Mid-Summer Pool Care Tips to Protect Your Tile and Surface

This sleek, modern pool in South Texas features a raised spa, clean tile lines, and light-colored decking—designed to handle intense summer heat with style.

By July in South Texas, your pool has probably been working overtime. Intense sun, heavy use, and hard water can take a toll, especially on your tile and surface. If you want your pool to stay beautiful (and avoid costly repairs later), now is the time to give it a little extra care. Here are some summer pool care tips on how to protect your pool finish, reduce buildup, and keep things running smoothly through the hottest part of the year.

1. Monitor Water Chemistry More Frequently

High temperatures and frequent swimming can throw your water balance off quickly. When pH or alkalinity levels rise, calcium can fall out of solution and bond to your tile, creating that stubborn white line. Test your water at least twice a week in July and adjust levels as needed.

2. Watch for Early Signs of Calcium Buildup

Check the waterline tile for any chalky white residue or crust. That’s early-stage calcium carbonate, and if caught soon enough, it’s easier to clean. Let it sit too long and it can harden into scale that requires professional removal.

3. Limit Splash-Out and Top-Off With Soft Water

Every time you add hose water, you're likely adding hard water minerals. If possible, top off your pool with softened or pre-filtered water. Also, keep splash-out to a minimum when kids or guests are using the pool. It may help you avoid tile staining and mineral deposits.

4. Brush the Tile Line Weekly

Use a soft-bristle brush to clean your waterline tile once a week. It’s a small step, but it can prevent buildup before it hardens and reduce the need for bead blasting later on.

5. Schedule a Mid-Season Tile Check

If you’ve noticed any discoloration, stains, or crust forming on your tile or coping, it may be time for a professional cleaning. Catching the problem now can help extend the life of your tile and keep your pool looking sharp through the end of summer.

Noticed buildup or staining? Contact South Texas Pool Tile Cleaning today for a free mid-season inspection. We’ll let you know if your tile needs attention—and help restore your pool before the summer’s over.

FAQs

Why does calcium buildup get worse in the summer?

High temperatures and evaporation increase mineral concentration in the water, which encourages calcium to bond to tile surfaces.

Is it bad to add hose water during the summer?

Not necessarily, but hose water in South Texas tends to be hard. Adding it frequently can raise calcium levels and contribute to scale buildup.