Acid Wash

An acid wash for Cairns pools is available now. If you’re having issues with staining at the bottom of the pool or have a pool that has been taken over by algae due to poor winterising, or stagnant water our Acid Washing service is especially helpful in these instances (often referred to as a “drain and clean”).

What is acid washing?

Acid washing removes a thin layer of your plaster, gunite or Pebble-Tec to reveal a fresh surface. This removes algae, mineral, chlorine and even dirt stains from the bottom and sides of your pool. If your pool was poorly maintained in the past or has had stagnant water which turned into an algae bloom, algae and phosphates can become embedded in your pool’s finish, making it nearly impossible to get rid of. Acid washing your pool removes any algae or phosphates that are not otherwise removed with chemicals. When finished, the acid washing process gives your pool a clean, fresh new finish and clear, sparkling water.

Why and When It's Used

An acid wash is not part of regular weekly maintenance. It is usually reserved for extreme cases where standard pool chemicals and scrubbing cannot fix the water or surface appearance.

  • Deep Staining: Removes discoloration caused by metals (like copper or iron), dirt, or leaves.
  • Calcium Scaling: Clears thick, rough calcium or mineral buildup that forms on pool walls.
  • Severe Algae: Helps eliminate deep-seated algae, particularly black algae that embed themselves into porous surfaces.
Professional pool maintenance service in Cairns

Important Considerations

  • Surface Wear: Because an acid wash removes a microscopic layer of plaster, quartz, or pebble, it cannot be done endlessly. It is generally recommended to do this only every 3 to 5 years.
  • Not for All Pools: Acid washing is mostly restricted to concrete or plaster pools. It is highly advised not to acid wash vinyl liner pools, as the acid will melt or severely damage the liner. []
  • Safety & Professional Help: Working with muriatic acid is dangerous; it releases toxic fumes and requires heavy-duty protective gear. It is heavily advised to hire a licensed pool professional to perform the task rather than attempting it as a DIY project.
Professional pool maintenance service in Cairns

If you require a service at a specific time and day we advise you to arrange a service call. Speak with Allan’s Pool Shop today, by contact form or by phone at (07) 4051 9344.

Before

After