What is the best way to clean your swimming pool tiles? Follow our step-by-step guide below.
Types Of Pool Tile Buildups
Your pool tiles will need to be cleaned most likely as a result of these three issues:
- Algae: This is caused by poor pool maintenance, inefficient water circulation, damaged filtration system, etc.
- Calcium Buildup: This can be caused by hard water, high water pH and alkalinity imbalance.
- Dirt, Grease, Grime And Scale: These can be the result of organic matter, sunscreen, body oils and leaves.
How Often Should You Clean Pool Tiles?
The pool experts recommend cleaning your swimming pool tiles at least twice per year. This will be a simple task to remember if you do the cleaning once you open the pool and close the pool for the season.
How To Clean Pool Tiles
You will need to properly care for your pool tiles if you want them to last as long as possible. All pool tiles, meaning wall, waterline and floor tiles, can be become stained by the agents mentioned above.
Step 1. Use Pool Tile Cleaning Solution
- Cleaners specifically designed for pool tiles are easy to find.
- Begin the cleaning process by purchasing a cleaning solution before moving on to the second step.
Step 2. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals
- While heavy-duty cleaning products may be needed to fight off algae, they are not necessary for routine tile cleanings.
- Heavy-duty cleaning products can damage your tiles over time.
Step 3. Mix Muriatic Acid With Water
- Mix muriatic acid with water and use a spray bottle to spray this solution.
- This mix is meant for experienced individuals only, though.
- Vinegar can be used by inexperienced cleaners to remove any buildup and/or grease.
- For the vinegar solution, simply pour vinegar on a kitchen towel and rub the tiles in a circular motion.
Step 4. Use Soft-Bristle Brush To Scrub Tiles Gently
- Use a soft-bristle brush for your tile cleaning.
- You can use a scraper for thicker calcium deposits, but use it gently to avoid damaging these tiles.
Step 5. Avoid Using Pumice Stones
- It is recommended to avoid using pumice stones, as it’s likely you will scratch the tiles.
- A stiff-bristle brush can be used for stubborn buildup instead.
Step 6. Remove Any Debris
- Don’t forget to remove any debris, such as leaves and organic matter, away from the pool area.
- These components could ultimately make an algae problem worse over time.
How You Can Prevent Calcium Scale?
- Avoid calcium hypochlorite shock, it can add calcium to your pool.
- Maintain your alkalinity and pH reduction by having an 80 ppm alkalinity and 7.2 – 7.4 pH level.
- Utilize a purifier to group calcium collectively to be filtered through your pump.
- Balance the LSI of your pool. This is what determines the inclination to scale. LSI calculators are going to going to receive five water test results and is going to do the math for you.
How You Can Remove The Calcium Scale From Pool Tiles?
You are able to remove calcium scale growth utilizing muriatic acid or utilizing a dry acid that dissolves in water. You are able to use a sponge for lesser areas and/or are able to a watering pot for the bigger areas. Always wear gloves and safety goggles for removing scale with acid. It releases harmful fumes, is going to fizzle and bubble as the calcium scale growth gets dissolved.
Removing Calcium Deposits On Your Pool Plaster
Many white plaster pools most likely will have calcium scale everywhere, but you are not going to notice it due to the plaster being white. Blackish or grayish plaster pools are also going to have a calcium layer, but it is somewhat noticeable.
By acid washing, more darkish colors can be renewed. For removing calcium, begin with a pumice stone made for pools and figure out if you can do your whole pool by using the stone to sand off the calcium. Or having your pool drained and having it pressure or acid washed.
The Removal Of Calcium On Efflorescence On Your Stonework And Tile
Like calcium scale created by water, efflorescence develops in the grout between stone or tiles closer to water fixtures. Regardless of what is creating the moisture to come from back of the stone or tile throughout the grout is going to develop calcium. Oftentimes the moisture is created from the pool itself.
Sealers can be utilized on the tiles to be a sort of barrier. For larger stones or tiles that are above the water line, you might need to seal the water at its source for the hindrance of efflorescence. Even when your water is hard, you can regulate and hinder calcium deposits with a little muscle, cleaning products and excellent water balance.
Removing Calcium Deposits On Pool Tiles
Lower the pool water level to the base of your tiles and prep the acid solution. Apply the solution with a wide sponge and/or wire brush. Use the wire brush or a putty knife to aid you in the removal of the calcium deposits.
Rinse it off with water after one minute and then continually apply as needed. Using a pool pumice stone can also help in removing calcium scale with a little muscle.
Above All Pool Care In Scottsdale, AZ
We specialize in green pool cleaning and can have your green pool cleaned fast in Scottsdale and surrounding areas. Call or contact us to get a free quote. Let Above All Pool Care educate and equip you for your year-round swimming season.