Tips for your cleaning pool tiles |

Posted on 22 Feb 2021

Cleaning pool tiles can be an inviting spot, but only when the water is clear, tiles are free of mineral film, and there’s no mould in sight.

Be it sparkling, modern mosaics of classic Spanish-style ceramics, with hygiene and cleaning your spa, pond, or pool tiles, the area at the waterline is most susceptible to stains. This is where tiles meet air and thus trigger a chemical reaction that fungi, mineral build ups and various discolouration agents simply love.

However, sometimes you should drain the entire pool to scrub tiles and thus keep tile work healthy and free from additional maintenance. It is quite popular to tile only the water edging in in ground pools, making the cleaning pool tiles much more manageable.

As professional tile and ground cleaners at Paul’s Cleaning Company (Melbourne), we know that colleagues from the pool cleaning branch recommend draining, cleaning, and refilling an in-ground pool every 5-7 years unless a severe problem deems earlier attention.

Why do pool tiles get dirty?

Colourful inflatable floats on a blue tiled pool surface, showing the results of cleaning pool tiles

It may seem like a usual event for pool tiles to build up a layer of white on the side, just above the water level. Natural evaporation reduces the waterline and leaves it vulnerable to staining. Having high pH levels or high alkalinity as H2O evaporates causes Calcium to adhere along the path of the water’s edge, slowly going down. The ideal numbers are a pH of 7.4 and alkalinity ranging between 80 and 120 PPM (parts per million).

Also, an inadequate chemical imbalance of pool-water chemicals causes scales and stains to appear at the water’s edge. That’s why basic know-how of what and why pool water needs, so you stay away from problems.

On general occasions, it is scale or stain that causes discolouration, but so do falling leaves that stick to the sides.

Is all calcium buildup the same? No.

You have two primary culprits:

One is Calcium silicate, and it’s the toughest of the two, as it usually takes longer to form. Also known as Silicic acid, calcium salt, and calcium silicon oxide, it comes in a colour drifting from white to grey and is not affected by muriatic acid. You need a pumice stone to get it off.
The second is Calcium carbonate. If you see it bubbling after muriatic acid treatment, then you have a match.

Clear view of blue pool tiles beneath a pineapple and turtle float, emphasising cleaning pool tiles

Mind both and scrub tiles in time.

What causes mineral buildups?

Again, we have two primary culprits:

Extreme heat;
Hard water.

Having both makes cleaning pool tiles a nightmare.

How to clean pool tile stains & scale

The best solution is to be consistent with the cleaning and maintenance of your pool, just like you should do with your BBQ.

Equip yourself with a soft brush and do a bit of scrubbing twice a week as part of your maintenance routine, and you’ll keep algae, mould, and dirt gross away.

However, if you want to stay chemical-free, there are always classic recipes. Just note that the following would work only if the waterline grime is light:

Good old baking soda;
The classic Borax;
The well-known vinegar;
Fluorine-based toothpaste;
And dish soap.

Cases that go beyond require a professional approach.

Regular maintenance measures

Regular upkeep of your pool and pool tiles is the best way to stay on top of built-up dirt and film, not to mention up keeping a healthy & non-toxic environment for children.

Keep leaves and grass clippings from clinging to the sides of tiles.
Brush the tiles in circular motions to keep calcium carbonate from building up.
If working on these areas every couple of days, vinegar and water, and baking soda and vinegar can reduce the damage.

Nothing helps keep the pool clean like prevention.

Pressure washing pool tiles

If you are a DIY’er when it comes to in-ground pool maintenance, renting a pressure washer may be a good option for you. This is the best way to clean a pool tile that is safe and chemical-free.

You need no detergents for pressure washing. Pressurised steam set at 2000 to 2600 PSI can remove built-up dirt, mould, and calcium deposits.

Scrubbing pool tiles

A detergent-based spray cleaner and a stiff nylon brush can be used. Spray the area and put elbow grease to work as a pool tile scrubber. Depending on the size of your in-ground pool, this could be a job for a few people to handle.

Utilise acid for washing tiles

We do not recommend acid washing for the average layman because of the dangers associated with it. It delivers excellent results, though. You should only use this procedure to drain and clean the interior surfaces.

