to neutralize the wastewater before draining it out of the pool. Skipping this step can contaminate people, animals, and the environment.
Refill Pool
With the neutralized wastewater gone, pool cleaners will rinse the surface one last time, replace the hydrostatic relief valve plugs, and refill the pool.
What Type of Algae and Stains Will Acid Washing Remove?
An acid wash targets a handful of stains, such as:
Algae. This organism commonly grows in stagnant water or if the pool filters are clogged.
Magnesium stains. Red, pink, or black stains may appear if there’s too much magnesium in the water.
Copper stains. Blue, green, or black stains may show up if the pool water is high in copper.
Hard water stains. These stains appear along the upper edges of your pool surface. They are caused by calcium deposits and can negatively affect your water’s pH level.
Is Acid Washing Safe?
If you’re planning on a DIY acid wash, don’t. Acid washing isn’t safe to do yourself due to the harsh chemicals used in the process. Unless you’re already a professional pool cleaner, it’s highly recommended to call a contractor.
Trying to acid wash a pool yourself may result in serious injuries like chemical burns, lung damage, pool surface damage, and surface discoloration.
Call the Pool Acid Wash Professionals
A murky, algae-infested pool isn’t a good look—nor is it safe. If you’re winding down your pool usage and have noticed discoloration in your water, it may be time to consider an acid wash.
H2O Pool Service is Arizona’s go-to swimming pool acid wash provider in the Phoenix and Surprise areas. Keep your pool looking its best and call an H2O professional today.