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should i acid wash my pebble tec pool

by Elliot Schmitt MD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Because of the Valley's hard water and high summer pool evaporation, we recommended you drain and acid wash your pool every two to four years to help remove excess calcium, algae and other contaminates that may lead to interior pool staining and that unsightly white ring on your pool tile and pebble-tec surface.

Full Answer

Does my pool need an acid wash?

Your pool generally only needs an acid-washing every five to seven years if you regularly treat and maintain the water in it, recommends the Bratton Pools website. Acid-washing your pool more often can damage the plaster coating inside the pool because the acid strips away a small layer of it each time you do it.

Is pebble TEC best pool surface?

The color and shade will vary throughout the day as the sunlight reflects from different angles. Pebble Tec® brand pool finish is the original pebble pool finish and still delivers the enduring natural elegance and durability that combines beauty with exceptional value.

Is pebble TEC worth it?

Pebble Tec® Pebble Tec® is a newer trend and has become popular in the last couple of decades for good reason. While it is more expensive than plaster, it is the highest quality pool resurfacing material available due to its longevity and ability to hide chemical residue.

How to clean Pebble TEC pool surface?

The 5 Best Pool Cleaners for Pebble Tec Pools:

  • Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner – Top Pick. Check Latest Price on Amazon. …
  • Polaris F9550 Pool Cleaner. Check Latest Price on Amazon. …
  • Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 – Best Value. Check Latest Price on Amazon. …
  • Hayward Poolvergnuegen “The Pool Cleaner” …
  • Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Pool Vacuum.

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Can I acid wash Pebble Tec?

What is Acid Wash Pool Cleaning? An acid wash is a popular choice for removing tough stains from plaster and Pebble Tec pools.

How much does it cost to acid wash a Pebble Tec pool?

Average pool acid wash cost is $202, cost ranges between $178 to $225 for a pool measuring 500 square feet, according to Improvenet.com in the US in 2020.

How do you acid wash a Pebblecrete pool?

To acid wash your pool, simply mix a solution consisting of an equal part of hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid). Then, spray down the sides of the pool with this solution, scrub it for about 30 seconds, and wash it away with clean water to prevent etching.

How do I clean my Pebble Tec pool surface?

Pour 1/2 gallon of warm water into a bucket. Add 1/2 gallon of white vinegar. Soak a sponge in the vinegar solution. Wipe down the Pebble Sheen surface to remove stains left by mold or mineral deposits.

Does acid wash damage pool?

If you regularly clean your pool and keep it in good shape, chances are you will only need to acid wash your swimming pool every 5-7 years. Because acid washing uses harsh chemicals, it is not recommended to get your pool acid washed more frequently than that, as the harsh chemical used can damage your pool's surface.

Can you power wash a Pebble Tec pool?

As with any pool, a Pebble Tec pool needs to be drained before you clean it. Once drained, take the opportunity to survey it carefully for loose pebbles or cracked spots. You'll be pressure washing the Pebble Tec pool on very low pressure, so you'll need to use soap to loosen up the dirt before you start.

Can you leave a Pebble Tec pool empty?

Does my pool need to be drained before cleaning pool tile or cleaning pebble-tec? No! - We lower your pool water just enough to expose all the pool tile calcium and pebble-tec calcium. In an effort to conserve water, We Never Need to Drain Your Pool.

How do you remove rust from a Pebble Tec pool?

2:003:39Removing Rust Stains from your Pool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd one good trick I use if there's a lot of sun glare I sprinkle some dish soap mixed with water inMoreAnd one good trick I use if there's a lot of sun glare I sprinkle some dish soap mixed with water in the pool.

Can you swim in pool after acid wash?

According to Clean Pool and Spa, you should wait no less than two hours before swimming in a pool which has been treated with muriatic acid. According to the website, "If you pour muriatic acid in the pool and swim within 10 to 15 minutes you might get a 'hot spot' of acid that can burn you."

What is acid washing on pebble plaster?

During pebble plaster installation acid washing is used to expose the pebbles. You have to know what yiu are doing to use acid on plaster, especially pebbles. Your pool guy did not know what he was doing. Click to expand... Apparently, he didn't.

Does acid wash sit on walls?

