Cleaning Your Concrete Pool Deck With a Gel Acid
If you have a concrete pool deck you have experienced the problem of trying to clean rust stains, mold, mildew and algae from the surface and edges.
Water from rain and sprinklers causes mildew build up that discolors the surface while creating a hazardous slippery surface.
The only product that really works is a muriatic acid solution.
The problem with acid in liquid form is that they are dangerous to use.
Manufacturers recommend diluting with at least two parts water making them safer to use but reducing their effectiveness.
Once they are applied they start to run and go where you don't want them to.
There is very little control over where liquid acid will flow.
If you've tried cleaning the edges you know how frustrating it can be since acid applied vertically is impossible.
Gel technology has provided the solution.
Muriatic acids can now be mixed with gels.
The gelled acids have the consistency of a thick shampoo.
They are safe to use and do not need to be diluted.
The beauty of gelled acids is that they can be poured into a paint tray and rolled right on your concrete pool deck.
The acids work to pull mold, mildew, algae and rust out of the concrete and are contained in the gel.
The gels are cleaned off the surface using a squeegee which removes 70% and the balance can be washed off with a broom and hose.
Certain gels are free of Volatile Organic Compounds, VOC's, making them water soluble and safe to you and the environment.
The gels go only where they are applied and do not run like a liquid solution.
You have total control even on vertical surfaces.
That means you can clean your pool deck edges by wiping on with a rag or applying with a paint brush.
Just leave for 15 minutes and wipe off with a damp cloth.
If you have concrete or stone walls the gels can be applied vertically with little if any concern for dripping.
Not all gelled acids are the same.
Make sure to look for those that have the proper certification.
There are a few that have been certified by ASTM, the International American Society for Testing and Materials.
This 100 year old organization sets the standards for products that promote public safety and environmental protection.
With ASTM certification you can be sure that you are using a gel acid that is safe.
Water from rain and sprinklers causes mildew build up that discolors the surface while creating a hazardous slippery surface.
The only product that really works is a muriatic acid solution.
The problem with acid in liquid form is that they are dangerous to use.
Manufacturers recommend diluting with at least two parts water making them safer to use but reducing their effectiveness.
Once they are applied they start to run and go where you don't want them to.
There is very little control over where liquid acid will flow.
If you've tried cleaning the edges you know how frustrating it can be since acid applied vertically is impossible.
Gel technology has provided the solution.
Muriatic acids can now be mixed with gels.
The gelled acids have the consistency of a thick shampoo.
They are safe to use and do not need to be diluted.
The beauty of gelled acids is that they can be poured into a paint tray and rolled right on your concrete pool deck.
The acids work to pull mold, mildew, algae and rust out of the concrete and are contained in the gel.
The gels are cleaned off the surface using a squeegee which removes 70% and the balance can be washed off with a broom and hose.
Certain gels are free of Volatile Organic Compounds, VOC's, making them water soluble and safe to you and the environment.
The gels go only where they are applied and do not run like a liquid solution.
You have total control even on vertical surfaces.
That means you can clean your pool deck edges by wiping on with a rag or applying with a paint brush.
Just leave for 15 minutes and wipe off with a damp cloth.
If you have concrete or stone walls the gels can be applied vertically with little if any concern for dripping.
Not all gelled acids are the same.
Make sure to look for those that have the proper certification.
There are a few that have been certified by ASTM, the International American Society for Testing and Materials.
This 100 year old organization sets the standards for products that promote public safety and environmental protection.
With ASTM certification you can be sure that you are using a gel acid that is safe.
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