How to Determine if It's Time for a Pool to be Acid Washed
Acid washing eliminates mineral deposits and surface stains from the pool's bottom and sides using an acid solution (usually muriatic acid).
Acid washing eliminates mineral deposits and surface stains from the pool's bottom and sides using an acid solution (usually muriatic acid). It's a complex procedure that involves draining the pool and applying the solution to the entire surface for a thorough cleaning.
An acid wash removes a thin layer of plaster from the pool's surface. It might sound alarming for non-experts, but it's a standard method to make the pool look new again.
The following signs may indicate that it's time to acid-wash a pool:
Stubborn stains
Metals, minerals, chlorine, and dirt can cause stubborn stains on the pool's surface that are hard to clean. If brushing and vacuuming no longer yield enough results, an acid wash can expose the underlying, clean layer to refresh the surface.
Algae blooms
Algae can grow on various pool surfaces, including the walls, floor, and steps, and they can appear as green, black, or mustard-colored stains. These stains are difficult to remove and may require specialized chemicals and cleaning methods.
Preventive measures for algae blooms include proper pH or mineral levels, sufficient filtration, water cycling, and regular cleaning and vacuuming. However, frequent blooms could indicate leftover spores post-cleaning, which an acid wash can fix.
Discoloration of the pool's surface
The pool's plaster can fade or discolor due to years of exposure to chemicals and the sun's heat and UV radiation. It will take more than a regular cleaning or treatment to restore the pool's appeal and make it look clean and fresh again.
Stagnation
The signs mentioned above may result from poor maintenance and stagnating water. If the pool stays unused for long periods, it can develop all of the above issues that can run rampant. This can happen even if the pool is drained during the winter without proper protective measures.
An acid wash is the only way to restore the pool's appearance in severe cases.
The frequency of acid washing a pool
Since acid wash removes a thin layer of the pool's plaster, one can only apply it occasionally. However, roughly every five years is sufficient in the absence of significant issues with algae blooms.
Involve a professional
Keep in mind that not all pool surfaces are appropriate for acid washing. For example, it works well for pebble, plaster, and quartz surfaces but is unsuitable for acrylic, vinyl, fiberglass, or painted ones.
Get expert services
Due to the method's dangers and complexity, acid washing is best left to a professional service. They can ensure safe and effective cleaning since they have the suitable training and experience to handle the equipment and chemicals. They also know the correct acid type and concentration for different surfaces.
Pool Tile Cleaning Vegas offers pool tile cleaning, calcium removal, acid washing, pool draining, and media blasting services, in Las Vegas and Henderson. Call us at (702)605-6936.
