Acid Wash, How to Acid Wash Your Pool

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Acid Wash Follow-Up: 24 Hrs Later: • Acid Wash Follow-Up: 2...
-This is kind of a part 2 but really just what should be done right after the pool refills.
Notes:
If after watching this video you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, I recommend hiring a pool company to do it for you (avg cost $400-$600). It is a bit of an exact science and you can do it do a lot wrong if you are not careful. I tried to make a very detailed video showing more or less an exact method.
Here are some more tips:
Wash of your boots every time you enter or exit the pool as not to leave acid footprints on the deck.
Start with a 3 to 1 water to Acid mix to avoid etching or burning the plaster.
Don't do it alone. A water guy hosing off the acid is crucial to avoid streaks.
Wear a mask and get a good one. The Gas Mask I was wearing was perfect, didn't smell a thing and it cost $25.00 at the Army Surplus Store.
Do a light wash 2 or 3 times verse a heavy one time wash.
Consult an expert 1st if possible and get detailed advice (like the guy at your Mom & Pop pool store or the neighborhood pool man). This is actually my neighbors pool and he asked me to do the Acid Wash for him, I gave him a discount too.
You can remove the light fixture if you are going to do a heavy acid wash and set it on the deck. The guy that trained me originally always did this but I have since done acid washes were we put Soda Ash on the fixture. It is up to you.
Make sure that when you drain the pool you are doing it legally. Some cities are very strict and will actually fine you a substantial amount if they catch you draining it into the gutter out front. Most want you to drain it directly into a P-trap into the main line.
The acid wash won't be perfect so don't over due it. You are shooting for 85%-90% better. In most cases just 70% better is a huge improvement.
You must do a chlorine wash and remove large debris and dirt first, other wise the acid wash will not work well. The chlorine wash is the only way to kill algae and algae spores in the plaster. This Pebble Tec pool had a major Algae infestation.
You can do a Chlorine Wash again after to kill any remaining Algae and to brighten the plaster up.
You cannot Acid Wash a Fiberglass pool or a Vinyl pool.
The process is about the same for a Plaster Pool and a Pebble Tec pool. Pebble Tec may need a slightly stronger acid mix.
Don't rush it. Safety first.
With that said, there are many things you can do to prevent having to drain your pool. Hiring a pool service is your best bet. If that is not in your budget, then weekly checking the chemicals and balancing them is a must. I do mean weekly. Clean the filter at least twice a year and remove debris and dirt from your pool at least once a week. Never let your chlorine level drop to zero. Have some liquid chlorine and shock on hand at all times to raise the chlorine level up right away if it does zero out. Algae can bloom within a day if your pool is zeroed out. Proper Conditioner level is a must to help protect the chlorine from the sun.
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[@SPL]

I might have misspoke. I meant I just poured the chlorine without diluting it in water so 100% of the bottle of chlorine. The strongest liquid in the store is 12.5% per gallon. What I mean is that you can dilute it 50/50 in water if the algae staining is not to severe. This one I needed to just pour it straight on top. I cleaned it up good.

[@HRTsAFyre]

I wish I had watched this video before 8 refilled my pool last week. My steps were coming apart like that and I didn't know how to address the plaster before the water went in. I thought maybe it needed a patch repair but wasn't sure. Sanding it down made better sense. Oh and I found a spot on the bottom with a hollow sound underneath right were there was calcium build up and spider web like staining around the area. It seemed that there was a section ingrained into the pebble tec where the return valve was blowing the water over the pebble tec surface. I should have sanded that area down a little bit as well. Your video was very helpful. You mentioned a side spa drain but didn't mention why a spa would have 2 main drains. One on the bottom of spa and one on the side wall. I haven't figured out the purpose of that second drain yet.

[@KosukiFire]

To help with ventilation, i use a electric high flow floor fan. Id recommend some upgraded PP, use a low level Hazamat suit for cloths, it will keep you safer, also a high end 3m filter will work too, like for spray painting vehicle parts with the airguns.

[@abramruelas5176]

duse i like how you work i am a pool tech my self you should try Las Vegas and Henderson Nevada great pools to work on tons of work and i love it knowing people enjoy their pools because people like us is awesome.

[@omarazawiy]

thank you for replying so fast! I just bought some cement All from the Home depot and just filled the crack all the way long with my finger trying to push the cement in that small tiny crack and then used a sponge to clean the surface so that the cement don't stick in everywhere around the crack... I didn't make the crack wider or deeper like what everybody recommend. I just applied to the crack right the way :) tomorrow will fill the pool with the water:) hope that will help keeping the crack closed and strong. thank you sir for your replying !

