How to Get Salt Build-Up Off of a Gunite Swimming Pool

Gunite pools are made of concrete covered in a layer of plaster for your typical in-ground pool finish. This plaster coating around the gunite base will collect various mineral deposits, including salt, that can discolor or stain the plaster. To remove these stains, pool professionals suggest that you completely drain the pool every few years and perform an acid wash, scrubbing the pool walls and bottom.

Garden hose
Rubber boots
Rubber gloves
Respirator
Goggles
Hard-bristle scrub brush
Pump sprayer
Muriatic acid
Baking soda
Rags

Instructions

- 1
  Drain your gunite pool with the on-board filter draining system.
- 2
  Remove any metal hardware from the pool, such as ladders and railings. Remove the drain cover and clean it of gunk and debris. Stuff any outlets that lead to copper plumbing with rags soaked in a baking soda solution to prevent the acid from damaging the pipes.
- 3
  Put on your goggles, respirator, gloves and rubber boots. Mix one part of muriatic acid with 10 parts water in your pump sprayer.
- 4
  Apply the acid solution to a section of the stained pool wall and allow it to soak on the surface for about 30 seconds. Scrub the wall and rinse with clean water from your garden hose. Work your way around the pool, repeating the acid wash in small sections.
- 5
  Rinse the pool with fresh water after completing the acid wash. Neutralize the remaining acid solution leftover in the pool from the washing by applying 2 pounds of baking soda for every gallon of muriatic acid you used for the acid washing. Broadcast the baking soda on the surface of the acid puddle. Once the baking soda and puddle begin to fizz, it means it's neutralized.
- 6
  Close the drain and reassemble the fittings, ladder and any railings.

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