A Pool That Sparkles: 5 Tips for Cleaning Pool Tiles

Are your pool tiles looking grimy and dirty? Our experts share 5 tips for cleaning pool tiles so you can get your pool looking sparkly and clean.

Have you ever looked at the gunk and buildup on your pool tiles and then walked away feeling overwhelmed? Cleaning pool tiles may not be a walk in the park, but it is a necessity.

Your swimming pool tile does more than look good; it also protects the waterline of your pool from discoloration and mineral accumulation.

Your pool tile can last many years if you follow a pool tile cleaning regimen. It may seem like a difficult task, but there is no need to be concerned. We have your back with a quick list of five tips for cleaning pool tiles:

1. Check the Chemical Levels of the Water in Your Pool

So, you need to know how to clean pool tiles? The first step is to use a test kit and regularly check the chemicals in your pool water. Chemical balance is necessary for keeping your pool tiles clean.

Algae can grow along the edges of your pool if there is not enough chlorine in it. Calcium will build in layers on your tiles when there is too much chlorine in the water. When this happens, it will give your pool tiles a bleached appearance. If you have colored tiles, this bleaching effect is especially evident.

As a pool owner, the fight against calcium accumulation is likely the most typical tile care issue you will have to face. Excessive high alkalinity, or pH levels, can cause calcium carbonate to segregate from the pool water and develop scaly deposits on your pool tiles. These deposits will result in a white, scaly coating.

The summer heat and hard water are two more culprits when dealing with calcium building up on your pool tiles. Pool water is evaporated more rapidly as the temperature rises, leaving calcium deposits behind.

If you reside in an area of the country where the summers are long and hot, your pool is more prone to develop calcium deposits. Also, you will notice heavier calcium deposits on your tiles if your municipal water supply is considered hard water.

Remember that the calcium scale will come off in layers which is the same way it built up. You should first clean the initial layer without cleaner to break it up. Then, apply your cleanser and scrub again.

2. Read the Product Labels on Your Pool Tile Cleaner

Read the label before using any tile cleaning solution from your local pool supply store. It is necessary not only for product instructions but also for product safety.

Some tile cleaning chemicals are so strong that swimming in the pool right after using these products can put you and your family at risk. You may need to remain out of the pool for several hours or even days after using a certain product.

3. Use Safe Cleaning Products for Your Pool Tiles

If your pool has colorful tiles, talk to pool care professionals about which cleaning solutions are appropriate for your use. For example, many pool cleaning products contain bleach or other substances that might cause your tiles to change color.

These products can also diminish the appearance of your tiles, so always choose products that pool professionals in your region are familiar with and trust. Investing in your pool was not cheap. So, be sure to take care when you research the best cleaning solution for your pool tiles to keep them in tip-top shape for years to come.

4. Use a Tile Cleaner at Least Once per Season 

When scale starts to build up in your pool, you will notice it is along the waterline. Scale building up on pool tile is due to water evaporation at the surface, which leaves nasty calcium deposits behind. Layers of deposits can wreak havoc on your decorative tiles.

Is your waterline tile getting foggy? If so, calcium scale has built up on your waterline tiles over time. These white, chalky bands of nasty scale might cause irreparable damage to your tile in some situations. If ignored, it makes more work for you in the long run.

Waterline tile is generally the most ornamental aspect of your pool. Cleaning waterline pool tiles not only restores the brilliance and beauty of your tile but protects your investment, as well.

Use a tile cleaner for your pool at the beginning of the swimming season. Before using a tile cleaner, make sure your pool has been drained. You don't want to get water on the tiles while cleaning. Simply spray the tile cleanser onto the tiles and wait a minute or two. Then scrape the tiles clean using a scrub brush.

Keeping up with a regular seasonal cleaning schedule for your pool tiles will ensure that the buildup of calcium deposits on your prized waterline tile won’t get out of hand.

5. Use a Pool Brush

Thankfully, you will not need to use chemicals every time you clean your pool. There will be occasions when all you need to get your tiles sparkly and clean is to use a pool brush. When your swimming pool is full of chlorine water, scrubbing your pool tiles can sometimes be enough.

Use a soft brush and a vinegar-water solution to remove faint, thin calcium deposits. If this trick doesn't work for you, try washing the tile with a water-muriatic acid solution and see how that works for you.

Pressure washing is another option. You can rent a pressure washer from almost any major home improvement store. Make sure to use a low-pressure setting and avoid using a power washer on any fragile, loose, or cracked tiles!

While cleaning your tile, keep in mind that the calcium scales will fall off in layers. To break up the original layer, scrub it without cleaner first. Then, using your cleanser and pool brush, scrub once more.

Repeat the cleaning and scrubbing technique until the calcium buildup has been removed. When you're finished, properly rinse the area.

Cleaning Pool Tiles Doesn't Have to Be Scary

We hope you enjoyed these pool cleaning tips! So, are you ready to tackle the tiles? Cleaning pool tiles may appear to be a tough job, but with the right pool cleaning and patio protection products, it doesn't have to be.

LayorCare Pool & Patio Protection can help you with all of your pool care needs. Contact us, or check out our blog page for more information and helpful tips to keep your pool swim season ready!