Professional pool cleaners can be costly, but if you don’t pay for one, how do you ensure the job gets done right? This article will teach you how to clean your swimming pool spotless without having to break the bank with a pool cleaning service. Use the information below, and your pool will be ready for a swim in no time.
How to Clean Your Pool: Routines You Should Establish
To keep your pool fresh and safe, you should clean your pool at least weekly. Here are some methods for cleaning and the supplies you can use to maintain your pool.
Skim and Brush Your Pool
One of the best ways to clean your pool is to put your back into it! Although it does require manual labor, using a telescopic pole with a brush attached is a great way to scrub away algae and grime stuck to the walls. Brushing may be spot-specific, but start on the edges and onto the rest of the pool if you have an extra dirty pool. The filter should take care of most of the aggravated algae. My pro tip is to brush at an angle; this will help remove any unwanted particles hiding in the crevasses. Read my complete articles on how to brush a pool and how often to brush your pool for more tips.
After brushing, use a skimmer net to collect all larger debris such as leaves or insects. When brushing your pool’s walls, always work the brush downwards in one direction. Brushing both ways creates more work and tired arms. Also, try to brush at an angle to cause less friction between the water and the brush.
Whenever I skim a pool, I start at the edges and go around twice. Then I work the middle for anything still floating around by pulling the stuff towards the edges and scooping it out. Finally, get everything that has sunk to the bottom and bounce the net to scoop up anything that starts floating. It’s important to double-check everything as some debris can be small and evade the net on the first pass.
Equipment Recommendations for Skimming and Brushing Your Pool
- Skimmer net
- Pool brush and pole
Vacuum Your Pool
Using an automatic vacuum can save you a lot of time as a pool owner. Although they don’t do the entire job for you, they help. Automatic pool cleaners will glide across flat surfaces in your pool and collect debris or algae as they move. They usually require both a hose and an electricity source to filter through the water and deposit the trash they collect into independent storage. Vacuuming your pool every other day or even every three days should be enough to keep your pool fresh. Just remember to vacuum after you brush.
When purchasing a pool vacuum, I would avoid manual vacuums. They are cheaper but much more time-consuming. It’s worth the extra cost to allow you to relax instead of adding on an extra chore.
If you do choose to manually vacuum your pool, attach the vacuum head to your telescopic pole and push the vacuum across all of the surfaces of the pool to collect all of the particles stuck to the walls and floor. This can be time-consuming, but it’s a great workout!
Equipment Recommendations for Vacuuming Your Pool
Maintain the Chemicals In Your Pool
If the chemicals in your swimming pool are not balanced, there is no point in trying to brush or vacuum your pool. A pool with unbalanced chemical levels will become cloudy and grow algae and bacteria. Keeping your chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels maintained will keep your pool safe and attractive throughout the summer season. Use a testing kit to test the levels in your pool at least three times a week and adjust when needed.
Further Reading on Pool Chemistry
How to Clean a Very Dirty Pool
When opening up your pool for the season or returning home after a long vacation, you may find your pool in a pitiful state. Several problems can go wrong in your pool, so staying informed on the best ways to clean up your water is important.
Here are some of my helpful guides on how to clean up an extra dirty swimming pool:
- How to treat and quickly remove algae
- How to clear a green pool
- How to get rid of mustard algae
- How to get rid of black algae
- How to get rid of white water mold and pink slime
- How to clear cloudy water
- How to remove algae from a saltwater pool
- How to acid wash a pool
How to Clean your Pool Deck
A pressure washer is the most effective way to clean a pool deck. You can go old school with a bucket and a mop, but it will be challenging to get stubborn dirt that has been collecting into the surface for months. The process would also take longer because you need to sweep the deck before mopping.
With a pressure washer, you’ll be able to thoroughly clean the deck in just a few seconds. Work your way up and down the deck from the pool edge outwards. Before you use the pressure washer, give the entire deck a spray with a hose to remove any surface dirt in the way.
Don’t Forget to Clean your Pool Filter
The filter is the last line of defense against debris, mud, and algae that will make the pool water murky. You should clean the filter with a proper filter cleaner and degreaser every two to three months to prevent the filter from breaking or leaking dirty water back into the pool. Also, don’t forget to clean your pool cover as well!
Get My Free Pool Care Checklist
Download my free, printable pool maintenance checklist to help you accomplish regular pool care tasks for any type of swimming pool.
Why Cleaning Your Swimming Pool is Important
Nobody wants to go swimming in a dirty pool. A dirty swimming pool can cause accidents and severe health concerns. Some of the microbes that live in a dirty pool include e. Coli, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia. Pools that are not regularly maintained won’t be clear and sparkling and will grow algae, becoming green and cloudy.
Bottom Line
Diligence and routine cleaning is key to keeping your swimming pool in excellent condition throughout the season.
Follow my techniques like brushing at an angle and working the skimmer from the middle to the edge of the pool, and it will make your job easier. When it’s time to clean the filter, don’t procrastinate! After all, your swimming pool is meant to be enjoyed, and a clean one is even easier to appreciate.
Questions about pool cleaning? Don’t hesitate to ask!
