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Waterline tiles are installed by the edge of your pool where the water meets the line. Cleaning this is one of your responsibilities as a swimming pool owner. Over time, calcium deposits and natural stains accumulate on the edges, leaving a weird ring around the waterline.
Regular cleaning and proper maintenance are crucial if you want to keep it looking appealing all year long. Read on for our guide on how to make your swimming pool’s waterline tiles as shiny as the first time you installed them:
But first, what is that stuff?
That unsightly line that forms around your pool’s waterline is the result of scaling and staining. As water evaporates, calcium deposits are pushed to the sides of the pool, leaving a whitish-grey colored scum that is difficult to remove. There are two types of scaling we usually see in swimming pools: calcium carbonate and calcium silicate. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
1. Calcium carbonate
Calcium carbonate appears as a flaky white crust on the pool’s surface. It bubbles up if you pour muriatic acid on the area. Fortunately, calcium carbonate is easy to scrub off using a pumice stone or a stain eraser.
2. Calcium silicate
Calcium silicate is trickier to remove because it takes a longer time to settle into your pool’s waterline. Calcium silicate appears as a whitish-grey scum and does not react to muriatic acid. This type of scaling takes more effort and a lot of elbow grease to strip off.
Tips for tackling staining and scaling
As with all things, prevention is better than cure. Don’t wait for the scum to build up. Keeping your pool’s waterline stain-free means you have to clean it regularly. Algae from decaying leaves and other debris create a chemical imbalance to your swimming pool, causing stains when they cling on to the tiles. Make sure to vacuum your pool’s surface at least once a week to remove dirt.
If you see signs of that scum line appearing on your pool’s waterline, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Extensive cleaning can be time-consuming, so it’s wise to start in small areas per day. You can try using all-natural, homemade cleaning solutions for minimal grimes. Vinegar, baking soda, toothpaste, and borax are some of the everyday household items that make effective cleaners. Make a paste and scrub the ring with a used toothbrush.
For tougher stains, there are commercial tile cleaners you can get at your local hardware store. These are acid-based products that are very strong, so you need to use them with caution. Always wear protective gloves and mask to avoid inhaling harsh chemicals.
Big jobs may require you to call for reinforcements. Hiring professional pool cleaning services ensures that the job gets done quickly and adequately. They have special equipment and cleaners that can strip away the toughest stains in your pool’s waterline tiles. Bringing the professionals in at least once a year will keep your pool looking fresh and save you the costly expense of having to re-tile your pool’s waterline.
If you a looking for a pool cleaning service in Jacksonville, get in touch with Purple Heart Pools now! We are happy to help.
Phone: 904-207-4602
Email: purpleheartpools@gmail.com
Address: 6817 Southpoint Parkway, Suite 303, Jacksonville Florida 32216
License Number: CPC1459870