Thinking About Acid Washing Your Pool? Here’s What You Should Know First.
For many pool owners in Las Vegas, acid washing sounds like a magic reset button — drain the pool, blast away stains, and start fresh. But before you commit, it’s worth understanding what acid washing really does, and what it risks, especially if your pool doesn’t show major damage like cracks or delamination.
This isn’t about scare tactics — just facts from a company that’s worked on hundreds of plaster surfaces in the Vegas sun.
What Exactly Is an Acid Wash?
An acid wash uses a strong solution of muriatic acid and water applied directly to your pool’s surface to strip away mineral stains, embedded algae, or years of cosmetic buildup. It removes a thin layer of the plaster finish, leaving behind a cleaner (and usually brighter) surface.
It’s typically done on white plaster or quartz finishes — and only after the pool is completely drained.
What Most Pool Owners Aren’t Told
Here are the real trade-offs that come with an acid wash, especially for pools that are still structurally sound:
Major Risks to Know:
1. Draining the Pool Can Be Risky
- In-ground pools in Las Vegas sit on dry, shifting soil. Draining too quickly or leaving a pool empty for long periods can cause stress on the shell.
- If your pool has older plaster or hidden micro-cracks, draining can expose or worsen them.
You can read more in regard to draining your pool here.
2. You’re Sanding the Surface — Chemically
- Acid doesn’t just clean — it eats away a layer of your plaster.
- Every acid wash brings it closer to needing a full resurfacing — which can cost thousands.
3. Fumes and Cleanup Require Caution
- Muriatic acid fumes are harmful. This process should only be handled by trained professionals with proper PPE.
- The wastewater is hazardous and must be neutralized before disposal — something many operations skip.
4. It’s Not a Cure-All
- Acid washing won’t fix roughness, etching, or scaling caused by poor chemistry over time.
- It won’t eliminate stains that have penetrated too deep into the plaster.
- Some stains may return within months if the source (like hard water or copper from heaters) isn’t addressed.
When Acid Washing Is Worth It
While there are risks, acid washing is still a useful tool in some cases:
- Your pool has heavy staining that brushing or chlorine shocks can’t remove.
- The surface looks aged, but you’re not ready for a full resurface yet.
- You want cosmetic improvement before selling or renting a property.
- You’ve had a severe algae bloom and need to sanitize deeply (if a chlorine wash isn’t enough).
Final Thoughts
If your pool doesn’t have visible cracks or delamination, that doesn’t automatically mean it needs an acid wash. But if you are seriously considering an acid wash, make sure you understand what you’re signing up for:
- Your pool will be drained.
- The surface will be chemically stripped.
- You’re shortening the lifespan of your plaster.
And that may be totally fine — as long as it’s a one-time fix done for the right reasons, by a crew that knows how to do it safely.
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📞 Call Nearby Pool Service to schedule an expert evaluation.
