Pool Tile Cleaning & Calcium/Scale Removal

The Problem with Calcium and Scale Buildup

That white or gray crusty line around your pool waterline is calcium scale, and it makes even the cleanest pool look neglected. The buildup happens naturally as water evaporates and leaves behind mineral deposits. Here in Lakewood, our hard water makes the problem worse. Calcium, magnesium, and other minerals in the water stick to your tile and just keep building up over time until you have a thick, rough layer that ruins your pool's appearance.

Scale is not just ugly. It damages your tile surface if left too long and creates rough edges that can scratch swimmers. The buildup holds dirt and grime, making your pool harder to keep clean. And once calcium scale gets thick enough, regular brushing and household cleaners will not touch it. You need professional equipment and techniques to remove it safely without damaging your expensive tile work.

How We Remove Stubborn Scale Safely

We have the right tools and experience to remove calcium deposits without harming your tile, grout, or pool finish. Different types of buildup require different approaches, and we assess your specific situation before starting work. Our professional tile cleaning process includes:

• •Evaluation of scale type and severity to determine the best removal method
• •Professional-grade pumice stones for light to moderate calcium deposits
• •Glass bead blasting for heavy scale that resists other methods
• •Specialized acid treatments for severe mineral buildup when safe to use
• •Gentle cleaning of decorative tiles and delicate surfaces
• •Grout cleaning to restore the entire tile line to like-new condition
• •Final polish and sealant application to help prevent future buildup

Beyond the Waterline: Complete Tile Restoration

While the waterline gets the worst buildup, calcium and scale can affect other areas too. Your pool steps, spa spillways, and water features all develop mineral deposits over time. We clean these areas using the same professional techniques that restore your main tile line. The result is a pool that looks brand new again instead of aged and stained.

We also address the discoloration and staining that comes with years of use. Sunscreen oils, body lotions, and environmental pollutants create a dull film that regular cleaning misses. Our deep tile cleaning removes these layers and brings back the original color and shine of your tile. Many customers are amazed at how much brighter their pool looks after professional tile service.

Keeping Your Tiles Clean Between Professional Services

Once your tile is clean, you want to keep it that way as long as possible. Regular brushing of the waterline during your weekly maintenance helps prevent new scale from building up. Use a pool brush with firm bristles and scrub the entire tile line even if you do not see visible buildup yet. This removes the first thin layers of calcium before they become a problem.

Maintaining proper water chemistry makes a big difference too. High calcium hardness levels cause faster scale formation. We can test your water and recommend adjustments to slow down mineral deposits. Keeping your pH balanced also helps because high pH makes calcium more likely to precipitate out of the water and stick to surfaces.

Most Lakewood pools benefit from professional tile cleaning once or twice per year depending on water hardness and pool usage. Customers on our weekly maintenance program often add tile cleaning to their annual deep service. This keeps the buildup manageable and your pool looking great year-round. For pools with heavy scale or ongoing issues, we can create a custom maintenance schedule. We also offer complete pool care services that include regular tile maintenance along with all your other pool needs. If your pool has other concerns beyond tile cleaning, consider our deep cleaning service for comprehensive restoration.

Tile Cleaning Questions