Pool Tile Cleaning & Calcium/Scale Removal

That White Line Around Your Pool Is Not Dirt

Look closely at your pool tile at the waterline. Do you see a white or grayish buildup that will not come off with normal scrubbing? That is calcium scale, and it is one of the most common complaints we hear from pool owners in San Juan Capistrano. It builds up slowly over time, making your beautiful tile look dull and dirty even when your water is perfectly clean.

Calcium scale is not just ugly. It also makes your tile rough and uncomfortable to touch, gives algae more places to attach, and can become permanently bonded to your tile if left too long. Regular pool maintenance helps prevent buildup, but once you have significant scale, you need professional removal to restore your tile to its original condition.

Why Calcium Builds Up on Pool Tiles

Our water here in Southern California is naturally hard, meaning it has high levels of dissolved minerals, especially calcium. When pool water evaporates, which happens constantly in our warm climate, it leaves those minerals behind on your tile. Over time, layer after layer builds up until you have a thick, stubborn deposit that ordinary cleaning cannot touch.

High calcium hardness levels in your pool water make the problem worse. So does letting your water level drop below the tile line, which exposes wet tile to air and speeds up evaporation. Even with perfect water chemistry, you will still get some calcium buildup over time. It is just part of owning a pool in this area. The key is removing it before it gets too thick and becomes harder to clean.

How We Remove Stubborn Calcium Deposits

We use several different methods depending on how severe your buildup is and what type of tile you have. Our professional techniques remove calcium completely without damaging your tile or finish:

• Pumice Stone Treatment: For light to moderate buildup on ceramic tile, we use professional-grade pumice stones that gently grind away scale without scratching
• Bead Blasting: For tougher deposits, we use fine glass bead blasting that strips away calcium while being gentle enough for most tile types
• Chemical Treatment: For certain types of scale, we apply professional-strength descaling solutions that dissolve calcium safely and effectively
• Pressure Washing: We finish with careful pressure washing to remove all remaining residue and reveal clean, bright tile

After cleaning, we can also apply a protective sealant that makes future calcium buildup easier to prevent. Many customers combine tile cleaning with our deep pool cleaning service or filter maintenance for a complete pool refresh.

What Clean Tile Does for Your Pool

Clean tile makes your entire pool look newer and more inviting. The colors are brighter, the water looks clearer, and your whole backyard feels more appealing. Smooth, clean tile is also more comfortable when you are in the pool, especially if you like to lean against the wall or sit on steps.

Beyond appearance, clean tile is more sanitary. Calcium deposits create rough surfaces where algae and bacteria can hide and grow. Removing scale gives you a smoother surface that stays cleaner between maintenance visits. If you are thinking about selling your home, professionally cleaned tile can make a big impression on potential buyers who see it during showings.

How to Prevent Future Buildup

The best way to prevent heavy calcium buildup is regular maintenance. Brushing your tile line weekly helps remove deposits before they harden. Keeping your water chemistry balanced, especially calcium hardness levels, slows down the formation of new scale. Maintaining proper water level so your tile stays underwater also helps.

Our weekly pool service includes regular tile brushing and water chemistry management to help prevent calcium problems. It is much easier and less expensive to maintain clean tile than to remove years of heavy buildup. We can also perform periodic light tile cleaning as part of regular maintenance to keep your tile looking great all year.

Frequently Asked Questions