You might notice some white, chalky calcium over the surface of your pool tiles. The calcium caused by hard water isn’t dangerous, but it can detract from the attractiveness of the pool.
If left in place, calcium deposits can also build up, causing filter failure. Removing calcium from the tile without causing damage is possible with the use of a muriatic acid solution. The acid will strip away the calcium, leaving your tiles in pristine condition
Watch These Informative Videos:
How to Remove Calcium From Pool Tile
A Review:
In the first video, we learned the basics of removing light calcium buildup from your pool’s tile:
- Get a pumice stone, rubber gloves, goggles, 2 scrubbing sponges, and some hydrochloric acid.
- Lightly scrape the most visible calcium buildup with the pumice stone. It doesn’t take much pressure for the calcium to begin flaking off into the water!
- Put on your gloves and goggles, and douse one sponge with hydrochloric acid. Lightly wipe the tiles to loosen the calcium buildup.
- Let sit for 3-4 minutes to allow the hydrochloric acid to soak in.
- With gloves and goggles still on, take the clean sponge and wipe down the area to remove the calcium.
- KEEP YOUR GLOVES ON when rinsing out the sponges and putting everything away!
- Store the hydrochloric acid in a safe place, away from children and hot temperatures.
- Enjoy your clean tile!
In the second video, we learned the basics of removing heavy calcium buildup from your pool’s tile:
- Find a small, light hammer that you don’t mind getting a bit rusty.
- Start with a less-visible portion of your pool’s tile, for practice.
- Tap lightly on the buildup, using the edge of the hammer rather than the flat face.
- If necessary, protect your eyes from small bits that might break off above the water line!
- Continue gently breaking off the caked calcium until the larger chunks are completely removed.
- Be careful around edges and corners, as these are the spots where you’re at a greater risk of accidentally chipping a tile!
- Remove any larger bits that you’re able to fish out of the water, and throw them away.
Quick Review
Calcium deposits on the surface of swimming pool tiles can result in your entire pool getting pockmarked with unsightly white stains. These stains should be cleaned as soon as you notice them, so they don’t get a chance to soak into the tiles and cause damage.
Whether your pool needs some basic spot cleaning or a full overhaul from years of buildup, we’ve outlined the basics for you to get your tile looking spot-free with very little effort.
Great post and informative video!
I had heard that calcium build up wasn’t necessarily bad for the tile, but I didn’t know that it could stain. My pool has had a lot of calcium on it for quite a while, and I wonder if it will be hard to clean it off now. I think I’ll need to hire a professional to do it for me if I have a hard time.
Calcium deposits on tiles does look annoying if you are a pool owner. This is guide and tips on how to remove calcium in pool tiles is really helpful.