Pool Tile Cleaning & Calcium/Scale Removal

The Problem with Calcium Buildup

That white, crusty line around your pool waterline is not dirt. It is calcium scale, a mineral deposit that builds up over time from your pool water. Alameda has moderately hard water, which means calcium naturally accumulates on your tile and plaster surfaces. Left untreated, this buildup gets thicker and harder to remove. It makes your beautiful tile look dingy and neglected, and it can even damage the tile surface if it sits for too long.

Many pool owners try scrubbing with household cleaners or pumice stones, but that rarely works on heavy buildup. Professional tile cleaning removes years of scale safely and effectively without damaging your tile or grout. Our Alameda pool tile cleaning specialists use professional-grade tools and techniques that restore your waterline to pristine condition.

How We Clean Pool Tile

We use several methods depending on the severity of your calcium buildup and the type of tile you have:

• •Acid Washing: We apply professional-strength muriatic acid to dissolve moderate calcium scale safely
• •Bead Blasting: For heavy buildup, we use pressurized glass bead blasting to strip away thick calcium deposits
• •Pumice Stone: We carefully use professional pumice stones on light scale without scratching your tile
• •Soda Blasting: For delicate tile, we use gentle soda blasting that removes scale without damage
• •Grout Cleaning: We clean and restore discolored grout lines at the same time

The right method depends on your tile material and how much buildup you have. We inspect your tile first and choose the safest, most effective approach. Most tile cleaning jobs take 2 to 4 hours depending on pool size and scale severity. Your waterline will look brand new when we are finished.

Preventing Future Calcium Buildup

Water Chemistry Matters

Calcium scale forms faster when your water chemistry is out of balance. High pH levels and high calcium hardness accelerate buildup. Proper water testing and chemical balance slow down scale formation significantly. Our weekly pool maintenance service includes regular water testing and balancing to minimize calcium deposits and keep your tile looking clean longer.

Regular Cleaning Helps

If you brush your tile line weekly during routine pool cleaning, light calcium deposits come off easily before they harden. Most pool owners do not have time for this level of attention, which is why scale builds up over months and years. Professional tile cleaning once per year keeps your waterline looking great and prevents heavy buildup that requires aggressive removal methods.

Beyond the Waterline

Calcium does not just appear on your tile. It can also build up inside your pool filter, on your pool heater, and on underwater light fixtures. If you notice white deposits anywhere in your pool system, we can remove them safely. Calcium scale inside equipment reduces efficiency and can cause premature failure if left untreated.

Tile Cleaning Questions