There is a clear pattern where acid wash would sit SLIGHTLY longer than on other areas. In other words, on the flatter surfaces. It's not on the walls at all but for one little round spot over by the light on the deep end which I noticed on the day the acid wash was completed.

Can you remove plaster and loosen pebbles?

Remove plaster and you can loosen the pebbles. During pebble plaster installation acid washing is used to expose the pebbles. You have to know what yiu are doing to use acid on plaster, especially pebbles. Your pool guy did not know what he was doing. Reactions: mrsfluff. M.

Does acid washing plaster shorten the life of plaster?

Oh dear, MrsFluff.... I'm sorry to tell you but acid washing takes off some plaster. It shortens the life of your plaster. It shouldn't be done without good reason.

Does acid washing clean plaster?

Acid washing will certainly "brighten up" old stained plaster - it essentially "burns off" the top layer revealing the clean plaster underneath (and talking a couple of years off the life of the plaster). "Bad pool chemistry" - the incompetents excuse for all pool issues! It sounds like your guy used way too concentrated a solution and didn't apply it evenly. Quite common. Not sure if there's a simple solution without being there and/or seeing some pictures.

How to clean a pebble tec pool?

The pool is drained and the sides scrubbed. Then a solution of muriatic acid and water is applied to remove the top coat of the pool. This is done manually using an acid brush. The residue is then neutralized with soda ash before being rinsed .

How to neutralize a pool after acid washing?

Neutralize the pool using soda ash after the acid wash is finished. The acid washing process will leave a bubbly puddle of residue on the bottom of the pool that has to be removed before it starts to deteriorate the plaster.

How to clean a puddle of acid?

Apply the soda ash to the acid puddle, scrubbing the mixture with a pool brush. You will need to use 2 lb. of soda ash per 1 gallon of the acid. Using a submersible pump, pump the mixture into a bowl or similar. Dispose of what is pumped, as the acid is harmful to plants and animals. Completely rinse out the bowl.

Why does acid wash a pool?

Because acid washing will remove a thin layer of the surface of the pool, it does not need to be done yearly. Too many treatments will cause the pool to need to be re-plastered. Pools that have thin, old plaster should not be acid washed and sometimes a deep stain will not respond to acid washing.

What is pool stain remover?

Pool Stain Remover is a great maintenance product that will remove stains caused by tannin, rust, manganese, iron, and copper. A great product to test out before having acid washing done. You can also scrub away gross algae stains with a tough, durable algae brush.

How long should you leave acid on pool plaster?

Pour your acid mixture on the pool wall from the top to bottom in 10-foot segments at a time, leaving the acid on the plaster for around 25-30 seconds. During this time, you should be scrubbing and cleaning the pool wall with a pool brush. Make sure you rinse the section you just acid-washed quickly and thoroughly.

Why is my pool black?

A black plaster pool may begin to look gray from calcium deposits. Sometimes these stains can’t be removed with scrubbing alone, and need to be acid washed to remove them. Plus, pools that have issues with hard water or algae growth will actually benefit from being drained, acid washed and then refilled.

What is the process of acid washing a pool?

Acid washing is a process that is done on a pebble tec® or plaster pool to remove a thin layer of the surface to remove stubborn stains and calcium deposits. The pool is drained and the sides scrubbed. Then a solution of muriatic acid and water is applied to remove the top coat of the pool.

How to avoid pool stains?

Avoid Future Stains By Keeping Your Pool And Water Clean.

What is no drain acid wash?

A No-Drain Acid Wash is a term coined for a pool plaster cleaning or descaling process, without draining the pool water. Essentially, the pH of the pool water is reduced to a very acidic level of around 1.0, and an alkalinity level close to zero.

Can you empty a plaster pool in summer?

Webster warns against emptying the pool during summer: Don’t empty a plaster pool if it’s 90 degrees or higher or a pebble tec pool if it’s hotter than 95 degrees―the heat could cause cracking. While you’re at it, have that white line sandblasted. … Sandblasting costs about $3 per linear foot.

Does Pebble Tec have a lifetime warranty?

Pebble Tec also provides a lifetime warranty in Florida. Choices: Pebble Tec offers five distinct pool finishes: PebbleTec, PebbleSheen®, PebbleFina®, and PebbleBrilliance™ offer a wide variety of visually stunning, nature-inspired colors that blend beautifully into any outdoor environment.

