How the tiles are cleaned depends on the type of calcium build-up. If there is only calcium carbonate build-up on the tile (minimal build-up), then use a pumice stone or nylon-bristled brush to remove build-up, mildew and dirt. If there is a layer of calcium silicate on the tile, then it will have to be cleaned with high pressure water or an acid solution. If you choose to clean everything yourself, take the necessary precautions to prevent injury or harm to yourself.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Purification of Calcium Carbonate
Step 1. Take a pumice stone
The calcium carbonate build-up is white and flake-like. It can be easily removed with a pumice stone. Buy a pumice stone from your local department store or order online.
- Pumice stone can be safely used on hard surfaces such as tiles or concrete. It can be used to clean both concrete and plaster pools.
- Do not use pumice stone on vinyl and fiberglass pools.
Step 2. Try a vinyl bristle brush
Use a nylon brush if you have glass, ceramic, or porcelain tiles to avoid scratching them. Instead of a nylon brush, you can use a blue or white abrasive scrubbing pad.
Step 3. Spray the limescale remover
Products such as Etalon Cleanness soften the calcium and is easier to remove later. Etalon Cleaness is acid-free, biodegradable and non-toxic, so it can be used without draining all the pool water.
Step 4. Wipe the tile in a circular motion
Scrub the tile until plaque, mildew, and other grime have disappeared. If you are cleaning tiles with a pumice stone, be sure to keep the pumice stone and tiles wet while cleaning.
If desired, wear latex gloves to protect your hands while cleaning
Method 2 of 3: Using a pressure washer
Step 1. Buy from a hardware store or rent a pressure washer
Choose a sink with a pressure of 140-180 bar and a maximum temperature of 150 degrees Celsius. The pressurized water jet and high temperature will quickly and efficiently clean the tiles in the pool.
With a pressure washer, you don't have to pre-treat your tiles with chemicals or cleaning agents
Step 2. Remove debris near the pool
Sweep away any branches, leaves, twigs and other debris before turning on the sink. Also remove any loose furniture and items that the jet might blow away, such as plants, pool accessories and toys, garden furniture, grills, and other loose items.
Step 3. First, test the sink on a small area of the tile
Prepare the device according to the instructions for use. Start with the lowest pressure and the weakest nozzle. Select an inconspicuous area and stand a meter away from it. Rinse the area for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, turn off the sink and check the tiles to make sure that the surface is not damaged.
- Make sure all inlets, outlets, and attachments are securely fastened before starting.
- For safety reasons, remember to wear safety goggles, closed toe shoes, and protective clothing that you don't mind getting wet.
Step 4. Wash the pool in portions
Turn on the sink harder, for example, up to 140-180 bar and 93 degrees Celsius, and start washing the pool in small sections. Use a variety of sink attachments to clean narrow corners and crevices.
- If you are having trouble removing limescale from the hotplate, increase the temperature to 150 degrees Celsius.
- Do not forget to stand a meter away from the tiles.
Method 3 of 3: Using an acid solution
Step 1. Drain all the water from the pool
Then remove any debris, such as leaves and algae, from the bottom of the pool. Place the hose near the bottom of the pool. Place it near the edge so that water flows out of it over the tiles.
Step 2. Put on protective clothing
Since the acid solution emits toxic fumes and is harmful in contact with skin and body, you will need rubber boots, goggles and gloves, and a respirator with acid filters. Wear a chemical protection suit for extra safety.
Step 3. Pour 3.8 liters of hydrochloric acid and 3.8 liters of water into the bucket
Use a plastic bucket. Pour the acid into the water slowly, not the other way around. As the acid fizzes and fumes during this process, be sure to wear a respirator, goggles, gloves, and protective clothing.
Hydrochloric acid and chemical resistant cleaning tools can be purchased at hardware stores or ordered online
Step 4. With an acidic solution brush, apply the solution to the tile
Start at the bottom of the pool and use a brush to scrub the solution into the sediment. Clean the tiles with a chemical-resistant brush, cleaning small sections of the pool at a time. Once the calcium silicate build-up has been removed, rinse the tiles with water from a hose.
- Alternatively, you can fill the watering can with an acidic solution and pour over the tiles. Then use an acid solution brush to clean the tiles.
- Repeat until all tiles are clean.
Step 5. Add sodium carbonate to the acidic solution at the bottom of the pool
Add 900 grams of sodium carbonate for every 3.8 liters of acid. Do this after you have cleaned all the tiles. Sodium carbonate neutralizes acid so it can be safely removed from the pool.
Step 6. Pump out the neutralized acid from the pool
This can be done with a water pump. When you pump out the acid, flush the pool with a hose. Then pump this water out of the pool as well. The washed pool can then be filled with water.
- Remember to rinse your boots, gloves, goggles and protective clothing with water after cleaning the pool. Rinse them until all the acid is washed off.
- Take the remaining acid to a hazardous waste disposal center.