Mix equal amounts of muriatic acid (HCL) and water.
Scrub the floor with an acid-proof brush.
Use ~1 kg soda ash to 4 litres of muriatic acid to neutralise the acid, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
Using protective clothing, including a mask, goggles, and rubber gloves on the hands and feet, is a must during this process.

Simple and efficient.

A bright turquoise pool with sunlight reflections, showcasing the effect of cleaning pool tiles

Commercial cleaners

Professional pool cleaners are trained to recognise different types of stains and deposits that have built up on your pool tiles. Different products are recommended depending on the kind of dirt buildup on the tile and grout.

Calcium carbonate scaling will appear as a flaky white crust. In addition to commercial cleaners, a pumice stone and diligent scrubbing are alternatives. Calcium silicate is a problematic type of scaling to remove. It appears as white-grey scum and is very hard to remove.

Pool maintenance and tile cleanup can be a challenge in today’s busy world. Sometimes it is easier to contract a pool cleaning company to stay on top of your pool’s health. Pool tiles can cost around $50 to $95 per square metre when maintenance has not been performed regularly.

Frequently asked questions for cleaning pool tiles

What is the best thing to clean pool tiles with?

The best cleaning solution for pool tiles depends on the type of buildup you’re dealing with. For general cleaning, a mixture of white vinegar and water works effectively on calcium deposits and light staining, whilst being environmentally friendly. For more stubborn buildup, a specialised pool tile cleaner containing mild acid is highly effective. Baking soda mixed into a paste can also work well as a gentle abrasive for scrubbing. When applying these cleaners, use a stiff-bristled brush or a pumice stone designed for pools to scrub the tiles without causing damage. Always ensure the cleaning product is suitable for your specific tile type—whether ceramic, glass, or natural stone—as some materials are more delicate than others and require gentler treatment.

Can you use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on pool tiles?

Yes, you can use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on pool tiles, and many pool owners find it quite effective for removing scum lines and light staining. The melamine foam acts as a fine abrasive that can lift dirt and calcium deposits without harsh chemicals. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Use it gently on delicate tile surfaces to avoid scratching, and be aware that the eraser will break down as you use it, potentially leaving small bits in your pool that you’ll need to skim out. It’s best suited for spot cleaning rather than large areas, as it can be time-consuming and you’ll go through multiple erasers. For extensive cleaning jobs, a dedicated pool tile cleaner and brush might be more practical and cost-effective.

How to clean pool tiles above the waterline in Australia?

Cleaning pool tiles above the waterline in Australia requires addressing the calcium scale and scum buildup common in our climate. Start by lowering the water level slightly if needed for better access. Create a cleaning solution using white vinegar or a commercial calcium remover specifically designed for pools—these products are readily available at Bunnings or pool supply shops. Apply the solution generously to the affected tiles and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to break down the deposits. Then, scrub vigorously with a stiff nylon brush or a pumice stone, working in small sections. For particularly stubborn stains, you might need to repeat the process or use a stronger acid-based cleaner, though always follow safety instructions carefully. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and use a pool skimmer to remove any loosened debris. Regular maintenance every few weeks prevents heavy buildup and makes the job much easier.

How do you remove hard water stains from pool tiles?

Removing hard water stains from pool tiles requires breaking down the mineral deposits, primarily calcium carbonate, that create the white or greyish marks. The most effective method is using an acidic solution—white vinegar is a safe starting point for mild stains. Apply it directly to the affected areas, let it sit for several minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush or pumice stone. For more severe staining, a diluted muriatic acid solution (hydrochloric acid) works extremely well, though you must wear protective gloves and eyewear and ensure proper ventilation. Mix one part acid to ten parts water, apply carefully to the stains, scrub gently, and rinse immediately and thoroughly. Alternatively, specialty pool stain removers containing phosphoric or sulfamic acid are available and can be safer to handle. A pumice stone is particularly useful for hard water stains as it physically abrades the mineral deposits without damaging most tile surfaces. Prevention is key—maintaining proper water chemistry and regularly wiping down tiles helps prevent future buildup.

Follow our tips & keep pool tiles clean

If you find yourself lacking the time for the care of your pool, several pool maintenance companies in Australia are experienced and ready to give you a quote.

Follow these tips when you find yourself lacking the time for the care of your pool, as pool maintenance professionals in Australia are experienced and ready to help.