[@SPL]

Did you get a chance to watch the video of the pool finished & filled again? Customer said it looked brand new & I agree.

[@ChefBeauRD]

Hands down best video on performing a DIY Acid Wash I've seen! Thank you for making this. To clarify, when you are brushing while the waterguy is spraying, you are not brushing to assist the acid to do its job, but rather to remove the acid wash so as to avoid streaking? Seems other tutorials leave the acid on the wall for an interval (Short to long) before rinsing and/or brushing. Hoping to "Measure twice, cut once" by asking. Thanks!

[@SPL]

Yes, to prevent streaking which happens. Thanks for the great feedback!

[@ChefBeauRD]

@@SPL Thank you. Follow-up question, if the acid was is left on instead of immediately washed (& brushed) off, will it remove more of the pool surface? Or rather, is it optimal to apply the acid wash and then quickly (Within seconds) wash & brush it off?

[@SPL]

You can try it. That sounds like the bottom coating of the fiberglass. But it could be organic staining. The chlorine shouldn't harm it. Test small area and see if it is worthwhile. Sounds like you need to re-glaze the fiberglass. It is a little expensive but they usually give you a 10 year warranty. Our you can fill it and live with it. It sometimes looks better filled - sometimes...

[@meesterSmeeth4182]

I did my first acid wash today on an indoor hotel pool. My boss is definitely not as safety minded as you. We started and he caught a big breath of poison gas before he decided to run to home depot to get masks lol We survived, and the pool looked great

[@SPL]

LOL - Live and learn. 💀

[@Twister051]

Wow! Excellent video. I appreciate all the attention to detail. Questions: 1 - You said the filter should be cleaned before draining. Why before and not after? 2 - What if the filter system you have is sand-based and not a cartridge? Do you just replace the sand entirely? 3 - Is it simply not feasible to get your pool 100% clean?, ie, you said shoot for 85-90%improvement. 4 - If chlorine/acid washing doesn't work well enough, how well does painting the gunnite work? Thx!

[@SPL]

painting is expensive, a pain and it only lasts a few years at best. Besides, you would need to do an acid wash anyway to prep the surface. An acidwash will take all those stains off that you described. For the really bad metal stains you may need to pour a stronger acid solution directly on top of the stain. I would discourage painting the pool. It has to be done by an experienced person and a primer needs to be applied first - if not the results will be poor.

[@SPL]

It's probably the water in your area. I have one dark colored Pebble Tech pool that has white spots in the deep end, maybe 3 ft by 2 ft areas on both sides near the walls. That is calcium deposits from the water. You can test your calcium hardness but the only way to really lower it if it is high is to drain some water out and fill it with fresh water. But if it is your fill water it won't be too good. You can keep your pH in balance 7.2-7-6 to prevent more calcium build-up - that is the key.

[@SPL]

Usually 1 case of chlorine will be more than enough for the chlorine wash. I don't think I have used more that 1 case of acid (4 gallons) on a pool smaller than 20,000. In a larger pool you may need more. It is mixed with water so it goes a long way.

[@jrbenton980]

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[@jrbenton980]

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[@jrbenton980]

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[@jrbenton980]

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[@jrbenton980]

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[@culator1]

Metal Out will only sequester the metals. You also need to ELIMINATE the metals from the water with CuLator Metal Eliminator and Stain Preventer. It is non-toxic and with the Ultra 4.0 you can place it in your pump basket. Check out Leslie's in your area. Always keep CuLator in your pool to prevent metal stains.

[@Theteese]

If you live in country's that don't have Bio-Dex just add your normal dish washing liquid ( a lot cheaper ) which will also help stick that solution to the substrate and foam up with no fears of streaking.....

[@jinjintiger]

Great video! Really helpful! How do you know when you should paint the pool vs acid washing? I have a gunite pool and it has a good amount stains from decayed leaves from the previous owner, it also has random rust spots from a piece of metal that was in it. They're not really coming off with chlorine alone. It's not as nearly as bad as the one you acid washed above though. I was wondering whether it's a good idea to acid wash it or should I paint it or something else? Thanks!

[@canas702]

your videos are great and very helpful. thanks for posting them.

[@SPL]

No problem. You can also rub the stain with a vitamin C tablet to see if it comes off. If it does your in luck as ascorbic acid will do the trick - I just posted a video on my Channel about it.

[@SPL]

Is it a fiberglass pool built like a standard pool - it doesn't look like a giant bath tub another words. If so it sounds like the glaze is all off the pool and you are seeing the fiberglass bottom coating. Under that would be the gunite (concrete). If it is a fiberglass pool build like a standard pool they are made the same way - except instead of plaster -fiberglass is used. Is that the type you are describing?

