What is this and how to clean it?

[ccharleb]

Hello!

Pictures are from last year, but still about the same... what is this white thing and how to clean it?
Thank you!!

Christian

 

[Texas Splash]

Looks like efflorescence - moisture seeping-through the grout from behind and onto the tile. Try brushing with a water/muriatic acid (3:1 ratio).

 

[ccharleb]

Thank you! I'll try that in the next few days.
Hope it will look great again
Christian

 

[ccharleb]

Hi!
I think it did a good job. I had to brush a lot, but I like the result. Thank you!!

 

[Texas Splash]

Oh yeah! Much better.

 

[ccharleb]

Bad news... hope I didn't screwed up!

if you look closely to my last picture, you can see the pool coping stone having a permanent "wet" effect where the acid went while I was brushing the ceramic tiles.

Any solutions?

Also, the efflorescence is already starting back at one place...

Thank you!
Christian

 

[Texas Splash]

Are you referring to the wet effect on the lower lip/shelf? Possibly meaning that entire shelf is discolored (faded) from calcium as well?

As for the efflorescence returning, the concern there is why is moisture reappearing? What's behind the wall, just built-up soil? You may have two things to watch for: 1) - There is moisture being trapped behind the wall by soil in which case some owners use a French Drain set-up to keep it dry and well-drained; 2) - One of those sheer descents are leaking somewhere allowing water to seep from behind the wall. That would stink, but you'll have to investigate both possibilities.