Tile gets dirty four ways: hard water, oil, sunscreen, and pollen.
Pool ownership is a long-term partnership with chemistry, equipment, and weather. The advice below comes from working technicians who service hundreds of DFW pools every week.
DIY options
- Pumice stone (light scale)
- Vinegar paste (cosmetic only)
- Phosphoric acid tile cleaner (most scale)
Pro options
- Bead-blast with glass beads (most effective, no chemicals)
- Acid wash (last resort for severe scale)
Never use a wire brush — it scratches the tile permanently.