How to Clean Pool Tile: The Professional Guide to Calcium Removal

Precision Pool Tile Cleaning has been utilizing low air pressure glass bead blasting to clear calcium buildup and pool scales from surfaces for over two decades.

Using our signature innovative process, we have serviced over 40,000 pools, and are trusted by homeowners and companies alike across Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada. In this guide, we break down why calcium happens, why old methods fail, and how we restore your pool to near-new condition safely.

Before Service

After Restoration

The Enemy: Why Does Calcium Build Up?

If you own a pool in the Southwest, you are likely familiar with the dreaded white line that forms around your water's edge. This is calcium scale. It occurs when the pH of your pool water rises, causing the calcium dissolved in the water to solidify and stick to your tile, stone, and decorative features.

Heat and evaporation accelerate this process. As water evaporates, it leaves minerals behind. Over time, these layers harden into a rock-like substance known as calcium carbonate or, in more severe cases, calcium silicate. While regular brushing can handle algae and dirt, it does virtually nothing against hardened calcium. This leads many pool owners to try aggressive DIY methods that often do more harm than good.

Why Old Cleaning Methods Fail

For years, the industry relied on outdated techniques that were labor-intensive and risky for your expensive pool finishes.

1. The Pumice Stone

The most common DIY tool is the pumice stone. While cheap, it requires hours of back-breaking labor. Worse, pumice stones are abrasive. As you scrub the calcium, you are often scratching the delicate glaze of your ceramic tile. These micro-scratches create a rough surface, giving future calcium deposits a better grip to hold onto, meaning the buildup will return faster and harder than before.

2. Acid Washing

Using muriatic acid might dissolve calcium, but it is dangerous for both the applicator and your pool. Acid can eat away at the grout between your tiles, leading to leaks and structural damage. It also alters the water chemistry drastically, requiring expensive re-balancing after the job is done.

3. High-Pressure Washing

Standard pressure washers operate at PSI levels that are too high for pool grout. One slip can blow out chunks of grout or dislodge tiles entirely. Furthermore, water pressure alone is rarely enough to remove thick, hardened silicate buildup without damaging the substrate.

The Solution: Low-Pressure Glass Bead Blasting

At Precision Pool Tile Cleaning, we utilize a specialized method that removes 100% of the calcium while leaving your tile glaze, stone, and grout completely intact.

How It Works

Glass bead blasting uses a stream of tiny, spherical glass beads—roughly the size of a grain of salt. Unlike angular sand or harsh chemicals, these beads are round and smooth. We shoot them at the calcium deposits using low air pressure.

When the beads hit the calcium, they shatter the mineral buildup upon impact. However, because the beads are round and the pressure is controlled, they bounce harmlessly off the underlying hard surface of your tile or stone. It is a process of "exfoliation" rather than abrasion.

Why Glass Beads are Superior

• Surface Safe: Glass beads will not scratch tile glaze or pit natural stone.
• Chemically Inert: The media is pH neutral and will not affect your pool's chemical balance.
• Eco-Friendly: We do not use harsh chemicals. The beads sink to the bottom of the pool and are vacuumed out, leaving zero toxic residue.
• Effective: It removes even the toughest calcium silicate that acid cannot touch.

Our Signature Process: What to Expect

When you hire Precision Pool Tile Cleaning, you aren't just getting a cleaning; you are getting a full restoration service. Here is how our typical service day looks:

Step 1: Preparation

We arrive within a scheduled 2-4 hour window. We do not need to drain your pool completely. Instead, we lower the water level just 6 to 12 inches below the tile line. This exposes the calcium while keeping enough water in the pool to protect the plaster floor.

Step 2: The Blasting

Our highly trained craftsmen enter the pool and begin the blasting process. We treat every inch of the waterline, spillways, and water features. For delicate surfaces like glass tile or black porcelain, we can switch to an even gentler mineral media to ensure absolute safety.

Step 3: The Polish

Once the calcium is gone, the tile might look dull due to years of mineral exposure. We apply a final polish to restore the shine and luster of the glaze, making the tile look brand new.

Step 4: Cleanup & Vacuuming

The glass beads settle at the bottom of the pool. We use our own commercial-grade vacuum equipment to remove the media and calcium debris. We never use your pool's filter system for this, ensuring no wear and tear on your equipment. We also rinse down the decks and surrounding areas.

Step 5: Sealing (Optional but Recommended)

To protect your investment, we offer an industry-exclusive sealant. This nano-formulation creates a hydrophobic barrier on the tile. While it doesn't stop calcium from existing in the water, it prevents it from bonding strongly to the tile, making future maintenance much easier.

Maintaining Your Restored Pool

After we leave, your pool will look incredible. To keep it that way, we recommend monitoring your pH levels weekly. High pH is the #1 cause of scale. Keeping your pH between 7.2 and 7.6 will significantly extend the time between professional cleanings.

Additionally, if you see a faint white haze returning, you can use our Precision Tile Cleaner solution with a soft Scotch-Brite pad to wipe it away easily, thanks to the smooth surface we restored.