Can You Use a Wire Brush on Pool Tile?

Significance

• Pool tiles often have glazed finishes that are easy to clean. These tiles are less porous than unglazed tiles, so they tend to repel dirt and stains. But no tile, glazed or unglazed, can withstand prolonged scrubbing with abrasive materials. Wire brushes can scratch them irreparably.

Tile Brushes and Pads

• Even abrasive chemical cleaners that use gritty particles can damage tile surfaces so don’t use any cleaning product not recommended by the tile manufacturer. Tile brushes have softer bristles made of nylon, and tile pads have slightly abrasive foam pads, so they likely won’t damage pool tile. Still, check with the tile manufacturer to determine what types of brushes and pads your pool tile can handle.

Cleaners

• Use a tile-cleaning product sold at a pool supply store. Tile soap, for example, is a mildly acidic cleaner that won’t foam in water. To apply it, use a foam pad or soft-bristled brush. Acid spotters are another alternative. You can apply them to underwater stains with a large disc mounted on the end of a telescopic pole or with dissolvable bags that rest over the stain, according to the book “AquaTech: Best Practices for Pool and Aquatic Facility Operators.”

Considerations

• Prevent tough tile stains by cleaning your pool regularly. Skim any debris from the water surface with a pole and net before it can sink to the bottom. Use a long-handled nylon brush and a pool vacuum to clean pool walls and floors weekly. Contact a pool service company immediately if your pool skimmer and filter stop working. Otherwise, the stagnant, dirty water might lead to staining.