How to Remove Calcium Scale from Puddle Tile Quickly and Easily

how to remove calcium from pool tilesPond equally a recreational activeness is the fourth most pop overall, and the first most pop for those aged 7-17, in the U.s.a.. According to the Clan of Pool & Spa Professionals, 309K public and 10.4M residential pools exist throughout the country. Because of the popularity of swimming, and the big number of swimming pools, it'south important for The states pool owners and operators to know how to all-time maintain them. Though in that location are a plethora of maintenance issues with which to deal, knowing how to remove calcium from pool tiles is a particularly important one.

Why Calcium is a Problem

Two types of calcium can cause problems with pools. Sometimes deposits consist of a fine film that builds up in layers, leaving behind a remainder that easily comes off tiles if they're cleaned regularly. This is called calcium carbonate. Sometimes buildup results in sharp, crystalized and sandy particles that attach to the tiles, caused by high calcium and pH levels in the water, and which requires more than intensive cleaning methods. This is calcium silicate.

Learning how to remove calcium from pool tiles early can save both time and money. Often referred to as calcium scale, information technology gets worse the longer it's left. Ignoring it will cause damage not merely to pools, just to pool equipment as well. Regularly cleaning whatsoever scum lines – usually presenting as white or light greyness deposits – will keep the buildup at bay and make puddle tile scale removal easier. Sometimes it just involves cleaning the deposits with a soft fabric. Since this is easier washed when in the pool, information technology's a chore that tin can keep the cleaner cool on a hot day.

How Pool Tiles Differ

Puddle tiles differ distinctly from edifice tiles. Two specific factors involve their resistance to sunlight and exposure to substances, including pool water and the chemicals information technology contains.

Exposure to Sunlight

Bathroom or kitchen tiling tends not to be exposed to sunlight for long periods, whereas outdoor swimming pool tiles are. For this reason, puddle tiles are normally glazed. Because of this, they tend to resist fading, warping or cracking due to exposure to sunlight.

Exposure to Water & Chemicals

Though spills occur on indoor tiling, these ordinarily go cleaned immediately. While liquid spills may cause grout on these tiles to break down, information technology won't damage the tile. Pond pool tiles, however, form a bond with the tile'due south adhesive textile, and further, they usually have h2o assimilation rates of less than 0.v%. Swimming pool tiles must likewise resist erosion and pool chemicals.

How to Remove Calcium from Pool Tiles

Sometimes the best way to remove calcium from pool tile involves first contacting trusted pool professionals to cheque the chemistry of the pool'south water, equally they tin can and so advise the best technique to remove calcium from pool tiles. If a solid white or grayish crust forms along the waterline, determine what caused information technology with a pool water test. Unremarkably calcium remains in a solution, merely when the residue hardens, cleaning it with a uncomplicated kitchen scouring pad along the water line is usually good enough, though cleaning agents specific for tile and grout are besides helpful. Regardless of the communication followed on removing calcium buildup, pool tile scale removal will always take at least a bit of physical labor.

Calcium Removers

Not-toxic calcium removers offer a method of pool tile calibration removal that doesn't affect a puddle's pH or damage the tiles. To access the tiles with calcium buildup, however, the water level must be reduced. Apply putty knives or scouring pads to remove the thickest of the crust, and so utilise the liquid calcium remover and soak it for several minutes.

When the calcium remover bubbles, the cleaning agent is doing its piece of work. Use a scrubbing pad or brush to remove boosted layers of calcium buildup on the tile. As calcium deposits come in layers, each layer requires farther scrubbing. Once the calcium is scrubbed away, permit the tile dry out. Applying a sealer will protect against further buildup, though brand sure to follow the instructions carefully.

TLC Surface Cleaner

A heavy duty liquid cleaner for pool walls and surfaces, TLC Surface Cleaner offers a new, thicker no-run formula that clings longer to clean better. TLC removes grease, grime, caked-on oils, water line rings and scale in 1 operation, and restores original sheen to fiberglass, acrylic, ceramic, vinyl and the pool surfaces. Its heavy liquid adheres readily to whatsoever surface and bubbling every bit it attacks dirt and crud. When TLC has stopped bubbling it can be easily rinsed off.

Usage: Ever wear rubber gloves with a sponge, material or soft brush for application. Allow iii minutes while information technology bubbles then scrub briskly.

Muriatic Acid

Should other cleaning solutions not work, try a solution of hydrochloric acid mixed with water. Pond pool stores carry hydrochloric acid. Take care and employ gloves, however, as the muriatic acid can cause irritation or burns should information technology come into contact with skin or optics.

Pumice Stones or Nylon Castor Cups

To remove caked calcium deposits, a pumice stone and a bit of hard piece of work tin do the trick when removing deposits from pool tiling or concrete, though pumice stones should never be used on soft surfaces like pool linings. When working with stones, ensure they're wet, otherwise they may scratch the tiling.
Another similar method of pool tile scale removal uses a cordless drill and nylon bristle castor cup or wheel that can scrub buildup away. Never utilise steel cups or wheels, however, as this tin can cause rust to gather at the bottom of the puddle or damage the puddle'due south tiling.

Pressure Washing

Also chosen bead blasting, this method will remove the most persistent blemishes or buildup from calcium deposits, and is perhaps the best way to remove calcium from pool tiles. Rent a pressure washer from a hardware store or, if worried about dislodging whatsoever loose tiles, hire a professional person to do it. Professional pool companies use magnesium sulfate in compressors to remove calcium buildup chop-chop and efficiently. Information technology involves much less work, though it volition inevitably cost more.

Contact the Pool and Spa Professionals at Halogen Supply

If you lot need advice or help when looking into how to remove calcium from pool tiles, contact united states at Halogen Supply today to speak with our support staff. Equally experts with an average of over 20 years' experience in all things swimming pools, they can reply whatever of questions yous might take near swimming pools or spas and their upkeep.