Is glass bead blasting a good alternative for pool maintenance?
Seek alternatives if possible. We believe glass beads damage
tile. Even if that weren't a problem, what about swimming in water
containing tiny glass pieces?
Consider dry ice blasting as an alternative.
Very few companies have dry ice blasting systems. Another
alternative is mineral blasting with magnesium sulfate. This
mineral is softer than the tile. Therefore, it can never damage it.
It is not as widely available as glass beading, but you should be
able to find a company using this process if you are in the
southwest (CA, AZ, NV). Search the internet for "pool tile cleaning
magnesium sulfate".