Pool Tile Cleaning & Calcium/Scale Removal

What Causes Calcium and Scale Buildup

That white crusty line along your pool tile is calcium scale, and it is one of the most common problems we see in Lubbock pools. Calcium naturally exists in your pool water, especially here in West Texas where our water supply is quite hard. When water evaporates, it leaves behind calcium deposits that bond to your tile. Over time, these deposits build up into thick layers that are impossible to remove with regular brushing.

High pH levels and high calcium hardness make the problem worse. The hotter and drier it gets, the faster water evaporates, and the faster calcium accumulates. If you have noticed a white ring at your waterline that keeps getting thicker no matter how much you scrub, you have calcium scale buildup that needs professional attention.

How We Remove Calcium and Restore Your Tile

Removing calcium scale takes the right tools, techniques, and experience. We use professional-grade methods that get rid of buildup without damaging your tile or grout. Here is what our process includes:

• •Inspection and assessment to determine how severe the buildup is
• •Specialized cleaning solutions that dissolve calcium without harsh acids that damage surfaces
• •Professional scrubbing and media blasting for stubborn deposits that will not budge
• •Pumice stone work on delicate areas where aggressive methods could cause damage
• •Final rinse and polish to bring back your tile's original shine
• •Water chemistry adjustment to prevent future buildup from forming quickly

For light to moderate buildup, we can usually complete tile cleaning in a few hours. Severe cases with years of accumulated scale may take longer or require multiple sessions. Either way, the results are dramatic. Your tile will look like new again.

Clean Tile Is About More Than Just Looks

Sure, clean tile makes your pool look better. But there are practical benefits too. Calcium buildup can actually damage your tile over time, causing it to crack or become loose. Removing scale regularly helps your tile last longer and prevents expensive replacements down the road. Plus, a clean waterline is easier to maintain going forward. Once the heavy buildup is gone, regular brushing during weekly pool service can keep it from coming back.

Clean tile also makes it easier to spot other problems. With all that crusty buildup in the way, you cannot see if your grout is deteriorating or if tiles are cracking. A professional tile cleaning reveals the true condition of your pool surface so you can address small issues before they become big expensive problems.

Preventing Future Calcium Buildup

After we clean your tile, you want to keep it looking good. The best prevention is maintaining proper water chemistry. Keep your pH between 7.2 and 7.6, and keep calcium hardness in the recommended range for your pool type. Brush your waterline weekly, even if it looks clean, to prevent scale from bonding. And consider having your tile professionally cleaned once a year to stay ahead of buildup.

If you are not comfortable managing chemistry yourself, our weekly maintenance service includes regular testing and balancing to keep calcium levels under control. For a complete assessment of your pool's needs, check out our pool care services to see how we can help.

Common Questions About Tile Cleaning