Pool tile guide Does tile cleaning damage grout?

Properly installed tile and grout are fine

Bead and media blasting is designed to remove scale, not the surface underneath. The media and pressure are matched to the tile: a mineral-based, pH-neutral media for glass, and silica bead for porcelain, ceramic and natural stone. Every job starts with a test spot.

What can come loose

Grout or tile that is already loose, cracked or hollow can come loose during cleaning. That's not new damage. Those pieces were already failing, and the scale was often what held them in place. If we see weak spots in your photos or during the test, we'll tell you.

We don't repair tile, but we can refer you to someone who does.

How to check your own tile

Look for hairline cracks, missing grout and tiles that sound hollow when tapped gently. Take close-up photos and include them when you request a quote.

What actually damages tile

Harsh DIY methods do more harm than blasting: wire brushes, pumice stones and acid tile cleaners can scratch glass, etch glaze and eat into grout. If you're unsure, read how to remove calcium from pool tile, or see our tile cleaning process.