How To Clean Pool Tile Without Draining

Alex Mcil author
Alex Mcil

Tiles provide a dash of color and individuality to any outdoor pool, from gleaming contemporary patterns to famous traditional pottery. Swimming pool tiles, on the other hand, do more than just look good — it also protects the waterline of your pool from discoloration and mineral accumulation. Your swimming tile may last years if you follow the appropriate maintenance program.

Pool tiles can drastically alter the appearance of a pool, but mineral accumulation can cause them to discolor. It comes as no surprise that you must keep the pool tiles clean in order to maintain their attractiveness. Pool tile cleaning extends the life of your pool.

The water in your filthy pool will begin to grow algae if you do not maintain it on a regular basis. Algae growth that remains in your pool for over one year or longer may stain the permeable cement of the swimming pool so thoroughly that ordinary scrubbing will not be able to eliminate it. If you are not able to see past the bottom-most end of your pool in the icky water, it just shows that it’s been resting for too long and needs to be deep cleaned.

The rapid algal blooms after washing your pool are yet another clue that one needs to clean the pool thoroughly. Algae spores can penetrate deep into permeable cement and persist long enough to bloom, which is something an acid-wash should eradicate altogether. Here are some simple ways to wash your pool tiling with stuff you probably already have around the house.

Quick answer

To clean a pool without draining you are going to need a suitable chemical for an acid wash. Every material is going to need a specific cleaning agent to eliminate algae and mineral deposits without damaging the pool tile. It is recommended to use a pressure washer or professional services for optimal results.

Removing Mineral Deposits From The Pool With Vinegar

In addition to just being inexpensive, vinegar is non-polluting and safe, making it an excellent multipurpose cleaner for your pool. Vinegar is an antibacterial since it contains chemicals such as acetic acid that kill bacteria. Because it is acidic, it eliminates dirt, grease, and mineral deposits. Its high acidity also helps to reduce the alkalinity of pool water when used in the proper amount. 

Vinegar also destroys bacteria and dissolves calcification on pool surfaces. Calcium buildup in pools is a common problem that many homeowners face. They develop a crusty layer on the tiles as a result of the water being too alkaline or an enhanced PH level, which isolates calcium carbonate first from the water, causing it to separate from the water to form a crusty texture on the tiles.

For maintenance’s sake, simply heat a rag or small handkerchief in the toaster, sprinkle 1 or 2 cups of vinegar on it, and wipe your pool tiles clean. Vinegar has particles that interact with calcium to break deposits and wash your pool surfaces.

Calcium buildup can be caused by using hard water inside the pool, as well as an increase in temperature. Calcium buildup can be removed with 1 cup of vinegar and 3 cups of water combination as vinegar lowers the PH of the pool. To use, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and squirt it on the tiles, then brush the residues away with a gentle brush.

White purified vinegar is indeed the safest of the vinegar varieties because it contains no coloring additive and hence does not damage surfaces. It has a similar amount of acid to other inter cleaning products. White vinegar, on the other hand, is more acidic and has a disagreeable smell.

Purified apple cider vinegar is another option. It has the same qualities as white purified vinegar, but it has a sweeter aroma and is slightly less potent. Because it is darker, you may need to water it down in water first before using it.

Cleaning Tile With Pressure Washer

The usage of a water hose to clean pool tiles has grown in popularity in recent years due to its efficiency and speed. As a general rule, make sure you’re firing back the calcium accumulation with the proper solution. It’s important to remember that several sorts of solutions are appropriate for specific types of tiling, and you’ll need to know the specific flooring in your pools to obtain the best results, some options include muriatic acid, vinegar, chlorine bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. This ensures that the media you use will not damage your tile. It’s best to be prepared than sorry, after all.

Using The Baking Soda Method

Baking soda is an excellent cleaning agent for pool tiles because it is mild and gentle. It’s ideal for pools with gray stone, pebbles, or porcelain. You can make a paste by mixing 1/2 cup of bicarbonate of soda together with 2 cups of water and spreading it on your pool surfaces with a towel. If you need to get things done quickly, use a sprayer. However, for maximum effectiveness, you’ll need to use less bicarbonate of soda and more water. Because sodium bicarbonate is basic, it nullifies the acidity at the pool’s bottom, effectively removing filth from the tile.

