Overview

There’s no question that you love what your swimming oasis adds to your home life, but sometimes you might find brown stains accumulating on your pool’s surfaces. These don’t seem to come off with your usual cleaning methods.

What causes these unsightly blemishes, and how do you remove them without causing damage? Cleverblu LLC’s pool cleaning specialists have written this guide explaining what causes surface staining, how to get rid of it with an acid wash, what pool acid wash maintenance is, and what you should expect in terms of price, outcome, and service.

Highlights

Introduction

Central Florida’s gorgeous weather powers your lifestyle, and that means spending plenty of time in your residential pool. With near year-round usability, there’s no better way to cap off a hot day than taking a refreshing dip.

Whether you’re new to pool ownership or have enjoyed your backyard pool for years, you may hit a point where regular skimming, brushing, and vacuuming are no longer enough. If your usual surface spot-cleaning methods fail to restore that fresh, hygienic look, don’t panic. You may not need a full resurfacing job.

You just need the right deep-cleaning method. For many inground pools in Almonte Springs, Winter Park, and Kissimmee, that solution is a professional acid wash.

What Causes Stains on In-Ground Pool Surfaces?

Living in the Central Florida area means your pool faces year-round exposure to these elements that commonly lead to pool stains:

  • High UV exposure from direct sunlight
  • Rainy-season runoff filled with organic debris and contaminants
  • Falling leaves and pollen from surrounding trees and landscaping
  • Hard water minerals found in municipal or well water supplies

These conditions create the perfect environment for staining agents to cling to your pool’s plaster, concrete, or gunite surfaces.

Common Types of Pool Stains

Understanding the type of stain you’re dealing with can help you determine the right course of action.

Here’s a breakdown of common types of pool stains:

  • Organic stains: Caused by leaves, algae, dirt, or even nearby landscaping materials. These usually appear green, brown, or black and are often located near your pool steps, corners, and areas with low water circulation.
  • Mineral stains: Calcium, iron, or copper deposits from Florida’s hard water can leave behind chalky white or reddish-brown scaling.
  • Metal stains: Depending on the metal type, these stains tend to be blue, green, or rust-colored and result from corroded pool fixtures, fertilizers, or well water.

How Do You Clean Pool Plaster Stains?

Some pool plaster stains respond well to gentle scrubbing and targeted chemical spot treatments, especially when the discoloration is minimal, or you can catch it and clean it early enough. However, if the stains are widespread, discoloration persists despite regular maintenance, or algae keeps returning even after proper chemical balancing, it’s time to consider a more intensive solution.

In these cases, acid washing is often the most effective way to restore the appearance and hygiene of your pool surface.

How Will You Know When Your Pool Needs Acid Cleaning?

You may notice signs that your pool needs more than routine cleaning. If stains on the plaster don’t respond to brushing or spot treatments, algae discoloration keeps coming back, or your water remains cloudy despite having clean filters, these are all red flags.

Another telltale sign is if the surface of your pool feels rough to the touch or looks dull and blotchy. If any of these issues sound familiar, it strongly indicates that your pool could benefit from professional acid cleaning.

Don’t wait. Scheduling a consultation now can help prevent further surface damage and restore your pool’s clean, inviting look.

Does Acid Washing Work To Remove Algae Spores?

Yes. Acid washing strips away a thin plaster layer, removing visible stains and eradicating deeply embedded algae spores. This makes it an ideal solution when algae keep returning, even after proper chemical balancing and brushing.

Which Pool Surfaces Are Good Candidates for an Acid Wash?

Acid washing is suitable for:

  • Plaster-finished pools
  • Concrete pools
  • Gunnite pools

It’s not recommended for fiberglass or vinyl-lined pools since the acid can cause damage to these more delicate materials.

Pool Acid Cleaning Process

Acid washing is highly effective but requires precision, safety precautions, and professional handling to ensure the best results.

Here’s what you can expect during a typical pool acid cleaning service:

1. Inspecting and Assessing Your Pool

Your technician will inspect your pool to determine whether acid washing is appropriate. They identify the type and severity of stains, assess the condition of your pool’s surface, and inspect for damage that should be repaired before acid cleaning commences.