[@SPL]

Those Algaecides are pretty powerful. They will not only kill the algae but zero out the chlorine if you are not careful. I use Yellowtrine which has an active ingredient Sodium Bromine that kills the green and yellow algae. I have a video on it: "Algae Removal & Pool Chemistry" - playlist on my Channel. You can also use Swimtrine (copper based - copper kills the algae) or Yellow Treat if you can't get Yellowtrine. Yellow Out uses a different chemical.

[@jenniferbrinkerhoff9309]

I live in the Phoenix Az area. Our pool is very resistant to our efforts to kill the algae. Two of Three pool people have suggested we drain the pool. It is only under 90 degrees for about 12 hours (over night) right now - I understand we run a risk of cracking the plaster. So - how do I know if I really do need to drain the pool, and can it be drained, chlorine washed (can I skip the acid wash part?) and refilled in 12 hours?

[@jflores0002]

Great video.Many thanks. Is it safe to acid wash the tile around the inside of pool the same way?

[@SPL]

What kind of stains do you have. Fiberglass pools are not normally drained down - there is an Urban Legend that it will pop out of the ground if you do - at least I think it is an Urban Legend. Usually the staining in a fiberglass pool can be removed with the water in it.

[@natethetoe386]

TY good video. Why chlorine wash before acid wash? Will the acid not kill the bacterial?

[@WhyYouAskingMe]

When you filmed "things you will need". You left out the hose guy. Where can I get a hose guy?

[@SPL]

I saw some LinkedIn ads for one... 😜👍

[@brianjohnson8883]

Is there concern for losing the pebbles from the Pebble tec finish? (other then my own)

[@boc7185]

Great video. Very helpful. I have a similar staining problem which may be algae or copper staining. A chlorine wash might help determine if its algae but wondering if the acid wash will remove stains if they are cooper? Ive done every metal out, yellow algae, ascorbic acid treatments. Nothing has worked on these stains which will not scrub off at all. If not algae I think the origin may have been algaecide (with copper) when i winterized the pool. Also it looked like the chlorine wash was very effective against the black algae. Did you need to do the acid wash? Looks great but I know the acid removes a plaster layer so trying to avoid that if possible. Thanks for your perspective. Subscribed.

[@SPL]

No need for an acid wash if everything looks good now.

[@LowBuckPools]

Great thanks I will try it and let you know how it comes out thank you for your time I really appreciate it

[@Twister051]

Mr Dgvb1 - Thanks answering my questions. I thought of 2 more: 1 - How much chlorine do you use for an average sized pool? (I thought I saw one case of 4 gallons in the video?) 2 - How much muriatic acid do you typically use for an average size pool? Initially I thought you had just one case of 4 gallons but then it looks like you have 3 cases for a total of 12 gallons?) Yes, I understand it depends on how dirty the pool is what but what's a base amount to (generally) start with?

[@SPL]

I will work on a more specific video next month showing how I calculate chemical dosage. Most products tell you per gallons of water how much to add, you just need to know your pool volume level. But that sounds like a good video idea.

[@aoronqui1]

Quick question, what's the best way to remove calcium from tile that's on the edge of the water line? Thanks

[@Amirro23]

Great Video! Where can I get some of those yellow and red containers to hold chemicals in? Thanks

[@SPL]

It is going into a P-trap directly into the sewer. It is illegal to pump in into the street here in So Cal - $10,000 fine.

[@LowBuckPools]

Yes exactly it has tea colored stains im wondering if a good chlorine wash would help I mean might as well since its already drained I just dont know if it will damage what evers left of the fiberglass

[@SPL]

how old is the pool more specifically when was it last drained if ever? I just want to get an idea of how long the water has been in the pool. Is it a regular white plaster pool?

[@felipeanguiano6873]

hello, i have a pool that has pebbles. the pebbles are turning white i was wondering if there was a way to stop them from doing that

[@soillife1]

Thank you What about pebble tec walkways or patios??? Do you seal your pebble tec with epoxy annually?

[@SPL]

You can but the seal doesn't really last more than 8 months.

[@soillife1]

Thanks for the quick reply. Good 👍 deal

[@rosecasey3333]

Can you scrub plaster with a wire brush when acid washing a swimming pool? Will the wire brush be too harsh for the plaster?

[@SPL]

That is fine for stubborn stains. Won't damage the plaster. Think cement sidewalk.

[@priscillarogers2196]

Can you send the link to the video for after care of the acid wash? We recently had our new plaster acid washed and need to know what should be next after filling pool back up.

[@nancyorkimchristensen5339]

Is it ok to use soft water to autofill an pebble tec pool? We fill with regular tap water then just top off as needed with soft water.

