How to Remove Calcium Buildup on Pool TilesUpdated a month ago
Calcium deposits (white, crusty scaling) are common in pools with hard water or imbalanced chemistry. Left untreated, they can stain tiles and clog filters. Here’s how to safely dissolve or scrub them away.
1. Test Your Water with a reliable pool chemical test kit
Prevent future buildup by fixing the root cause:
Calcium Hardness: Keep 200–300 ppm (for concrete) or 150–200 ppm (fibreglass/vinyl).
- Calcium too high? Lower with a calcium decreaser
- Calcium too low? Increase with a hardness increaser
pH: 7.2–7.6 (high pH accelerates scaling).
Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm.
2. Manual Removal Methods
For Light Buildup
Pumice stone or tile scrubber: Gently scrub tiles underwater (avoid glass tiles or soft surfaces).
Magic Eraser (melamine sponge): Buffs away light deposits without scratching.
For Stubborn Scaling
Vinegar soak:
Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water.
Soak a cloth or sponge, press onto deposits for 15–30 minutes.
Scrub with a nylon brush.
Muriatic acid solution (wear gloves!)
Dilute 1 part acid to 10 parts water.
Apply with a brush only to affected areas.
Rinse thoroughly after 1–2 minutes.
Commercial Descalers
Use calcium remover gel (e.g., CLR, Scale Free) for precision application.
Follow label instructions—no rinsing required for some products.
3. Clean Filters & Equipment
Scale in pipes/filters: Use filter cleaner or acid wash (for sand/DE filters).
Salt cells: Soak in 1:4 vinegar-water to dissolve calcium.
We have a no-drain acid wash guide here
4. Prevent Future Buildup
Balance water weekly: Monitor calcium, pH, and alkalinity.
Use a sequestrant: Binds calcium to prevent scaling (add monthly).
Install a water softener: For pools filled with very hard water.
Safety Tips
Acid handling: Wear gloves, goggles, and ventilate the area.
Avoid abrasives: Steel wool or wire brushes scratch tiles.
Test first: Try vinegar on a small area before full treatment.
Need Descaling Products?
Browse our pool chemical collection for safe, effective solutions.
Final Tip: Regular maintenance beats heavy scrubbing! Keep your water balanced, and those stubborn scales won’t stand a chance.