Will A Pressure Washer Remove Calcium From Pool Tile? Expert Opinion

You want to throw a pool party this weekend but don’t know how to clean the pool and its calcium-laden tiles quickly before the weekend. And there is no time to change the pool tiles because the weekend is coming. So you are right in asking will a pressure washer remove calcium from pool tile?

If you love to swim and have built a pool in your home, it increases the beauty of your home and gives sleek exterior looks. With its beauty and enjoyment, it also requires a lot of maintenance to look nice. Pool tiles are the ones that gather moss and algae around them most.

The white-colored chemical formed on tiles gives ugly weird vibes, this is calcium accumulation on pool tiles. Moreover, tiles can also collect harmful bacteria which can cause adverse health effects. If you do not pay attention to the maintenance of the pool, installing it in the first place was not worth it.

Pressure Washer To Clean Pool Tiles

Pressure washers are well-known gadgets for extensive cleaning. They are famous for quick and effective cleaning with pressurized water in commercial as well as residential areas. Not only it is a less expensive option but gives new life to the subject areas.

But still, some surfaces are not ideal for pressure washing. Pool tiles are very fragile and can be a very tricky task to pressure wash if not handled properly.

In this article, we’ll discuss how cleaning pool tiles with help of pressure washers effectively and proficiently remove calcium from pool tiles and leaves sparkling results.

Why does calcium accumulate on pool tiles?

In summers, the temperature is quite high. Due to the high temperature, water evaporates and the pH level of the pool is also high thus causing alkaline and hardness in water. The combination of heat evaporation and alkaline water develops a calcium layer around the tiles.

This calcium increases over time if the hardness of water rises from 400 PPM. These calcium deposits cover algae and become sticker and greasy hence becoming difficult to clean and maintain pool tiles.

Some of the other common causes are human sweat, branches, leaves, and other debris/remains that fall and dissolve into the pool over time.

Will a pressure washer remove calcium from the pool tile?

Yes, the Pressure washer can remove all the calcium layer around the pool. Using a pressure washer will be a cost-effective solution rather than replacing them with newer ones. Because even if you’ll replace them you’ll ultimately face the same issue after some while.

The pressure washer generally takes 10 to 15 minutes to clean the pool. You can use it once a month to give a clean sweep look to your pool. The chemical deposits gather quickly around the pool and hijack the beauty of the swimming pool.

To get rid of algae and calcium stains clean the pool timely using a good pressure washer.

What PSI Should I use to Clean Pool Tiles with Calcium?

As stated above in the article, pool tiles can be harmed when cleaned at high pressure with pressure washers. To avoid any unfortunate incident, test your pressure washer on an inconspicuous part of the pool.

For cleaning the pool tile pressure washer of 1500 to 2500 PSI is recommended. Although you can also use a pressure washer with a PSI of around 3000. An ideal choice will be using medium-duty pressure washers. As they are ideal for a variety of home chores that do not require extensive pressure cleaning.

 Is it safe to pressure the wash pool tiles?

Pool tiles are very fragile as they are made up of ceramic or porcelain, a pressure washer with high pressure may harm them easily. You have to be extra cautious when using a pressure washer on pool tiles. Ensure that you set the pressure washer on low pressure to avoid crackle tiles.

In addition to this, you must ensure your pressure washer is safe to use around the pool. As pressure washers run on electricity, there may be a chance of electrocution. You’ll also need to use the correct type of nozzle. And lastly, do not forget protective clothing and shoes.

How to Use a Pressure Washer to Clean a Pool?

The following are the steps for cleaning the pool using a pressure washer:

  1. Choose your pressure washer:

When you’re cleaning the pool, it is often advised not to use detergents. As they may react wrongly to swimmers and can prove risky for their health.

When we are not using detergents, steam pressure washers are recommended. Steam pressure washers will sanitize the pool from germs and bacteria.

However, you may use any pressure washer of your choice and preference. There is no hard or fast rule but medium-duty will ease your task. When you’ll go with a very high or low-pressure washer, you may have to take extra precautions. Petite slackness may prove fatal.

  1. Protective clothing:

To ensure safety, you must start the work by wearing protective clothing and apparel. Now, to decide what kind of clothing you should wear: Read out the user manual of your pressure washer.

Manuals always have detailed guidance about safety measures. Make sure you are following all the necessary points. This not only will give your better results but foremost will keep you safe from any disastrous happening.

  1. Clean the pool:

Confiscate and clean the pool from any debris or remains with the help of a net or pool vacuum. Remove toys or other gadgets if lying around. Because they may get in the way of the pressure washer and reflect water on you which can cause injury.

  1. Set the Pressure:

That’s the crucial stage of the whole procedure. Make sure you start with a low setting and then move up. Start on the hideous area and observe whether the pressure washer is cleaning the tiles or not.

If not; then move to higher settings. But be careful of crackling or any other destruction. For extra care, you may also use low-pressure or wider nozzles. You can adjust the distance between the pool tile and the spray coming from the pressure washer. Keep changing until finding the right spot. This varies from washer to place in concern.

