Acid Wash Pool Without Draining: DIY Guide
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Acid Wash Pool (With & Without Draining)
Did you know that you can acid wash pool without draining? I know, for most, acid washing pool walls and floor requires that the pool be drained empty.
However, it’s possible to acid wash pool without draining it completely. As you can imagine, this process can save time and effort. Compared to complete pool drain which often requires professional help, even you can acid wash pool without draining it.
In this post, I explain all you need to know about acid washing your pool the easy way!
Why Acid Wash Pool Without Draining It Completely?
The most important reason to acid wash pool without draining it is that you can do it yourself. It’s a DIY project that is not too labor or time intensive and will result in a much cleaner and better looking pool.
Acid washing your pool, even without draining it will still remove most of the stains, algae, and mineral deposits from the pool’s surface, restoring its sparkle and cleanliness.
Acid washing your pool, without draining it, is a cost effective alternative to getting professionals to drain your pool and then acid wash pool plaster walls & floor. Admittedly, the results are not that fantastic but they are not too bad either!
Here are the pros and cons of acid washing pool without draining and with draining:
Acid Wash Pool Without Draining vs With Draining
| Aspect | Without Draining | With Draining |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | * Saves time and effort * Convenient for routine maintenance * Preserves water and reduces costs * Quick restoration of aesthetics | * Complete removal of water and contaminants * Enables thorough cleaning of pool surfaces * Addresses underlying issues like cracks or leaks * Fresh start for water chemistry |
| Cons | * Not as effective in removing stains * Cannot address underlying issues in plaster * Potential risk of damage to pool surfaces from acidic treatment * Requires careful monitoring and maintenance | * High cost and time requirement * Wastes water & pool chemicals * Long duration project * Risk of pool cave-in * Needs professional services |
Acid Wash Pool Without Draining: How Does it Work?
The principle behind “Acid Wash Pool Without Draining” is to lower the pH level of the pool water to create an acidic environment. This acidic environment, combined with low alkalinity, eats away the stains and scale from the pool surface.
Instead of draining the pool, which is costly and time-consuming, the pool water chemistry is adjusted to achieve a very low pH level (typically around 1).
Although the results may not be as thorough as a traditional acid wash, the no-drain method is less invasive and more environmentally friendly. The no-drain acid wash is a cost-effective and convenient alternative to traditional pool acid wash.
No-Drain Acid Wash: Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to clean up the pool walls and floor using the no-drain acid wash technique:
No-Drain Acid Wash
Total Time: 7 days
Gather Necessary Supplies
Actually you don’t need much. You need a reliable pool water chemistry testing kit, lots of muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate, steel algae cleaning brush, scrubbers, and a pool vacuum cleaner.
Pool Prep
* Ensure clear weather with no rain forecasted.
* Over-filter and shock the pool a week before the wash.
* Thoroughly clean the pool by vacuuming, brushing, and skimming.
* Remove all metal equipment and accessories from the pool.
Adjust Water Level
* Overfill the pool to the top or drain it to the bottom of the tile.
* Switch off the pool pump and remove any timer ON trippers to avoid accidental activation.
Bring pH Down
* Add & spread muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate evenly around the pool.
* Scrub the pool immediately after application to help dissolve the chemicals.
Monitor pH Level Periodically
* Test the water every 4 – 6 hours to ensure pH levels are dropping as desired.
* Add more more muriatic acid, as and when required to ensure the pool pH is maintained at the desired low level.
* Scrub the pool surfaces every few hours during the first 3-day treatment period.
Increase the Pool pH
* After 3 days, divide the pH increaser into three doses and add them 6-12 hours apart.
* Brush the pool between each dose to prevent clouding of the water.
Adjust pH & Alkalinity
* Test pH and alkalinity levels again after adding the final dose of pH increaser.
* Ensure pH levels are between 7.4-7.6 and total alkalinity is between 80-120 ppm before restarting the pump.
Monitor Water Chemistry & Adjust
* Monitor water clarity and sparkle, adding clarifier if necessary.
* Test water daily for a week and repeat treatments if needed to return pH and alkalinity to normal levels.
* Maintain proper calcium hardness levels to prevent scaling.
* Continue daily brushing and inspect pool plaster for any signs of damage.
Enjoy your sparkling, new look swimming pool!
Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.