[@SPL]

Glad to here that.

[@SPL]

If the pool was green like this one, then the cartridges or DE grids would be green also. It is just part of the clean-up process. You can clean it after if you want. If you have a sand filter then just the regular 2-3 minute backwash - then rinse should do it. After the acid wash the pool will look much better especially once filled. I just put that in a s disclaimer in case someone thinks it will look 100%. Painting as long as it is primed properly will last about 5 years. It is just a pain.

[@bmoey5635]

How do you get calcium off a drained pool, on the walls and floor…..pebble Crete pool

[@tlrmd4you]

This his a very stupid question, but how do you determine how many gallon pool you have? And what can I use to get rust marks off the inside of the pool, the acid wash I did, did not even phase the rust marks? I also would like to ask how I determine how many gallon pool I have? What do you suggest as a water conditioner when I fill the pool? Or do you have a video on that? Thank you so much for all your videos, they are the brest online!!

[@SPL]

You can try sanding down the rust stains with a power sander if the pool is still empty.

[@eescalante68]

Your videos are awesome! I just had my pool re pebbled, looks like there was “cream” left in many areas. What could I do to expose the pebble more or get rid of the “cream”?

[@SPL]

Try keeping the pH at 7.0 to 7.2 for a few weeks. Adding EasyCare 22064 BeauTec will help lift the scaling. I would add one bottle now and then about 1/4 of another bottle each week for a month.

[@eescalante68]

@@SPL I’ll start with that today! Thank you

[@MrMasatepe54]

Hey. Great job! How much do they charge for this type of job?

[@SPL]

For a pool this size $550. A larger pools $650 and up

[@MajidPatriot-si7vx]

how long you have to wait to do the acid wash after chlorine wash and other question where to drain the the pool water.

[@SPL]

You can do the chlorine wash and then rinse the pool thoroughly and then do the acid wash soon after. Just make sure to rinse all of the chlorine out. In this video I did the chlorine wash one day and the acid wash the next. A little toxic to mi them together - but as long as you rinse the chlorine off good you can do the acid wash right after. Most cities prefer you to drain the water into the sewer - so look around for the sewer or your sewer main line pipe. Sometimes if you don't find a p-trap the main line line is capped off somewhere - my main line is capped off in the garage floor. Draining to the street is against the law in some cities. Almost all ban draining a green pool into the gutter - street.

[@Tink-ws6bl]

Is it necessary to do the acid wash also if I have black algae? You are simply the best - so glad I found your site - you helped me change my motor and change out my filters saved me hundreds of dollars I didn't have - single mom thank you!!!

[@SPL]

Depending on the pool surface you can clear up black algae without draining the pool. Do you have a white plaster pool?

[@Tink-ws6bl]

I know that I don't have plaster nor pebble tech so I think its called aggregate with the little blues shinny things?? thank you so much for helping me

[@Tink-ws6bl]

Oh I meant to tell you that I did drain it previously and forgot some acid I had put into the pool for about an hour and it created a clean but ring around the bottom and that is where the majority of the black algae is and I've tried to scrap it off with the rubber eraser and its too much so i've started draining already but it will take the weekend to finish so if you have any suggestions i'm open - thank you

[@acesc8993]

Need your help. My pool is full of garbage tadpoles and dirt. I scooped up 15 or more basket loads of trash. The pool was green cannot see bottom. The pool is nice oval shaped with 6 feet at deepest part. It has 2 skimmers. I planned to have it drained and acid washed, but every one i called said they don't acid wash anymore and if i drained the pool it wood crack. This is a gunite pool it is approx 15-20 yrs old. I live in Corpus Christi TX. we have clay soil here. Just bought new pump pump 1.5 hr. Any ideas or reccommendations. Thanks

[@carljohnson8085]

ace sc dunno how it worked out last year, but you can drain the pool without it cracking by pulling out the hydrostat. The hydrostat is a plug inside the main drain of the pool. This allows groundwater to enter your pool, releasing the pressure built up underneath. Depending on your location in the water table, you may or may not need to open it. Its best to open it though, in case the pressure is very high, which will eventually cause your pool to pop out of the ground! Youll know if there is high pressure when you open it because a geyser will shoot out.

[@andrewjackson8771]

If you're acid washing in a commercial pool, do you just sprinkle soda ash over areas where the acid wash has settled on the pool floor?

[@SPL]

That is a bit tougher if the pool does not have a deep end. You would need to use a lighter acid mix and have someone constantly hosing off the area.

[@mannyrodriguez8883]

Thanks for the advice. i will wash again tomorrow. how long can a pool remain empty before the plaster has issues?

