Having your own backyard pool is definitely a good luxury, but when pools are not maintained properly, they begin to reek of ugliness, and some can even develop mold and algae. Instead of boasting of the quality of life of its owners, a pool that is left to its own devices speaks nothing but negligence. Cleaning the tiles in a pool may feel like a major task, but it is one that should not be neglected. You can actually make the task easier by maintaining it regularly.


Step 1. Be sure to check the chemical levels you use in your pool regularly. This is because the right balance of chlorine is crucial in keeping your pool well-maintained: too little of this chemical means mildew and algae can grow, while too much of it can result in your tiles getting bleached white. To prevent either of this from happening, keeping a good balance in your pool’s chlorine level is a good place to start. If you use hard water, it may also result in a build-up of calcium around the rim of your pool.

Step 2. Use a pool brush to clean the tiles in your pool at least once a week. For pools that do not have any buildup, the brush alone can do the trick. For buildup, you can buy a tile cleaning product from the local hardware store. A home remedy that is effective in cleaning pool tiles is a combination of baking soda and vinegar.

Step 3. If your pool shows calcium deposits, you will need to go a step further. In addition to performing the usual chemical balancing act, perform a water analysis to know the level of calcium in your pool. Too much calcium will likely result in the deposits, and making sure it is balanced will ensure future prevention.

Step 4. Get some strong muriatic (hydrochloric) acid solution, or acid wash, from a pool retailer.

Step 5. Wear rubber gloves, some eye protection, and old clothing to cover your body. Do this even before you open the muriatic acid solution, as contact with it can burn your skin. Also, be sure to confirm the right dosage on the label of the solution.

Step 6. Use a sponge to apply the acid wash to a small portion of the pool. This is to see how the solution affects the deposits in your pool, as well as your tiles.

Step 7. In addition to these, you would do well to have your pool cleaned with a tile cleaner at least once every season, whether done by yourself or by a professional. The best time to have this done is at the time when you first open your pool.