Acid Washing a Swimming Pool

WARNING: Never Acid Wash a Fiberglass Swimming Pool or the Walls of a Fiberglass/Concrete Pool.

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Acid washing is performed for only two reasons. The first and most common reason is to remove stubborn stains that cannot be scrubbed off. The second reason is to prepare the surface for lamination of a new coating of paint.

When resurfacing with fiberglass, this step is necessary only when resurfacing new gunite, concrete, or block. This applies only to new construction. It may also be necessary on concrete previously coated with some sort of waterproofing finish.

Always follow the directions on the TSP container

Three Step Process

The First Step - Wash the Pool
We recommend TSP Tri-sodium Phosphate

Use Tri-sodium Phosphate (TSP) to scrub the surface. Mix according to directions. One gallon mixed properly will clean about 200 square feet. Wet a long handled brush with the mixture and scrub the walls in 10-20 feet sections. Immediately rinse each section before continuing. Do not permit mixture to dry on the wall. Scrub the floor last remembering to rinse as you go. NOTE:  For new construction, this first washing may be omitted.

The Second Step - Acid Wash the Pool

The acid washing (or etching) chemical is Muriatic Acid which is poured into a 5 gallon plastic pail. First add the water to the pail, then add the acid according to directions. WARNING:  Always wear long gloves and goggles when working with muriatic acid. The diluted solution should be between 8% and 10% strength. Do not exceed 10%. One gallon of diluted solution will cover about 100 square feet.

Brush solution onto wall in sections. When the bubbling stops, immediately rinse off the remaining solution. Do not permit the solution to dry on the wall. Do the bottom last. When properly etched, the surface will feel like it was lightly sanded with 220-260 grit sandpaper.

The Third Step - Wash the Pool Again

Immediately after the acid wash, the pool must be scrubbed once again. This must be done right away to neutralize the acid. Use exactly the same procedure listed in Step One. The pool must dry completely, before moving on to the next step.

PERMISSION TO REPRINT THIS IN ITS ENTIRETY ON OTHER WEB SITES: This statement must be included: "This information provided by Bill Nash at UGlassIt Pool Resurfacing. Bill is the founder of the do-it-yourself swimming pool resurfacing industry."

Pool Resurfacing, Inc.
67 Buck Road

Suite 140 Box B-43
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
267-988-8712

Toll Free: 800-676-8528