Acid washing is an effective way to remove stubborn pool stains. The cost to acid wash a pool ranges from 60 to 70 cents per square foot, including the material and labor costs.
Using that metric, the cost to acid wash a 500-square-foot pool ranges between $300 and $350. This includes draining your pool water and scrubbing the surface with hydrochloric acid (also called muriatic acid).
Our cost estimates are based on average prices of acid washing services across the U.S. Your actual costs will depend on the stain severity and pool size.
Cost by Location
The cost of acid washing depends on your location. Prices are more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas due to the higher costs of living. In rural areas, labor costs may increase if contractors need to travel long distances.
Generally, acid washing costs less in warmer climates than in colder ones. Harsh weather conditions can make pool cleaning more difficult. Areas with decent temperatures throughout the year can simplify the washing process.
The table below lists the cost of acid washing across different cities in the U.S.:
| Location | Average Cost per Square Foot (including labor and materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $0.57 – $0.69 |
| New York, NY | $0.77 – $0.93 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $0.47 – $0.57 |
| Atlanta, GA | $0.50 – $0.60 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $0.54 – $0.65 |
| Chicago, IL | $0.62 – $0.74 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $0.55 – $0.66 |
| Seattle, WA | $0.70 – $0.84 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Roswell, NM | $0.50 – $0.60 |
| San Diego, CA | $0.62 – $0.75 |
You can estimate the cost of acid washing in your area by looking at the region you live in and the size of your city.
Cost by Size
The larger the pool, the more expensive it will be due to the extra time to complete the job and the extra materials needed. On average, hiring a professional cleanup service to acid wash your pool costs between $0.6 to $0.7 per square foot, including material and labor.
See the table to see the average cost of acid washing for different pool sizes.
| Pool size | Square footage | Average Cost (Including Materials and Labor) |
| 10 x 20 | 200 | $120 – $140 |
| 12 x 20 | 240 | $144 – $168 |
| 10 x 30 | 300 | $180 – $210 |
| 14 x 28 | 392 | $235 – $274 |
| 15 x 30 | 450 | $270 – $315 |
| 16 x 32 | 512 | $307 – $358 |
| 18 x 36 | 648 | $389 – $454 |
| 20 x 40 | 800 | $480 – $560 |
Labor Cost
On average, pool maintenance technicians charge about $70 to $90 per hour. So, the dirtier the pool, the more work they have to put in, and the higher the cost.
Additionally, if your pool has an unusual design, it takes more time to acid wash, which will increase the total cost.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
The average cost of muriatic acid is around $22, and other pool cleaning chemicals, such as algaecide, bromine, and chlorine, cost around $114. The majority of a professional acid-washing cost goes toward labor, and it’s worth it because you won’t be exposed to the risks
In addition, acid washing requires extensive safety equipment and precautions, including breathing protection, chemical-resistant boots, and special pool brushes designed for this purpose. Exposing yourself to chemicals without these safety measures can be risky and potentially life-threatening.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
There are a few factors that affect the cost of acid washing. See them listed below:
Time of Year
The off-season for pools and pool services is the cooler winter, fall, and early spring months. So labor charges are a little lower during these times. The cool months are ideal because fewer chemicals are required to balance a pool in cool weather.
Pool Draining
Before the actual acid washing begins, the pool has to be drained. In general, pool draining is included in the labor charge. If your contractor doesn’t include it in the estimate, you may have to pay extra.
While you can drain a pool yourself, we recommend getting it done by a professional to avoid any damage.
Pool Cleaning
For a better and healthy pool experience, balancing chemicals and pH is equally important. Ask the pro if they need to be balanced. On average, the cost to clean a pool ranges from $0.50 to $1 per square foot of pool.
See our guide for a detailed pool cleaning cost: How Much Does Pool Cleaning Cost?
Keep Your Pool Clean All Year Long
Acid washing is no joke. Because it uses harsh chemicals, it can result in injury or can damage your pool. It’s best to hire a qualified professional to ensure peace of mind.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled pool maintenance services and leave the rest to us.
Read More:
— Pool Maintenance Cost Guide
— Pool Fence Cost Guide
— Pool Pump Cost Guide
— Vinyl Pool Liner Replacement Cost Guide
— How to Open a Pool
Main Photo Credit: Aaron Peterson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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