Acid washing a pool costs $450 on average, with prices ranging from an average of $250 to $600 depending on factors like the size of your pool and the severity of the stains.
The cost to acid wash a pool ranges between $120 and $1,500, or an average of $450 for a standard-sized pool surface area. Maintaining a pool can be a delicate task, particularly when life gets busy and unbalanced pool chemicals lead to magnesium stains, algae buildup, and even mold. Removing algae from your pool, for example, is time-consuming on your own, but an acid wash can nip the problem in the bud.
Acid washing a pool typically involves draining the water and washing the pool surfaces with hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid. The highly caustic material breaks down the top layer of plaster, concrete, gunite, or aggregate to remove a range of stains and organic growths. The acid wash typically removes calcium, magnesium, mold, and algae buildup.
When you contact your local pool service team, they will typically use the size of your pool to determine the acid wash price. Acid washing costs between $0.40 and $0.60 per square foot on average, or about $0.50 depending on the cost of labor where you live.
Keep in mind that this measurement does not refer to just the pool size itself, but instead, the size of the surface area that needs cleaning. For example, a pool with four walls that is 10 feet wide, 20 feet long, and 6 feet deep will have a surface area of 560 square feet, which would cost about $280 to acid wash. Since most pools will have a shallow and deep end, the calculations can be tricky, so be sure to have a professional come out to measure properly.
| Pool Surface Area | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 300 sq. ft | $120–$180 |
| 400 sq. ft. | $160–$240 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $200–$300 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $400–$600 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $600–$900 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $800–$1,200 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $1,000–$1,500 |
The cost of the muriatic acid comes down to only about $0.06 per square foot, leaving most of the price of acid washing to tools and labor. That being said, handling muriatic acid is not a recommended DIY project, and professionals will bring the appropriate tools, protective gear, and experience to dispense it.
The majority of pool maintenance costs fall between $80 and $200 an hour of work. Acid washing a pool will take an average of four hours. Many professionals will also charge a flat fee for smaller jobs to cover travel and overhead.
The hourly cost to acid wash a pool has a lot to do with the pool's size and type of stains. Mineral and metal stains can take longer than removing algae. Exposure to iron, nickel, and calcium buildup can require far more scrubbing than natural organic materials.
Acid washing a pool with muriatic acid is only possible for some exposed aggregate surfaces such as concrete, plaster, pebbles, and other large aggregates. Fiberglass and vinyl pools can only receive an acid wash from the must gentler ascorbic acid, which can be a DIY project if you choose, costing between $30 and $50 for the cleaning solution.
Tipping your pool repair and maintenance team is becoming more common as well as a nice gesture for hard work. A tip between $10 and $20 per team member, or between 10 and 20 percent of the total bill is best.
Handling hard cleaners such as muriatic acid is not an ideal DIY. While you can save money by purchasing the tools and cleaner on your own, the process is time-consuming and potentially dangerous. That being said, there are plenty of ways you can maintain your pool to extend the time between deep cleans. For example:
Lower your pool's pH if it goes above safe levels to avoid algae growth
Shock your pool at least once a week to balance chemicals in your pool
Use a pool cover in between seasons and during long stretches of downtime
Maintain your pool pump and filter
Skim the water of debris and insects at least once a day
Draining your pool is an excellent opportunity to check on the rest of your pool. Take this moment to inspect jets, drains, filters, and potential cracks around the surface.
Pool repairs cover everything from the hardware that filters your water to the pool's structural elements. You'll pay an average of $680 for most pool repair prices, though there is quite a range to consider. Repairing the drain will cost between $180 and $230, whereas pump replacement can cost up to $1,300. Fixing a leak has a larger price range, with small repairs costing as little as $10 and major cracks costing up to $3,500.
When all is said and done, you'll need to pay for the cost to refill the pool again. Filing a pool ranges from $90 to $270 on average, depending on the size of your pool. You'll also need to research whether filling your pool with a hose or hiring a local water delivery company is best.
Start your new pool water off right by shocking the pool as soon as it is refilled. Shocking a pool should only cost between $15 and $50 each time, depending on the severity of the water's issue. For example, you may need to use a clarifying chemical to clear cloudy pool water.
| Common Add-On | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Draining a Pool | $175–$225 |
| Pool Repairs | $240–$1,100 |
| Pool Refill | $90–$270 |
| Pool Shock | $15–$50 |
There are ways to prep your pool and refill it on your own to lower labor costs for acid washing a pool. You can also time your acid pool wash to avoid the high season. Here are six tips to keep acid pool wash costs down.
Avoid the high season in the late spring and summer
Drain the pool yourself and remove any physical debris from the walls and floor
Stay on top of pool maintenance and repairs to avoid additional work before the wash
Refill the pool on your own
Chat with at least three pool maintenance teams to compare prices
Consider packaging the acid wash when hiring a pool maintenance team
Chlorine washing a pool is only ideal for minor stains and buildup and to remove bacteria. Major algae, mold, and mineral stains require acid washes to stop the problem for good, even though it costs far more upfront. However, be sure that muriatic acid is best for your type of pool finish.
Since muriatic acid—the chemical used for a pool acid wash—removes a thin layer from your pool finish, it can weaken its strength over time. Be sure to chat with your pool pro to ensure your pool is strong enough to withstand the process, as older pools run the risk of breakage in severe cases.
There are some companies that offer acid washes that do not require pool draining. However, the process can take several days and requires a bit more elbow grease to scrub the pool surface compared to draining it entirely. Since your pool surface and age are both a factor, work with a professional to choose the best method.
