Pool Acid Wash Charleston, SC
Premium Pool Acid Wash for Homeowners Across Charleston, SC
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Expert Pool Acid Wash Charleston, SC
Restore Your Pool’s Surface with Professional Acid Washing by 843 Pool Service
Over time, even a well-maintained pool in Charleston, South Carolina can develop stains, discoloration, algae etching, and calcium buildup that scrubbing and chemicals alone can’t remove. Charleston’s high humidity, warm temperatures, heavy pollen, coastal minerals, and year-round organic debris all take a toll on pool plaster. When routine cleaning no longer restores your pool’s appearance, a professional acid wash is often the most effective way to bring back a bright, clean, refreshed surface.
At 843 Pool Service, we provide expert pool acid washing throughout Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Ladson, Daniel Island, James Island, Johns Island, Sullivan’s Island, and Isle of Palms, helping homeowners remove years of stains, mineral deposits, and algae damage safely and effectively. Our technicians use controlled, industry-standard acid-washing techniques designed to peel away the outer layer of stained or damaged plaster without compromising the structure, integrity, or lifespan of your pool.
If your pool looks dull, dirty, blotchy, or deeply stained—an acid wash may be exactly what it needs to look like new again.
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Trusted by 100+ homes throughout Charleston, SC and neighboring cities.
We treat our customers like family, which is why we crafted our Pool Service plans to service our customers with the utmost professional service so you can enjoy your pool worry free.
Why Choose Us
Experience the Next Level Difference To Pool Service
843 Pool Service delivers reliable, high-quality pool care for homeowners across Charleston, SC and surrounding areas. From weekly maintenance to green pool recovery and equipment repairs, our experienced team uses premium chemicals and proven methods to keep your pool clean, safe, and swim-ready year-round. Trusted, transparent, and always professional—we make pool ownership easy.
Over 10 years of experience in the pool service industry spanning across 2 counties.
Servicing over 100+ customers a year while maintaining a 5 star rating from our clients.
When you choose 843 Pool Service, you have a friend in the industry you can trust.
We are availabler day and night for our customers. We take your business seriously.
Pool Acid Wash in Charleston, SC
What Is Acid Washing?
Acid washing—often called a “drain and clean”—is a deep restoration process designed to remove the toughest stains and buildup from your pool’s interior surface. Over time, Charleston pools accumulate mineral deposits, algae scars, tannin stains, and embedded discoloration that regular brushing or shock treatments simply cannot eliminate. Acid washing solves these issues by safely removing a very thin layer of plaster, exposing a brighter, cleaner surface underneath.
This professional treatment is highly effective for removing:
Algae stains and organic discoloration caused by Charleston’s warm, humid climate
Mineral and metal stains such as iron, copper, and manganese commonly found in Lowcountry water
Calcium scale and hard mineral crust around the waterline or deep within the plaster’s pores
Yellowing or graying from long-term sun exposure and chemical imbalance
Leaf stains, dirt penetration, and debris imprints—especially after storms or heavy winds
Bacterial or chemical marks left behind after a green or stagnant pool
Residue from circulation issues or equipment malfunctions
The process begins by draining the pool completely and applying a controlled, diluted muriatic acid solution to the pool’s interior. Our technicians then scrub, neutralize, and thoroughly rinse the plaster to ensure a clean, bright finish without harming the structure. The result is a dramatically refreshed pool interior that often looks years newer.
If your pool surface has become dull, blotchy, stained, rough, or lifeless, an acid wash from 843 Pool Service may be the most effective way to restore its beauty and bring your Charleston backyard oasis back to life.
Signs Your Charleston Pool May Need an Acid Wash
Not every pool needs an acid wash regularly, but for many homeowners in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, North Charleston, Hanahan, Ladson, Daniel Island, James Island, Johns Island, Sullivan’s Island, and Isle of Palms, years of humidity, pollen, coastal minerals, storms, and heavy use can take a toll on your pool’s plaster. If your pool surface has gone several seasons without a deep cleaning—or has been affected by algae, debris, or poor circulation, it may be time to consider an acid wash.
You may need professional acid washing from 843 Pool Service if you notice any of the following:
Persistent discoloration that won’t lift, even after brushing, shock treatments, or algaecide
Calcium or mineral scale on walls, the waterline, or steps common in the Charleston area due to mineral-rich water
Deep organic or algae stains caused by green pools, storm debris, or long periods of neglect
Black algae spots or streaks embedded in the plaster despite treatment
A dingy, blotchy, or uneven appearance where plaster no longer looks bright or uniform
Recurring algae growth even with proper chemical balance, indicating spores trapped in the plaster
Your pool hasn’t been drained or deep-cleaned in 5+ years
Visible mineral deposits or scale that brushing cannot remove
In Charleston’s climate, pools battle intense sunlight, humidity, pollen, salt-influenced air, and year-round debris, making surface staining and mineral buildup develop more quickly than in many other regions. Because of this, 843 Pool Service recommends evaluating your plaster for an acid wash every 3–5 years, depending on usage, water chemistry, and overall pool condition.
