Swimming pools are a lot of work to maintain. Over time, the water begins to develop algae, muck, and grime, which then sticks to the tiles surrounding the pool. This can be a major headache for many pool owners, as the sludge is often very difficult to remove. In fact, some people sit at their pool for hours, scrubbing away at the tiles and, in the end, not achieving much. Even if they do manage to clean everything, it will all begin to accumulate again in a matter of weeks.
However, there are a few ways in which you can go about effectively and efficiently removing this grime from your pool tiles. In this article, we will discuss how to clean pool tile with pressure washer. So keep reading to find out how to do this properly and effectively.
Can a Pressure Washer Be Used to Clean Pool Tiles?
Many people avoid pressure washers when it comes to cleaning their pool because the water’s power is incredibly strong. They believe that the tiles surrounding the pool will crack, break, and shatter as soon as the water from the washer hits them. To be completely honest, this is a possibility. However, if you go about using the pressure washer correctly, you will not have to worry about your tiles becoming damaged.
Most pool tiles are made out of porcelain or ceramic. These materials will break if the pressure of your washer is too strong. Luckily for you, most washers come with various settings in order to adjust the strength of the flow. In other words, you will be able to weaken the power so that it does not cause any damage.
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How to Clean Pool Tiles With a Pressure Washer
As we have already mentioned, a pressure washer can be used to make the process of cleaning your pool tiles much easier. Below, we have made a step-by-step list that you can follow in order to ensure that you get the job done properly.
Step One: Get Your Hands on a Pressure Washer
The first thing you will need to do when cleaning your tiles with a pressure washer is getting your hands on the correct equipment. If you are not yet ready to invest in your own washer, there are various companies that rent the machine. The recommended temperature of the pressure washer is around 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Two: Remove Any Pool Furniture and Clean the Surrounding Area
When you are ready to begin spraying your tiles, you will first need to remove any pool furniture surrounding the area. This is done in order to avoid any unnecessary damage. You could also go about cleaning the ground around your pool, as the dirt and mud that collects here from the washer may end up running into your swimming pool.
Step Three: Adjust The Power of the Washer Accordingly
As we have already mentioned, if the power of your pressure washer is too strong, you may end up damaging the tiles. For this reason, it is vital that you use a reasonable setting. It is recommended that you start with a very weak setting and slowly build your way up – this way, you will be able to find the perfect pressure that cleans the tile while simultaneously preventing any damage.
Step Four: Test The Washer on a Small Section of Tile
Once you think you have found a good pressure, test the washer on a small section of tile. If the tile cracks, turn the power down immediately. On the other hand, if the grime in that area is not removed, you may need to increase the power setting. Continue adjusting until you find the perfect balance.
Step Five: Make Sure That Every Section of Tile is Cleaned Thoroughly
Once you are happy with the setting, you can go about cleaning the rest of the pool tiles. It is very important that you do not miss any sections. More so, you may need to go over certain areas a few times in order to remove persistent grime.
Step Six: Wipe Away any Loose Grime
After you have covered the entire pool, you can take a clean cloth or rag and wipe away any excess grime and dirt. This should leave you with sparkling clean tiles that look as though they have been taken care of by a professional.
How to Ensure the Pool Tiles Do Not Get Damaged
Of course, you don’t want to chip, crack, or break your pool tiles. Here’s how to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Keep an Appropriate Distance from the Tiles
To prevent any unnecessary damage, it is imperative that you do not stand too close to the tiles you are cleaning. The closer you are, the stronger the pressure and the more likely you are to crack the tiles.
Use the Correct Nozzle
There are various nozzles that can be used with a pressure washer. Before you get started, make sure that you select one that doesn’t affect the pressure too much. Many people like to use a wand or spray gun attachment – however, there are many other suitable options.
Don’t Stay on One Spot for too Long
Lastly, focusing the pressure washer on one specific spot for an extended period of time can result in unnecessary damage. For this reason, you should move the nozzle around in order to distribute the power of the water evenly.
Conclusion
A pressure washer can be used to clean the tiles that surround your swimming pool. In order to prevent any tile damage, it is important that you use a setting that is not too powerful. More so, you should never stand too close to the tiles or focus on one spot for too long.
There are also various nozzles that can be used to adjust the water pressure. Once the washer is ready to go, you should ensure that you thoroughly wash every section of your pool. When you are finished, take a cloth and wipe away any loose grime and dirt.