Should You Brush Your Swimming Pool?

Let's be honest, brushing a swimming pool or hot tub is usually one of the last things on your mind when it comes to pool maintenance. It feels like fruitless, tedious busywork, especially because you see no active result from all your hard work! But believe it or not, brushing your swimming pool or hot tub is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to routine maintenance! Whether you own a backyard pool, or run a commercial swimming pool or hot tub at a hotel, resort, waterpark, brushing is crucial to keeping your facility healthy. In this article we are going to discuss the following:

• The Benefits of Brushing Your Pool and Hot Tub
• How Often You Should Brush
• Brush Types And Their Uses
• Proper Brush Techniques

Why Brushing Matters

While pool filtration systems and chemicals like chlorine play a significant role in keeping the water clean, they aren't the only thing that is necessary to keep a crystal clear swimming enviornment. Regular brushing is essential for several reasons:

Algae Prevention Algae can quickly grow in stagnant water or areas with low water circulation. Brushing the pool walls and floor disrupts algae growth by removing the thin layer that forms on surfaces, depriving the algae of a place to anchor and grow.

Removing Debris Even with a good skimmer and filtration system, some debris may settle on the pool surfaces. Brushing helps loosen and remove dirt, leaves, insects, and other debris, making it easier for the filtration system to capture them.

Preventing Stains Minerals and other elements present in the pool water can sometimes stain the pool surfaces. By regularly brushing the pool, you prevent these stains from becoming a permanent eye sore.

Chemical Balance Proper circulation and brushing help distribute chemicals like chlorine evenly throughout the pool. This ensures that the chemicals can effectively combat bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants in the water.

Health and Safety Brushing not only keeps the pool looking clean but also promotes a healthy swimming environment. When the pool surfaces are well-maintained, it reduces the chances of bacteria and pathogens clinging to the walls and floor, creating a safer swimming environment for everyone.

How Often Should You Brush Your Pool?

As a general rule, brushing your pool should be done once per day. I know, that sounds excessive, but hear me out. By churning up your water everyday through brushing, you drastically lower the chance of algae growth on the surface of the swimming pool. If brushing the whole pool every day is simply not possible, we recommend breaking it up, brush two walls one day, the other two walls the next day, the floor the third day, then repeat. 

What Brush Should I Use In My Swimming Pool? 

Picking the right pool brush is essential to ensure effective cleaning of your pool's surfaces. Knowing which bristle type is right (and safe) for the job is crucial in helping maximize the life expectancy of your pool surfaces. There are two main types of pool brushes:

Nylon Bristle Brushes These are ideal for vinyl, fiberglass, or painted pool surfaces, but can also be safely used on concrete or plaster pools. They are gentle enough not to scratch or damage the pool's finish while still effectively removing debris and algae.

Stainless Steel Bristle Brushes Suitable for concrete or plaster pools, stainless steel brushes are more durable and effective in removing tough stains and algae buildup. Please note that the use of steel bristle brushes should likely be avoided on delicate surfaces like vinyl, fiberglass, or painted pools, as they can cause permanent damage like scratches.

How Do I Brush My Pool?

To make sure you're brushing your pool effectively, follow these steps:

Empty Skimmer and Baskets Before brushing, clean the skimmer and pump baskets to maximize the efficiency of your pool's filtration system.

Start from the Top Begin brushing the walls and work your way down to the pool floor. Use overlapping strokes to cover the entire pool surface.

Pay CLOSE Attention to Corners and Steps Algae and debris tend to accumulate in corners and on steps. Take extra care to thoroughly brush these areas.

Use A Long Swimming Pool Pole Invest in a brush with a long handle or an adjustable telescopic handle. This makes it easier to reach all areas of the pool without straining your back.

Be Consistent Establish a regular brushing schedule and stick to it. Consistency is key to maintaining a clean and safe swimming pool.

Want To Become A Pool Expert?

Making sure our pools are being brushed properly is only one aspect of keeping a pool healthy and safe. It takes a strong knowledge of how all components of a pool work together to truly ensure that our pools and spas are properly balanced and free from irritants. 

Thankfully you have options to help you become more knowledgeable about how to keep your water clean and your swimmers safe. The best option is taking a Certified Pool Operator® Class with Pool Training Academy. Becoming CPO® Certified is one of the best ways to truly become a pool expert. And in many states this certification is required by law to operate a pool or spa commercially.

Pool Training Academy is the #1 CPO® Certification provider in the world and our classes are specially tailored to be fun, engaging, and most of all relevant to your needs.Click here to sign up for the next class in your area or to take acompletely online course today and learn everything you need to know to make your pool the best it can be.