Service
Acid Wash in Orange County, CA
Deep clean the pool surface to remove staining
Service overview
What to know about acid wash
An acid wash takes a thin layer off the plaster, and the staining goes with it. It is the answer when a surface still looks dull or marked after the water is balanced and the walls have been brushed, which is to say when the problem is in the plaster rather than in the water.
The pool has to be empty, so an acid wash and a drain run as one job. We treat the surface, neutralise what comes off it, then refill and rebalance before the pool goes back into normal use.
It is not something a pool needs often, and we will say so if yours does not need it yet.
Where an acid wash lands in that range depends on the size of the pool, the surface material, and how deep the staining runs.
What's included
What an acid wash covers
An acid wash is surface work, and it takes the pool out of service for a day or so.
Surface treatment
A measured wash that lifts the stained layer off the plaster.
Drain and neutralise
The pool is emptied first, and everything that comes off the surface is neutralised.
Refill and rebalance
Fresh water, balanced and ready before the pool goes back into use.
Orange County coverage
Available across Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Orange, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, and Laguna Niguel.
When to acid wash
When the problem is the plaster, not the water
If a surface still looks dull or marked after the water is balanced and the walls have been brushed, the staining is in the plaster.
Algae that has been left long enough leaves a shadow behind even after it is killed off. That shadow is what an acid wash removes.
How it works
A thin layer, and the staining with it
An acid wash takes a fine layer off the plaster. Done properly it evens the surface out; done too often it wears the finish away.
So it is not something a pool should need regularly, and we will tell you if yours does not need it yet.
Related service
The pool has to be empty first
An acid wash and a drain run as one job, since the surface can only be treated with the water out.
If the plaster is past what a wash can fix, we will say so rather than sell you one.
Service photography
Surface staining and treatment
Photos from surface and stain work in Orange County.
Google reviews
Trusted by Orange County
5.0 out of 5 stars· 18 reviews
"As a first time pool owner, I really appreciate how Austin and the team have addressed all of my concerns and thoroughly explain our pool workings. We also needed to urgently replace the pool pump after our home purchase and David was very efficient and helpful at recommending a pump and installing it promptly. Highly recommend for pool maintenance needs and repairs in Orange County."
"After frustrating ordeals with other co's, we were seeking a company that is detailed, dedicated, trustworthy, competitively priced and will listen to our concerns, instead of just trying to sell us on what they deem necessary. We primarily needed a co for weekly servicing, including brushing, chem balancing, pump-filter maintenance & especially vacuuming our pool & spa weekly (rather than waiting for it to be in desperate need, thus causing problems to ensue). So far they've been pretty consistent & have maintained great communication & also detailed reports. So long as this continues (especially consistent vacuuming + other upkeep, without undue price hikes), then our next reviews w/ update should be just as positive for the OC Pool Cleaners team & service provided!"
"I highly recommend Martin’s Pool Service to anyone in Southern California looking for reliable and high-quality pool care. Martin is exceptionally responsible—he always shows up on time, follows through on every detail, and consistently keeps my pool in perfect condition. His customer service is outstanding as well. He communicates clearly, responds quickly, and genuinely cares about making sure everything is running smoothly. I especially appreciate his thorough checking system; he never misses anything and keeps me updated with what he’s done and what the pool needs. It’s rare to find someone this professional and trustworthy. If you want peace of mind and excellent service, Martin is absolutely the person to call. Highly recommended!"
"As a first time pool owner, I really appreciate how Austin and the team have addressed all of my concerns and thoroughly explain our pool workings. We also needed to urgently replace the pool pump after our home purchase and David was very efficient and helpful at recommending a pump and installing it promptly. Highly recommend for pool maintenance needs and repairs in Orange County."
"I had a fountain full of algae. Their team came and drained and cleaned it immediately. They also now take care of our fountain on a monthly basis. Very happy with their service. Would recommend."
"Martin, You were here 2 weeks ago and things have really improved. I run all 3 water features every other day for 5 minutes each. The water wall basin had algae in it, no algae at all! The water bowl with the problems is working great. The water level in the basin did not drop at all, same as you left it. Outstanding. Did not add any water. When the water bowl is on, there is no overflowing on the top of the wall, the water color is clear, no soap suds in the basin and water is clear! The other bowl is still working fine. Great work on the fixes you made. Perfect 10. Thank you very much."
"I had a fountain full of algae. Their team came and drained and cleaned it immediately. They also now take care of our fountain on a monthly basis. Very happy with their service. Would recommend."
"Martin, You were here 2 weeks ago and things have really improved. I run all 3 water features every other day for 5 minutes each. The water wall basin had algae in it, no algae at all! The water bowl with the problems is working great. The water level in the basin did not drop at all, same as you left it. Outstanding. Did not add any water. When the water bowl is on, there is no overflowing on the top of the wall, the water color is clear, no soap suds in the basin and water is clear! The other bowl is still working fine. Great work on the fixes you made. Perfect 10. Thank you very much."
Related services
Continue with another service
Pool Cleaning
Weekly maintenance, skimming, and chemical balancing for crystal-clear water
Questions
Acid Wash questions
Common questions about acid wash in Orange County. Anything not covered here, ask when you book.
How much does an acid wash cost?
Most acid washes run $600 to $1,200. The range depends on the size of the pool, the surface material, and how deep the staining runs.
Does the pool have to be drained for an acid wash?
Yes. The surface can only be treated with the water out, so a drain and an acid wash are booked as one job.
Will an acid wash remove algae stains?
Usually. Algae that has been left on plaster leaves a shadow behind, and taking a fine layer off the surface takes that with it.
How often can a pool be acid washed?
Rarely. Each wash removes a little plaster, so it is a repair for a stained surface rather than routine maintenance.
Which Orange County cities do you acid wash pools in?
Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Orange, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, and Laguna Niguel.
Next step
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