[@SPL]

Shouldn't be an issue for a short period of time. You might need to give it a light chlorine wash at the end to brighten up the plaster. Just make sure all acid residue is out of the pool bowl before the final chlorine wash.

[@rotfan77]

Just curious if you have some stains in your plastered concrete pool would you be better to acid wash it or pressure wash it? Thanks

[@SPL]

Acid washing will produce better results.

[@yajortsac822]

hello there... im from the phil. just wana ask the exact amount of acid wash & chlorine to be use on a 20,000 size pool? pls give me the dilution... tnx

[@omarazawiy]

I have some problem happen to my pool here is Arizona I let my pebble tec pool empty for about 9 months starting from Sep-2104 to Jun-1 2015 I just noticed a tiny long crack almost a finger nail wide and I start been worry about how to fix it? and if I put water in the pool then the pool may crack in everywhere because it been empty for a long time! please help

[@SPL]

Ozy O This company makes a patch material for PebbleTec. Patch it up, then fill it and you should be fine. www.poolpatch.com/

[@rpg8744]

I love your video tutorials. Great job! I have a pebble tec spool (spa/pool) with calcium build up on the water line and purple stains on the rock waterfall. Based on my online research it's Manganese. What do you recommend to get rid of this?

[@SPL]

Phil Gianforte The stains on the rocks can be taken out with acid mixed with water - maybe start with one part acid and 6 parts water. Hose it off right after pouring. If still there go with a stronger solution. The tile might need a glass bead to get the calcium off. Or you can try my sandpaper trick: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2W9lJqNbreCZ8k

[@rpg8744]

Thanks for the advice. Calcium directly on pebble tec, no tile. Is removal the same method as the rock stains? No brushing?

[@SPL]

Phil Gianforte You can try an acid wash on the Peble tec to remove the calcium but you will have better results if you hire someone to glass bead the pebble tec. I have seen it done with really good results. Acid doesn't life calcium very well. In some cases you have to power sand the surface but glass beading works well and has less potential for damaging the surface. For the rocks just pour the solution over them and you should see a reaction.

[@rvingmylifeaway8295]

I have some small circular rough spots throughout my pool, mainly on the edge where i poured the shock do I need to acid wash my pool or replaster.

[@SPL]

You may be able to just drain it and power sand those off.

[@darrinsiberia]

With a heavy duty wire brush take the brush head and brush it by hand.... Using elbow grease you'll shave the plaster and might be able to finness it smooth.

[@marcglebocki6444]

Hello have a new krystalkrete aggregate finish with white cement super blue quartz. Habe White cement spots streaking, lines and inconsistent all over. Will an acid wash help this issue?

[@SPL]

It should.

[@007galaxie]

In your response to the fellow from AZ, when should you drain the water? I have a plaster pool and I think the last home owner said it had been 10 years. According to Leslie's I do have high phosphates (use phos free weekly) and nitrates. I was hoping to use the rain this year to help turn over some of the water. Thanks for your input, mucho appreciated.

[@SPL]

Thanks for all your great comments - I enjoy reading them. I would only drain the pool if the Total Dissolved Solids level gets too high. Phosphates are treatable. If your TDS is 2500 to 3000 ppm then a drain is in order. TDS is basically all the junk in the water that doesn't evaporate away and continues to build up. Splash out and back-washing the filter helps keep most pools in check. If you notice your water chemistry is getting weird than the TDS level might be too high. Leslie's can check it for you. Thanks for watching.

[@XandaSmith17]

Only so much that Enzymes will do.

[@Twister051]

One more question: You said at the beginning of the video that you had a 12.5% solution of chlorine initially but then used a 100% chlorine product instead. Where do you get 100% chlorine at? The highest ratio chlorine I have found so far is only 10% (a product by "HTH"). Thanks!

[@gr1nder07]

I know this is very late but I just found this video. By saying 100% all he was saying was that he was not diluting the chlorin any further. depending on the severity of the algae you may dilute the chlorine as to prevent discoloring the pool surface

[@ryanbedwell2144]

How many hours x2 people did this take you? Pool tech from Melbourne Australia checking in. Looks like a big job! Thanks, Ryan

[@SPL]

About 2 hours max after doing all the prep work.

[@ryanbedwell2144]

@@SPL much appreciated 👌

[@hussainalmomen5495]

I want to remove the tiles and make it like your pool is it cement you used for the pool ?

[@SPL]

This pool here is PebbleTec.

[@hussainalmomen5495]

@@SPL thank you

[@mannyrodriguez8883]

i did the chlorine was but it did not see to affect the yellowness. i did try extra acid in a small area and that did seem to remove most of the yellow but i had to apply several times. if it is a stain how i do eliminate it?

