5 Things to Know About Using Muriatic Acid on Pool Tile

Muriatic acid dissolves calcium deposits Calcium scale on pool tile is chemically bonded calcium carbonate. Scrubbing alone won’t remove it, but muriatic acid breaks that bond.

Safety gear is non-negotiable Wear gloves, goggles, and old clothes. The acid is strong enough to burn skin and ruin fabric.

Always dilute acid into water, not the other way around Use a 1:10 ratio of acid to water. Adding water to acid can cause a violent splash.

Apply briefly, then rinse thoroughly Brush or spray the diluted acid on, let it sit a few seconds, scrub, and rinse. Never let it dry on the tile, and avoid contact with metal or stone coping.

Softer alternatives exist for delicate surfaces For fiberglass pools or glass tile, use a pumice stone or a specialty calcium remover. These take more effort but won’t damage the finish.