How to Clean Dirty Pool Walls?

Who doesn’t love a clean pool? Not only do clean pool walls look visually appealing, but they also ensure health by being free of algae or bacteria. If you have dirty pool walls and want to learn how to clean pool walls thoroughly, this guide is for you. 

Do You Need to Clean Your Pool Walls?

Yes, you must absolutely clean your pool walls. Clean walls prevent algae hotspots and biofilm from developing in pool water. They also prevent imbalances from organic decay. If your pool walls remain clean, your pool will last longer, whether it is vinyl, concrete, or fiberglass pool. In addition, a clean pool increases the swimming experience since it looks, smells, and feels fresh and is safer for use.

What to Use to Clean the Walls of a Pool

To clean empty pool walls, you must choose the right brushes.

• Choose nylon for vinyl and fiberglass pools.
  
• Choose stainless steel for concrete or gunite pools only.

After choosing the ideal brush, proceed to pool cleaning chemicals. Commercial cleaning chemicals specifically target tough, cleaner-resistant algae, stains, or bacteria. You need to use them cautiously and should not apply them to fragile pools such as vinyl. Cleaning chemicals for DIY purposes saves the environment and your pocket. They include the use of diluted vinegar or bleach.

Remember to match the cleaner to the pool wall material and type of stain. For instance, you may use DIY cleaners for vinyl pools and for concrete pools, or opt for commercial cleaners.

In addition to pool cleaning products, robotic pool cleaners are a better cleaning alternative. They can easily climb and scrub pool walls, being ideal for undrained pool cleaning. They’re great for reducing manual effort and maintaining cleanliness between deep cleans.

You must prioritize your safety while cleaning. Wear gloves, goggles, or non-slip shoes to avoid trips and falls. Always wear protective gear when handling strong chemicals.

How to Clean Pool Walls After Draining

You need to drain your pool only if it is suffering from severe staining or widespread algae. 

Step 1.  Initial debris removal

1. Safety First: Ensure the pool is fully drained and safe to enter (check for slick surfaces or sharp debris).
2. Tools Needed: Leaf net or scoop, broom, trash bags or bucket
3. What to Do: Remove all loose debris from the pool floor and walls (leaves, twigs, dirt clumps). Sweep away dirt and dust to avoid clogging when rinsing later

Step 2.  Applying cleaners and scrubbing techniques

1. Choose the Right Cleaner:

• For mineral stains (calcium/limescale): Use a pumice stone or scale remover.
• For organic stains (algae, leaves): Use diluted chlorine solution or pool-safe stain remover.
• For black algae: Use a wire brush and a strong algaecide. 

2. Tools You May Need:

Use a nylon or wire-bristle pool brush depending on the surface. You’ll need scrub pads, long-handled applicator, and safety gloves.

3. Scrubbing Techniques:

• Start at the shallow end and work downward.
• Focus on stained areas with circular, firm strokes.
• Let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results.
  

Step 3.  Rinsing and waste disposal

1. Rinsing the Walls:

• Use a hose with a spray nozzle to rinse off all loosened grime and chemicals
• Be thorough to avoid leaving behind cleaner residue, which can affect pool chemistry later

2. Wastewater Management:

• Check local regulations for chemical waste disposal (some cleaners need special handling)
• Direct dirty water to the appropriate drainage or holding tanks

3. Final Check:

• Inspect walls for any remaining stains
• Re-treat stubborn areas if needed
  

How to Clean Pool Walls Without Draining

Ideally, you must clean pool walls without draining water. This is the most preferred and convenient method as it preserves water and easily fits into various pool maintenance routines.

Essential Techniques for an Undrained Pool

You must brush your pool walls daily or at least weekly to keep algae, bacteria, and debris in check. The brushing techniques depend on the pool surface:

• Concrete/Gunite: Vigorous brushing.
• Vinyl Liner: Gentle but firm brushing with appropriate tools.
• Fiberglass: Smooth surface cleaning, preventing minor build-up.

Use targeted, pool-safe cleaners for waterline scum and isolated spots. Enzyme-based cleaners are highly effective for removing organic scum lines (oils, lotions, etc.). Look for acid-based pool tile and surface cleaners specifically designed and formulated for mineral scale and stains.

Robotic pool cleaners are the best for wall cleaning as they can easily climb and scrub. They are especially effective in undrained pools. They also reduce manual effort and help maintain consistent cleanliness between brushings.

For focused waterline cleaning, you may choose to lower the water levels.

Conquering Common Wall Problems in a Full Pool

If your pool walls continuously remain dirty, then they might be infested with various forms of algae.

• Removing algae requires you to know the type that has infested your pool, e.g., green or mustard type.
• Use targeted algaecides to banish algae and brush your pool walls regularly.
• If the need arises, do a pool shock treatment to permanently eliminate algae.
• To clean slimy pool walls, such as water mold or biofilm, understand their cause.
• Brush vigorously and do specific treatments to break down slime.
  

Are Pool Cleaners Effective in Pool Wall Cleaning?

A robotic pool cleaner may not replace targeted manual scrubbing for specific issues, such as stubborn stains in nooks and crannies. However, they ease pool maintenance and automatically clean and maintain the pool on a daily basis. They can effectively remove clean walls, rendering them spotless. Consider the Dreame Z1 Pro pool cleaner. It features a powerful 8000 GPH suction motor that effectively sucks common pool debris. It also features a 50% enhanced Horizontal Waterline Cleaning that effectively scrubs pool walls.

Conclusion

Say no to dirty pool walls. Cleaning pool walls is pretty easy. You may choose to drain your pool in case of severe staining or clean the pool with water still inside. Scoop the obvious debris with a net, pour pool cleaning solutions and scrub vigorously. Clean the pool thoroughly and remove waste. It is essential for maintaining health and safety.

Regular checks prevent the build up of algae and other contaminants. It also reduces the need to do intensive cleaning once the situation goes out of whack.