A sparkling pool isn’t just nice to look at. It’s healthier and safer for everyone. One of the most overlooked parts of pool care? The walls. Dirt, algae, and mineral deposits like to cling there. Learning how to clean the walls of a pool helps prevent stains, improve hygiene, and extend the life of your pool.
At Great Falls Pools, we help homeowners in Virginia, D.C., and Maryland keep their pool walls spotless year-round. Here’s how to tackle it like a pro.
Why Pool Walls Get Dirty
Pool walls attract buildup for a few reasons:
- Algae growth from low circulation or poor sanitizer levels
- Oils and sunscreen creating sticky residue at the waterline
- Mineral scale caused by pH or hardness issues
- Leaves and dirt settling on vertical surfaces
Over time, these things dull your pool’s shine and may lead to health concerns.
“You can get swimming-related illnesses if you swallow, have contact with, or breathe in mists of water contaminated with germs.” — CDC
Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes all the difference:
- Pool brush (nylon for vinyl, stiff bristle for concrete)
- Telescopic pole for reach
- Skimmer net
- Robotic pool cleaner (great for daily help)
- Pool-safe cleaning chemicals
How to Clean the Walls of a Pool
Here’s a quick step-by-step:
- Skim the surface to remove floating debris.
- Brush the walls from top to bottom, overlapping your strokes.
- Focus on the waterline, where buildup is most common.
- Vacuum or run your filter to catch particles you’ve loosened.
- Use specialized cleaners for stubborn spots like calcium scale or dark algae.
Cleaning should be part of your regular maintenance routine.
How Often Should You Do It?
- Brush weekly to stay ahead of algae and scum.
- Skim debris daily or every few days.
- Schedule professional deep cleaning every few months.
HGTV says, “It’s necessary to brush the liner or tiles on a concrete pool at least every two weeks to keep algae from building up above and just below the waterline.” We think this is a little to relaxed. Weekly is definitely better! Don’t have time to handle it all yourself? Our weekly pool service keeps your walls clean, clear, and safe.
Keep Your Pool Walls Clean Longer
Prevention saves time and money:
- Balance your water chemistry
- Clean your filters and keep circulation strong
- Use a pool cover to limit debris
- Brush even when the walls look clean
Service Area
Great Falls Pools proudly serves Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County (Great Falls, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Fairfax, Falls Church, Annandale, Burke, Springfield, and Reston), eastern Loudoun County (Sterling, Ashburn, and Lansdowne), Arlington, and the City of Falls Church. We also work in Northwest D.C. (Georgetown, Spring Valley, and Palisades) and Potomac, Maryland.
Let Us Handle It For You
Knowing how to clean the walls of a pool is great. But doing it? That’s our specialty. Schedule residential pool cleaning or reach out through our contact page. We’ll handle the scrubbing so you can get back to swimming.