Tile Maintenance

Unbalanced pH levels can cause calcium carbonate to separate from the water and form white, gray or brown patches on your pool tiles. Regular pool maintenance including balancing the water can restore the health of your pool water and prevent future scale buildup. Check your local pool store to find items to help you prevent scale buildup.

1. Test your total alkalinity level to make sure it falls between 80 and 120 ppm. Adjust this level before adjusting your pH.
2. Test your pool water to make sure your pH levels remain between 7.2 and 7.6. Adjust by adding a pH balancer to the water.
3. Keep your calcium hardness level between 200 and 235 ppm; high levels increase the risk for scale. Bring it down by adding soft water. You may also use a scale inhibitor.
4. Prevent scale buildup by following a maintenance schedule for cleaning and testing the balance of your water. Daily testing will ensure your levels remain manageable.
5. Remove light areas of waterline scale buildup by scrubbing with a pool brush or a sponge and a tile cleaner designed for either chlorine or chlorine-free pools.

Source: Swimming Pool  Photo: Ernest McGray, Jr.