Use a pool brush to scrub walls and a vacuum to remove debris from the floor. Be thorough and take your time to ensure no spots are missed.

Why is it important to clean walls and floor during opening?

Cleaning removes algae, bacteria, and grime that built up over winter. It also helps your chemicals work better and keeps the pool safe and inviting.

Why Cleaning Your Pool Properly at Opening Matters

Over the months when your pool is closed, it accumulates dirt, leaves, algae, and bacteria. If these are not removed, they can stain surfaces, damage your equipment, and make the water unsafe. A deep clean at opening ensures you start the season right.

Common problems from neglecting cleaning

• Stubborn algae blooms that are hard to remove

• Cloudy or green water that requires more chemicals

• Slimy, slippery walls and floor that can be a safety hazard

• Unbalanced water chemistry that is harder to correct

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Basic Equipment

• Pool brush with telescopic pole

• Pool vacuum (manual or automatic)

• Leaf net or skimmer

• Pool pump and filter in good condition

Optional but Helpful

• Algae brush for plaster or concrete pools

• Pool surface cleaner for tough spots

• Pool-friendly cleaning gloves to protect hands

• Hose with spray nozzle for rinsing surfaces

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Pool Walls and Floor

1. Skim and Remove Large Debris

Start by removing leaves, branches, and floating debris with a leaf net.

Tips for effective skimming

• Skim before running the pump so debris doesn’t clog it

• Work from shallow to deep end in a steady motion

• Empty the net frequently to avoid spilling debris back

2. Brush the Walls and Floor

Use a pool brush attached to a telescopic pole to scrub the walls and floor. This loosens dirt, algae, and biofilm that have settled over winter.

Best practices for brushing

• Start at the waterline and work down to the floor

• Focus on corners, steps, behind ladders, and tile grout lines

• Use overlapping strokes to avoid missing spots

3. Vacuum the Pool Thoroughly

After brushing, debris will settle on the floor. Use a pool vacuum to remove it completely.

Vacuuming options

• Manual vacuum for precision cleaning

• Automatic pool cleaner for convenience

How to vacuum manually

1. Attach the vacuum head to the telescopic pole and hose

2. Fill the hose with water to eliminate air bubbles

3. Connect the hose to the skimmer suction port

4. Slowly move the vacuum head across the floor in overlapping rows

4. Run the Pump and Filter

Turn on the pump to circulate water and allow the filter to catch fine particles. Let it run for several hours after cleaning.

Tips for filtration

• Check and clean the skimmer and pump baskets

• Backwash or clean the filter if pressure rises

• If water is still cloudy, let the pump run overnight

Additional Steps for a Deeper Clean

Check Water Chemistry

After cleaning, test and balance your water. Cleaning stirs up debris and can affect levels.

Key parameters to check

• pH: 7.4 to 7.6

• Total alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm

• Free chlorine: 1 to 3 ppm

• Calcium hardness: 200 to 400 ppm

Inspect Surfaces for Damage

While cleaning, check for cracks, chips, stains, or rough areas.

Common issues to look for

• Tiles falling off or cracked

• Plaster chipping or pitting

• Stains that brushing cannot remove

Address these problems before filling the pool completely.

Clean Accessories and Fixtures

Don’t forget to clean ladders, rails, diving boards, and slides. Use a mild pool-safe cleaner and rinse thoroughly.

Prevent Algae Growth

Once clean, shock the pool and add algaecide to discourage algae growth during the season.

How to shock properly

• Use the recommended dose of chlorine or non-chlorine shock

• Add shock at dusk to prevent UV degradation

• Keep the pump running to distribute the shock evenly

Long-Term Maintenance Tips

Brush Regularly

Even after opening, brushing weekly keeps surfaces clean and prevents buildup.

Benefits of weekly brushing

• Prevents algae from attaching to surfaces

• Helps chemicals reach all areas

• Keeps water clearer by reducing debris

Skim and Vacuum Often

Removing debris daily prevents it from sinking to the floor and sticking to walls.

Suggested schedule

• Skim daily or at least several times a week

• Vacuum once a week or as needed

Maintain Proper Water Balance

Balanced water keeps surfaces and equipment in good condition and reduces the need for excessive cleaning.

Tips for maintaining balance

• Test water at least twice a week

• Adjust pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels promptly

• Use stabilizer to protect chlorine from sun

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes a professional is needed to deal with serious problems.

When to seek expert help

• Stains remain even after scrubbing

• Water stays cloudy despite filtering and chemicals

• Surfaces feel rough or are severely damaged

• You suspect leaks or structural issues

A technician can diagnose the cause, recommend solutions, and perform a deep clean with specialized tools.

Start Your Season Right with a Clean Pool

Opening your pool with a thorough clean ensures a safe, inviting environment for everyone. Take your time, follow each step carefully, and enjoy the satisfaction of a sparkling clean pool that’s ready for a full season of swimming and fun.