---
title: "What Is Etching? Pool Glossary | Marina Pool Services"
description: "Etching is loss of surface material from plaster or tile when the water is acidic or aggressive."
url: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/etching
publisher: Marina Pool Services
phone: +1-817-896-1120
quote: https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact
---

Surfaces and decks

# Etching

Etching is loss of surface material from plaster or tile when the water is acidic or aggressive.

Water with low pH or low calcium pulls minerals out of plaster, grout, and stone. The surface turns rough, pitted, or chalky. Etching can start slowly and show up as sandpaper-like patches.

Prevention is simple. Test water on schedule and keep pH, alkalinity, and calcium in balance. Etched plaster is hard to reverse. A pro may need to patch or resurface it. Stop the cause first, then fix the damage.

## Related terms

-   [Water balance](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/water-balance)
-   [pH](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/ph)
-   [Plaster](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/glossary/plaster)

## Need a hand with your pool?

Call or text and tell us what your pool needs. Estimates are free for qualifying services, and same-day estimates are possible when the schedule allows.

[Call (817) 896-1120](tel:+1-817-896-1120)[Get a quote](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/contact)

![A pool technician working on an equipment pad](https://marinapool.multisites.ai/_astro/technician-equipment-pad.BW5xZMNY_Zum1K5.webp)