How to Clean Pool Tile at the Waterline
While having your own backyard swimming pool or spa is a serious perk, they also come with plenty of regular maintenance in order to remain in tip-top shape. You may already know that it’s important to keep leaves and debris out of the water, but even if you are diligent about keeping the water free of debris, stains or grime can collect on the tiles at the pool’s waterline or fill line.
A chemical imbalance is often the cause of pool tile staining. If you have a pool maintenance company, they probably regularly blast away the build-up as part of their routine cleaning. However, if you are taking care of the pool yourself, frequent cleaning will be necessary to prevent the stains from becoming so difficult to remove that you must replace the tiles for a clean look.
Here’s how to clean pool tile at the waterline to get rid of staining and make it shine.
Run Your Pool Cleaner
Turn your pool cleaner before you start cleaning the waterline. This will help keep the dirt from coming back and remove any larger pieces of grime stuck to the tile.
Remove Debris With a Skimmer Net
Use a skimmer net or robotic pool cleaner to remove leaves, grass clippings, or other organic matter in the water.
Drop the Waterline
Lower the waterline by turning on the pool pump, or you can make a siphon with a hose. It is easier to clean the stained tiles if the waterline in your pool is slightly below its usual position.
Use a Scrub Brush on the Tiles
Using a stiff-bristled scrub brush (no wire bristles), scrub away the mineral deposits. Work in a circular motion in an area about three or four feet wide.
If you have glass tiles, a soft-bristled brush is a better choice to prevent scratching the glass. A rechargeable electric scrub brush with interchangeable heads is a handy tool for cleaning. For tight, small areas, an old toothbrush works well.
Cleaning Tip
If the build-up at the waterline is exceptionally heavy with mineral deposits, algae, and dirt, plan to clean the pool tile in increments over several days or weeks. This will prevent your pool’s filtering system from becoming overwhelmed and help maintain the chemical balance of the water.
Mix the Cleaning Solution
Mix the cleaning solution in a plastic bucket. Your cleaning solution can be made of baking soda and water, or dishwashing liquid and water.
- Baking soda cleaner: mix several cups of baking soda and a few splashes of water to create a paste
- Dishwashing soap cleaner: stir one-quarter cup of dishwashing liquid and one gallon of water to create a sudsy mix.
- Put on your protective goggles or glasses before you start working with the solution to minimize the chance of splashing it into your eyes while you clean.
Remove Dirt and Grime
Dip your scrub brush into the cleaning solution and scour the tiles at the waterline. The mineral deposits were loosened, and you’re now removing the layer of body soil, dust, and grime.
Use a melamine sponge (like a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) for tough-to-remove stains. Splash a bit of pool water or freshwater over the freshly cleaned area and repeat the scrubbing and grime-removal steps as you move around the perimeter of the pool.
How Often to Clean Pool Waterline Tiles
Pool tiles at the waterline tiles should be cleaned as soon as you notice any discoloration, typically weekly or monthly. Light build-up at the waterline is much easier to clean than heavy staining. At the bare minimum, the tiles should always be cleaned at the beginning and end of the pool season.
Why Does Dirt Form on the Pool Waterline?
The grime found on pool tiles is typically an accumulation of several things, including body soil, sunscreen, and mineral deposits (scale) that cling to the tiles. If you have hard-water deposits or stains in sinks or tubs inside your house, they will probably happen to your pool surfaces as well. As water evaporates, scaling occurs when mineral deposits cling to the sides of a pool. It shows up as white or gray scum and is difficult to remove.
How to Get Rid of Tough Pool Stains
Sometimes, no matter how hard you scrub, a stain remains. There are still a few tricks you can try to get out of even the most stubborn stains – Use a Pumice Stone.
For mineral deposit stains on pool tile, a pumice stone will work, if a scrub brush and cleaning solution couldn’t handle the job. Pumice stones are available online, at home improvement stores, and at pool supplies stores. Made of ground volcanic rock, the stone will break apart the deposits. Keep the stone and tile wet at all times while working with a pumice stone or there will be excessive scratching. Work slowly and with a light touch as you scrub in gentle circles along the waterline.
Tips to Keep Waterline Tiles Cleaner Longer
1) Clean the pool tiles regularly, on a schedule, to reduce the buildup of any algae, organic debris, chemical deposits, or scale.
2) Check that your pool chemical levels are adequate; any less than optimal variation can encourage algae or other deposits.
3) When you notice a little scum at the water line, try using natural cleaners like baking soda, toothpaste, vinegar, dish soap, or Borax. These cleaners are gentle and will not affect your pool water’s pH.
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Sunset Pools, Cape Coral, Florida
Source: The Spruce
