A pool is a place that relieves stress from a long, busy, and hot day and gives you comfort as you enjoy swimming. However, to maximize the benefits of a well-maintained pool, it would be best to keep it clean all the time.
A cracked, dirty, or broken pool tile needs to be cleaned or replaced to avoid further damage. Pool maintenance is not difficult, and you can do it alone as long as you keep a close eye on it. Below are steps to guide you in cleaning your pool tiles.
Pool Tile Buildup
Various factors contribute to dirty tiles. The waterlines are subjected to stains that build up on the pool surface. This is due to a chemical imbalance or organic materials like soil and leaves staying on the pool tile for longer periods. As the pool water evaporates, calcium components attach to the sides.
The two components are calcium carbonate and calcium silicate. Calcium carbonate is the flaky white crust on the tile surface, although it’s not stubborn, and you can easily clean it using a pumice stain remover. Calcium silicate is the grayish or white, harder substance. It is difficult to remove and won’t react to muriatic acid. Calcium silicate is best removed with elbow grease and pumice stone.
How to Clean Pool Tiles
Brush the Tiles
Start by cleaning the tiles and removing every organic substance on the surface. Use a stiff brush to remove leaves, grass, dirt, and other components, cleaning in circular motions and removing all calcium carbonate. Also, use a toothbrush to clean smaller areas since it’s gentle on the outdoor tile.
Use Homemade Cleaners
Some tiles may not have much dirt, grime, or scale. If that’s the case with your tiles, then use a homemade tile cleaner. This includes baking soda mixed with vinegar, water and vinegar, toothpaste, or dish soap. When ready with your tile cleaner, scrub the tiles with a toothbrush.
Don’t forget that this process only requires minimal dirt and grime. If unsuccessful, you can use soda blasting, calcium eraser, or pumice stone. However, these are harsh elements, and you must exercise caution when using them. To ensure the best results, begin with a small portion of your tile to see how it reacts.
If successful, you can then proceed to the rest of the surface. Don’t forget to wear protective gloves to keep safe from the chemicals. Also, you’ll need to wait a few days before using the pool. Additionally, do not use the substances regularly because they can damage the tiles in the long run and cause skin rashes and other body irritations. Therefore, try as much as possible to use home cleaning tile substances when you can.
Clean with a Pressure Washer
Another option is to clean the tile using a pressure washer. You can purchase or rent one from your local home improvement store. Be careful to choose one that can reach 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the pressure washer on the minimum setting and avoid using it on cracked or loose tiles.
When pressure washing your tiles, you won’t have to consider treating them with a treatment or any other cleaner. You only need to remove loose debris such as dirt and leaves, which is then pressure washed away.
Keep at least 3 feet away and run the process, starting with a smaller part for about 30 seconds before proceeding to the remaining parts. This will help you avoid damaging the tiles with the pressure washer. Remember to exercise safety by wearing protective clothing such as boots or closed shoes, gloves, and goggles to protect your eyes.
Use a Pumice Stone to Clean the Tiles
Pumice stones can be found at the tile showroom in Palo Alto. They are a miracle worker for your tiles, especially when cleaning stubborn calcium silicate. No element can withstand this substance on the pool surface. Pumice stones are safe for surfaces like concrete and some tiles. However, avoid using a pumice stone on fiberglass or vinyl pools. Instead, use a nylon bristle brush for the best result.
When using a pumice stone, scrub the tiles in a circular motion until you remove all the buildup, mildew, and deposits. As you progress, ensure the stone and tile remain wet all the time to avoid scratching. If you’re unsure of the outcome, you may want to start with a small portion and go on to the other parts. Apart from removing stubborn stains, another advantage of pumice stones is that they are easy to use and cost-effective.
Clean Tiles Using Acid Solution
Acid is a harmful substance. Therefore, you need to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances. Wear protective clothing covering your hands, feet, and entire body. Once you wear the dress, use the procedure below to clean the pool.
- Mix a gallon of water with the same potion of muriatic acid in a bucket.
- Let the mixture fizz up, then use an acid-resistant brush to apply the substance to the tiles on the deep pool surface.
- Start with smaller sections before moving to the rest of the pool surface.
- After removing the calcium silicate, rinse the tiles with a hose and water.
- Add soda ash and use a water pump to pump the neutralized acid out of the pool.
Once your tiles are clean, don’t forget about them all year round. Clean them at least twice yearly to avoid dirt pile-up and stubborn stains. Regular maintenance also helps your tiles prevent damage, leading to costly repairs.
Ensure you keep things in place before the season when your pool is infrequently used. Remember, clean tiles equal a clean pool, so ensure you keep it clean at all times. You can keep checking the water pH and alkalinity level with an easy-to-use test kit available at the tile showroom in Palo Alto.