Pebble tec today...when should they acid wash?

The only time it has rained here (Palm Harbor,FL) in the last year is when we have someone visiting or today, when they sprayed our pebble tec. They told me they would be back tomorrow....Saturday...to acid wash and start filling the pool. I read a few posts that pebble tec is suppose to dry before acid washing.

Comments (6)

Our pool is scheduled to get Stonescapes mini pebble next week and I know they plan on doing the acid wash the very next day. I've read several postings on this forum that had the same type of scheduling. I don't know anything about how the rain affects pebble tec.

How to get rid of organic stain on plaster?

Use an intense chlorine bath to get rid of organic staining. Acid solutions merely eat away at the plaster finish (actually, at the cement products that hold the plaster together) and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

How to get white stains out of a cal hypo?

A five gallon bucket with four gallons of water and about 10 pounds of cal hypo mixed in THOROUGHLY and then spread over the stain using a stiff bristled NON METALLIC brush will, if left on for a bit, bleach the stains out to white. Some brushing may be necessary but the chemical will do most of the work.

Can chlorine gas be used in a puddle?

Note: use a respirator mask for organic vapors (specifically chlorine gas) as accumulated chlorine gas is heavier than air and will "sit" in the deep end in a puddle. And kill you. Goggles are a good idea too - chlorine "juice" isn't all that good for you either.

Can you use Pebbletec stain resistant?

I would try using a pressure washer first, Pebbletec is supposed to be resistant to staining

Can you drain a pool after heavy rain?

Oh, and be very careful draining the pool, specially after heavy rains or if the pool is located in a high water table - big empty pools, SPECIALLY concrete ones, float like boats... (and it's the most discouraging thing you're liable to see in your life).

Can you acid wash a pebble pool?

As others have noted, refrain from acid washing a pebble pool.

How to clean a pool with acid?

As mentioned above, pool acid washing requires the use of harsh chemicals. If you’re not a professional pool cleaner, it can be easy to get hurt from the harsh chemicals needed to successfully clean your pool. If you’re looking to get your pool acid washed, then hiring a professional is ideal not just for your health and safety, but also for the safety of your pool. Pool acid washing, when not done correctly, can cause: 1 Chemical burns on the skin if protective gear is not worn 2 Lung damage if the chemicals are breathed into the body 3 Discoloration on your pool’s surface 4 Damage on your pool’s surface

What is pool acid wash?

Pool acid washing is a process where chemicals—mainly hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid—are combined with water and are sprayed onto your pool’s surface to remove any grime and build-up. A professional pool cleaner will then use a brush to scrub out the staining and other grime. The chemical wash allows for easier removal of algae and staining that has been built upon your pool’s surface.

How to get rid of algae in pool?

Algae growth is the most common type of staining that pool owners look to get removed through pool acid washing. Lack of pool cleaning, improper pool pH balance, and low pool circulation are all causes of algae growth. The algae growth can cause health issues along with clogged pool filters. Pool acid washing can help remove algae growth and prevent any further damage from occurring to you or your oasis.

How does acid washing work?

Pool acid washing is a process where chemicals—mainly hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid—are combined with water and are sprayed onto your pool’s surface to remove any grime and build-up. A professional pool cleaner will then use a brush to scrub out the staining and other grime.

Why does my pool look dirty?

Pool stains and algae build-up can cause your pool’s surface to look grimy and your pool water to look dirty. Not only will you not want to dive into your oasis, but you also won’t want to lounge on your pool chaise and look at the filthy water and tiles. Does your pool look like this?

Why is my pool growing algae?

Lack of pool cleaning, improper pool pH balance, and low pool circulation are all causes of algae growth. The algae growth can cause health issues along with clogged pool filters. Pool acid washing can help remove algae growth and prevent any further damage from occurring to you or your oasis.

What causes hard water stains in pool?

These deposits can often be found along the edge of your pool where the tile meets the water. Hard water stains lead to cloudy water and a lower (and unsafe) water pH level. Hard water stains can also be removed through pool acid washing.

DIY acid washing my pebble tec pool?

