Do I Really Need to Acid Wash My Pool?

Keeping your pool clean takes regular care like brushing, skimming, cleaning baskets, and balancing chemicals. But when life gets busy and maintenance falls behind, your pool can quickly turn cloudy… or even green.

At that point, many Arizona pool owners wonder: Do I really need an acid wash?

The short answer: sometimes yes - but not always. Here’s how to tell what your pool really needs.

When Green or Cloudy Water Needs More Than Chemicals

A good rule of thumb is simple:

• If you can still see the bottom of the pool: chemicals can usually clear it.

• If you can’t see the bottom, or the water is dark green: it’s time to drain and wash your pool.

That’s because once algae and minerals get out of control, no amount of shock or chlorine can fix the problem - the buildup is stuck in the walls and plaster.

Acid Washing: What It Does and Why It Helps

An acid wash is a deep cleaning process performed on a drained pool. Using a diluted solution of muriatic acid, professionals remove a thin layer of plaster or Pebble Tec to reveal a fresh, clean surface underneath.

Benefits of Acid Washing

• Brightens the pool’s interior

• Removes stubborn copper or cobalt stains

• Strips away heavy calcium deposits

• Kills deep-rooted algae and bacteria

Think of it as hitting the “reset button” on your pool’s surface - ideal when standard cleaning no longer works.

How Often Should You Acid Wash Your Pool?

In Arizona, pool water should be drained and replaced every 5–7 years due to chemical buildup, high calcium hardness, and total dissolved solids.If your pool is already being drained, that’s the perfect time to consider an acid wash.

However, you shouldn’t acid wash your pool every time you drain it.

Why Not?

Acid removes not just stains and calcium, but also a very thin layer of your pool’s plaster. Over time, too many acid washes can wear down the surface and shorten your pool’s lifespan.

That’s why acid washing should be treated as a periodic restoration, not a routine maintenance task.

When a Chlorine Wash Is a Better Choice

If your pool is green but the stains aren’t embedded or your plaster is already thin, a chlorine wash may be the safer and more cost-effective option.

Chlorine Wash vs. Acid Wash

Chlorine Wash	Acid Wash
For pools with algae or green water but no surface staining	For pools with stains, heavy calcium, or discoloration
Uses liquid chlorine (sanitizer only)	Uses diluted muriatic acid (etching cleaner)
Safe for older plaster	Best for healthy, intact plaster
Less aggressive, removes algae only	More aggressive, removes stains, minerals, and thin plaster layer

A chlorine wash sanitizes the surface and kills algae without removing plaster, making it a great first step for green pools that haven’t been cleaned in a while but don’t need resurfacing.

What Acid Washing Won’t Fix

Acid washing cleans plaster, not tile.If you’re trying to remove that white calcium line along the water’s edge, you’ll need a glass bead blasting service instead.

Glass bead blasting gently removes calcium deposits, mold, and mineral stains from tile and Pebble Tec without damaging your pool’s surface.

Can I DIY an Acid Wash?

Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended.

Acid washing involves strong chemicals, protective gear, and specialized drainage procedures. Without experience, it’s easy to damage your plaster or harm nearby landscaping.

For safety and the best results, it’s worth hiring professionals who have all the safety gear and know how to do it right.

Professional Acid Washing in Chandler & Gilbert, AZ

If your pool is green, stained, or long overdue for a refresh, Sunset Pool Care can help. Our technicians safely drain, clean, and restore your pool’s surface so it looks bright and new again, all while protecting your plaster and equipment.

Call 480-682-7986 or request a quote online. We’ll inspect your pool and help you decide whether a chlorine wash or acid wash is the best choice.

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