Owning a pool in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, North Port, Rotonda, or anywhere in Charlotte County means dealing with stains, scale, and aging surfaces over time. One of the most effective—but somewhat invasive—restoration methods is an acid wash. In this post, we’ll explain what an acid wash is, the typical cost ranges in Florida, the ideal timing, and things to watch out for.
What Is an Acid Wash?
An acid wash (or “acid rinse”) is a process where a diluted acid solution is applied to the interior of a concrete or plaster pool to remove stains, algae, scale, or surface discoloration. It essentially removes a thin layer of the pool finish to expose a fresh surface underneath.
It is not suitable for vinyl or fiberglass pools, which cannot endure acid exposure. The process typically involves:
- Draining the pool
- Prepping the surface (clearing debris, brushing)
- Applying acid solution in stages
- Rinsing thoroughly
- Refilling and rebalancing water chemistry
Because it removes part of the surface, acid washing is more of a restoration technique than regular maintenance.
Cost Ranges for Acid Washing in Florida
The cost varies widely depending on pool size, condition, accessibility, region, and severity of staining. Some benchmarks:
- According to Angi, average acid wash costs are around $450, with typical ranges from $250 to $600 for many residential pools. Angi
- HomeWyse lists about $0.55 – $0.67 per square foot for acid wash services. Homewyse
- Some specialty or luxury services quote higher: Rock Solid Pools (Palm Beach area) starts around $850 and up, depending on surface size. rocksolidpoolservice.com
- For more extreme or commercial pools, costs can escalate to $650 to $3,000, depending on size and difficulty. poolstainremovers.com+1
So for a typical residential pool (say 15 × 30 ft), a ballpark range might be $400 – $1,200, depending on condition, labor, and region.
Factors that influence price:
- Pool footprint (square footage)
- Depth changes and slope complexity
- Access difficulty (narrow gates, long hose runs)
- Level of staining, algae, or scale buildup
- Local labor rates and contractor markup
- Permitting or disposal costs, if required
When to Schedule an Acid Wash (Timing)
Acid washing is not something you should do frequently. Here are guidelines for timing it well:
1. Frequency
- Every 7 to 10 years is a common interval in Florida, depending on usage, water chemistry, and wear.
- Some contractors recommend doing it only when you can no longer clean stains or restore clarity with brushing and chemicals.
2. Best Seasons / Conditions
- Cooler months are ideal (late fall through early spring) in Florida, when water temperatures are lower and algae growth slows.
- Avoid doing it during peak summer heat or heavy storm seasons, as quick refill and balancing become more challenging.
- Do it when your pool is already drained for other work (resurfacing, plumbing). That way you consolidate labor and shutdown time.
3. Prior to Major Renovations
If you plan tile replacement, coping upgrades, or resurfacing, it’s a good time to combine or finish with an acid wash to start fresh.
4. When Surface Appearance Declines
Signs you might need one include:
- Persistent stains, rust, or scale that won’t brush off
- Discoloration or uneven coloring (patchy areas)
- Rough, chalky texture (surface degradation)
- Loss of original plaster luster
Pros & Cons of Acid Washing
Pros:
- Restores plaster finish by removing stains and buildup
- Helps remove embedded algae or mineral deposits
- Gives a “fresh start” surface for new maintenance
Cons:
- Removes a thin layer of plaster each time — reduces lifespan
- Must fully drain the pool (stress on structure, plumbing)
- Risks of mishandling acid (damage surfaces, injury)
- Costly compared to routine cleaning
- After refill, chemical rebalance is intensive
Because of these tradeoffs, acid washing is considered a last resort rather than regular upkeep.
What to Ask Local Contractors in Charlotte County
When getting quotes or comparing contractors in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, or Rotonda, make sure to:
- Ask for square-foot pricing (so you can compare fairly)
- Confirm whether tile, coping, or accessories are included
- Request details on acid concentration and method (some do multiple passes)
- Check for wastewater handling rules — some counties limit disposal
- Ask about warranties on resulting plaster or finish
- Schedule after your busiest pool season, when contractors may be more available
You may check with local providers via Florida Detail or local listings such as PortCharlottePoolServices.com or NorthPortPoolCompany.com to compare quotes and reputations.
