Blog
Should You Seal Pool Tile After Cleaning?
Quick Answer:
Why Do Some Companies Seal Pool Tile?
Years ago, glass bead blasting became a popular method for removing calcium from pool tile. When used too aggressively, however, it can damage or strip the original glaze from the tile. Some companies began applying glossy polymer sealers after cleaning to hide this damage and restore a temporary shine.
Over time, sealing was also promoted as a way to protect pool tile and inhibit future calcium buildup. Arizona Bead Blasting takes a different approach. We believe properly cleaned glazed pool tile does not need to be sealed.
What Happens to Pool Tile Sealer Over Time?
Arizona sun, heat, chlorine and other pool chemicals can be tough on topical sealers. Over time, a glossy coating can begin to fade, cloud or develop a dull haze across the tile surface.
Once this haze develops, it can be extremely difficult to remove and, in some cases, may be permanent. Tile that looked glossy immediately after sealing can/will eventually appear dull and unattractive.
A Real Example From a Peoria Pool
Kathy in Peoria called Arizona Bead Blasting after becoming concerned about a cloudy haze developing across her pool tile. Another pool tile cleaning company had previously cleaned the tile and applied a polymer-based sealer. Kathy said the tile looked great at first, but after a couple of months she began noticing the glossy finish turning dull and cloudy.
In the photo above, the red arrow points to the sealed hazy tile above the calcium line. The green arrow points to the original tile finish below the heavy white calcium band. The difference shows what the tile looked like before the exposed sealed surface began to haze.
Does Sealing Pool Tile Prevent Calcium Buildup?
Sealing pool tile does not stop the conditions that cause calcium buildup. Arizona’s hard water, high evaporation rates and pool water chemistry can continue to leave mineral deposits along the waterline whether the tile has been sealed or not.
A sealer may be promoted as helping protect the tile or inhibit future buildup, but our approach is simple: clean the calcium properly while preserving the original glazed surface instead of covering it with another coating that will eventually fail.
Why Arizona Bead Blasting Doesn’t Seal Pool Tile
Arizona Bead Blasting uses proven glass bead and salt blasting methods to remove calcium, hard-water scale and mineral buildup without unnecessarily damaging the original tile surface.
Glazed pool tile already has a protective finished surface. When the original glaze is intact and the tile is cleaned properly, we see no reason to cover it with a topical sealer. Our goal is to remove the buildup and reveal the original tile underneath.
Should You Seal Pool Tile After Cleaning?
No. Arizona Bead Blasting does not seal glazed pool tile after cleaning. When the calcium and mineral buildup are removed properly and the original glaze remains intact, the tile already has the finished surface it was designed to have.
Adding a topical sealer can create another coating that must withstand Arizona sun, heat, chlorine and pool chemicals. We prefer to preserve the original tile surface rather than cover it.
Need Help With Your Pool Tile?
If your pool tile has calcium buildup, hard-water scale or a cloudy coating from a previous cleaning, Arizona Bead Blasting can help. We professionally clean pool tile throughout the Phoenix metro area using methods selected for the type and condition of the tile.
Call us today for a free estimate and find out what it will take to get your pool tile looking clean again.