Pressure Washing Your Pool Area: Dos and Don’ts

A sparkling clean pool deck and a refreshed pool interior can breathe new life into your backyard oasis. Pressure washing offers a powerful cleaning solution to tackle grime, mildew, and stubborn stains that accumulate over time. However, wielding this powerful tool requires caution to avoid damaging your pool or surroundings.

This guide delves into the dos and don’ts of pressure house wash your pool area, ensuring a safe and successful cleaning project.

Do: Prepare the Pool Area

• Clear the Deck: Remove all furniture, decorations, and pool equipment from the cleaning zone. This protects your belongings from accidental damage and allows for a thorough cleaning.
• Cover the Pool: Completely cover your pool with a heavy-duty tarp or pool cover. This prevents debris and cleaning solution from contaminating the pool water and saves you the hassle of extra cleaning later.
• Protect Plants: If you have plants near the pool deck, protect them with a tarp or by generously watering them beforehand. The forceful spray from a pressure washer can damage delicate plants.
• Plan Your Water Source: Locate a suitable water source for your pressure washer. Ideally, you’ll have an outdoor faucet with enough pressure for the washer to function effectively.
• Safety First: Wear proper attire, including closed-toe shoes, safety glasses, gloves, and long pants. Pressure washers can kick up debris and cleaning solution, so protect yourself from potential hazards.

Don’t: Skimp on Safety

• Never pressure wash a full pool: The high-pressure stream can damage the pool’s liner, tiles, or coping. Always empty the pool completely before pressure washing.
• Neglect eye protection: Safety glasses are crucial to shield your eyes from flying debris or cleaning solution that may splash back.
• Forget the gloves: Gloves protect your hands from the pressure washer’s trigger and prevent blisters.
• Wear loose clothing: Loose clothing can snag on the pressure washer’s spray nozzle or get soaked with cleaning solution. Opt for fitted clothing.

Do: Choose the Right Equipment

• Pressure Washer Selection: For cleaning pool decks, a gas-powered pressure washer between 1,500 and 3,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) is ideal. Avoid using excessively high pressure, as it can damage surfaces.
• Nozzle Options: Invest in a variety of nozzle tips for your pressure washer. A fan nozzle offers a wider spray pattern for general cleaning, while a pinpoint nozzle provides a concentrated stream for tackling tough stains.
• Cleaning Solution: Use a cleaning solution specifically designed for pressure washers on concrete or paver surfaces. Opt for eco-friendly solutions whenever possible. Never use bleach directly in a pressure washer, as it can damage the machine.

Don’t: Use the Wrong Equipment

• Overpower your project: A pressure washer exceeding 3,000 PSI is unnecessary for most pool decks and can cause damage.
• Ignore the nozzle: Using the incorrect nozzle can lead to uneven cleaning or surface damage. Choose the right nozzle for the task at hand.
• Improvise with cleaning solutions: Household cleaners or harsh chemicals are not suitable for pressure washers and may damage your pool deck or surrounding plants.

Do: Master the Technique

• Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with a low pressure setting and gradually increase it as needed. A gentler approach helps prevent accidental damage.
• Maintain Distance: Hold the pressure washer nozzle at a safe distance from the surface you’re cleaning. The recommended distance will vary depending on the pressure and nozzle type, so consult your machine’s manual for specific recommendations.
• Work in Sections: Clean the pool deck in sections to ensure even coverage and prevent areas from drying out too quickly.
• Follow the Grain: When cleaning concrete or paver surfaces, apply the pressure washer spray in a sweeping motion following the natural grain of the material. This helps prevent streaking and uneven cleaning.
• Rinse Thoroughly: After applying the cleaning solution and scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue.

Don’t: Rush the Process

• Blast Everything on High: Using an excessively high pressure setting can etch or damage your pool deck. Take your time and work methodically.
• Forget to Overlap: When cleaning in sections, ensure each pass overlaps slightly with the previous one to avoid missed spots.
• Neglect the Rinse: Leaving cleaning solution residue on your pool deck can attract dirt and grime faster. A thorough rinse is essential.

Do: Consider Hiring a Professional

• Complexities Abound: If your pool deck has intricate designs, delicate materials, or stubborn stains, consider hiring a professional pressure