How much does tile cleaning cost?

Tile cleaning costs depend on your pool size, how much tile you have, and severity of calcium buildup. Most residential pools cost between $200 and $500 for complete waterline tile cleaning. Light scale on a small pool might cost $200 to $250. Heavy scale on a large pool with lots of tile could reach $400 to $500. Extremely severe buildup requiring bead blasting may cost more. We provide free estimates after seeing your pool and explaining what method we recommend for your specific situation.

Will tile cleaning damage my pool tile?

When done by experienced professionals using proper techniques, tile cleaning will not damage your tile. We assess your tile type before starting work and choose appropriate cleaning methods. Pumice stone and bead blasting are safe for ceramic and porcelain tiles when done correctly. We use gentler methods on delicate surfaces like glass tile. The calcium scale itself can damage tile over time through etching and discoloration, so professional removal actually protects your tile investment. DIY attempts with improper tools or harsh acids cause more damage than professional cleaning ever will.

How long does tile cleaning take?

Most tile cleaning projects take 2 to 4 hours depending on pool size and scale severity. A small pool with light calcium might only take 2 hours. A large pool with heavy buildup requiring bead blasting could take 4 to 5 hours. We work efficiently but never rush through important steps. After cleaning, your pool is immediately usable unless we need to adjust water chemistry. We'll give you a time estimate when we provide your cleaning quote so you know what to expect.

Pool Tile Cleaning & Calcium/Scale Removal

Remove stubborn calcium deposits and restore your pool tile's original beauty with professional cleaning in Duncanville, TX.

Clean pool tiles and beautiful backyard pool in Duncanville, TX after professional tile cleaning service

What Makes Pool Tile Look So Dirty

That ugly white or gray crust on your pool tile isn't just dirt. It's calcium scale, a mineral deposit that builds up at the waterline where water evaporates constantly. Here in Texas, our hard water contains high levels of calcium and other minerals. As water evaporates, these minerals get left behind and form hard deposits that regular brushing can't remove.

Scale buildup happens gradually. You might not notice it week to week, but over months and years, it creates a thick, crusty layer that makes even expensive tile look terrible. The buildup gets worse when pH and calcium hardness levels stay too high for extended periods. Improper water chemistry accelerates scale formation dramatically.

Besides calcium scale, pool tiles also accumulate body oils, sunscreen, dirt, and organic matter that create a grimy film. This combination of mineral deposits and organic buildup requires professional equipment and techniques to remove properly. That's why homeowners who try DIY tile cleaning with store-bought products usually end up frustrated and calling our professional pool cleaning service for help.

Professional Tile Cleaning Methods

We use multiple techniques depending on how much buildup your tile has and what type of tile surface you have. Different situations require different approaches, and our experience lets us choose the right method for your specific pool.

Our Tile Cleaning Techniques

Pumice stone treatment: For light to moderate calcium buildup on durable surfaces, we use professional-grade pumice stones. This mechanical abrasion removes scale without scratching tile when done by experienced technicians. It's labor-intensive but effective and safe for most pool tiles.
Bead blasting: For heavy calcium deposits, we use specialized equipment that sprays tiny glass beads under pressure. This aggressive technique removes even thick, stubborn scale without damaging tile surfaces. It's the most effective method for severe buildup but requires skill to avoid surface damage.
Chemical treatment: We apply professional tile cleaning solutions that dissolve calcium and organic matter. These commercial products work much better than anything available to homeowners at pool stores. We let the chemicals work, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.
Pressure washing: We use adjustable pressure washers to blast away loosened deposits and rinse tile clean. Proper pressure settings prevent tile damage while effectively removing scale and grime.
Acid washing: For extremely stubborn scale on durable surfaces, we may use diluted acid treatments. This requires careful handling and proper safety equipment. We never use acid on delicate tiles or without proper training and experience.

We protect your pool water during tile cleaning by controlling runoff and debris. After cleaning is complete, we test and adjust water chemistry to prevent rapid scale reformation. Many customers combine tile cleaning with complete pool deep cleaning for a total restoration of their pool's appearance.

Why Clean Pool Tile Matters

Clean tile isn't just about appearance, though that's certainly important. There are practical reasons to keep your tile free of calcium scale and grime beyond just aesthetics.

Curb appeal and home value: If you're thinking about selling your home, a pool with sparkling clean tile makes a dramatically better impression than one with crusty, stained tile. Buyers notice, and it affects their perception of how well the entire property has been maintained.

Easier ongoing maintenance: Once tile is professionally cleaned, regular maintenance becomes much easier. Weekly brushing actually works when there isn't thick scale buildup. You can maintain clean tile and prevent heavy deposits from returning with proper care.

Surface protection: Calcium scale can etch and damage tile surfaces over time, especially glass tile. Removing deposits before they cause permanent damage protects your investment in your pool's finish.

Better water chemistry: Heavy scale buildup can affect water chemistry by continuously leaching calcium into the water. Clean tile helps your water stay balanced with less chemical adjustment.

Pride of ownership: Let's be honest. A pool with clean, sparkling tile just looks better and makes you feel better about your backyard. You'll want to use your pool more when it looks inviting instead of neglected.

Preventing Calcium Scale Buildup

After we clean your tile, you want it to stay clean as long as possible. While some scale formation is inevitable with Texas hard water, you can slow it down significantly with proper pool maintenance.

Maintain proper water balance: Keep pH between 7.2 and 7.6. High pH accelerates calcium precipitation. Test pH at least twice weekly and adjust as needed with pH reducer.

Control calcium hardness: If your fill water has extremely high calcium levels, consider using a pre-filter when adding water to your pool. Maintain calcium hardness between 200 and 400 ppm. Higher levels increase scale risk.

Brush tile weekly: Regular brushing at the waterline prevents light deposits from hardening into stubborn scale. This simple maintenance step makes a big difference over time.

Use scale prevention chemicals: Sequestering agents help keep calcium dissolved in water rather than depositing on surfaces. Ask us about scale prevention products appropriate for your pool.

Schedule regular professional cleaning: Even with good maintenance, tile eventually needs professional attention. Annual or biannual professional tile cleaning prevents heavy buildup that requires aggressive removal methods.

The easiest approach is enrolling in our weekly pool cleaning service. We monitor water chemistry, brush tile regularly, and alert you when professional tile cleaning would be beneficial before scale gets severe.

Ready to Restore Your Pool Tile?

Don't let calcium scale ruin your pool's appearance. Our professional tile cleaning will make your pool look brand new again.

Call (214) 286-5809 for a Free Quote