If your pool is starting to look faded, stained, or several shades darker than it used to, an acid wash can dramatically restore its brightness and make your backyard oasis feel brand new again.
Our Acid Washing Process
At 843 Pool Service, we use a precise, controlled, and safety-driven acid washing process designed to restore your pool’s interior while protecting your plaster, equipment, and surrounding areas. Charleston, SC pools face a unique combination of hard water, intense heat, storms, and heavy organic debris, so our process is built to deliver dependable, long-lasting results.
1. Pool Drain & Surface Inspection
We begin by completely draining your pool and removing any remaining debris from the floor and walls. Once the surface is exposed, our technicians carefully inspect the plaster for cracks, etching, hollow spots, or structural wear to ensure the pool is safe for acid treatment.
2. Surface Preparation & Protection
Before applying any chemicals, we take steps to safeguard your pool and equipment. This includes protecting fittings, blocking sensitive features, checking your system’s valves, and ensuring pumps and filters are properly shut down. This prep ensures the acid wash treats only the plaster—not your equipment or surrounding materials.
3. Controlled Acid Wash Application
Using a precise mixture of diluted muriatic acid, we apply the solution evenly across the pool’s interior. As the acid reacts with mineral deposits and stains, it foams and lifts away years of discoloration. We follow this with detailed scrubbing to remove embedded algae scars, calcium scale, and organic staining, revealing a cleaner, brighter layer of plaster underneath.
4. Thorough Rinsing & Neutralization
Once the surface has been properly treated, we rinse the entire interior and apply a neutralizing solution (such as soda ash or a commercial-grade neutralizer). This step ensures the acid reaction stops immediately and safely, protecting the pool shell and preparing it for fresh water.
5. Refill & Initial Chemical Balance
After the surface has been neutralized and cleaned, we refill the pool and perform an initial water balance. This includes adjusting pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer levels to protect the freshly exposed plaster and help prevent future staining or mineral buildup.
Safety First: Why DIY Acid Washing Is Risky
Acid washing may look simple on the surface, but it involves handling highly corrosive chemicals, managing wastewater responsibly, and applying the correct dilution and timing to avoid damaging the pool’s plaster. Muriatic acid is powerful—and without proper experience, equipment, and safety procedures, the risks can be severe.
Attempting a DIY acid wash can lead to:
Permanent plaster damage or surface etching if the acid sits too long or is mixed too strong
Serious burns, eye injuries, or respiratory harm from fumes and splashing
Environmental contamination if wastewater isn’t neutralized and disposed of correctly
Damage to pumps, heaters, and plumbing if acid enters the circulation system
Shortened plaster lifespan, requiring costly resurfacing years earlier than necessary
Charleston pools face unique challenges—hard water, high UV exposure, storm debris, and calcium scale—which require professional judgment to determine the correct strength and technique for safe results.
At 843 Pool Service, our technicians follow strict safety and handling procedures, including proper PPE, controlled chemical application, neutralization steps, and full compliance with local water disposal guidelines. We also inspect your equipment after the wash to ensure no components were affected during the process.
By trusting trained professionals, you get a safer process, better outcomes, and zero risk to your pool or your health while ensuring your investment is protected for years to come.
Acid Wash vs. Chlorine Wash: What's the Difference?
If your pool recently battled algae, staining, or long-term neglect, you may be unsure whether it needs an acid wash or a chlorine wash. While both are deep-cleaning methods, they serve very different purposes—and choosing the right one helps protect your plaster and restore your pool safely.
An Acid Wash is ideal for removing:
Mineral-based stains caused by Charleston hard water
Calcium scale buildup on walls, steps, and the waterline
Deep discoloration from long-term chemical imbalance
Stubborn algae scars left in the plaster pores
General dullness or mottling in older pool surfaces
This treatment targets inorganic surface stains and buildup by removing a thin layer of plaster to expose a fresh, clean surface.
A Chlorine Wash, on the other hand, is used for:
Organic contamination, including algae, mold, mildew, or bacteria
Green pools where algae has penetrated the plaster
Pools with recurring algae blooms caused by spores trapped on the surface
Post-storm or post-neglect sanitization
Chlorine washing disinfects the surface rather than removing plaster, making it the safer choice when the issue is biological rather than mineral-related.
At 843 Pool Service, we carefully inspect your pool’s water history, plaster condition, staining type, and equipment performance to determine the correct treatment. In some cases, a combination of both is the most effective approach—especially for pools that have been green for an extended period or have overlapping issues.
How Often Should You Acid Wash a Pool in Charleston, SC?
Because acid washing removes a very thin layer of plaster each time, it’s not something that should be done routinely. Instead, it’s a restorative treatment best used when staining, scale, or algae scars cannot be resolved through standard cleaning or chemical balancing. Most plaster pools can safely undergo one to three acid washes over their lifespan, depending on the thickness and condition of the plaster.
