Pool Tile Cleaning & Calcium/Scale Removal
Restore your pool tiles to like-new condition with professional calcium and scale removal.
Why Pool Tiles Get Calcium Buildup
That white, crusty buildup on your pool tiles is calcium scale. It forms when your pool water has high calcium levels and the minerals crystallize on surfaces, especially at the water line where evaporation is highest. Here in Redondo Beach, our local water supply has relatively high mineral content, which means calcium buildup is a common problem for pool owners.
At first, calcium deposits look like a faint white film on your tiles. Over time, they build up into thick, rough layers that are impossible to remove with regular brushing. This buildup makes your pool look dirty and neglected, even when the water is perfectly clean. It also provides a rough surface where algae can attach and grow.
Regular cleaning and water balancing help prevent calcium buildup, but once it forms, you need professional tile cleaning to remove it without damaging your tiles.
Professional Tile Cleaning Methods
We use several different methods to clean pool tiles and remove calcium deposits, depending on the severity of the buildup and the type of tiles you have. Our goal is to make your tiles look brand new without causing any damage.
- •Bead Blasting: For moderate to heavy calcium buildup, we use fine glass bead blasting. This gently removes scale without damaging tile surfaces. It works on all tile types and is the most effective method for stubborn deposits.
- •Pressure Washing: For lighter buildup, we use controlled pressure washing with specialized nozzles designed for tile cleaning. This removes surface scale quickly without the need for abrasive blasting.
- •Chemical Treatment: We apply professional-grade calcium removers and acids that dissolve mineral deposits. This method works well for delicate tiles or areas where blasting is not practical.
- •Hand Scraping: For extremely stubborn spots or tight areas, we carefully hand-scrape deposits using specialized tools that will not scratch your tiles.
- •Combination Approach: Most tile cleaning jobs use a combination of methods to achieve the best results. We assess your specific situation and choose the right techniques.
After cleaning, we thoroughly rinse the area and vacuum up any debris. Your tiles will look bright, clean, and smooth again.
The Benefits of Clean Pool Tiles
Improved Appearance
Clean tiles dramatically improve how your pool looks. The difference is like night and day. Dirty, scale-covered tiles make even a well-maintained pool look neglected. Clean tiles make your entire pool sparkle and look inviting.
Easier Maintenance
Smooth, clean tiles are much easier to keep clean. Algae and dirt have nothing to cling to, so regular brushing stays effective. Rough, scale-covered tiles provide countless tiny crevices where algae can attach and grow, making your pool harder to maintain.
Protect Your Investment
Leaving calcium deposits on your tiles for years can cause permanent damage. The minerals etch into the tile surface and become impossible to fully remove. Regular professional cleaning protects your tiles and keeps them looking new for decades.
Increase Home Value
If you are thinking about selling your home, clean pool tiles make a big difference. Buyers notice when a pool looks well-cared-for. Professional tile cleaning is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make before listing your house.
Tile cleaning works best when combined with proper water maintenance. Our weekly pool service keeps your water properly balanced to slow down calcium buildup. If your pool water is consistently cloudy or you are having trouble with water chemistry, our filter cleaning service might also be needed.
How to Prevent Calcium Buildup
While professional cleaning removes existing calcium deposits, prevention is always easier and cheaper than removal. Here are some ways to slow down calcium buildup on your tiles:
Keep your water chemistry balanced, especially calcium hardness and pH levels. High pH and high calcium work together to create more scale. Test your water weekly and adjust chemicals as needed. Brush your tiles regularly during routine cleaning to remove deposits before they harden. Use a sequestering agent that keeps calcium dissolved in the water instead of crystallizing on surfaces.
In Redondo Beach and throughout the South Bay, our tap water tends to have higher mineral content. If you are constantly fighting calcium buildup, you might benefit from using a pre-filter when filling your pool or having your calcium hardness professionally managed through partial water replacement.
Even with perfect prevention, some calcium buildup is inevitable over time. Plan on professional tile cleaning every 2 to 3 years to keep your pool looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make Your Pool Tiles Sparkle Again
Get rid of unsightly calcium buildup and restore your pool's beauty with professional tile cleaning.