If your pool plaster is looking rough, you're not alone — many Florida homeowners face this issue and wonder what the best fix is. The three most common options are acid washing, painting, or resurfacing the pool. Each method has its pros and cons, but if you're aiming for a lasting solution, here's what you need to know. What Is Acid Washing? Acid washing is a surface-level cleaning process where muriatic acid is poured over the plaster to strip away the top layer and remove stains or buildup. It’s essentially burning off a layer of cement, which can give the pool a cleaner, fresher appearance. While this may sound like an easy fix, there’s a serious trade-off: acid washing weakens your plaster. It removes cement, exposes the rough aggregate beneath, and makes it easier for algae to grow. And if the plaster is already thin, it can start falling off during the wash, forcing you to resurface anyway. The Hidden Risks of Acid Washing One major downside is that acid washing doesn't address real problems like: - Cracks - Hollow spots - Delamination - Water loss These underlying structural issues don’t go away — they just get masked temporarily. In fact, we’ve seen cases where a cheap acid wash ended up doing more harm than good, ultimately leading to more costly repairs. Florida-Specific Risk: Pool Popping Here in Florida, there's another serious concern: the water table. When you drain a pool, the surrounding groundwater can push upward. If not managed properly, this pressure can literally lift your pool out of the ground — taking the deck with it. To prevent this, professional resurfacing crews drill pressure relief holes in the pool floor, allowing groundwater to balance and reducing the risk of the pool floating. When Acid Washing Might Make Sense There are a few specific cases where acid washing could be worth considering: - You're flipping a house - You plan to sell soon and want a quick cosmetic fix But keep in mind: it’s a short-term solution. You’re spending money now to delay the inevitable — and potentially making things more expensive down the road. Why Painting Isn’t Much Better Painting the pool is another budget-friendly option. It covers stains and makes the pool look refreshed, similar to new plaster — at first. But here’s why we don’t recommend it: - It doesn’t fix any real structural problems - Paint can cause additional plaster flaking - You’ll pay more later when it's time to resurface, because paint must be completely ground off first Add in the same draining risks mentioned above, and it becomes clear that painting is more of a cosmetic band-aid than a real solution. Our Recommendation: Resurfacing Is the Smart Long-Term Move Resurfacing may cost more upfront, but it solves the problem completely. You get new plaster, a smooth finish, and peace of mind knowing your pool is structurally sound and ready for years of enjoyment. At Paradise Pool Service, we believe in doing it right the first time. We don’t offer painting or acid washing services, because we know they don't provide the value our customers deserve. If your pool needs a refresh, resurfacing is the only option that truly restores it.