How to Remove Calcium Deposits on Pool Tiles

Remove calcium deposits to keep your pool looking its best.

Calcium stains, sometimes called scale, occur around the top edge of a pool and look like white or gray crusty deposits. They are often caused either by hard water or seep out of nearby tile mortar. If left in place they may result in permanent stains on the tile as well as causing the pool to look dirty and unattractive. Removing the calcium deposits from pool tiles will require some elbow grease. Unfortunately, you'll have to repeat the process periodically, since the stains often return.

Things You'll Need

• Tile brush
• Cloth or paper towel
• Pumice stone

Instructions

1. Drain the water in the pool by at least 6 to 10 inches so that you can easily access the calcium-stained areas. This also allows you to wipe the loosened calcium off without depositing it into the pool water.

2. Kneel down on the edge of the pool, or get into the pool if you don't mind getting wet. Place a stiff-bristled tile brush on top of the calcium deposits and scrub the pool tiles using circular motions to loosen the deposits.

3. Wipe the pool tile with a cloth or a paper towel to remove the loosened calcium. Examine the area to see if all of the deposit came off and use a pumice stone to gently scrub in circular motions if any calcium remains.

4. Wipe the area again with the cloth. Repeat the process to clean around the perimeter of the pool to remove the remaining calcium deposits.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a standard pumice stone available in beauty supply stores, or purchase one at a pool supply store which has a longer handle made specifically for pools.

References

• Don Vandervort's Home Tips: How to Clean Your Swimming Pool
• Pool Center: Pool Janitor FAQ

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in Spanish