How to Acid-Wash a Swimming Pool
If your swimming pool looks something like the "Black Lagoon," an acid wash may be the only way to return its former gleam. An acid wash literally removes a layer of plaster from the walls, so it's not something you should consider as part of your annual pool maintenance. However, if you can't see the bottom of your pool or you are fighting continuous, persistent algae blooms, an acid wash may be your best option. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Soda ash
- Hand pump sprayer or garden watering can
- Submersible pump and hose
- Muriatic acid
Instructions
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Drain the water from your pool. While the water level drops, scoop out any leaves and debris and scrub the sides with your pool brush.
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Once the pool is empty, put on protective clothing, chemical goggles and rubber boots. You should also have a breathing mask to protect you from acid fumes.
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Mix one gallon of muriatic acid with one gallon of water in a pump sprayer or a garden watering can. Always add the acid to the water--never pour water into acid.
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Spray the pool walls with your garden hose and pour the acid/water mixture down the side of the pool.
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Wait about half a minute for the acid to do its work, and then scrub the walls with an acid brush (available at pool supply stores).
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After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the wall section once more and then move on to the next section.
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Work your way around the pool, wetting the walls, washing and scrubbing and then rinsing to remove any acid on the walls.
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Neutralize the acid-wash water in the bottom of the pool by adding at least two pounds of soda ash for each gallon of acid.
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Use a submersible pump to pump the neutralized water into a storm drain.
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Finally, rinse the pool once more with clear water, pump it into a storm drain and refill your freshly cleaned pool.
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Tips & Warnings
Acid washing is a job for a couple of people at least. One person working down in the pool and one on the pool deck with the hose works well. Plus, acid fumes can be dangerous and it just makes sense to have at least a couple of people around in case of an accident.
Spray and rinse yourself and your clothes when you leave the pool; there will be acid on your boots.
Be sure you secure your acid containers well before carrying them home. An acid spill in your car or truck would be a major problem.
An acid wash is only for concrete pools. Don't acid-wash pools with vinyl covers.
Be sure to wear protective clothing and chemical goggles.
Mix acid and water by adding acid to the water. NEVER add water to acid.
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Comments
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dmndwaterbob
Jul 10, 2010
Acid washes are misunderstood. For algae problems we clean with chlorine bath. Acid washes are primarily for removal of calcium buildup. Here at Fountain Mountain Pro-active Aquatics we have answers to all pool problems relating to cleanups. W will bring your pool back to life without the dangers of exposure to acids and fumes. The new technology is amazing.
