Even though you follow all the guidelines for cleaning and maintaining your pool, one day, you notice that the pool tiles are stained along the waterline. It’s a common pool problem, but there are several ways to clean waterline pool tiles.
When the stain is not very bad brushing or rubbing the tiles with a pumice stone block is usually sufficient to remove the stains.
If the waterline stain is hardened calcium deposits, drain the water level below the tile band and try cleaning with acid, vinegar or baking soda.
If that doesn’t work, clean with a power tool.
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What are Waterline Pool Tiles?
Waterline pool tiles are the band of tiles that run around the top of the walls in a swimming pool. These waterline tiles are usually only found on in-ground concrete pools lined with aggregate, plaster, painted concrete or fibre-glass over concrete.
Why we need Waterline Pool Tiles?
Waterline pool tiles have a number of functional purposes.
These tiles finish the top of your pool, improve the pool’s overall appearance and provide an interface between the pool lining and the edge coping.
However, the most important function is protecting the top part of the sides of your pool from the adverse effects of waterline damage.
As you know, waterlines leave dirty soap scum marks in the bath and hand basin in your bathroom. When a toilet is not flushed in a while there is a waterline mark on the toilet bowl. When boats are raised from the water for maintenance there is always a waterline mark on the hull. These waterline marks build up quickly and can be difficult to remove without damaging the surface.
Swimming pool waterline tiles mostly disguise the waterline mark caused by the fluctuating water level of a pool. The pool’s waterline is constantly fluctuating up and down due to rain, evaporation and swimmers.
The waterline tiles also protect your pool from algae and other contaminants marking the surface. Afterall, it’s easier to clean tiles than plaster, aggregate or a painted surface.
If you never clean your waterline pool tiles you run the risk of excessive waterline build-up of chemical residue and calcium deposits. Removal of waterline build-up may be difficult without causing damage to the tiles.
What is Pool Scaling?
Pool scaling is the build-up of calcium deposits in your pool. These deposits form on the walls, steps and pool equipment exposed to pool water.
The two main types of scaling:
- Calcium Silicate is a grey-white substance that is difficult to see and is as hard as concrete. If you lower the pool water you can clean it away with hydrochloric acid and brushing. Many people use a pumice stone to remove small deposits of calcium or use a power tool for larger deposits. An angle grinder with a fibreglass polishing disk is ideal. An electric drill with a wet and dry sanding disk also works well. Make sure you keep the disk wet and continuously wash the surface with water to prevent scouring the tiles or pool surface.
- Calcium Carbonate is whitish in appearance and forms in the pool. It is usually easier to remove than silicate but you will need to employ the above methods. If you wash with hydrochloric acid is may bubble and give off a gas.
Read more on How to Remove Calcium Scale from Pools
How to Clean Waterline Pool Tiles
Clean without lowering the water level
Start cleaning with a nylon brush. If this brush removes the waterline stain keep cleaning the whole tile band.
If the brush is not working try a pumice stone.
Many people use a pumice stone to remove small deposits of calcium from the waterline. You can choose to kneel down and crawl around the pool to clean the waterline. A better solution is to attach a pumice block to a cleaning pole (maybe the same one you use to brush the surface) and rub the block over the tile band.
Remove water below the tile band
Lower the water level below the tile band by setting your multiport valve to drain or backwash and running the pump. If you don’t have the facility to drain water from the pool you will need a drain pump (you can get them at Amazon).
Once the tile is exposed, you are ready to start cleaning.
A small amount of hydrochloric acid in water can perform wonders with waterline marks. The acid will help dissolve calcium deposits and loosen algae grime. Wait a few minutes before brushing and wiping the tiles.
Sometimes spraying the tiles with vinegar and waiting a few minutes is enough to loosen algae and other grime. Then brush away the residue.
Another green cleaning product is the use of baking soda.
A solution of baking soda and water can be mixed in a spray bottle and sprayed on to the tiles. Wait a few minutes and brush the tiles to loosen the dirt and scale.
If you require a more concentrated mixture of baking soda, mix only a little water so it makes a paste. Sponge the paste onto the tile band, wait a few minutes and brush the tiles. Use some fresh water and clean cloth to wipe the mixture off the tiles.
Larger and/or more stubborn calcium deposits require the use of a power tool.
An angle grinder with a fibre-glass polishing disk is ideal. These disks are low abrasive, soft disks that won’t damage your tiles. Keep the disk and tiles wet to prevent scouring.
An electric drill with a wet and dry sanding disk also works well. Use a high grade (like P800) wet and dry sanding paper. Make sure you keep the disk wet and continuously wash the surface with water to prevent scouring the tiles or pool surface.
Conclusion
As with all things in life, avoiding the problem is better than the solution.
Maintaining the upkeep of your pool is better than trying to remedy the problem of cleaning a dirty tile band. Make brushing the pool tiles part of your regular cleaning routine to help avoid calcium deposits forming in your pool. As soon as you see calcium scale forming remove it before it becomes hard and more widespread.