Now that you have your pool tile selected and installed, knowing how to properly maintain it is the next step. Hard water stains are a common problem for pool tile, and it’s important to know how to clean it if it does occur. The following information is courtesy of our team of professionals to help you remove hard water stains and keep your pool looking great all summer.
Materials You Need
When the water in a swimming pool contains excess amounts of minerals like calcium, limestone and magnesium, a white, gritty film can form on your pool’s tiles. This residue is commonly known as hard water stains. It will only take a few hours to get rid of hard water stains, and you don’t even need to empty your pool. To remove them from tile, you will need:
- Thick rubber gloves
- Respirator
- Eye protection
- One gallon of water
- Non-metallic bucket
- Old non-metallic measuring cup
- Eight ounces of muriatic acid
- Clean paint stirrer with no printing
- Disposable plastic spray bottle
- Clean rag
- Light scouring pad
Steps to Follow
Step 1: Choose a well-ventilated area to work and put on the rubber gloves, respirator and eye protection.
Step 2: Fill a non-metallic bucket with one gallon of water. Measure out eight ounces of muriatic acid in your measuring cup.
Step 3: Slowly pour the muriatic acid into the one gallon of water. Never try to add water directly to the muriatic acid, as this can cause undiluted acid to splash onto your skin or clothes. Throw the used measuring cup away.
Step 4: Slowly stir the mixture with the paint stirrer until completely combined. The mixture may get hot, so be very careful. If the mixture heats up, let it cool completely before continuing. Throw the paint stirrer away.
Step 5: Carefully fill the spray bottle with mixture. Avoid splashing because even the diluted mixture can cause serious damage.
Step 6: Spray the mixture directly onto your pool tiles. Let it sit for a moment, then use the light scouring pad to remove the hard water stains. Remember, no one should be in the pool while you are cleaning the tiles.
Step 7: Use a clean rag to remove any residue after scrubbing the tiles.
Step 8: Throw away the spray bottle, rag and scouring pad, and dispose of any leftover mixture according to your local regulations.
Step 9: Test the water of your pool to make sure it is safe before getting in.
If you don’t want to clean your tiles and would rather start from scratch, we can help! Mees Distributors, Inc. is one of the most trusted ceramic tiles and natural stone resources in the Midwest. Contact a customer service representative today to learn more about tiles for your pool, hot tub or sauna.