Cleaning travertine and stone around a Marbella pool
Travertine, limestone and sandstone around pools and terraces stain easily. How to clean them safely, and what to avoid, on the Costa del Sol.
· 2 min read
Why pool surrounds age quickly
Natural stone such as travertine, limestone and sandstone is porous. Pool water, suncream, leaves, dust and hard water all find their way into the surface, and in shaded corners algae and dark mould settle in.
Autumn is a good moment to deal with it: summer use is over, the sun is gentler, and rain is on its way. Cleaning now means the stone goes into winter in better shape.
Start with the gentlest method
Sweep first, then wash with plenty of clean water and a soft brush. Many light stains lift with a neutral stone cleaner diluted as the label says, left for a few minutes and rinsed thoroughly.
Wet the stone before applying any product and rinse well afterwards, so cleaner is not absorbed deep into the pores or left behind as a film.
What to avoid on natural stone
Limestone and travertine are calcium-based, so acids such as vinegar, lemon or limescale removers can etch the surface and leave dull patches. Bleach and strong chlorine solutions can discolour stone and are unkind to nearby plants.
Be careful with pressure washers too. Used too close or too strong, they erode the surface, open up joints and leave stripes. If you use one, test a hidden spot first, keep a wide fan nozzle and a steady distance.
Algae, black marks and slippery patches
Green or black growth in shaded areas needs a product made for outdoor stone, applied and rinsed according to the instructions. Slippery areas around a pool are a safety matter, so do not ignore them.
Rust marks from metal furniture and deep oil stains are harder. Stubborn marks are best handled by a specialist, since a wrong product can make them permanent.
Protect it afterwards and where Lavanda helps
Once the stone is clean and fully dry, a breathable sealer made for the type of stone can slow future staining. Ask the supplier whether it suits pool surrounds and non-slip needs, and reapply as recommended.
Lavanda can include terraces and pool areas in a villa's regular cleaning plan. If you are unsure what your stone needs, tell us what it is and we will talk it through.