[@SPL]

You will just need to apply a stronger acid solution and do a few more run through. This pool I did twice. You might need to do yours four times through to remove all the staining. You might not be able to get 100% results. Try for the best overall look as you won't get a like new look in your case. See how the pool looks over all after two passes. See what you can live with. When full of water it might not look as bad as when it is empty.

[@SPL]

I would add a Metal out product to the pool.

[@jchobgood]

Awesome video. Thank you for sharing!!!!

[@di3appl3]

I was told to nvr drain an inground pool because it my pop or float up. What did you do to keep it from popping up?

[@SPL]

Rarely will pop out. It needs to be empty and you need 6-8 inches of torrential rain for the dirt underneath to get filled with water and push it up.

[@SPL]

I do show it in part 2 - it is in the comments - the video link. It came out great.

[@terrysinapopka]

Where are you pumping the acid wash water to? I'd be afraid to pump it into my yard.

[@BVInAZ]

If you're not acid washing, just draining the pool, do you need a sump pump? Or could you just use your pool pump to drain?

[@SPL]

Generally you can't drain a pool completely with just the pool pump - unless you can turn off the skimmer and use the main drain only. A sump pump is the best way in most cases.

[@BVInAZ]

Much appreciated. Your videos have saved me tons of time and money.

[@allboutthemojo]

Thanks so much for the detailed video. I have a couple of questions and am hoping that you can provide your expert opinion. My pool company messed up and delayed the brushing of the spa after the plaster and now the spa has several whilte lines / streaks in it. 1 month post plaster and still not usable yet, they are now saying that they will have to acid wash to remove those streaks. My questions are 1. It's a medium / small spa ( 6 person maybe 2000 gallons), so would it be better for me to get them to just replaster it? 2. Are there any downsides to acid washing? Meaning , will it affect the color of the original plaster? 3. Seems like acid wash is just as labor intensive as replastering, so does one cost more than the other? Is that why you think they are insisting on acid washing to fix this? 4. Lastly, we were told that a spa cannot be heated up for upto 30 days after a plaster, is it the same with acid washing? or will the pool be ready for use sooner after the acid wash process? Really appreciate if you could answer these for me.

[@Boisetom]

If you just use the pool pump to drain the pool you can run into a big problem. First, you can't drain into the gutter in most cities. Second, if you have to drain into a sewer line on your property it could back up and make a mess. The amount of water that is pushed from a pool pump might be too much for the drain to take and it will back up. So, you should use a sump pump because it drains slower and it won't backup the drain.

[@andywilliams5843]

Where are you pumping the water with chemicals? Is it okay to pump into your yard after it’s neutralized?

[@SPL]

Would say pumping it into the yard is a bad idea. It could saturate the dirt and if enough water gets in there a rare condition like pool pop-out can happen.

[@BaltiSean]

How do I know whether I can acid wash or have to resurface my pool? Are there any options to remove stains without draining the pool?

[@SPL]

If there are any cracks or plaster chips then an acid wash will make it worse.

[@BaltiSean]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To - SPL how do I know whether I need to drain my pool to address the stains? I don’t see any cracks.

[@TheTrueabundance]

same process to chlorine and acid wash a tiled pool?

[@sqballtn]

I am getting ready to acid wash my pool and I was wondering if I needed to remove the self cleaning pop up head.

[@SPL]

Those should be fine.

[@kevinbutts9347]

One mistake you are making when using chlorine is that using straight from the bottle is not a stronger wash. Liquid chlorine in the bottle is a chlorine compound not the sanitizing chlorine you need. You are starting off with Sodium-Hypochlorite, when mixed with H2O makes Hypochlorus Acid. That is the active chlorine you really want. Best to mix in a pour bucket 3 parts chlorine and 1 part H2O for a strong pour. Wet surface first, pour chlorine on and wait 1-2 minutes keeping wet to reactivate any mix on there. The straight pour from the bottle will kill algae only as a corrosive.

[@darrinsiberia]

But he's spraying it with a hose right after so isn't that the same as mixing it with water. Would letting the pool stay empty and dry out in the hot sun for a few days afterward also help kill everything?

