How to Clean Pool Tile (Especially How to Remove Calcium)

Frustrated by the white, crusty deposits developing along your pool's waterline? It can be due to oily grime from sunscreen, greenish tints of algae, or calcium deposits forming an unpleasant bathtub-like ring.

Getting calcium buildup off of tile is more challenging than algae removal for most DIY pool owners. If left untreated, scale buildup can stain tiles, clog filters, and even destroy pool equipment.

This article will show you a step-by-step process for pool tile cleaning and how to remove calcium from glass pool tile. Say goodbye to chalky film, blotchy white spots, and scaly minerals with these simple yet effective household and professional remedies.

How to Clear Away Basic Pool Tile Stains

If you have had enough of oily residue, algae, pollen, and general grime, then DIY solutions are the best. For example, a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water will make your pool look new again.

Your first choice for removing oily scum or light dirt is melamine sponges and any enzyme-based pool cleaner. Begin by lowering the water level below the tile line. Now apply the cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a nylon brush or sponge and scrub gently. You may want to learn more about how to clean dirty pool walls.

Are stains appearing again and again? Take a dip in cleanliness and let an automated pool cleaner, with its specialized waterline scrubbing and wall-climbing features, assist you. It prevents this light grime from ever accumulating, ensuring your tile is consistently clean without manual effort.

Two Types of Calcium Scale

Calcium scale is a mineral buildup when the pool chemistry is imbalanced. As the water turns to vapors, the calcium minerals precipitate out of the water and stick to surfaces, forming scales on tiles.

Identifying the types of scaling is important to remove calcium from pool tiles effectively.

1. Calcium Carbonate: This is the most common enemy of pool owners but is relatively easy to get rid of with regular brushing or mild acid treatment. It appears as a white, powdery residue on the surface and fizzes when it reacts with muriatic acid.

2.  Calcium Silicate: This is a much more resilient form that is not affected by gentle cleaning or muriatic acid. It appears to be a grayish-white, hard deposit that crystallizes over several months, indicating long-term water imbalance. You may need professional assistance as the thick layers are likely to accumulate in the pool’s plumbing and filtration system.

DIY Methods to Remove Calcium from Pool Tile

Get the ball rolling and wear your acid-resistant protective equipment as you are dealing with acids and abrasives. When mixing acids, always pour acid into water, never vice versa, to avoid a flammable reaction. Before you dive in, make sure the area is well-ventilated.

Level 1: The Vinegar Method (For Light, Powdery Calcium)

For minor and recent deposits, apply undiluted white vinegar straight to the scale. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes to break down the minerals, then scrub thoroughly with a stiff-bristled (but not wire) brush.

Moreover, mixing equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle is both an effective and eco-friendly DIY method.

Level 2: The Abrasive Method (For Common Flaky Scale)

For hard surfaces, use a pumice stone to remove flaky buildup from solid-color porcelain or ceramic tiles. Consider the golden pumice stone rule and avoid permanent scratches by keeping the tiles and the stones soaked at all times. Keep it dipped while you scrub!

Note that a pumice stone can ruin the finish if used on the wrong tile type, for example, glass, hand-painted, or glazed tiles.

Level 3: The Chemical Offensive (For Severe Calcium Carbonate)

Sometimes, household cleaners can leave phosphates or foaming agents, which can further upset the pool’s balance. Here, you may need pool-specific products, such as gel cleaners or muriatic acid, for severe deposits.

• Gel-based pool cleaners (containing sulfamic or phosphoric acid) are superior because they stick to the vertical tile surface, allowing the acid time to take effect.
• For the muriatic acid treatment, carefully mix 1 part muriatic acid with 10 parts water in a plastic bucket. Apply the diluted solution with a natural bristle brush to the dry scaling area. Let it effervesce for 15-30 seconds and scrub while it's still wet. Rinse with fresh water.

Professional Calcium Removal: Media Blasting

If all your DIY efforts are in vain or your tiles are not regular ceramic or porcelain, it’s time to bring in the professionals. A pressure washer lacks the abrasive properties necessary to strip away the hardened calcium, resulting in irreversible damage.

So, the pro solution is Media Blasting (or bead blasting). It involves the use of compressed air at low pressure to blast a soft abrasive onto the tile. This is similar to high-powered peeling to break down the calcium without damaging the tile underneath. Moreover, professionals choose the best medium for your type of tile. It can be glass beads (for hard tile), Kieserite (for glass surface), etc.

Wondering how much does bead blasting pool tile cost? It depends on the extent of buildup and the tile type but typically ranges between $5 to $10 per linear foot.

How to Prevent Calcium Buildup

Calcium deposits aren’t just ugly but also impact the longevity of pool surfaces. Pool owners can follow these instructions to prevent calcium scaling.

1.   Master Your Water Chemistry

Adjust these parameters to their ideal ranges.

pH: 7.4 - 7.6

Total Alkalinity (TA): 80-120 ppm

Calcium Hardness: 200-400 ppm 

2.   Consistent Waterline Scrubbing

Pool owners can hand scrub the waterline once every week with a brush. Or, let the advanced pool technology take the plunge to stop minerals from gaining a firm grip. A high-efficiency robotic cleaner automatically climbs up the walls and cleans the waterline whenever you schedule. It actually buffs away tiny mineral deposits before they can harden into detectable scale.

3.   Apply a Tile Sealant

Now you are done with the cleaning, seal the tile to create a hydrophobic layer that significantly slows down the rate at which scale accumulates.

Conclusion

Cleaning your pool tiles and removing that unappealing white buildup is the cornerstone of a spotless pool. Simple chemicals and a pressure washer are wonderful for cleaning the light scum. But the hardened calcium requires a thoughtful, step-by-step approach or sometimes professional help.

Besides applying the proper tool, regular surface cleaning can also manage the water chemistry. Prioritize your pool’s safety with a top-tier robot cleaner that keeps your pool scale-free with the least effort.