In What Order Should I Clean My Pool?

Cleaning a pool effectively requires adhering to a systematic sequence that maximizes efficiency while safeguarding equipment and water quality. Performing tasks in the wrong order—like vacuuming before skimming or balancing chemicals before removing debris—wastes time, strains filtration systems, and risks chemical imbalances. This guide outlines the optimal cleaning sequence for Australian pools, if you’re still stuck you can also check out this website for more information. This also considers regional challenges like leaf litter, dust storms, and intense UV exposure.

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

1. Safety First

• Turn off power to pumps and heaters at the circuit breaker.
• Secure pets and children away from the work area.
• Wear protective gear: gloves, goggles, and closed-toe shoes.

2. Equipment Check

• Inspect telescopic poles for cracks.
• Ensure vacuum hoses are leak-free.
• Confirm brush bristles match your pool’s surface (stiff for concrete, soft for vinyl).

3. Initial Observations

• Note areas of heavy debris accumulation.
• Check for visible algae or scale buildup.
• Verify pump pressure gauge readings.

The Optimal Cleaning Sequence

Step 1: Skim Surface Debris

Why first? Floating leaves and insects sink over time, complicating later vacuuming.

• Use a leaf rake or flat skimmer net.
• Work from the shallow end toward deep areas.
• Empty skimmer baskets after each pass.

Australian tip: In eucalyptus-rich regions, skim twice daily during shedding seasons to prevent tannin stains.

Step 2: Brush Walls and Floor

Why before vacuuming? Loosening biofilm and algae allows the vacuum to capture suspended particles.

• Start with waterline tiles to remove sunscreen and oil residue.
• Use overlapping strokes, focusing on corners and steps.
• Brush toward main drains to centralize debris.

Surface-specific techniques:

• Concrete: Scrub aggressively to penetrate textured surfaces.
• Fibreglass: Gentle circular motions prevent gelcoat scratches.
• Vinyl: Avoid excessive pressure to prevent liner tears.

Step 3: Vacuum the Pool

Why now? Brushing has concentrated debris for efficient removal.

Manual Vacuuming

1. Attach vacuum head to pole and hose.
2. Prime the hose by submerging it completely.
3. Connect to the skimmer suction port.
4. Use slow, overlapping passes—fast movements stir debris.

Robotic Vacuuming

• Deploy after brushing to handle dispersed particles.
• Pre-programmed models excel in large or complex-shaped pools.

Caution: Never vacuum through main drains without a leaf trap—debris can clog pumps.

Step 4: Empty Skimmer and Pump Baskets

Why post-vacuuming? Captured debris reduces filtration efficiency.

• Turn off pump.
• Remove baskets; hose off stuck debris.
• Inspect for cracks or warping.
• Reinstall with silicone lubricant on O-rings.

Step 5: Backwash or Clean Filters

Why after vacuuming? Filters trap fine particles stirred during cleaning.

Sand Filters

1. Set multiport valve to BACKWASH.
2. Run pump until sight glass water clears (~3 minutes).
3. Rinse for 30 seconds before returning to FILTER.

Cartridge Filters

1. Remove cartridges.
2. Soak overnight in trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution.
3. Rinse with low-pressure hose.

DE Filters

1. Backwash per manufacturer guidelines.
2. Add fresh diatomaceous earth through the skimmer.

Step 6: Test and Balance Water Chemistry

Why last? Cleaning alters chemical levels via debris removal and backwashing.

1. Test pH and chlorine using a digital tester or liquid kit.
2. Adjust alkalinity (80–120 ppm) to stabilize pH.
3. Sanitize: Add chlorine to reach 2–3 ppm.
4. Shock if combined chlorine exceeds 0.5 ppm.

Perth-specific note: High alkalinity in local tap water often requires weekly acid doses.

Step 7: Final Equipment Check

• Confirm pump primes properly.
• Check for suction leaks at skimmer connections.
• Verify pressure gauge returns to normal (10–15 psi).

Regional Adjustments for Australian ConditionsCoastal Regions (QLD, NSW)

• Order tweak: Brush saltwater pools before skimming to dislodge calcium scale.
• Weekly extra: Rinse corrosion-prone ladder fittings post-cleaning.