How To Clean Pool Tile Grout

Algae can grow in the grout here between tiles in your pool. Begin with scraping the cement with a hard brush to eliminate algae. After you’ve washed the grout clean, apply a chlorinated pill to it. Lastly, jolt your pool to keep the algae from growing back.

How to clean tile with muriatic acid

Many people use specialized chemicals like muriatic acid to acid wash their pools, it refers to using a solution made of acid and water that can eliminate ugly discoloration and algae growth caused by hard water. If the pool’s water starts looking cloudy and strangely greenish or dark, it’s probable that it could benefit from an acid wash. According to experts, you’ll need to drain your pool completely and use a pump to acid wash it. Using a hose, moisten the emptied pool’s walls. To spray the pool’s sides, mix equal measures of muriatic acid and water. Using a brush, rub the acid solution into the cement layer for around 30 seconds.

To prevent the acid from irreversibly damaging the plaster, remove the stain with water. You may need to continue this step depending on the extent of the discoloration in the pool. Then after, balance the acidic water with sodium carbonate before draining the water used to rinse the pool from the pool itself.

If you don’t feel confident enough to do it yourself, you can hire a professional service. They usually charge around $100 dollars but the price will depend on the type and size of the pool.

One of these options should be good enough for your pool or tub

You need to be consistent and nifty when it comes to cleaning pool tiles. Do not be deceived by what you think is clear pool water as closer examinations will reveal that your pool tiles in fact have calcium buildup that makes the surface of the pool more scaly than it needs to be. Also, who likes algae growth, right? Thus, it is very crucial to keep up with the maintenance of your pool tiles such that you are able to swim in a clean and algae-free pool!

“Contrary to popular belief, pool tiles can be effectively cleaned without draining the entire pool. Using a combination of the right chemicals and cleaning tools, as well as a little elbow grease, the task is far from impossible. With my extensive experience in pool maintenance, I strongly advise against complete draining unless absolutely necessary. It can be an unnecessary strain on the environment and your finances. Trust in innovative ways, and you’ll see that maintaining a sparkling clean pool needn’t be an uphill battle.”

Lyndon Seaver, Pool Maintenance Specialist

References

https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/a34285564/how-to-safely-use-muriatic-acid/

https://www.compasspools.com.au/101/think-like-a-pool-owner-when-buying-a-swimming-pool/

8 thoughts on “How To Clean Pool Tile Without Draining”

  1. I totally agree about the role of pool tiles. They indeed have a crucial aspect beyond just aesthetics. In my years of experience, I’ve seen improperly maintained tiles develop mineral accumulation which is detrimental to the pool’s overall health. This usually leads to longer hours of pool cleaning and even potential damage.

  2. Indeed, Sadik, mineral accumulation is a big issue if not properly managed. In my line of work, I’ve also seen that this can not only affect the appearance of the pool but can also lead to tile degradation if it’s left unchecked for long periods. Regular maintenance and usage of the right cleaning products are absolutely necessary to keep the tiles and pool in good shape.

  3. You’re right, Quinton. In my own experience, unchecked mineral buildup did more than just discolor my pool tiles. To my dismay, I started seeing fine cracks on the surface after ignoring it for a while. That’s one expensive lesson learned on the importance of regular pool tile cleaning.

  4. Avatar
    Jericho Gallagher

    Raleigh, I can relate to your situation. In all my years of maintaining my pool, I’ve realized that regular cleaning truly prevents a host of problems such as discoloration and surface cracking, which might go undetected until it’s too late.

  5. Avatar
    Kalvin Vanderbilt

    As someone who spent years experimenting with different types of tiles in my homemade pool, I confirm that using the right type of tiles coupled with regular cleaning can dramatically extend the lifespan of your pool. Mineral build-up is indeed an enemy, but one that can be mitigated with consistency in maintenance and knowledge about pH balance.

  6. Kalvin, you’ve hit the nail on the head! Maintaining optimal pH balance combined with regular maintenance doesn’t just extend your pool’s lifespan–it saves you a fair bit too on potential costly repairs down the line.

  7. I completely agree with your point, Oliver. Ever since I started focusing on maintaining an optimal pH balance, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in mineral deposits on my own pool tiles.

  8. I’m with you there, Xavier. Keeping the pH levels balanced has also been a game-changer for me, especially since mineral deposits are not only unsightly but also a pain to clean off. I’ve noticed that using liquid chlorine helps maintain the levels more consistently than the tablet form — have you found the same thing?

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