Comparing Glass Bead and Salt Blasting for Calcium Removal in Pools
Two popular methods professionals use for calcium and scale deposit removal from pools are glass bead and salt blasting.
A swimming pool adds significantly to a property’s value and offers hours of fun, enjoyment, and relaxation during scorching summers. Regular maintenance and cleaning are critical to keeping the swimming pool safe and looking good. One such essential part of pool upkeep is pool tile cleaning.
Pool tiles and walls are vulnerable to calcium build-up due to high pH levels, hard water, and excessive heat. Periodic cleaning is essential to avoid issues like premature grout wear and permanent tile damage and keep the pool inviting and safe for swimming. Two popular methods professionals use for calcium and scale deposit removal from pools are glass bead and salt blasting.
Glass bead blasting
Glass bead blasting is the pool tile cleaning method that uses tiny, round glass beads that are shot against the pool’s surface at a high pressure with a blaster to free it from calcium deposits and dirt, grime, stains, and chemical residue. This method does not affect the pool’s pH balance, and the glass needs cleaning after the blasting completes. Glass bead blasting is a simple, safe, highly effective, and versatile pool tile cleaning method. It is suitable for stone, PebbleTec, and other modern pool surfaces.
Glass bead blasting pros
Environmentally-friendly
It does not use hazardous chemicals or contaminants.
The easy and hassle-free post-clean-up process.
Glass beads consist of recyclable glass, and they reduce the carbon footprint.
The cleaning process does not fade or damage pool tiles.
Affordable
Offer a smooth and bright finish to enhance the pool’s beauty and durability.
Glass bead blasting cons
They need specialized equipment and trained professionals.
Results are not long-lasting compared to other harder blast media.
This method does not leave a profile for paint adherence.
Less suitable for rigid materials.
Salt blasting
Salt blasting is a pool tile cleaning method that uses a natural mineral salt known as Kieserite, with a perfect Mohs scale rating. The salt is shot at low pressure, and when it hits the surface, it pops and removes the calcium and other deposits. Salt blasting is ideal for removing calcium deposits from sandstone and ceramic tiles. The deposits and the media sink at the pool’s base from where they are vacuumed. Kieserite has 3.5 Mohs hardness compared to around 7.5 of average pool tiles. It is softer than pool tiles but is hard enough to get rid of calcium and, at the same time, gentle enough not to damage the pool surface.
Salt blasting pros
pH neutral
Non-damaging
Non-hazardous
Environmentally-friendly
Safe
Kieserite is natural and biodegradable
Make the tiles shine
Salt blasting con
A little expensive
Salt blasting is the newest and considered the safest among the pool tile cleaning methods. It is a softer cleaning method than glass beads and is also suitable for surfaces that cannot be cleaned with glass beads. Although Kieserite costs a little more than glass beads, its spectacular results make the process worth it. While glass beads can damage tiles, salt blasting removes the calcium deposits safely and without damage.
Contact a local pool tile cleaning company to determine the best option out of the two to remove calcium from the pool.
Pool Tile Cleaning Vegas offers pool tile cleaning, calcium removal, acid washing, pool draining, and media blasting services, in Las Vegas and Henderson. Call us at (702)605-6936.
