Sunbathing is much less enjoyable if you have to lay on a dirty pool deck.
The good news is that while it does take some time, cleaning your pool deck isn’t hard. You probably have everything you need in your home already.
We’ve put together this guide to walk you through the pool deck cleaning process, so you will never have to be embarrassed by the look of your pool deck ever again.
How to Clean Your Pool Deck
While washing your pool deck isn’t hard, it does take some time, so be patient. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need and how to start
Sweep the Deck
Start by sweeping any debris, such as leaves or twigs, off your pool deck. This will keep them from falling into the pool while you’re cleaning.
Mix Your Cleaning Solution
All you need to clean your pool deck is some dish soap, bleach, and water. Fill a large bucket with water then add a cup of bleach and dish soap. Keep in mind, depending on the size of your pool, you may need to repeat this process several times to get enough cleaning solution for the entire deck.
You should also think about the material of your deck before you start dumping this cleaning solution anywhere.
This bleach and dish soap mixture is a good fit for concrete, but it might not be the best option for wood decks. Do some research about your deck material. You might be able to find a specific cleaner designed for your type of pool deck.
Spread the Solution Over the Deck
Pour your cleaning solution over the entire surface of your deck. If it’s a hot day, you may want to work in sections to ensure the water doesn’t dry before you get a chance to scrub.
Do your best to keep the cleaning solution from getting into your pool. However, don’t panic if some of the bleachy/soapy water spills into your pool.
Scrub, Scrub, Scrub
Use an exterior scrub brush to scrub your pool deck. You should see the dirt and grime on the surface lift as you work. Even if you don’t notice a drastic change, you’re still removing any chlorine or other chemicalsthat have built up over time, so keep going.
Scrubbing will take some time, so be prepared to spend at least an hour working on this step.
Rinse the Solution Away
Once you finish scrubbing, use a garden hose to rinse off your pool deck. Make sure you’re pushing the water away from your pool.
If you have a pressure nozzle on your hose, use it. It will help remove any tough spots you may have missed while you were scrubbing.
When to Hire Professional Pressure Washing Services
No matter how often you clean your pool deck on your own, you’ll need to hire professional pressure washing services at least once a year. A professional knows the best way to clean your pool deck, and they will remove any harmful chemicals, stains, or debris you can’t get rid of on your own.
You should also pressure wash your deck if you want to reseal it. Trying to reseal the deck before it’s clean will trap chemicals and grime under the layer of sealant, which will continue to damage your deck over time.
Since cleaning your pool deck on your own takes a lot of time, you may want to just go ahead and hire a professional to pressure wash your deck from the start if you don’t have a lot of flexibility in your schedule. Hiring a professional will speed up the job, and you’ll be able to focus your attention on your work, your family, or your other responsibilities.
How to Spot-Treat Stains
Pressure washing your pool deck will remove any stains, but if you don’t want to see that stain every time you take a swim, you may want to get rid of it right away.
To do this, it’s a good idea to keep a TSP solution on hand. Apply a small amount of this solution to the stain, let it sit for a moment, and then scrub. When you finish, you can use clean water to rinse the area.
How to Protect Your Pool Deck
You should always clean your pool deck at least once a year. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your deck in better condition between cleans.
Don’t Use Metal Furniture
Metal furniture tends to rust, which can leave orange stains on your pool deck. To avoid these stains, it’s a good idea to invest in some quality outdoor furniture.
Be Careful with Food and Drinks
You can’t enjoy your pool without your favorite drink or snack, but you should also be careful! Things like wine, coffee, and other foods will stain your deck if you spill them.
Buy an outdoor table and keep any food or drinks on the table. Ask any guests to follow this rule as well to protect your deck from any accidents.
Clean Often
Clean any spills or stains right away to keep them from discoloring or damaging your deck.
Keeping Your Pool Deck Squeaky Clean
The best way to clean your pool deck is to pressure wash it. You should hire a professional to do this for you at least once a year.
Not sure where to find pressure washing services? We have you covered.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you.