Menu
Pool Maintenance - Sutro Pool Maintenance Blog
  • Sutro’s Blog
  • Pool Chemicals
  • Pool Safety
  • Digital Water Tester
Pool Maintenance - Sutro Pool Maintenance Blog
  • Pool Maintenance Blog
  • >
  • What does it mean to acid wash a pool?
What does it mean to acid wash a pool?

What does it mean to acid wash a pool?

Posted on November 18, 2021February 2, 2022 by Tre Golding

Acid washing is just what it sounds like, using acid (muriatic acid in the case of acid washing a plaster pool) to clean the plaster surface. Let’s take a look at what it means to acid wash a pool and why it’s important.

How to acid wash your pool

Acid washing a pool is done by draining the water and applying a dilute solution of muriatic acid which actually removes a small layer of plaster to lift stains and contaminants. If not done properly then it can damage your surface and will more greatly minimize the life of the plaster.

Sutro is a perfect solution to help you keep your water balanced so that you don’t have to worry about acid washing, but if you have found yourself in a situation where you need an acid wash then let’s take a deeper look into some specifics and things to consider.

Sometimes an acid bath (aka acid startup in new pool speak) may be performed by pool builders as part of their startup process as well, but the desired method is to follow the National Plaster Council (NPC) startup process and keep the water balanced and brush frequently during startup to prevent improper curing and help smooth the fresh surface.

What can acid washing correct?

A pool in need of acid washing

Acid washing can remove staining, calcium build up, or even help smooth rough pool surfaces. If a pool has been neglected to the point that the water is black and unrecoverable then acid washing would be part of the recovery process as it will remove the dirt and algae stains on the plaster.  It can also help minimize splotchy plaster and remove metal stains. 

What surfaces can be acid washed?

A pool acid wash will ruin a vinyl pool liner so be sure not to do that! Fiberglass pools can be acid washed, however not by draining and treating with an acid solution. Acid (ascorbic acid) is added to the water to make it acidic and remove the stain. It’s really more of an acid bath than a wash. 

If you have never performed an acid wash or are not familiar with the process we would strongly recommend hiring a professional so that you do not damage your pool. 

And remember, no matter whether you are starting up a new plaster pool or maintaining an existing pool, Sutro can help you avoid the need for a pool acid wash by monitoring your pH, total alkalinity, and free chlorine. Our monitor checks your pH and free chlorine levels 3 times per day and then recommends adjustments when needed so you can stay ahead of the game.

Featured image: Cann Do Pool

Find our if the Sutro Water Monitor is the right for you



  • acid wash pool
  • acid washing a pool
  • pool acid wash
  • How to’s – Pool maintenance guides

    How to get rid of Algae in my pool?

    How to clear Cloudy Pool Water

    How to Open an Inground Pool for the Summer

    How to Raise or Lower pH and Alkalinity

    How to fix water imbalance

    How to lower / raise Alkalinity in Pools

    Pool Chemicals – Learn how to use pool chemicals

    Algaecide for Swimming Pools

    Pool Stabilizer – What is it and how to use it

    Alkalinity Up – A way to increase alkalinity

    Pool Chemicals – All you need to know

    What is Flocculant and how to use it in the pool

    Metal Sequestrant – What is it?

    pH Up to raise the pH of your pool

    Recent Posts

    • Know the Pool You Are Renting Is Safe – Swimply With Sutro
    • Four technology products that are changing the pool industry
    • National Pool Opening Day
    • Why do you need pool lights?
    • What is a Pool Ionizer
    • Pool alarms – Types & how to choose one
    • Pool diving boards – Choosing the best kind
    • What does it mean to acid wash a pool?
    • What is mustard algae and how to get rid of it?
    • Getting rid of green hair from pool water

    Sutro Pool Maintenance Monitor

    Don’t know what chemicals to add or when? Sutro will tell you!

    Sutro will do this for you:

    🌡 Measure your pool (or spa) temperature

    🧪 Monitor pH, Alkalinity, etc.

    👨🏻‍🔬 Send you recommendations on treatment options

    No need to leave the comfort of your home (or sofa!).

    With Sutro, you get what you need, when you need it, from partners that you trust.

    > Click to learn to see how Sutro works

    COMPLETE POOL MAINTENANCE SYSTEM

    What does it mean to acid wash a pool?

    Our Device

    • Sutro – Automatic Pool Maintenance Monitor
    • Sutro Reviews
    • About
    • Partners
    • Wholesale
    • Contact us

    Pool Maintenance Tips

    • How to get rid of Algae in your pool?
    • Pool Chemicals
    • How to Open an Inground Pool for the Summer
    • How to Raise or Lower pH and Alkalinity
    • Cloudy Pool Water? Solve it in 6 easy steps!
    • How to Have Amazing Pool or Spa Water
    • How to lower / raise Alkalinity in Pools

    Sutro Smart Water MOnitor

    Don't know what chemicals to add or when? Sutro will tell you!

    With Sutro you’ll save time, cost and effort while keeping your pool chemicals in balance, even if you don’t know what you are doing, the Sutro app will help you out telling you what to do.

    >> Learn More About Sutro

    ©2022 Pool Maintenance – Sutro Pool Maintenance Blog | Powered by WordPress & Superb Themes