I have a 10 year old pool in northern calif with pebble tec carribean blue color. Original water has never been changed and now has too high of CYA so draining to replace. I've noticed some minor brown staining (likely dirt under calcium build up as it comes of easily with acid) while draining and washing the calcium build up off the waterfall.

Comments (5)

All I can say is you are a brave soul and must be very handy to try this yourself!

How often should I brush a PTI pool?

It is recommended that you brush a PTI pool finish three times a day for the first three days and two times a day for the next ten days. Using a standard, nylon (very important) bristled pool brush. Brush the walls and the floor of the finish toward the main drain.

Why is it important to maintain a pool finish?

This is essential in preserving the aesthetic beauty as well as attaining the expected longevity of pool surfaces.

When do glass beads come out of pool?

DO realize pebbles and/or glass beads will come loose during the curing process (usually in the first few weeks). It is normal to experience a small loss of pebbles and/or glass beads during pool start up.

When can you enter a pool?

DO NOT enter your pool (including pets) until it is completely filled with water and balanced.

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1.Should I acid wash my Pebble Tec pool? - AskingLot.com

Url:https://askinglot.com/should-i-acid-wash-my-pebble-tec-pool

27 hours ago  · Acid washing is a process that is done on a pebble tec® or plaster pool to remove a thin layer of the surface to remove stubborn stains and calcium deposits. The pool is drained and the sides scrubbed. Then a solution of muriatic acid and water is applied to remove the top coat of the pool. Click to see full answer.

2.Acid washing pebble tec | Trouble Free Pool

Url:https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/acid-washing-pebble-tec.195130/

18 hours ago  · Remove plaster and you can loosen the pebbles. During pebble plaster installation acid washing is used to expose the pebbles. You have to know what yiu are doing to use acid on plaster, especially pebbles. Your pool guy did not know what he was doing.

3.How to clean pebble tec pool surface - Pool Master

Url:https://poolbuilderstx.com/important-about-swimming-pools/how-to-clean-pebble-tec-pool-surface.html

5 hours ago  · Should I acid wash my Pebble Tec pool? Because of the Valley’s hard water and high summer pool evaporation, we recommended you drain and acid wash your pool every two to four years to help remove excess calcium, algae and other contaminates that may lead to interior pool staining and that unsightly white ring on your pool tile and pebble-tec surface.

4.Pebble tec today...when should they acid wash?

Url:https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2547179/pebble-tec-today-when-should-they-acid-wash

30 hours ago The pebble tec guy said the sheen finishes do not like to have water sitting on them, the tec is fine. Brown finishes are a little funny too. He threw a pump in it to drain the rain and left. If it stops raining he will come back and acid wash, then fill. He assured me it would be fine. Its raining too hard to do anything right now.

5.Using acid wash on Pebbletec pool? : pools - reddit

Url:https://www.reddit.com/r/pools/comments/2cbiil/using_acid_wash_on_pebbletec_pool/

8 hours ago As others have noted, refrain from acid washing a pebble pool. In my personal experience, it has been one of the worst things you can do to pebble surfaces. Chlorine wash or power wash and then use a stain remover for the rest.

6.When Is Pool Acid Washing Necessary? - Emerald Pools …

Url:https://www.emeraldpoolandspa.com/when-is-pool-acid-washing-necessary/

20 hours ago lvpools. Add dawn dish soap to the acid water mix, keeps fumes down and does a great job at preventing the streaks. Well, ended up getting a much more economical deal through a friend that knows the pebbletec installer that did my pool. I had already purchased the acid thickener/fume reducer, gloves, brush, etc though.

7.DIY acid washing my pebble tec pool? - Houzz

Url:https://www.houzz.com/discussions/3945688/diy-acid-washing-my-pebble-tec-pool

25 hours ago brush your pool. It is recommended that you brush a PTI pool finish three times a day for the first three days and two times a day for the next ten days. Using a standard, nylon (very important) bristled pool brush. Brush the walls and the floor of the finish toward the main drain. After that, regular maintenance may include brushing the pool ...

8.Pool Care Instructions - Pebble Technology International

Url:https://pebbletec.com/customer-support/pool-care-instructions/

10 hours ago The process of acid washing takes a thin layer of plaster off of the sides of the pool, so it shouldn't be acid washed How often should i acid wash my pool? Skip to content

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