The tiles in and around your pool can add to the overall aesthetic, making your pool look stylish and welcoming. They can also protect the water line of the pool to minimise a build-up of minerals and staining. To ensure they continue to look great and last well into the future, they require some basic care. This is reasonably simple and is an important part of your pool maintenance routine.
If you do not regularly clean the pool water and tiles, and integrate necessary steps to maintain a pH of 7.4 and alkalinity ranging between 80 and 120 parts per million, chemical imbalances and mould can cause scales and stains and degeneration of the tiles.
Pool tiles play an important role in the look, function, and longevity of your pool. However, they are susceptible to chemical reactions and discolouration. Subsequently, regular cleaning is required.
Why And How To Clean Your Pool’s Tiles
To keep the water of your pool clean and safe to swim in, you need to use chemicals or additives to maintain a healthy pH and alkalinity range. This is crucial to keeping your pool functioning well and looking good, however, an unfortunate trade off of this is mineral build up that can sit on your beautiful pool tiles.
You may have noticed a layer of white scum accumulating just above the pool’s water line. This is part of the natural evaporation of the water. When the pH levels or alkalinity are high, calcium sticks to the side as the water level decreases. At times, leaves and small debris can also cling to the tiles, adding to the issue. Mineral build up can also be impacted by extreme heat and hard water.
A primary and common issue behind dirty pool tiles is calcium, and there are two types that can be to blame. Firstly, calcium silicate, which is hard to remove once it has set in. It can appear white or grey and is not affected by muriatic acid treatment. It requires something strong and durable like a pumice stone to remove it. The other type is calcium carbonate. This is affected by muriatic treatment and can bubble off the tiles.
It is crucial that you maintain a healthy pool to assist in keeping the pool tiles clean. You should test the pH and alkalinity levels regularly, which you can do with a simple test kit. We can provide you with these, as well as the relevant chemicals and tools required to keep the water clean.
Required Equipment
Using a small soft brush in a circular motion, you should scrub away debris and grime at least once a week. A large pool brush or vacuum is also useful to keep the pool water clear, and a bucket is good for collecting debris.
When the pool tiles are in a good state and there may only be thin calcium deposits, natural materials can be used, such as baking soda, borax, vinegar, fluorine-based toothpaste, or dish soap. If these options do not bring success, a mix of water and muriatic acid can help. Using a pumice stone or a pressure washer on a low setting can also be useful. Just ensure you do no target loose or cracked tiles otherwise you may cause further issues.
When there is significant and stubborn build up or damage, our team can provide assessment, and experienced and professional assistance.
Prolong The Life And Look Of Your Pool By Caring For The Tiles
As with many things in life, prevention is better than cure when it comes to maintaining the longevity and appearance of pool tiles. If you look after them, they can last many years. If you do not, your pool can become unsightly and unhealthy to swim in, and damage can occur that is even harder and more expensive to fix.
Ensure tiles specific for pool use are installed, cracks and breaks are repaired, the pool water is kept healthy, and the tiles are regularly brushed and cleaned. It’s a simple routine, and though it may take some time, it is a crucial part of successful pool ownership.
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