Achemical imbalanceis often the cause of pool tile staining.

Here’s how to clean pool tile at the waterline to get rid of staining and make it shine.

Work in a circular motion in an area about three or four feet wide.

Dark blue tile lining pool with rock-like walkway next to lawn

The Spruce / Almar Creative

If you have glass tiles, a soft-bristled brush is a better choice to prevent scratching the glass.

A rechargeable electric scrub brush with interchangeable heads is a handy tool for cleaning.

For tight, small areas, an old toothbrush works well.

Materials and tools to clean pool tile at the waterline

The Spruce / Almar Creative

Mix the Cleaning Solution

Mix the cleaning solution in a plastic bucket.

Your cleaning solution can be made of baking soda and water, or dishwashing liquid and water.

Use a melamine sponge (like a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) for tough-to-remove stains.

Organic matter and leaves being removed from pool with blue net

The Spruce / Almar Creative

Light build-up at the waterline is much easier to clean than heavy staining.

Why Does Dirt Form on the Pool Waterline?

As water evaporates, scaling shows up when mineral deposits cling to the sides of a pool.

Waterline lowered next to pool tiles for easier cleaning

The Spruce / Almar Creative

It shows up as white or gray scum and is difficult to remove.

Pumice stones are available online, at home improvement stores, and at pool supplies stores.

Made of ground volcanic rock, the stone will break apart the deposits.

Stiff-bristled scrub brush rubbing away mineral deposits on pool tile

The Spruce / Almar Creative

Work slowly and with a light touch as you scrub in gentle circles along the waterline.

These types of cleaners are harsh and must be used with extreme care.

On average, getting your pool cleaned regularly costs about $150 a month.

Waterline cleaned from pool til with melamine sponge to remove dirt and grime

The Spruce / Almar Creative

To retile an entire pool, the average cost is $15,000.

If the stain is a calcium deposit, a pumice stone and water will work.

Yes, if magic eraser works then it is ok to use on pool tile.

Blue pumice stone rubbing against pool tile to break away mineral deposits

The Spruce / Almar Creative

Tile cleaner container with sulfamic acid crystals to remove build-up from pool tiles

The Spruce / Almar Creative