[@kevinbutts9347]

For best results I have found to mix in 2 gallon pour spout container. 1/3 gallon chlorine the rest water. then wet the wall, approximately 6-8 feet, then pour the mixture from the top down. Pour slowly so the mixture covers all the wall. Wait 1-2 minutes, wet with light mist of water then brush with plastic pool wall brush. Wet and brush again, then rinse. Do this for the floor also. I don't see any benefit to leaving it empty to dry. I re-fill right away. My other advise on sand/cartridge filter is to replace the sand/cartridge if the filter was running while it was green. I have also seen other people use a sprayer to mix and apply. A sprayer that you pump with air and have a hose spray handle. @@darrinsiberia

[@hankgs]

Should I go with a traditional plaster, or a Pebble Tech pool..? Any pros or cons are appreciated! Thanks in Advance :)

[@SPL]

+hankgs Regular Plaster has a couple of drawbacks. It stains easily, and the plaster mix no longer has Asbestos in it so there will be a lot of discoloration or different shades of color in the plaster over time. Notice how old pools build before the 1990's are one nice uniformed color. Plaster pools can also develop scale. But they look really nice with the Sun shinning on them and the overall feel is very smooth to the touch. PeebleTec stays one uniform color and is virtually indestructible. It looks really nice with some very good color choices. It can be rough to the touch. Like fine grit sandpaper. I personally don't like the feel of it. It can also develop calcium scaling which will lead to white splotches - more visible in darker colors. Tough choice I think.

[@hankgs]

+Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 I guess a lighter color pebble tech is the way to go- I really like the plaster, but not if it will get splotchy- Our water is REALLY hard up here in Solvang, CA so I am sure it will get calcium scaling :( Thanks for all the vids you provide, as a soon to be pool owner, they are super informative!

[@cityoftrees9953]

If I have staining on my steps and around the edges of the pool will I be okay to swim this summer and acid wash after the summer

[@SPL]

Yes, the staining is only unsightly and will have no effect on the water quality.

[@cityoftrees9953]

@@SPL thank you. Also while I’m draining my pool. One spout is leaking water. Idk if it’s from my auto fill or what. But is this a defect?

[@darrinsiberia]

If you acid wash hevaily dilluted can you leave it in there and fill the pool I dont have time to pump it ou and no pump rental.

[@SPL]

I mean it should be fine, depending on the amount of acid and pool size. Especially if you are neutralizing it with soda Ash.

[@darrinsiberia]

@@SPL I already pressured washed the b j ee zus out of it. Did a pure chlorine bath and washed and scrubbed. Pumped that out. Washed with water again real good and pumped it out. Had to take the pump back. Pool dried out for 5 days dry 90 degree sun. Just started getting a heavy rain so I did an impromptu acid wash. Heavily diluted didn't even make it thru 1 gallon for entire pool. Rinsed off and filled to beat the weather.

[@darrinsiberia]

@@SPL so now that pool is full the muriatic acid whatever is in there will just burn off in time? Should I add soda ash to it.

[@GoGrandpa]

Always pour Acid into water.....not water into acid....what I mean is never pour acid into a mixing bottle and than....water into the acid...did I say that right?

[@SPL]

I think so. 😆

[@3seven802]

How much does that process cost on a standard 12000 gallon gunite pool

[@SPL]

Here in CA bids start at $550 and up

[@Sillyrefrigerator]

Will this technique kill black algea?

[@biggstell]

How much did you charge for that?Got a customer with a 45,000 gal pool. It also has a spa connected to it. I'm going to do the spa first. How much for the pool and how much for the spa?

[@SPL]

+biggstell For a 20,000 gallon pool with attached spa the acid wash runs about $400-$450 in my areas. 45,000 gallons is a monster pool. I would charge $100 for the spa and and maybe $700 for the pool? Gonna take a long time to do that one.

[@biggstell]

Thanks for the quick reply!!! You right about being a monster pool...

[@larry6280]

+MrDgvb1 How many hours would you estimate is will take to chlorine wash and 2x acid wash a (already drained) pebble tech pool that is 25,000 gallons. This will be my first time doing it and I will have an assistant to do the watering while I scrub.

[@ethanharrison2589]

It looks perfect

[@anthrax1569]

Noticed you mentioned your in SoCal. Most of the reply’s here are a few years old are you still in business? If so do you do work in Anaheim?

[@SPL]

I don't do that area myself but I do have a guy I can refer to you.

[@SPL]

Funny - I probably can't endorse that method because mixing chemicals together like that on purpose is not recommended ;) Most Yellow Algae is chlorine resistant so you can have a 3.0 or even higher reading and the algae will still be there. Basically what you did was convert the pool to a Bromine pool and the Bromine is what killed the algae. The Bromine will "convert" the active chlorine to bromine and thus kill the algae. That is probably how they discovered it worked - by accident also.

[@rubenhernandez3091]

How much money did u spend on all the supplies

[@rubenhernandez3091]

How much money did u spend on all the supplies

[@LowBuckPools]

Can you chlorine wash a fiberglass pool?

[@MattMaldonado-me8lu]

Can you leave chlorine puddle then go straight into Acid wash?

