Having a pool is an incredible perk and one that many homeowners dream of. If you’re one of them and you’re either planning on building your pool or just got one, know that it’s somewhat similar to owning a pet. There’s quite a bit of energy and time that goes into making sure everything is spotless and ready to use at your leisure.
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ToggleCleaning and maintaining pool tiles is essential to ensure your pool is safe to use and looks good at all times. If you’re just learning how to go about it, this article will give you hands-on advice on preventing stains on your tiles, cleaning the grout, and avoiding any long-term tile damage. Over time, pool tile cleaning will become a part of your routine and you’ll enjoy a well-kept pool in your yard for a very long time. Let’s get to it!
Why should you clean your pool tiles?
Let’s start with the biggest question – why should you regularly clean your pool tiles in the first place? Well, the same rules you use for your bathroom tiles apply to their pool counterpart, only more so, because your pool is outdoors and exposed to the elements.
Pool tiles have an important functional purpose in protecting and sealing your swimming pool, and they’re also a big part of the aesthetic appeal. If you skip on cleaning them, it will show quickly through:
- Accumulated stains and dirt on the tiles that happen naturally when the pool is regularly used, be it leaves, debris, or sunscreen.
- Mold and mildew that are all but unavoidable in environments with plenty of water and moisture, which can cause discoloration of the grout.
- Calcium build-up that happens naturally from the pool chemicals and can make your tiles look chalky and grimy.
Thankfully, all these are usually easy to avoid if you clean your pool and know what to look for before the problem permanently damages your pool tiles.
How to Prevent Stain on Your Pool Tiles
Prevention is better than the cure, the old adagio says, and this wisdom should be applied to your pool maintenance habits. Instead of wrestling with stains after they have already formed, here are a few tips and tricks you can use to always have sparkling swimming pool tiles in your gorgeous home pool.
Ensure The Water Chemistry is on Point
This is important both for your tiles and for anyone who’s going to be spending time in the pool. First, regularly check your pool’s pH, which should be between 7.2 and 7.8 – this will allow you to avoid problems like green water, skin irritation, and even damage to the pool tiles and the equipment.
Next, keep an eye out for the calcium hardness levels and alkalinity of the water. When it comes to alkalinity, you’re aiming for it to be between 80–120 ppm, while the calcium hardness levels should be anywhere from 200–400 ppm. When your pool water is within these values, the chances of calcium build-up on the tiles, as well as any algae growth, are minimal.
Here it’s important to note that people who use the pool can also disrupt its chemistry. Encourage your family to rinse off any sunscreen or oils they have been using while lounging by the pool before they jump in. This simple step will allow the water to stay clean and suitable for swimming longer.
Pool Tile Cleaner Is a Must
This piece of advice is simple but powerful – use your pool tile cleaner once a week to ensure your tiles are clean and look good. You can use chemicals, or opt for natural ingredients like white vinegar to clean the tiles, baking soda paste to clean the grout, and lemon juice to help dissolve any calcium buildup.
All you have to do is pick a pool tile cleaner, then spend a bit of time every week scrubbing the tiles with it using a pool brush. It’s a good idea to clean the tiles in a circular motion and avoid pressing your brush too hard because it could scratch the tiles and damage their sealing.
Have a Pool Cover at the Ready
Having a pool cover is a must because it will keep the water and the tiles protected from any dirt and grime flying around. Covering the pool whenever you’re not using it is a good idea because it will keep the tiles away from direct sunlight, which can discolor and stain them over time.
How to Clean Your Pool Tile Grout Efficiently and Effectively
Cleaning tile grout is hardly anyone’s favorite thing to do, but since this is where dirt, mold, and mildew thrive, it’s important to clean it every month. The process itself is simple, it just requires some time and patience.
First, prepare your pool for grout cleaning by lowering the water levels so the grout lines are easy to reach. Prepare your supplies, including a grout brush, a cleaner, a bucket of warm water, and cleaning gloves.
Second, apply the grout cleaner using the grout brush (or a simple toothbrush) and scrub gently to remove any grime stuck in the nooks and crannies. Be sure to use pH-neutral chemical cleaners or a simple baking soda paste will also do the trick.
Third, when you’re happy with your work, rinse the tiles and the grout as thoroughly as you can, washing away the dirt and the cleaner. Finally, it’s a good idea to use grout sealer because that will prevent any moisture damage and minimize the buildup of dirt and mildew.
Conclusion
Having a beautiful pool and clean pool tiles requires work and a bit of knowledge, but it will be well worth it. As long as you clean your pool and tiles regularly and keep stains and dirt at bay, you’ll enjoy your pool for many years and your hard work will pay off.