2. Draining Your Pool

Next, your technician will completely drain your pool using a submersible pump. This step ensures safe and even access to all interior surfaces. Your technician will follow proper water disposal procedures in areas with environmental regulations.

3. Preparing the Surface and Setting Up Safety Gear

Before applying acid, your technician protects nearby areas like your decks, landscaping, and equipment. Then, they suit up in safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and respirators, to handle the cleaning chemicals safely.

4. Applying the Acid Wash Solution

Your technician applies a mixture of muriatic acid and water to your pool’s interior surface. As the acid reacts with your plaster, it loosens stains, algae, and calcium deposits. Using brushes or tools, your technician scrubs the surfaces to lift away all contaminants effectively.

5. Neutralizing the Acid

After scrubbing, your technician neutralizes the acid using soda ash or a similar agent. This step ensures no corrosive materials remain on your pool’s surface or drainage system.

6. Rinsing and Removing Waste

Next, your technician will thoroughly rinse your pool and remove all remaining waste. Then, safely dispose of the neutralized acid and debris at this stage according to local guidelines.

7. Refilling Your Pool

Once your swimming pool is clean and rinsed, your technician refills it with new water. This step may take several hours, depending on your pool’s size and the water flow rate during filling.

8. Rebalancing Your Swimming Pool’s Water Chemistry

To complete the process, your technician tests your pool water and adjusts the pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. This step ensures your water is safe, balanced, and ready for swimming.

How Long Do Pool Acid Cleanings Take?

Acid cleaning is a multi-step process, usually completed in 1 to 2 days.

Your timeline depends on:

  • Pool size
  • Severity of stains
  • Weather conditions (dry days are best)

What Should You Expect To See on a Swimming Pool Acid Wash Cost Estimate?

When you request a quote for a swimming pool acid wash, you should receive a precise and itemized estimate outlining each step of the service. Pool acid cleaning service estimates typically include draining your pool and using protective equipment and safety gear necessary for handling and applying muriatic acid.

Next, your estimate should detail the application of the acid solution and manual scrubbing to remove built-up stains, algae, and mineral deposits, as well as products used during neutralization, thorough rinsing, and the removal and disposal of waste materials.

Finally, your cost breakdown should include pool refilling and chemical rebalancing to ensure safe swimming conditions.

When Should You Acid Clean Your Residential Pool?

In Central Florida, the best time to schedule an acid wash is:

  • Early spring, before peak swimming season begins: This is the perfect time to refresh your pool since you want to start the season with a stain-free swimming spot.
  • Fall, after heavy summer use: Acid washing removes sunscreen buildup, algae, and mineral stains leftover from many sunny days spent enjoying your backyard pool.
  • Post-storm or after flooding: When your pool fills with organic debris or becomes contaminated due to runoff after a flood, acid washing helps reset the system safely.

Why Choose a Licensed Pool Care Company?

Acid washing involves hazardous chemicals and skilled labor, making it a task that’s best left to certified technicians. When you hire a licensed and experienced pool care specialist, you benefit from expert application, cost-efficiency, and convenience, all while knowing your pool is being treated safely and correctly.

Hiring a reputable, local pool cleaner ensures:

  • Proper chemical handling
  • Safe disposal procedures
  • Even cleaning to avoid damaging your pool’s plaster
  • Correct chemical rebalancing after your pool is refilled

Trained technicians use industry-approved tools and proven techniques to restore the appearance of your inground pool. This gives you beautiful, lasting results without the guesswork or risk of DIY mistakes.

Book Your Pool Maintenance Service Today

Don’t let stubborn stains or recurring algae keep you out of the water. Whether you’re in Almonte Springs, Winter Park, or Kissimmee, Cleverblu LLC delivers expert-level pool cleaning that brings your backyard oasis back to life.

We understand how a clean, inviting, safe pool surface impacts your lifestyle and property value. We’re proud to be the quick-responding pool cleaning business you can trust for a full suite of residential pool care solutions that match your budget, schedule, and expectations.

Call us at (407) 922-8947 today to schedule a consultation or to book your acid wash service. It’s the best way to enjoy crystal-clear waters all year long.