In this video I demonstrate the step by step process of How to Acid Wash a Pool – a plaster pool. I have received a few comments criticizing the fact that I am not wearing protective gear or a mask. I have tried using a mask in the past and found that it hinders my ability to see, plus it slides down when the temperature is very hot; both of which create a dangerous distraction. If you feel you need protection, by all means use whatever makes you feel will keep you safe.
Tips for a Successful Acid Wash:
- Before draining the pool, buy all your supplies. (See below) You do not want to have the pool sitting empty for more than a day if you can help it. When plaster dries out small ‘spider cracks’ form which, when water is added, has the potential to create bubbling because of air underneath the plaster.
- Check the pool and spa lights to see if they are working before you drain. If not, check that the GFCI is not tripped. (It’s unusual to have both bulbs burnt out at the same time). If you turn a light on, and the GFCI trips, you have water in the light. See my video How to Replace a Spa Light Complete Replacement or just the Spa Light Bulb Replacement for tips on how to replace the light. Applies to pools also. It’s possible that the gasket needs changing, but check the inside element really well.
- I like to open the filter before draining. Any dirty water will go into pool, and some filters need the pressure of water to pop the top off.
- Pre-position acid bottles around the pool…I place two every ten feet. This prevents many trips to one location.
- Be sure you have a nozzle that will shut off at the end of your hose. Again, you don’t want to be running back and forth while you’re doing the job.
- Be consistent with your solution. I start out at 50/50 (one gallon acid to one gallon water and about two Tbls. Plaster White and Brite and Aquadex 50). If after the first pour a stronger solution is needed, use one and a half acid to the rest water (in a two gallon plastic watering can). Continue using the same ratio for the entire pool. If you find that a stronger solution is needed than this, it’s best to go around your pool two times at a weaker strength than to pour one time at a stronger solution.
- Always begin with a small amount of water around the main drain, where the sump pump is. While you are pouring the walls, check the plaster frequently. You will be adding water as you rinse, but sitting acid for a long time is not good for the plaster. When in doubt, pump it out. The water should go into a sewer line where it will be treated…NOT into the street. And move the pump occasionally so as not to damage the plaster on which it sits.
- Watch my Acid Wash Video Above
- When re-filling the pool, keep water running until full. If you stop it before, there is a possibility a permanent water line will remain on the plaster. This actually applies to new plaster pools, but it’s best to follow same method after an acid wash.
- If you use White ‘n Brite the solution can remain for up to ten minutes. Be sure to pour a section at a time, and watch any ‘legs’ or trails, as you don’t want to create a ‘ravine’ in your plaster.
SUPPLIES
Sump pump and hose long enough to reach sewer/waste line
12 + bottles of muriatic acid
1 bottle [easyazon_link asin=”B004JZ0PMK” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Bio-Dex Plaster White N Bright[/easyazon_link]
1 bottle [easyazon_link asin=”B0017SR6B0″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Bio-Dex Aquadex 50 STAIN OFF [/easyazon_link] (To be added with White ‘n Brite if plaster is stained)
Garden hose and nozzle with shut off
Large bucket or plastic chlorine case to set pump in after acid wash so it won’t be placed on the deck
START-UP CHEMICALS
[easyazon_link asin=”B000LNY2AU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cyanuric Acid [/easyazon_link], aka Conditioner (Amount will depend on size of pool)Some form of chlorine: Liquid, [easyazon_link asin=”B004R78UUE” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]granular Trichlor[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link asin=”B002WKO7LY” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]Trichlor Tabs[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link asin=”B00JFUJUNY” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]Dichlor[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link asin=”B00H81OM08″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]Calcium Hypochlorite Tabs[/easyazon_link]
A stain treatment —-> [easyazon_link asin=”B004ECJNGM” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]HASA 76121 Super Stain Out, Quart[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link asin=”B007AHDMTM” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]CuLator Ultra PowerPak[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link asin=”B0017SSGJG” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”yes”]Bio-Dex Protect All Quart[/easyazon_link]
I hope these tips help. The video will give you a much better sense of what to do. Again, wear protective gear if you feel safer.
