Knowing how to clean a pool properly is the difference between crystal-clear water you actually want to swim in and a murky mess that costs hundreds to fix. Whether you just bought a home with a pool or you’re tired of paying someone else to do it, this guide breaks down every step so you can handle pool cleaning like a pro.
The good news? Pool cleaning isn’t complicated — it just requires consistency. Follow these steps weekly and you’ll spend more time swimming and less time troubleshooting.
What You Need Before You Start Cleaning Your Pool
Before diving into the cleaning process, gather your supplies.
Essential pool cleaning equipment:
- Telescopic pole (attaches to most cleaning tools)
- Skimmer net or leaf rake
- Pool brush (nylon for vinyl/fiberglass, stainless steel for concrete)
- Manual pool vacuum or automatic pool cleaner
- Water testing kit or digital pool calculator
- Pool chemicals (chlorine, pH adjuster, alkalinity increaser)
- Garden hose with spray nozzle
How to Clean a Pool in 7 Steps
Follow these steps in order for the most efficient clean. This entire process takes 30-60 minutes for most residential pools.
Step 1: Skim the Surface
Start by removing leaves, insects, and floating debris with your skimmer net. Work from one end of the pool to the other in overlapping passes.
Pro tip: Skim daily if your pool is near trees. A 2-minute daily skim prevents a 20-minute weekend cleanup.
Step 2: Empty the Skimmer Baskets and Pump Basket
Turn off your pump, then remove and empty all skimmer baskets. Check your pump strainer basket too — a clogged basket restricts water flow and reduces your filter’s effectiveness by up to 50%.
Step 3: Brush the Walls, Floor, and Steps
Attach your pool brush to the telescopic pole and scrub all pool surfaces. Brush from the waterline down to the floor, push debris toward the main drain. Don’t skip steps, ladders, and tight corners — these are algae hotspots.
Step 4: Vacuum the Pool
After brushing (give it 15-20 minutes for debris to settle), vacuum the pool floor. You can use a manual vacuum, automatic suction cleaner, or robotic cleaner.
Step 5: Clean the Waterline
The waterline accumulates oils, sunscreen residue, and mineral deposits. Use a tile brush or magic eraser with a waterline cleaning product.
Step 6: Check and Clean Your Filter
Your pool filter is the backbone of clean water. Cartridge filters should be hosed down every 2-4 weeks. Sand filters need backwashing when pressure rises 8-10 PSI above baseline. DE filters need backwashing and fresh DE powder at the same threshold.
Step 7: Test and Balance Your Water Chemistry
After physically cleaning your pool, test the water and adjust chemistry. Target ranges: Free Chlorine 1-3 ppm, pH 7.2-7.6, Total Alkalinity 80-120 ppm, Calcium Hardness 200-400 ppm.
Testing is easy. Knowing exactly how much of each chemical to add? That’s where a pool chemical calculator saves you time and money.
How Often Should You Clean Your Pool?
Skim daily, brush and vacuum weekly, clean waterline bi-weekly, test water chemistry 2-3 times per week, and clean your filter monthly. Consistency beats intensity.
Common Pool Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
- Brushing after vacuuming — Always brush first, then vacuum.
- Ignoring water chemistry — A physically clean pool with bad chemistry will turn green fast. Use the Pool Chemical Calculator for precise dosing.
- Running the pump too little — Your pump should run 8-12 hours daily during swim season.
- Backwashing too often — Sand and DE filters work better with slight buildup.
Calculate It Instantly with Pool Chemical Calculator
Stop guessing with your pool chemistry! The Pool Chemical Calculator app tells you exactly how much of each chemical to add based on your pool’s size and current readings.
Download for Android | Download for iPhone/iPad | Use Online
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to clean a pool?
A routine weekly pool cleaning takes 30-60 minutes for most residential pools.
Can I clean my pool without chemicals?
Physical cleaning removes visible debris, but you need chemicals to sanitize and prevent bacteria and algae.
How do I know how much chemical to add after cleaning?
Test your water first, then use a pool chemical calculator to determine exact dosing.
Should I run the pump while cleaning?
Turn it off when emptying baskets. Keep it running while brushing and after cleaning for at least 8 hours.
How often should I deep clean my pool?
At least once a month during swim season, plus during spring opening and fall closing.