Bushfire-Prone Areas (VIC, SA)

• Pre-cleaning step: Hose down surrounds to prevent ash entering during skimming.
• Post-cleaning: Check filters twice after vacuuming due to fine particulate loads.

Tropical North (NT, FNQ)

• Insert after Step 3: Scrub underwater light niches—common algae hideouts.
• Monthly addition: Acid wash ladders to remove biofilm.

Arid Zones (WA, Outback)

• Pre-skimming: Use a dust mop on coping stones to reduce windblown sand.
• Post-backwash: Inspect sand filters for clumping from clay particles.

Common Sequencing Mistakes

1. Testing Chemicals First

• Debris-laden water yields false readings.
• Solution: Always test after physical cleaning.

2. Vacuuming Before Brushing

• Leaves biofilm intact, requiring repeat cleaning.
• Solution: Follow the brush-vacuum hierarchy.

3. Backwashing Prematurely

• Wastes water by cleaning filters before they’re fully loaded.
• Solution: Backwash only after pressure rises 8–10 psi.

4. Adding Shock Before Vacuuming

• Oxidizes debris into unvacuumable dissolved solids.
• Solution: Shock 30 minutes post-vacuuming.

Time-Saving Tips for Efficient Cleaning


1. The 15-Minute Daily Routine

1. Skim surface (5 mins).
2. Quick brush of high-traffic areas—steps, ladders (7 mins).
3. Visual equipment check (3 mins).

2. Weekly Deep Clean Shortcuts

• Use a leaf gulper for heavy debris before skimming.
• Apply enzyme-based cleaners overnight to break down oils pre-vacuuming.

3. Robotic Cleaner Integration

• Schedule runs immediately after manual brushing.
• Choose dual scrubbing/vacuuming models to combine Steps 2–3.

Seasonal Sequencing AdjustmentsSummer (December–February)

• Extra step post-vacuuming: Check for hydrauliс suction leaks exacerbated by heat.
• Chemical order: Balance cyanuric acid before pH to account for stabilizer drift.

Autumn (March–May)

• Pre-skimming: Blow leaves from surrounds using a leaf blower.
• Post-cleaning: Inspect covers for rodent damage before storage.

Winter (June–August)

• Modified sequence:

1. Remove cover debris.
2. Test chemicals (limited brushing/vacuuming).
3. Add winterizing algaecide.

Spring (September–November)

• Pre-cleaning: Shock pool 24 hours before full service to oxidize winter contaminants.
• Post-cleaning: Lubricate all O-rings and valve seals.

Pool-Type Specific SequencesConcrete Pools

1. Day 1: Acid wash stain-prone areas.
2. Day 2: Neutralize with baking soda rinse.
3. Day 3: Proceed with standard cleaning.

Fibreglass Pools

• Avoid: Immediate vacuuming after brushing—static charges attract dust.
• Insert: Rinse surfaces with garden hose post-brushing.

Above-Ground Pools

1. Clean top rails before skimming to prevent debris knock-in.
2. Check liner seams post-vacuuming for stress signs.

Troubleshooting Out-of-Order EffectsCloudy Water After Cleaning

• Likely cause: Vacuumed before brushing, leaving particles suspended.
• Fix: Rebrush, wait 4 hours, then vacuum slowly.

Recurring Algae Patches

• Likely cause: Shocked before scrubbing, protecting biofilm.
• Fix: Brush aggressively, then shock at dusk.

Pump Overheating

• Likely cause: Backwashed before clearing skimmer baskets.
• Fix: Shut down, clean baskets, restart with reduced suction.

Conclusion

Cleaning your pool in the correct order—skimming, brushing, vacuuming, filtering, then chemically treating—saves up to 40% in time and reduces chemical costs by preventing unnecessary reactions. Australian pool owners should adapt the core sequence to local conditions: coastal regions prioritize corrosion checks, while arid zones focus on dust management. By viewing pool cleaning as a strategic cascade rather than isolated tasks, you’ll maintain healthier water with less effort. Remember, the right order isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about creating a self-reinforcing system where each step amplifies the next’s effectiveness.