Pool Tile Cleaning & Calcium/Scale Removal

What Causes Calcium Buildup on Pool Tile?

That white, crusty line along your pool tile is calcium scale. It forms when hard water evaporates and leaves mineral deposits behind. Over time, these deposits build up into thick, stubborn layers that regular brushing cannot remove. The problem gets worse in areas with hard water or when pool chemistry stays out of balance for extended periods.

Daly City water tends to be moderately hard, which means most pools will develop calcium buildup eventually. You might also see scale on your waterline, inside the skimmer, or on pool equipment. While calcium scale does not harm swimmers, it makes your pool look dirty and neglected. Professional tile cleaning restores the original beauty of your pool and prevents permanent damage to tile and grout. Our pool cleaning services include regular tile maintenance to prevent heavy buildup.

How We Remove Calcium and Scale

We use several methods to clean pool tile depending on how severe the buildup is:

• Pressure washing: High-pressure water jets blast away light to moderate calcium deposits without damaging tile surfaces.
• Chemical treatments: Professional-grade acid solutions dissolve stubborn scale that water alone cannot remove.
• Bead blasting: For severe buildup, we use fine abrasive media to gently strip away thick calcium layers without scratching tile.
• Glass bead or soda blasting: The safest method for delicate tile finishes, removing scale while preserving the original surface.
• Hand scraping: In tight corners or around fixtures, we carefully scrape deposits by hand using specialized tools.

We choose the right method based on your tile type, the thickness of calcium buildup, and the condition of your grout. Our goal is to clean thoroughly without causing damage that would require expensive tile replacement later.

What to Expect During Tile Cleaning

The Cleaning Process

Most tile cleaning jobs take 2 to 4 hours depending on pool size and how much scale has built up. We start by lowering the water level slightly to expose the entire tile line. Then we apply our chosen cleaning method section by section, making sure every inch of tile is treated.

After removing the calcium, we rinse everything thoroughly to wash away debris and neutralize any chemicals used. The difference is dramatic. Your tile will look brand new again, with vibrant colors and clean grout lines. Many customers are shocked at how much brighter their pool looks after a professional tile cleaning.

Preventing Future Buildup

Once your tile is clean, you want to keep it that way. The best prevention is maintaining proper water chemistry. Keep your pH between 7.2 and 7.6, and your calcium hardness between 200 and 400 parts per million. Brush your tile line weekly during regular maintenance to prevent deposits from hardening.

If you struggle with water chemistry or do not have time for regular brushing, our weekly pool cleaning service includes tile line brushing and chemistry management. For pools with recurring algae problems that stain tile, our algae removal service can help address the root cause.

Tile Cleaning for Daly City Pools

Daly City pools face unique challenges with tile maintenance. Coastal air carries minerals that settle on pool surfaces when fog evaporates. Local water hardness means calcium scale forms faster than in areas with softer water. Trees and landscaping around pools also contribute oils and debris that stain tile over time.

We have cleaned hundreds of pool tiles in Daly City and surrounding areas. We know which cleaning methods work best for local water conditions and which tile types are common in the area. Whether your pool has classic ceramic tile, modern glass tile, or natural stone, we have the experience to clean it safely and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions