Having a pool in your yard involves maintenance tasks that can be tedious and expensive if not done properly. One of the worst offenders is the stubborn calcium deposits that give an unpleasant look and are detrimental to the swimmers and the pool.
Pressure washing promises an easy way to get the job done. Also known as bead blasters, the tremendous water pressure targets calcium buildup to get rid of it with hardly any manual exertion.
Eager to know more? Stay tuned as we discuss the practicality of pressure washers against calcium deposits.
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Can a Pressure Washer Remove Calcium From a Pool Tile?
Yes, pressure washing is an excellent way to remove calcium from pool tiles. It is safe and effective. But you must still exercise caution because the tiles can be subjected to damage or breakage from exceedingly high pressures.
With fast cleaning efficiency, an electric pressure washer can bid farewell to all the calcium scale lining your pool tile. Swimming pools inevitably take on significant amounts of grime, calcium, and limescale build-ups over time.
Cleaning your tiles is the most inexpensive alternative to purchasing newer ones. The simplest way is to rent or hire professional pressure washing services that can blow out the calcium without damaging the tile material.
Since pool tiles are mostly constructed of porcelain or ceramic, which is prone to breaking if exposed to extremely high pressures, it is important to look out for the size of the nozzle and the pressure you are blasting with.
Starting with pressures of 2000-2500 psi is a safe approach to wash out deposits without any risk of damaging the tiles. If you need more power, the highest water pressure we can recommend is going up to 3000 psi.
You can even combine pressurized water with heat to combat the toughest deposits and spots. With the right power, it becomes easy to focus on the tiles that have build-up and repeat over those areas with short bursts.
Keeping a safe distance and dividing the tiles into sections can help you reach hard-to-access zones more easily.
Pressure washing is a worthwhile and unbeatable investment that can restore beauty to your pools in no time!
Our Recommended Pressure Washer
The PowRyte P2BO4000 Electric Pressure Washer (from Amazon) is a beast!
The P2BO4000 is sturdy, stable, and easy to maneuver. With 4 different nozzles and a maximum pressure of 4000psi, it is everything you could ever want in a pressure washer.
While a good water blast can remove most calcium deposits, this unit comes with 2 detergent reservoirs to add a little extra clean to your washing needs.
On top of the 4 included nozzles, it also comes with a “foam cannon” that is safe to use with detergent, bleach, vinegar, and even harsh chemicals like weed killer. You will use this pressure washer for more than just your pool, I promise.
Why do You Need to Remove Calcium Deposits?
The longer the calcium stays, the worse it gets. Whether the calcium is formed by hard water, high pH, or extreme summer temperatures, it accumulates over the pool tiles as scum lines or white crystals. Timely removal of these calcium deposits can avoid making the situation worse.
As the calcium increases, so does the chance of clogging the pool’s filter. Pool filters are mainly designed for leaves and insects, but calcium can invade the filters and hinder their performance. The calcium deposits settle on the floor as gray-white stains.
Furthermore, swimming in water with high amounts of calcium can irritate the eyes and skin, which may lead to long-term consequences. So it is crucial to clean your tiles before the problem escalates and your pool demands a remodel, which can be costly.
A pressure washer hardly takes 10 to 15 minutes to clear off the scum lines, stains, and lime deposits, saving time and effort. What better solution could you ask?
How to Use a Pressure Washer To Clean Your Pool Tiles
- First, purchase a good pressure washer with steam or heat settings of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat and steam help to eliminate bacteria and germs to sanitize the pool and clean it.
- Drain the pool to expose the tiles and remove all dirt and debris. Then, adjust the nozzle for your pressure washer and test it on a tile beforehand.
- Low pressure of around 2000 to 2500 psi is a good start. You can continue to increase the pressure if the deposits aren’t budging.
- Sweep horizontally and work your way around by dividing the tiles into sections. This practice can ease the cleaning task to ensure you don’t miss out on calcium deposits.
- You can change the nozzle, and pressure adjustments to a focused jet stream for tight spaces, persistent grout lines, and corners. In the end, remove any leftover water and allow the pool tiles to dry properly.
A Few Precautions Must Be Followed While Cleaning The Pool Tiles
- It might be a surprise, but you do not need to add detergents or chemicals to target calcium; plain water will suffice.
- Wear protective clothing and maintain a safe distance of 3 feet. Before you get to work, clear up the area of any furniture, pets, or family members to save them from potential harm.
- If you use an electric washer, ensure the wires are kept dry.
- We also recommend keeping the washer moving, so it does not damage a particular spot.
- Above all, don’t let your hands touch the jet stream because it could be dangerous, particularly when high heat is involved.
Alternatives for Removing Calcium From Pool Tile
If you find it difficult to purchase or get your hands on a pressure washer, we do have some alternative methods for removing calcium. Although the results might not be as promising, it’s worth a try.
Vinegar is an inexpensive home staple that works against calcium, dirt, grime, and oil stains. Mix vinegar and water in a bottle and spray it onto the stain lines.
Some people also recommend using baking soda or lemon. After spraying, you’ll want to start scrubbing it with a soft bristle cleaning brush that won’t damage the tiles.
A TLC surface cleaner also works to restore the originality of the pool tiles. Some users have also appreciated pumice stone for caked and rugged deposits on concrete tiles.
Another substitute is muriatic acid which is hydrochloric acid. Dilute it with some water, apply it to the calcium and scrub for a few minutes. This loosens the residues and makes them easier to remove with a pressure washer later.
On the downside, all other methods require a lot of manual labor and time.
The Bottom Line On Removing Calcium From Pool Tiles
A pressure washer is the smart and effective way to eliminate calcium from pool tiles commercially and residentially. Follow the tips and safety practices mentioned, and you will get instantaneous results each time.
You can even try preventing calcium deposits by treating hard water and monitoring the pH level in your swimming pool. We promise it’s not long before pressure washing will be a satisfactory chore for you!
Last update on 2024-05-03 at 09:59 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
