How much does a pool acid wash cost?

Pricing depends on pool size and surface condition. Contact us for a custom quote. The price includes draining, acid washing, neutralization, refilling, and chemical startup.

How often should a pool be acid washed?

Acid washing should only be done when needed, not on a schedule. Most pools can go 3-5 years between acid washes. Each acid wash removes a thin layer of plaster, so doing it too frequently shortens the life of the surface.

Is acid washing safe for my pool?

Acid washing is safe when performed by trained professionals on plaster or concrete surfaces. It is NOT recommended for fiberglass, vinyl, or pebble-finish pools. We assess your surface type before recommending this service.

What are the risks of draining my pool?

Draining introduces risks including hydrostatic uplift (the pool being pushed out of the ground by groundwater pressure), plaster cracking from sun exposure, and structural shifting. BlueLux is not liable for structural damage resulting from draining. A written risk acknowledgment is required before work begins.

Can you remove all stains with an acid wash?

Acid washing is highly effective for mineral stains, algae discoloration, and general plaster yellowing. Some deep stains (especially from metals like copper or iron) may require specialized stain treatment in addition to the acid wash.

Pool Acid Wash

Restore your pool's plaster to its original brightness. Acid washing removes years of staining, mineral deposits, and embedded algae that regular cleaning cannot touch.

Custom Quote Text Us

Or call us at 601-BLUE-LUX· Mon–Sat 8AM–6PM

At a Glance

BlueLux provides professional pool acid wash services in San Diego. We drain the pool, apply a controlled acid solution to strip stains and mineral deposits from plaster or concrete surfaces, neutralize and pump out the wash water, then refill and rebalance. Pricing varies by pool size and surface condition. This service requires a full pool drain, which carries inherent structural risks that the homeowner must acknowledge before work begins.

When to Acid Wash Your Pool

Acid washing is not routine maintenance. It is a surface restoration procedure recommended only when needed.

Stained Plaster

Mineral stains (iron, copper, manganese) that will not come out with chemical treatment alone.

Embedded Algae

Algae that has grown into the plaster pores and returns despite repeated chemical treatment.

Neglected Pool

Pool was unused for an extended period and the surface has heavy discoloration or scale buildup.

Pre-Sale Prep

Restoring the pool's appearance before selling a home. An acid wash makes old plaster look years newer.

Our Process

Drain the Pool

We pump out all water using submersible pumps. Draining is monitored continuously to manage hydrostatic pressure conditions.

Acid Application

A controlled muriatic acid solution is applied to the plaster surface in sections, working from top to bottom.

Scrub & Neutralize

We scrub the surface to remove loosened deposits, then neutralize the acid wash water before pumping it out.

Refill & Balance

The pool is refilled with fresh water and we perform a full chemical startup to bring all levels to the proper range.

Important: Structural Risk Disclosure

Acid washing requires fully draining the pool. Draining a pool introduces inherent structural risks that are beyond the control of any service provider. These risks include:

Hydrostatic uplift ("pool pop"): When the pool is empty, groundwater pressure beneath the pool shell can push upward with enough force to lift the pool structure out of the ground. This risk increases after heavy rain or in areas with a high water table.
Plaster and surface cracking: Exposure to direct sunlight and air on an empty pool can cause thermal expansion, cracking, or delamination of the plaster or pebble surface.
Structural shifting or cracking: The weight of water inside the pool provides counter-pressure against the surrounding soil. Removing that water can cause soil movement, settling, or shifting that leads to shell cracks.

BlueLux Pool Services is not liable for structural damage, hydrostatic uplift, plaster cracking, or any other damage resulting from the draining of the pool. These are pre-existing site conditions outside our control. A written acknowledgment of these risks is required from the homeowner before any drain or acid wash work begins.

We take every reasonable precaution, including monitoring groundwater conditions, minimizing drain time, and working with hydrostatic relief valves when present. However, no service provider can eliminate these risks entirely. See our Service Agreement for complete terms.