[@SPL]

No. It will be pretty toxic.

[@adultdvd54]

what is the estimated cost of doing that process? for that same size pool you just did. thanks

[@SPL]

$300- $350. I think $400 would be the maximum for this size pool.

[@adultdvd54]

thanks again, you have been very helpful.

[@ethanharrison2589]

i would have like to seen the pool filled after but good video anyway

[@abelalcazar]

Where is all of that used water and acid been dump to ?

[@SPL]

Directly into the sewer line, never out to the front curb and gutter.

[@peewee21345]

wouldnt the acid and soda ash go in the filter?Would it damage it? since you filled it up while it was still in there

[@SPL]

+peewee21345 No. Most of the water is pumped out before refilling. If there is any acid left the soda ash will neutralize it. Typically after a refill the pH is over 8.0 so no damage to the pump. You can email photos to me through my website.

[@peewee21345]

+Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 So its fine if the soda ash and acid goes in the filter ?

[@peewee21345]

Thanks for the info ill be doing it tomorrow :)

[@SPL]

+peewee21345 Okay. Yo will do fine. And the soda ash in the basin will neutralize any acid.

[@peewee21345]

Ok so i did the acid wash on half my pool just to see how it would turn out but it still has some yellow tint streaks ive repeated that side about 4 times now should i keep doing it until its gone?

[@AL985]

do you have a list for what kind of stuff you used? i dont know where to buy the acid

[@SPL]

+Towelyey I thought I listed the stuff in the description of the video?

[@AL985]

+Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 I see thanks

[@streetfreezeicecreamtruck6628]

Hello, where did you pump the used water?

[@SPL]

Into the sewer line.

[@THOMASJOHNSEN818]

So you made this way too complicated, and you can use a pump sprayer that home depot sells for like 20$....Muriotic Acid is what you guys want....go the the painting isle for you chemical resistant supplies.

[@brianjohnson8883]

Get the acid from a pool supply store. Acid at the box stores is expensive and not as strong

[@ethanharrison2589]

I cant find the link.

[@mannyrodriguez8883]

mr. dgvb1, thanks for the great video and tips and tricks. i need an acid wash. it seems simple enough but would like it done by a pro if you are in the SoCal Ventura county area. thanks

[@SPL]

I got a couple of guys who can do it for you. I don't go that far. Why don't you send me your contact info over to my website: swimmingpoollearning.com and I will get you some bids.

[@HRTsAFyre]

​@@SPLi just sent you an email on your web page

[@bugajk25]

Pro team supreme plus. Never have to acid wash again 🤗

[@totallybakedpc]

Okay my pool at my house is.nothing but black water I don't know what to die

[@Ifugiveubegin2live]

Where you located?? I need this done

[@SPL]

San Gabriel Valley CA. I have a guy who can do this for you if you live in LA County, Orange County, San Bernardino and Riverside County.

[@miaolson7744]

Why not just let it go down the pool drain? were does all that MA go with a sump pump?

[@SPL]

+Mia Olson In most areas it cannot go into the street or the drains in the street. And the acid is pretty much neutralized by the soda ash.

[@miaolson7744]

Oh ok

[@martynasla7604]

Could you advice me , how to get rid of light streaks I got after acid wash on a pebble tec pool? Appreciate it.

[@SPL]

Could be calcium in the PeebleTec. Try some sanding it down with sandpaper and see if it comes off. You can also try another light go around of the pool again and see if that gets rid of them. But a lot of time it is calcium build-up on the Pebble Tec.

[@martynasla7604]

What do you mean by another light go around? Thanks anyways.

[@martynasla7604]

There is also a big light patch where the puddle was around main drain.

[@SPL]

Amadis Lau For your first question I mean go around the pool bowl again with a lighter acid to water mix. If you didn't put any base in the big puddle there may have been too much acid washing in there. It might not be that dramatic looking once the pool is filled.

[@martynasla7604]

It is visible and it did it on my friend's pool. I also did chlorine bath before acid wash and did not completely drain chlorine when started acid wash and everything wrnt down to the same puddle. So I think I bleached it.

[@mattmonroe7266]

What type of acid, I have a black plaster pool?

[@SPL]

The standard Muriatic Acid from your pool store.

[@mannyrodriguez8883]

mr. dgvb1, after watching your video several times i have decided to try the acid wash on my own. i have started the process following the instructions but the yellow algae film does not seem to entirely disappear. Do I need to strengthen the acid to water ratio?

[@SPL]

Sounds like a stain vs algae. Try a higher dose in a small area - say a 3" square and see if it takes it off. You did a chlorine wash first and did it take most of it off?

[@kulafachi9571]

I want that pool!!!