  1. Clean in small sections:

Start cleaning in small sections. Divide the pool tiles into manageable small chunks. If you follow this approach, cleaning will become easier for you. And you will be able to assess whether the pressure washer is doing the hand-on task properly or not.

You can set the pressure higher or lower based on observed performance. Clean one section and then move to the next. So, you don’t have to move in loops.

  1. Choose the correct nozzle:

When cleaning tight spots, or narrow ends you might have to change nozzles accordingly. Wider nozzles have low pressure, and 0˚ nozzles have the most pressure. For narrow ends, you may also use long spray guns. A distance of roughly 3 feet should be kept from the nozzle.

  1. Shut down the unit:

When you’re done with cleaning shut down the pressure washer and disconnect all the wand and nozzles properly. Make sure there is no water remaining in the washer.

As they may create clogs after some while in the nozzle or water inlet. Let them dry properly. If you’ve tiles around the pool let them dry too as they will become slippery. And can cause fatal incidents.

Tips for Pressure Washing Pool Tiles Safely

Avoid using detergent:

Do not use detergents when cleaning around the swimming pool. As this may mix into the pool, and becomes dangerous for swimmers.  If you’re dealing with stubborn stains try to use a steam washer. As the steam will sterilize the place from germs or other harmful bacteria.

Use the right amount of pressure:

Use pressure washers of 1500 to 2500 PSI. You do not require to exert a lot of force on pool tiles. If you have a pressure washer with high PSI, go for wider nozzles they will keep the water pressure low.

Keep the distance:

When you stay closer to the washer more pressure will be applied to the tiles. Hence chances of crackling tiles increase. There is a 3-feet away thumb rule.

Try to keep the minimum distance of 3 feet. It will ensure your tiles’ safety as well as yours. Because ultimately, electricity and water are a deadly combination.

Do not try in the crowd:

Make sure when you’re cleaning there are not a lot of people in the surroundings, especially children or pets. They won’t understand the risk and may end up harming themselves or you.

Do not wet the wires:

Read the user manual of your pressure washer carefully. Make sure it is safe to use on water surfaces. Water and electricity do not mix well. Be careful in case you’re using extension cords or outlets.

Keep pressure washer moving:

When the unit is on make sure you do not let it stay in one place for a longer time. If you’ll keep it in one place the tiles may snap or get cracks.

Wear protective clothing:

Ensure your safety on your own to avoid any mishap. Wear long sleeves shirt and covered pants. Use toed footwear. If possible wear protective goggles and gloves too.

Other Ways to Clean Pool Tiles:

  • With vinegar:

The simple and easiest approach to clean pool tile is by using vinegar. Vinegar is a universal agent for cleaning purposes.  Because it consists of acetic agents, which can remove chemical remains, debris, dirt, oil, or grease stains.

You have to apply vinegar on stained tiles and let it settle for a while. And then wipe it with a cloth or wiper. Vinegar tends to remove stains quickly.

The best results come with distilled vinegar. Avoid using colored vinegar. Vinegar has up to 5 to 6% acetic acid level which is equal to branded cleaners available in the market.

You can make a solution of vinegar, lime juice, and water for effective results. Lime will enhance its cleaning power

  • Using muriatic acid:

Muriatic acid is hydrochloric acid. When using this acid you have to be extra careful as it is a pretty strong acid. It is so strong that you do not use it directly instead dilute it before use.

Using it, you will require to put on safety goggles and gloves. After cleaning you must drain and dry the pool. So there should not be any remains of acid there. Acid can prove harmful if not removed properly from the pool.

If you’re using this technique then apply directly it to the surface. And use the scrubber to apply it evenly on the surface. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes and clean with a pressure washer

  • Using baking powder and power washer:

Baking soda is also widely used in the kitchen for cleaning stuff. To make a solution with baking soda, use one to three ratios. For one spoon of baking soda add three spoons of water. Firstly remove the dirt and debris from the pool.

Scrub it with the solution prepared. You’ll notice chemical stains coming out of the surface. Scrub them firmly until satisfied. Then use a high-pressure nozzle or turbo nozzle and rinse with clean water.

  • Using pumice stone:

Pumice stones are used where calcium and minerals accumulate and form a colored layer. After removing water from the pool. Start rubbing stone lightly on the surface that is needed to be clean.

Do not exert high pressure, as aggressive pressure may scratch your tiles. Use a gentle approach. Then give pool rinse. And repeat the process. Until you get desired results. This may be a time taken and hefty approach.

Will A Pressure Washer Remove Calcium From Pool Tile – Conclusion

Swimming pools add beauty to the houses but when it comes to cleaning them. It is a time-taking and messy process. We have shared a detailed guide on how you can use pressure washers to clean the pool tiles from calcium debris.

We’ve also shared other techniques you may use to keep the dirt away. Every procedure you’ve discussed will bring results. If you’ll follow the tips and tricks your work will become easier for you. Good luck with the task on hand!

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Flinn Milan

Flinn Milan is the content director at Washwith. He is responsible for developing helpful content in collaboration with other hard-working team members. Over several years, his content strategy is mainly focused on describing and highlighting every product with its positive and negative points

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