How to Clean and Repair Pool Tiles
An in-ground pool can last for many years with only routine maintenance. Even the best-kept pools need extra cleaning and repair over time. In most cases, you can clean pool tiles of mineral deposits with a minimum of effort. It does take more skill to repair pool tiles, but it's still something a do-it-yourselfer can do. If you do find any serious structural flaws in the beam of the swimming pool, you should call a professional immediately to repair them. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Putty knife
- Muriatic acid
- Spray bottle
- Abrasive household cleanser
- Sponge
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Thinset mortar
- Trowel
- Masking tape
- Waterproof pool tile grout
Instructions
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Clean Pool Tiles
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1
Scrape mineral scale buildup from the pool tiles with a putty knife. While this shouldn't hurt the tiles, make every effort not to gouge the tiles with the corner of the putty knife.
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2
Mix muriatic acid in a spray bottle following manufacturer's directions. Spray the muriatic acid on the remaining mineral scale to dissolve it. Splash some pool water on the tiles to rinse them off. Repeat the application if all of the scale doesn't come off the first time.
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3
Sprinkle abrasive household cleanser on a sponge to clean pool tiles regularly. Rub hard enough to remove the scum buildup, but not hard enough to damage the tiles. Rinse with pool water. By cleaning the swimming pool tiles regularly, you may be able to keep scale buildup to a minimum.
Repair Pool Tiles
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4
Remove the loose or damaged tiles from the swimming pool wall. Use a hammer and chisel to loosen and remove any grout that remains. Remove enough mortar from the back of the tile to allow you to set a new tile in place. The replacement tile should set even with the surrounding tiles.
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5
Mix thinset mortar according to package directions. Apply thinset to the wall of the swimming pool with a notched trowel. Set the replacement tile in position. Align it with the surrounding tiles. If it doesn't look like the thinset is going to hold the tile, temporarily tape it in place with masking tape until the thinset sets up. Let the thinset dry overnight.
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6
Push waterproof pool tile grout in the space between the replacement tile and the existing tiles with a putty knife or trowel. Smooth the surface with your finger. Wipe any excess grout from the face of the tile. Allow the grout to dry.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You may need to lower the water level in the swimming pool while you are replacing tiles.
Wear protective gloves when using muriatic acid. Avoid breathing the fumes.
