FAQs
Welcome to Desert Diamonds Pool Tile and Stone Cleaning's frequently asked question and answer page. This page is here to help and inform you about the pool tile cleaning process. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or text us at 760-442-1699 or email us at desertdiamondspooltilecleaning@gmail.com and we will do our best to help you.
Do you need to drain my pool?
No, we do not need to drain your entire pool. We only need to lower the water level 8’ to 10”. We drop your water level using our own pump and with 300 feet of discharge hose we can direct the water anywhere you would like.
What is the white stuff at the waterline of our pool?
This is calcium build up from the minerals in your water. Calcium is rock that has bonded to your pool edge. As the water evaporates it leaves behind calcium and other minerals. Texas’s water has a high mineral content and because of this we see the calcium lines build up at our pools water level.
Can’t I clean my tile with a pumice stone?
Yes. However we don’t recommend using pumice stones. Cleaning with a pumice stone damages tile and will take you a long time. Depending on the amount of calcium build up this could take hours or over several weekends of your time. And contrary to what your pool store or pumice stones packaging might say, pumice does scratch the tile surface. We see this all the time. And as you scratch the surface of your tiles this makes it easier and faster for calcium to build up on your tiles.
How does Desert Diamond Pool Tile & Stone Cleaning clean pool tile?
We used compressed air at low pressure to deliver our media to the areas that need to be cleaned. New Braunfels Pool Tile and Stone Cleaning uses a safe, effective and environmentally friendly product called Kieserite (Max Strip, Salt) . The Kieserite is hard enough to remove the calcium yet soft enough to not damage your tile.
Can you clean Pebble Tec?
Yes. Cleaning Pebble Tec is not a problem. We typically use glass bead to clean the Pebble Tec because its abrasive action can get into all the little nooks and crannies of the Pebble Tec. Most companies cannot clean Pebble Tec because they use pressure washers to deliver the media. The pressure washers use 4,500 psi of water pressure and will blow out the tiny pebbles in your Pebble Tec. Since we are using compressed air to deliver our media, we generally shoot at 40 psi to 80 psi. a considerably lower pressure, so there is no problem with pebbles blowing out.
How long does the process take?
The amount of calcium build up and linear footage of the pool determines how long it will take us to finish the job. Most jobs take from 1 hour to 3 hours from start to finish.
Wont glass bead or salt make a mess in my pool?
No. The media will sink to the bottom of the pool. Once we are finished cleaning your pool tile we use our own customized vacuum system to clean the dispensed media from the bottom of your pool. After we are done, your water will appear cloudy from the suspended calcium and salt crystals. The suspended salt will dissolve and run through your filter. Your water should be crystal clear in a day or two. Any remaining salt will not affect the chemistry of your water as our media is Ph neutral.
Can you seal my pool tile after it is cleaned?
We can. However we don’t recommend it. It does not last, needs to re-applied every 3 to 4 months, and some sealers turn yellow or white making your tile look even worse than before. Many companies will offer free tile sealing after they are done because they are shooting tile with glass bead. Cleaning tile with glass bead damages the tile and removes the clear glaze and pits the tile making it easier for calcium to form. Sealing the tile covers up the damage caused by cheap tile cleaning.
How long will my tile or Pebble Tec stay clean for?
This depends on several factors. How well you maintain your pool, chemicals and how often you change your water. California's water is extremely high in minerals and this is a ongoing problem we have to deal with. As the water evaporates all the minerals stay behind, increasing our mineral count or TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). These minerals are what cause the calcium line.
Do I have to be home during the pool tile cleaning?
No. You do not need to home for us to clean your pool tile or pebble tec. We just need access to your back yard.
When can I use my pool again?
You can start swimming immediately after the cleaning process is complete. The water will be cloudy after we are done cleaning. However, because we are using environmentally friendly medias you can feel free to swim right away.