How to Brush a Pool

No one likes a dirty pool. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be unhealthy. Regularly brushing will not only make your pool look nicer, but it will also extend its life and prevent any expensive repairs in the future. But how often should you brush your pool, and what is the best way to do it? I will answer those questions in this article and show you how to brush a pool like a seasoned pro.

Main Takeaways

• Brushing your pool is important to maintain water quality and prevent algae growth.
• You should brush your pool at least once a week and more often if it is dirty.
• When brushing the pool, start from top to bottom in a clockwise or counterclockwise pattern.
• Nylon brushes are softer and will not scratch the pool surface, but steel brushes are more effective at removing tough dirt and grime.

What Does Brushing Your Pool Do?

Brushing your swimming pool offers many benefits.

Removes Dirt and Debris

Brushing your pool removes dirt and debris from the surface of the pool. Even with a good pool cover, dirt and leaves can blow into the water. Brushing them away keeps the swimming pool clean and prevents them from sinking to the bottom and decaying.

Prevents Algae Growth

Brushing also helps to prevent algae from taking hold. Algae love dirty surfaces, so the less dirt and debris in the pool, the less likely algae will be able to grow. In addition, brushing disturbs the algae already present, making it more difficult for them to attach themselves to the walls and floor of the pool.

Extend the Life of Your Pool Pump

Regular brushing helps your pool pump do less work. Since the pump is responsible for circulating the water in your pool, anything that makes it work harder will shorten its lifespan. By brushing away dirt and debris, you are making the pump’s job easier, which will help it last longer.

Extend the Life of Your Pool Liner

Regular brushing will also help prolong the life of your pool liner. A build-up of dirt and debris can cause the liner to degrade, so keeping it clean will help it last longer. This is also true of new pool plaster, and not brushing your new plaster could severely damage its longevity.

Helps Evenly Distribute Chemicals

Brushing also helps dissipate chemicals evenly throughout the pool. By circulating the water, you are helping to distribute the chemicals evenly, making them more effective.

Best Way to Brush Your Pool 

Brushing your pool is not difficult, but you should keep a few things in mind to do it properly.

Use the Right Brush for Your Pool

You must use the right brush for your pool. There are different brushes for different types of pools (e.g., concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl), so be sure to get the right one. You should also get a brush that is the right size for your pool. A brush that is too small won’t be able to reach all the way to the bottom of the pool, and a brush that is too large will be difficult to maneuver.

Don’t Forget to Vacuum

You should always vacuum your pool after you brush it. But be sure to let the debris settle back down onto the pool floor. When you brush, debris will cloud up the water, so give it some time to settle to vacuum it all up.

Work Your Way Up

When you start brushing, begin at the bottom of the pool and work your way up. This will ensure that all the dirt and debris are removed from the pool. Brushing in a circular motion is also important to loosen up any dirt stuck to the walls or floor.

Be sure to brush all the nooks and crannies, as these are often where dirt and debris accumulate. Use a small brush to get into tight spots.

Rinse Off the Brush Regularly

To prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on your brush, rinse it regularly. You can do this with a hose or by dunking it in the pool.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to brush your pool like a pro! Remember to be consistent with your brushing regime, and your pool will thank you.

Step-By-Step: How to Brush a Really Dirty Pool

If your pool is filthy, you may need to clean it deeply. This involves more than just brushing; you will also need to vacuum and scrub the walls and floors. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to deep clean your pool.

Step One: Remove All the Debris

If you have a really dirty pool, the first step is to remove all the debris. This includes leaves, twigs, bugs, and anything else that may be floating around. You can use a net to scoop it all out, or you may need to drain the pool and start fresh.

Step Two: Test the Water

Before you start cleaning, test the water quality. This will tell you what chemicals you need to add to balance the water. You can buy a pool test kit at your local pool supply store or online. This kit will have test strips and a color chart to help you interpret the results. You can easily test the water with a few drops of pool water on the strip.

Step Three: Brush the Pool

Once you have vacuumed and tested the water, you are ready to start brushing. Start by brushing the entire pool with a stiff brush. Pay special attention to any areas that seem to be dirtier than others. Be sure to brush the steps, ladders, and other places where people enter the pool. This will help remove any dirt or grime built up in these areas.

Step Four: Vacuum the Pool

After you have brushed all surfaces and let the debris settle, you need to vacuum the pool. Be sure to move the vacuum around to cover all the surfaces.

Step Five: Clean the Filter

After you have finished cleaning the pool, clean the filter. This will remove any dirt or debris trapped in the filter. You can use a hose to rinse the filter or soak it in a bucket of clean water.

Step Six: Add Chemicals

After cleaning the pool and the filter, you need to add chemicals to keep your pool water at optimum chemical levels. These chemicals will kill any bacteria that are present in the water. You can buy pool chemicals at your local pool supply store or online. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.

Should You Use a Nylon or Steel Bristled Brush?

Regarding brushes, you have two main choices: nylon or steel. Each type of brush has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Nylon brushes are softer and will not scratch the pool surface. They are also less likely to tear the pool liner. However, nylon brushes are not as effective at removing tough dirt and grime.

Steel brushes are more effective at removing tough dirt and grime. However, they can be more likely to scratch the pool surface. If you have a vinyl liner, you should avoid using a steel brush. Steel will easily tear a vinyl liner, so always use a nylon brush to clean your vinyl pool liner.

So, which type of brush should you use? It depends on your pool’s condition and what kind of pool liner you have. If your pool is new or in good condition, you can use a nylon brush. If your pool is older or in poor condition, go for a steel brush for a deep clean.

How Often Should You Brush Your Pool?

You should brush your swimming pool at least once a week. You can read my entire article on how often to brush your pool for more tips on brushing frequency.

Keep Brushing

Brushing your pool is an important part of inground pool maintenance. It helps remove dirt, grime, and debris from the pool’s surfaces. Make sure to brush your pool regularly. You should also vacuum and clean the filter regularly. By following these steps, you can keep your pool clean and safe for swimming for years to come.

Have questions? Drop me a line.