Don't swim in filth—here's how to clean a pool

You might not know it, but your swimming pool could be a lot dirtier than you think. If you haven’t learned how to clear your pool properly, all that moisture can spawn algae, fungus, and bacteria. Worse, it can even draw mosquitoes.

Often, people make the mistake of thinking all it takes to clean their pool is a few chlorine tabs. That's a bit like thinking you don't need to clean your shower because it has soap in it.

Proper pool maintenance with tools like pool vacuums and brushes ensures your pool will provide a cleaner, more pleasant swim. We did our research on all the essentials you need to know. Here’s how to clean a pool the right way.

Do I need to vacuum my pool?

There’s more than one way to clean your pool, but in terms of convenience and coverage, robotic pool vacuums are your best bet.

Skimming and brushing your pool work well in a pinch, but if you aren’t thorough, anything you miss can end up hurting your pumps and filters. A good pool vacuum won’t have that problem.

Robotic cleaners have many tiers. Some only clean the pool floor, while other pool vacuums will climb the walls and skim the waterline.

Models like the Aiper Scuba V3 feature AI Patrol Cleaning, which can identify more than 20 types of debris and automatically target high-debris areas for more efficient cleaning. Combined with powerful suction, it helps remove leaves, dirt, and fine particles that traditional cleaning methods often miss. While robotic pool cleaners require a higher upfront investment than manual nets and skimmers, they can significantly reduce the time and effort required for routine pool maintenance.

Aiper is running their own special discount during their summer campaign with up to 40% off some of their most popular products, including the Aiper Scuba V3.

Manual pool vacuums cost anywhere from $100 to $300, but they can be cumbersome and time-consuming. We’re a company that likes robots doing chores, yet we all know someone who would prefer manual pool equipment.

How often should I skim my pool?

Robot pool cleaners aren’t the only way to give your pool a good cleaning. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can’t go wrong with a pool skimmer

Daily skimming is a fundamental part of good pool maintenance. Remove debris by skimming the surface with a pool net before they can settle and accumulate on the bottom. Also, remember to check your skimmer basket.

If you constantly remove bugs and leaves, you may need to trim some nearby trees, as they are often the source. Or consider investing in a pool cover, which will also help regulate temperature.

How to prevent algae growth?

You should scrub the walls and ladders in your pool for algae around twice a week. Stainless steel pool brushes are probably your best bet if your pool is made of concrete or gunite. A nylon brush is best for fiberglass and vinyl to avoid scratches.

How to clean a pool filter?

Regardless of whether you have a diatomaceous earth (DE), sand, or cartridge filter, you should regularly check it and remove large debris to keep water circulating. If you own a DE or sand filter, you should also consider backwashing it or reversing the water flow through the filtration system to clear it out.

The general rule is to backwash once the pressure gauge is 8 -10 psi above the normal startup pressure. The backwash procedure depends on your valve setup.

How often should I test my pool’s chlorine levels?

When you smell the scent of chlorine, it means that the water is dirty. Checking chemical levels with a testing kit is an important part of pool maintenance, and generally, you should do so as often as you use the pool.

For example, if your family uses the pool daily, you should test your water chemistry daily. It only takes one accident to make the pool filthy.