Swimming pool tile cleaning is often a difficult and time-consuming job. With the help of a pressure washer, it can be both fast and easy.
Swimming Pool Tile Cleaning: Is Pressure Washing a Good Way to Go?
Swimming pools add a lot of value to a property. For residential properties, it is often viewed as a luxury — something that costs money to build and maintain. And then there are facilities or properties with swimming pools that are exclusive to members or open to the public. Whatever the case, proper cleaning is imperative to keep up with health standards and maintain appearance.
Cleaning and maintenance, though, can come as both a challenge and a hassle. Larger pools, in particular, take a lot of time and effort to clean. But, that is not to say that smaller pools are a walk in the park. No matter the size, swimming pool tile cleaning is usually something most owners despise. It requires a good amount of elbow grease, not to mention an entire weekend, to accomplish.
The good news is, there is a more efficient way to clean swimming pool tiles — pressure washing. Many pool owners have asked whether or not it is even possible to pressure wash pool tiles without inflicting damage. The short answer? Yes, pressure washing is a good cleaning method for swimming pools, though there are some precautions one must take.
How to Clean Swimming Pool Tiles Using a Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is a powerful machine that can damage surfaces and items when used incorrectly. Fortunately, there are some tips pool owners can adopt to effectively pressure wash pool tiles without damaging them. Follow the steps below.
1. Find a Pressure Washer
The first thing pool owners must do is buy or rent a pressure washing machine. You can find these at most home improvement stores. It is a good idea to invest in a pressure washer if you plan to use it often. But, if you only need it every once in a while, it may be smarter to simply rent one from time to time.
2. Wear Protective Clothing
The force of a pressure washer is enough to knock over large items and even push you back a few steps. As such, it is important to wear protective clothing at all times. These include goggles, gloves, and boots. Tiles can also be very slippery when wet, so rubber boots are a good choice.
3. Clear the Area
Before you can pressure wash your swimming pool, it is important to clear the area. Move all furniture aside, along with other items such as potted plants, pool toys, and the like. You want to make sure you don’t damage these items or inadvertently knock them over.
4. Clean Surface-Level Dirt
Using a low-pressure level or a hose, wash away any loose dirt and debris. This will give you a blank canvas to work with, making it easier to get to the tougher stains and grime.
5. Test Out One Area
Now it is time to ramp up your pressure level. The optimal PSI to use for pool tiles will depend on the tiles themselves. If you have more fragile tiles, a PSI of 2,000 to 2,600 may be enough. If you have more durable tiles, a PSI of 3,000 is a good place to start.
Remember to test out the pressure level first on a small portion of the pool. You want a force strong enough to clean tiles but gentle enough not to deal any damage. If you find that the pressure level works on that small area, you can continue on.
6. Clean in Sections
The best way to clean swimming pool tiles is to work in small sections. Focus on one section before moving on to another. You may need to work longer on areas with calcium buildup. Remember to avoid spraying caulk joints, though.
You may encounter more stubborn stains along the way. When that happens, you may need to switch to a different nozzle to really zero in on the stain. Tighter spaces will also require you to change up attachments from time to time. This will allow you to reach those tight corners and crevices without trouble.
7. Wipe Remaining Dirt
Once you finish pressure washing the entire pool, the last step is to wipe any remaining dirt away. Most pressure washing jobs will not require you to use a cleaning agent. This is because the sheer pressure of the water is normally enough to blast away tough stains, dirt, and grime from pool tiles.
Tips for Swimming Pool Tile Cleaning and Pressure Washing
Pool owners are usually apprehensive about pressure washing pool tiles because they are afraid it will inflict damage. But, when done properly, pressure washing is a great way to breathe new life into an old pool. Here are some tips to help you pressure wash swimming pool tiles without damaging them:
Use the right pressure level. As explained above, pressure washers have adjustable pressure levels. Use somewhere between 2,000 to 2,600 PSI for more fragile tiles and 3,000 PSI for stronger tiles. It is best to start low and work your way up the PSI scale.
Put some distance between you and the tiles. The closer you place the nozzle to the tiles, the higher the pressure — that’s just how it works.
Use the right nozzles. Pressure washers also come with different nozzles, each one administering a different level of force. For swimming pool tiles, a low-pressure nozzle works well (40-degree or 25-degree nozzle).
Move quickly. Focusing the nozzle on a specific area for a long time increases the risk of damage. Make sure to use sweeping motions, never staying in one place for too long.
Reasons to Hire a Professional Pressure Washing Company
While it is certainly possible to take a DIY approach to swimming pool tiles pressure washing, it is undoubtedly better to outsource the job to professionals. Not convinced? Below are the reasons why you should hire a professional pressure washing company:
1. Experience and Expertise
Professionals have more experience and expertise when it comes to pressure washing. They know what pressure level to use depending on the material and inspect for damages before beginning each job. With proper knowledge, professionals can clean pool tiles effectively with little to no damage.
2. Access to Commercial-Grade Tools
A professional pressure washing company has access to more effective machines and tools. These resources can complete a job in less time and with more precision. If the job requires a cleaning solution, companies also have them on hand. Many companies even use eco-friendly cleaning agents.
3. Fast and Convenient
Because professionals already know what to do and how to do it, they can accomplish the job at a faster rate than any pool owner. Outsourcing the task also means you won’t need to sacrifice your weekend or spend hours on end trying to clean your pool. Instead, you can sit back and relax as someone else does the work for you.
4. Cheaper Than You Think
A good number of pool owners shy away from hiring professional pressure washers because of cost-related reasons. There is a common misconception that it is cheaper to pressure wash pool tiles yourself. While it may seem that way at face value, there are actually more costs associated with a DIY approach.
You spend a lot of time pressure washing (or trying to figure out how to) and may even buy the wrong cleaning agents. Plus, if you end up damaging the pool tiles because of a mistake, it will cost more to replace them.
A Dependable Solution
Swimming pool tile cleaning is a tiring yet necessary endeavor. For pool owners who value convenience and efficiency, pressure washing is the way to do it. Better yet, hire a professional pressure washing company to do the job for you.
Washh offers pressure washing services to commercial and residential properties alike. Call us today at 704.321.8000 or contact us online for a free estimate.
