Suppose, on a warm summer day, you decide to cool off by jumping into your pool. However, as you look around, you can’t help but feel let down. What happened to the bright colors of your pool tiles? They’ve become faded and are now hidden beneath dirt, algae, or tough calcium buildup.
Don’t give up on your dull pool just yet! You can make it shine again. When thinking about cleaning, pressure washing is a method that pops up. But is it really as simple as using a strong water jet to remove those stains? Well, the solution isn’t straightforward and needs careful thought, much like picking the right songs for an awesome pool party playlist.
Know What Pool Tiles You Have
Before you start using a pressure washer on your pool tiles, it’s good to understand what kind of tiles you have. Pool tiles are made from different materials and each type needs its own special way of cleaning:
- Porcelain and ceramic tiles
They’re pretty tough and can handle a bit of pressure washing. Just make sure not to go too hard, especially around the areas where the tiles meet.
- Glass tiles
These are more on the fragile side and scratch easily. If you really need to pressure wash them, stick to very low pressure and use a nozzle that spreads out the water.
- Natural stone tiles
Since they soak up stains easily due to their porous nature, it’s best to clean them gently. Steer clear of strong chemicals like muriatic acid as they can harm the surface of these stones.
Specialty Aquatic Tile Cleaner knows that every tile type has its own cleaning requirements. That’s why they’ve created a cleaner that’s not only safe but also really effective, and it does an amazing job on all kinds of pool tiles, whether they’re made from porcelain or natural stone.
Pressure Washing Pool Tiles
Cleaning your pool tiles with a pressure washer might look like the fast and simple way to go, but it’s important to consider both the good and bad sides:
Pros
- Fast and efficient
With a pressure washer, you can quickly get rid of dirt, algae, and even some light calcium buildup much faster than if you were scrubbing by hand.
- Labor-saving
By using the machine, you save yourself from spending hours on your hands and knees scrubbing.
Cons
- Risk of damage
When the pressure is too high or if someone uses a rough method, it can cause tiles to crack, wear away the grout, or make ugly scratch marks on sensitive areas.
- Chemical concerns
Pressure washing might help with some stains but for really tough ones or lots of calcium buildup, you often need extra cleaners. Muriatic acid is one that’s used a lot because it works well but it’s very strong and needs to be handled carefully. If not done right, it could harm your pool’s plaster or liner.
- Limited effectiveness
Just using pressure washing by itself sometimes isn’t enough to get rid of deep stains or buildups from hard water.
Pressure Washing Pool Tiles: The Safe Way
If you’re thinking about using a pressure washer on your pool tiles, here’s how to do it safely and avoid harming them:
- Prep the pool
Start by emptying your pool and clearing out any debris or things that don’t belong.
- Get a pressure washer
Pick one that lets you adjust the pressure (aim for 1500-2000 PSI) and comes with different nozzle options—a wide-angle for most of it, and a narrow-angle for tough spots.
- Hoses and accessories
Check that your hoses are in good shape and long enough to cover every part of the pool. Using a surface cleaner attachment can really help with bigger areas.
- Cleaning solution
Mix up some tile cleaning solution in a spray bottle as directed on its label. Stay away from bleach since it’s harsh on both pool surfaces and equipment.
- Pressure washing technique: Start low, go slow
Begin at the lowest pressure setting using a wide-angle nozzle. Keep it about 12 inches away from the tiles at an angle of 45 degrees.
- Gentle sweeping motions: Move in gentle sweeps to avoid hitting one spot too hard. You can turn up the pressure bit by bit if necessary but stick within limits suitable for your tiles.
- Pay attention to grout: Take extra care around grout lines because they’re easier to damage.
- Rinse and inspect: After washing, rinse off all cleaning solutions thoroughly with fresh water. Look over everything once more just to make sure there’s no damage left unattended
When to Call Specialty Aquatic Tile Cleaner
If you find yourself facing any of these issues, it’s smarter to let the experts handle the pressure washing:
- Extensive calcium buildup
When there’s a lot of scaling, you might need special tools and cleaners that most folks don’t have at home.
- Stubborn stains
Sometimes, rust or hard water stains won’t go away with just a regular pressure wash.
- Delicate tile surfaces
Tiles made of glass, natural stone, or those that are pretty old can get damaged easily. They really should be handled by pros.
- Time constraints
For those who don’t have much time or aren’t sure how to do it right, our crew at Specialty Aquatic Tile Cleaner is here to make cleaning pool tiles easy for you.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
Pressure washing isn’t your only option for getting those pool tiles to shine. Let’s explore some other ways:
- Manual scrubbing
With a pumice stone, you can softly scrub away hard-to-remove stains on rough tile surfaces.
- For getting rid of dirt and algae, using a soft brush with a gentle cleaning solution works well.
- Specialty Cleaners
Some solutions are made to deal with calcium buildup, rust marks, and other stubborn issues on pool tiles gently compared to muriatic acid.
Prevention is Key
To make sure your pool tiles always look great, it’s best to stop any buildup before it even starts.
- Regular maintenance
Every week, make sure to scrub your pool tiles and clean up any mess with a pool vacuum.
- Balanced pool chemistry
Keep an eye on the pH levels (7.2-7.8) and the amount of sanitizer in your pool to stop algae from growing and prevent scale buildup.
- Pool cover
When you’re not using your pool, cover it up to block leaves, dirt, and other unwanted stuff from getting in.
Ready for a Sparkling Pool?
At Specialty Aquatic Tile Cleaner, our goal is to help you get a spotless pool. Whether you decide to carefully use a pressure washer, explore other ways of cleaning, or let our skilled team handle the professional cleaning for you, it’s important to remember that keeping up with regular upkeep and sticking to safe methods of cleaning are essential in making sure your pool tiles stay looking great.
Don’t think twice about reaching out to us at Specialty Aquatic Tile Cleaner if you’ve got any questions or are interested in a no-cost chat. We’re here to assist you in making your pool shine like never before!