Five Unmistakable Signs It Is Time to Clean Pool Tiles

Wondering how you can know when it is time to clean pool tiles? There's more than meets the eye! Understand the signs now with this quick guide.

On average, it costs $15,000 to tile a pool. 

With a price tag like that, you'll want to be sure you're keeping your pool tiles in good condition. So, how do you do that?

One major way you can help keep your pool tiles in good condition is to make sure you have clean pool tiles. That's right, cleaning your pool tiles is about more than keeping it looking good.

But how do you know when it's actually time to clean your pool tiles? What're some signs to look for?

In this post, we'll go over five ways you can know it's time to clean your pool tiles. 

Keep reading to learn more.

1. Discoloration at the Waterline

The number one sign that it's time to clean your pool tiles is discoloration and buildup around the waterline. This is the area of the tiles that will get dirty the most often, and it needs to be kept up with regularly. 

If the waterline isn't cleaned on a regular basis, it can not only get permanently stained, but the buildup of calcium and limescale can eventually cause the tiles to break. The buildup can also lead to more issues with the chemical balance of the pool, which leads to even more problems.

The type of buildup at the waterline will determine how best to clean it. If it is calcium carbonate which shows up as flaky, white deposits on the tile, it should be relatively easy to treat with muriatic acid.

However, if it's calcium silicate which is a bit darker and doesn't flake, it will be harder to remove. This kind of calcium deposit usually requires a pumice stone and a lot of scrubbing to remove.

2. Problems With Algae

If you're having problems with algae growth in your pool it can also indicate that it's time to clean the tiles. Maintaining a proper pool maintenance routine should keep algae away for the most part. However, sometimes it can still get in, especially after a big rainstorm.

Chlorine is a big part of keeping algae away, and if you don't maintain the proper levels, it can invite algae to grow. Be sure to check your levels frequently and adjust them as needed.

If you are experiencing algae you should clean your water, but also your tiles. This can help you to remove algae at the root, which should help to clear any traces of it away and keep it from coming back. Though it does depend on the specific type of algae, as some don't need an anchor like that.

Leaving any algae on your pool tiles can pose a risk to swimmers' safety, as the algae can make things very slippery and tiles are sometimes used for the stairs leading into the pool. Also, not taking care of algae when it appears can lead to damage to your equipment, which is another big cost you don't want to deal with.

3. Problems With Bacteria and Germs

If you're noticing that some people are having issues after swimming in your pool, you may have a problem with bacteria and germs. You may notice these issues when those who've used your pool develop things like swimmers' ear, bloodshot red eyes, or infections in open cuts or new piercings.

This goes hand in hand with disruption in the pH and chlorine levels. If these levels are off, then it makes it easier for bacteria and germs to grow and thrive. When you clean the pool tiles to work on getting rid of these germs, you need to be sure to use the right pool cleaner and method.

If you're noticing these issues, you should be sure to clean and treat your whole pool, including the tiles to make sure you get all traces of the bacteria out. 

4. High pH

An important part of your pool supplies should be a pH test kit. As briefly mentioned before, monitoring your pool's pH levels along with other chemicals is one of the most important things you can do.

When you're pH level is too high, or too alkaline, it can encourage calcium to stick to the tiles even more. So, if you notice that your pH level is higher than it should be, then it's a sign it's time to clean your tiles to clear up any calcium buildup that's happened.

A higher pH can also lessen how effective chlorine is, which again leads to algae, cloudy water, and a dirtier pool. On the other hand, if the pH is too low and acidic, it can cause corrosion to your equipment.

5. It's Been Extra Hot Out

Another big sign that it's time to clean your pool tiles is if your area has been experiencing any extreme heat. When it is extra hot out there will be more evaporation occurring than normal, which can leave behind even higher amounts of calcium deposits at the waterline. 

So, even if you clean your waterline regularly, if you've had especially hot weather you should consider giving it an extra cleaning.

Additionally, when it's hotter out you may be using your pool even more often than normal. This can leave behind even more residue in the form of sunscreen, sweat, hair, oil, etc. This residue can wind up in the water, in the filters, and along the tile walls. It should be cleaned up before it becomes a bigger problem.

Along with the extra use and evaporation, extreme heat can also encourage the growth of more bacteria and algae. When combined with the loss of chlorine from the extra evaporation this is a recipe for germs and poor water quality.

Make Sure You Have Clean Pool Tiles Today

Pools are great for entertainment but can also be both expensive and labor-intensive. It's critical that you maintain them well to preserve their clean look, water quality, and longevity. By maintaining clean pool tiles, you can help to preserve all of that. LayorCare Pool & Patio Protection can help!



Check out our extensive product catalog of pool cleaning supplies today!