How to Clean a Swimming Pool

Step 1

Before pool cleaning day turns into a scavenger hunt, take a quick inventory of your supplies.

Start with a telescopic pole. Most manual cleaning tools attach to it, so without one, you are basically standing there holding good intentions. Next, grab a leaf net, also called a leaf skimmer. This is not the same thing as the skimmer built into your pool wall, because apparently pool terminology enjoys keeping everyone humble.

You will also want a pool brush for scrubbing the walls and floor, plus a vacuum head and hose if you do not have an automatic pool cleaner doing the dirty work for you.

These are the basic tools every pool owner should have on hand to keep the pool clean, clear, and less likely to develop its own ecosystem.

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Step 2

For proper pool maintenance, brush the walls and floor of your pool about once a week. Pay close attention to areas with poor water circulation, such as corners, steps, ladders, and other spots where dirt or algae may collect.

Pool brushes are available in different widths and are designed to attach to the end of a telescopic pole. You can also purchase a brush with the pole already attached. In addition to cleaning your pool, many pool brushes can also be used to clean surrounding deck and patio areas.

Step 3

Use a leaf net to remove leaves, insects, and other debris from your pool. Leaf nets are especially helpful for skimming the surface of the water before debris has a chance to sink.

You can also use a leaf net to scoop out pool toys or other items that may have been left behind in the water. It is a simple tool, but one you will reach for often during regular pool maintenance.

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Step 4

Use a vacuum head attached to a telescopic pole, or run your automatic pool cleaner, to collect dirt and debris from the pool floor.

Be sure to choose the correct vacuum head or cleaner for your pool type. Some cleaners are designed differently depending on the pool surface, such as vinyl liner, fiberglass, or concrete.

For tight corners, steps, angles, or areas the cleaner may miss, use a pool brush to manually loosen dirt and debris so it can be vacuumed or filtered out.

Step 5

Your pool filter plays a major role in keeping the water clear by collecting fine debris and small particles that are not always visible to the eye. For best results, your filter system should run at least 8 to 10 hours per day.

Regular filter maintenance helps the system work properly and keeps water moving efficiently. For cartridge filters, remove the cartridge element and rinse it thoroughly inside and out with a garden hose. When cleaned regularly, cartridges typically last one to two pool seasons, depending on pool usage and water conditions.

Sand and D.E. filters need to be backwashed periodically to remove trapped dirt and debris. Backwashing reverses the flow of water through the filter, flushing the collected debris out through the waste line.

A good rule of thumb is to backwash your filter when the pressure gauge reads about 10 PSI higher than the filter’s normal starting pressure after cleaning.

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Step 6

In addition to regular backwashing, D.E. filter grids should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year.

Remove the grids according to the instructions in your owner’s manual, then rinse them with a strong stream of water from a garden hose. For a deeper cleaning, fill a large plastic container with warm water and add about 1/2 cup of automatic dishwasher detergent. Soak the grids in the solution for about 3 to 4 hours.

After soaking, rinse the grids thoroughly before placing them back inside the filter. Inspect each grid carefully and replace any that are damaged, torn, or worn.

Step 7

The final part of keeping your pool clean is maintaining proper water chemistry. Regular testing helps you keep the water balanced, clear, and safe for swimming.

At a minimum, test your water for two key factors: pH and sanitizer levels. Testing at least three times per week can help you understand how pool usage, rain, sunlight, and chemical treatments affect your water.

When you check and adjust your pH and sanitizer levels regularly, it is much easier to maintain clear, comfortable pool water throughout the season.

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Step 8

Maintaining proper pH is an important part of pool water care. The ideal pH range for most pools is 7.2 to 7.6. When pH falls outside this range, pool chemicals may not work as effectively, and the water can become uncomfortable for swimmers.

Use a pH increaser or pH reducer as needed to bring the water back into the proper range. If your pH is difficult to control, test the total alkalinity as well. Total alkalinity helps stabilize pH, so keeping it in the proper range can make regular water balancing much easier.

Adjust the total alkalinity as needed, then retest the water to confirm your pH and alkalinity levels are both where they should be.

Step 9

Chlorine tablets are a common and effective way to sanitize pool water. These compressed tablets dissolve slowly, releasing chlorine over time to help control bacteria and keep the water clean.

For outdoor pools, use stabilized chlorine tablets. Stabilized chlorine is designed to hold up better against sunlight, helping it last longer and work more effectively.

To maintain a steady chlorine level, place tablets in a floating chlorinator, automatic feeder, or skimmer basket as directed by your pool equipment guidelines. Check the tablets regularly and replace them as needed to keep sanitizer levels in the proper range.

Step 10

As contaminants build up in pool water, they can cause dull water, eye irritation, and skin irritation. Common contaminants include sweat, sunscreen, body oils, and other materials that enter the pool during normal use.

These contaminants can tie up available chlorine, making it harder for the sanitizer to do its job. When this happens, it may be time to shock the pool.

Pool shock, available in chlorine and non-chlorine formulas, helps oxidize contaminants and restore chlorine’s ability to sanitize the water effectively. Regular shock treatments can also help control algae and keep the water clear.

To help prevent algae before it starts, consider adding a weekly algaecide treatment as part of your regular pool maintenance routine.

Click Here for Swimming Pool Cleaning Accessories (Vacuums, Brushes, Hoses & More)

Click Here to Our Full Selection of Pool Chemicals (Chlorine, pH & Alkalinity Adjuster, Stabilizer and More)