A Handy Guide to Cleaning Pool Mosaic Tiles

 Glass pool mosaic tiles are available in a wide range of color options as well as a variety of finishes and textures. The many options and design versatility of glass pool mosaic tiles have made them a popular decorative material for both indoor and outdoor applications. The aesthetic aspect is not the only reason for the popularity of mosaics, pool mosaic tiles are also very practical and require minimal maintenance in most cases. With that said, all swimming pools require some maintenance and cleaning. Let's take a look at what makes glass mosaics ideal for pool mosaic tiles and how to keep them clean.

Is glass mosaic right for pools?

Yes, it is one of the best pool tile materials. Glass mosaic tiles are non-porous, easy to clean and durable. A good glass mosaic tile should be impervious to water, frostproof, resistant to thermal shock, fade resistant and chemically resistant.

Millions of patterns and unique designs can be created using tiny glass pool mosaic tiles. Think of a single glass tessera as a single pixel on a screen. Thousands of glass tessera can be arranged together to create stunning works of art.

With a wide enough range of available colors and the technology to convert any image into a mosaic-ready design, the possibilities are endless. Your pool is the perfect blank canvas to get creative with mosaic art!

Dirt and residue

From algae to stains and calcium scale, let's discuss what's causing your pool mosaic tiles and waterline to look dirty and how to fix it.

Organic Materials

Materials such as dirt, soil and leaves can cause staining if left for long periods of time. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the leaves from your pool manually or with a special pool vacuum.

Chemical imbalance

If you have too much chlorine in your pool, it can cause discoloration in your glass pool mosaic tiles. The bleached appearance is caused by calcium deposits and scaling deposited on the surface of the tiles. Likewise, if the chlorine level is too low, you may experience slippery, unsightly algae problems.

Hard Water Deposits

Have you ever noticed hard water deposits in your house around shower areas, tubs, sinks and backsplashes. If you're no stranger to cloudy white residue, then your pool likely has similar scaling.

Do the cleaning!

When cleaning glass pool mosaic tiles, avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or chemicals. Cheap pumice and the like can leave scratches on mosaics.

For basic cleaning, mix equal parts vinegar and water, then spray the area to be cleaned. Leave it there for a while, then wipe it off with a soft cloth to remove light stains and calcium carbonate casts. Rinse it off and let it dry. For stained grout, you can use the same mixture as warm water and clean with a soft bristle brush or toothbrush. A good quality pool cleaning brush and a non-abrasive pacifier cloth work best.

Diluted hydrochloric acid has proven to be very effective. However, you must take some precautions when handling his chemicals. The dilution process can be very exothermic, so be sure to dilute the acid slowly and carefully. Always do this by pouring the acid into water, not the other way around. Always use a regular wooden spoon and special plastic measuring cups, mixing containers and spray bottles.

See if your local hardware store offers pressure washing tools for rent. Read safety tips and guidelines before using them on glass pool mosaic tiles.

The bottom line

Having your own private pool may be one of the greatest luxuries a homeowner can have. You can always step out and enjoy a refreshing experience! Host a poolside party. With this privilege comes great responsibility. Our advice - clean your pool mosaic tiles frequently. The longer you put off a simple cleaning routine, the more buildup and stains you'll have to deal with later. Glass pool mosaic tiles are durable by default. However, in order to maintain the beautiful appearance of your new tiles, your pool tiles need your care and attention. In the long run, keep the following points in mind to avoid costly maintenance and replacement.

Maintain optimal levels of pool chemicals.

Remove dirt and leaves frequently.

Drain the pool from time to time and clean the chemicals thoroughly.