At 843 Pool Service, we typically recommend evaluating an acid wash:
Every 5–7 years for well-maintained pools with minimal staining
Every 3–5 years for pools exposed to heavy debris, hard water, or extended swim seasons commonly seen in Charleston
After a major green pool event, if stubborn stains remain even after the water is clear
When calcium scale or discoloration becomes widespread and brushing or chemicals no longer help
If your plaster shows signs of thinning, chipping, or brittleness, our technicians will recommend safer alternatives such as a chlorine wash, stain treatment, or in more advanced cases discuss resurfacing options.
With a professional assessment from 843 Pool Service, you’ll always receive the right treatment for your pool’s condition, protecting both the beauty and longevity of your surface.
Who Benefits from Acid Washing?
Acid washing is an excellent option for a wide range of homeowners across Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, North Charleston, Hanahan, Ladson, Daniel Island, James Island, Johns Island, Sullivan’s Island, and Isle of Palms. Because the Lowcountry experiences high humidity, warm temperatures, heavy pollen, coastal minerals, and year-round organic debris, many pool owners find that an acid wash dramatically improves both the appearance and health of their pool.
You may benefit from an acid wash if you are:
A Charleston-area homeowner preparing to sell or appraise your property, wanting your pool to look its absolute best
A new homeowner who inherited a neglected or poorly maintained pool and needs a strong reset
A real estate agent seeking to boost curb appeal and improve marketability before listing
An Airbnb, VRBO, or rental property owner looking to offer guests a clean, inviting, photo-ready pool
A long-time pool owner working to protect your investment and extend the lifespan of your plaster
A homeowner in established communities like James Island, West Ashley, Johns Island, or Mount Pleasant, where mature trees and heavy pollen often contribute to staining
A resident in newer developments around Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, and Ladson, where mineral-rich water or early plaster discoloration may occur
Whether your pool is located in an older neighborhood with mature Lowcountry vegetation or in a newer community experiencing rapid growth, 843 Pool Service can restore your plaster’s natural brightness and give your entire backyard a refreshed, revitalized look.
Why Choose 843 Pool Service?
When it comes to protecting and restoring your pool’s surface, experience and precision matter. At 843 Pool Service, we bring deep knowledge of Charleston-area pool finishes, plaster materials, and local water conditions—ensuring every acid wash is performed safely, correctly, and with long-lasting results. Our trained and fully insured technicians use professional-grade equipment, controlled acid mixtures, and industry-standard techniques to deliver a clean, refreshed surface without compromising the integrity of your plaster.
We offer transparent, honest pricing, flexible scheduling, and a commitment to safeguarding your pool, equipment, and surrounding property throughout the entire process. In certain cases, we also provide no-drain treatment alternatives for pools with specific plaster conditions or situations where draining isn’t recommended. Above all, our focus is on long-term care—not quick, superficial fixes.
At 843 Pool Service, we don’t just clean your pool—we help extend the life of your plaster, improve water quality, and restore the beauty and pride of your Lowcountry backyard oasis.
Schedule Your Acid Wash Today
If your pool is looking stained, faded, or overdue for a deep refresh, an acid wash may be the fastest and most cost-effective way to restore its beauty and bring your backyard back to life. At 843 Pool Service, we make the process simple, safe, and professional, so you can get back to enjoying clean, bright, inviting water.
Call 843 Pool Service at (843) 285-6199 or contact us online to schedule your acid wash assessment. Our technicians will inspect your plaster, walk you through the best treatment options, and deliver results that instantly elevate your pool’s appearance. Let us help you revive your pool quickly, safely, and with the expert care Charleston, SC homeowners trust.
Our Charleston, SC Service Areas
- Charleston
- North Charleston
- Mount Pleasant
- Summerville
- Goose Creek
- Hanahan
- Ladson
- Daniel Island
- James Island
- Johns Island
- Sullivan's Island
- Isle of Palms
Got Questions?
We’ve shared a series of our most common questions and answered them. If you need additional information or have other questions, never hesitate to reach out to us.
We proudly serve Daniel Island, and the greater Charleston South Carolina area, including communities throughout Charleston County and within a 15-mile radius.
Our Full Service includes chemical balancing, skimming, brushing, vacuuming, equipment inspections, and biannual filter cleanings.
This is our pool recovery package designed to restore green, algae-filled pools back to clean and swimmable conditions using chemicals, brushing, filter cleaning, and equipment inspections.
Yes, we offer new plaster start-up services that include multiple visits, water balancing, brushing, filter cleaning, and a care guide.
Yes. We install pool automation systems that let you control pumps, heating, lighting, and water features right from your smartphone or tablet.
Prices vary based on your pool’s size and condition. Chemical Only service starts at $100+/month and Full Service starts at $170+/month.
Absolutely. We service and install pumps, filters, motors, automation systems, chlorinators, and more.
This includes draining the pool, chlorine washing, equipment and filter cleaning, refilling the pool, and chemical rebalancing.
No. As long as we have access to the pool and equipment, we can perform services without you needing to be present.
Call us at (843) 285-6199 or email us at info@843poolservice.com to request a quote or schedule an appointment.