How to clean a swimming pool and keep the water in good condition throughout the season
With the arrival of good weather, many swimming pools are put back into use after months of little activity. It is common to find cloudy water, leaf debris, dirt stuck to the walls, limescale deposits or outdoor areas that need thorough cleaning before the season begins.
However, cleaning a swimming pool properly is not just about adding chlorine. To achieve clean, safe water in good condition, it is necessary to follow an organized process: checking the initial condition, cleaning the pool basin, adjusting the pH, disinfecting the water, preventing algae growth and keeping the outdoor areas clean.
In this guide, we review how to clean a swimming pool professionally and what types of products are used at each stage of maintenance.
Before you start: check the condition of the pool
Before applying any product, it is advisable to carefully observe the general condition of the pool. Not all swimming pools need the same treatment, and taking action without first identifying the problem can make maintenance less effective.
There are three main aspects to check:
- The condition of the water.
- The condition of the pool basin, walls and floor.
- The operation of the filtration system.
If the water is green, there is probably algae present. If it is cloudy, there may be suspended particles, insufficient filtration or an unbalanced pH. If the walls have stains, limescale or ingrained dirt, the pool basin will need to be cleaned first.
It is also important to check skimmers, pre-filters, baskets and filtration time. Chemical treatment helps keep the water in good condition, but if the filtration system is not working properly, the result will never be optimal.
In addition, combining these actions reduces the need for multiple products and cleaning steps, optimizing resources and improving the productivity of maintenance teams.
Pool basin cleaning: walls, floor and limescale deposits
One of the most important steps when preparing a swimming pool for the season is cleaning the pool basin. During the months of lower use, limescale residues, green deposits, stains, mineral dirt or residues stuck to the walls and floor can build up.
In these cases, superficial cleaning is not always enough. To remove limescale deposits, cement residues, efflorescence or persistent dirt, specific descaling products for swimming pools are used.
These types of products help restore the appearance of surfaces and make start-up more effective. However, they should always be applied following the manufacturer’s instructions, respecting the recommended doses, contact times and safety measures.
In professional or shared-use swimming pools, such as those in hotels, campsites, residential communities or sports centres, this stage is especially important. A pool with a dirty basin gives a poor impression and can make proper water maintenance more difficult throughout the season.
Pool basin cleaning: walls, floor and limescale deposits
One of the most important steps when preparing a swimming pool for the season is cleaning the pool basin. During the months of lower use, limescale residues, green deposits, stains, mineral dirt or residues stuck to the walls and floor can build up.
In these cases, superficial cleaning is not always enough. To remove limescale deposits, cement residues, efflorescence or persistent dirt, specific descaling products for swimming pools are used.
These types of products help restore the appearance of surfaces and make start-up more effective. However, they should always be applied following the manufacturer’s instructions, respecting the recommended doses, contact times and safety measures.
In professional or shared-use swimming pools, such as those in hotels, campsites, residential communities or sports centres, this stage is especially important. A pool with a dirty basin gives a poor impression and can make proper water maintenance more difficult throughout the season.
Water treatment: pH, disinfection, algae and cloudiness
One of the most common mistakes is thinking that any water problem can be solved by adding chlorine. Chlorine is essential, but its effectiveness depends on other factors, especially pH.
pH indicates the degree of acidity or alkalinity of the water. If it is outside the appropriate range, chlorine may lose effectiveness and the water may cause eye and skin irritation, cloudiness, limescale deposits or higher chemical consumption.
That is why, before carrying out shock treatment or applying maintenance products, it is important to measure and adjust the pH using specific products to raise or lower it as required.
Once the pH has been adjusted, disinfection can be carried out. In pools that are being started up after winter, after rainfall, after a high number of bathers or when the water looks poor, it may be necessary to apply a shock treatment with fast-acting chlorine.
For regular maintenance, continuous-action products are used, such as tablets or multifunction treatments, which help keep the water in good condition for longer.
It is also important to pay attention to algae growth. If the water turns green or residues appear on walls, floors or corners, it is advisable to brush the surfaces, adjust the pH, apply the appropriate treatment and keep the filtration system running. Algaecides help prevent and control algae growth, but they work best as part of a complete maintenance process, not as an isolated solution.
Another common problem is cloudy water. In these cases, flocculant can be very useful, as it groups together small particles suspended in the water, making them easier to remove through filtration or floor cleaning.
How to act depending on the pool problem
Each situation requires a specific action. That is why, before applying products, it is important to identify what is happening.
Green water
Green water is usually related to the presence of algae. It can appear due to lack of disinfection, unbalanced pH, high temperatures, rainfall or the accumulation of organic matter.
In this case, the recommended approach is to remove visible debris, brush the walls and floor, measure and adjust the pH, apply the appropriate treatment, reinforce with algaecide if necessary and keep the filtration system running.
Cloudy water
Cloudy water may be caused by suspended particles, insufficient filtration, incorrect pH or excess organic matter.
To correct it, the filter should be checked, the pH tested, levels adjusted if necessary and flocculant used when there are particles that the filtration system cannot remove on its own.
Limescale or deposits
Deposits frequently appear in areas with hard water or in swimming pools that have not been cleaned properly for some time. They can be seen on walls, floors, the waterline or stairs.
In these cases, it is advisable to use a specific descaling product for swimming pools, always checking compatibility with the surface and following the instructions for use.
Cleaning outdoor areas
Pool maintenance does not end with the water. Outdoor areas are also part of the facility and require proper cleaning, especially in professional environments.
Showers, changing rooms, flooring, stairs, handrails, walkways and stainless steel surfaces are exposed to humidity, limescale, footprints, sun creams, dust, grease and organic residues.
To keep these areas in good condition, general cleaners, disinfectants, anti-limescale descalers, stainless steel cleaners or degreasers can be used, depending on the type of surface and level of dirt.
In hotels, campsites, residential communities, gyms or sports centres, this part of maintenance is key to offering a well-kept image and ensuring a good user experience.
How to act depending on the pool problem
Each situation requires a specific action. That is why, before applying products, it is important to identify what is happening.
Green water
Green water is usually related to the presence of algae. It can appear due to lack of disinfection, unbalanced pH, high temperatures, rainfall or the accumulation of organic matter.
In this case, the recommended approach is to remove visible debris, brush the walls and floor, measure and adjust the pH, apply the appropriate treatment, reinforce with algaecide if necessary and keep the filtration system running.
Cloudy water
Cloudy water may be caused by suspended particles, insufficient filtration, incorrect pH or excess organic matter.
To correct it, the filter should be checked, the pH tested, levels adjusted if necessary and flocculant used when there are particles that the filtration system cannot remove on its own.
Limescale or deposits
Deposits frequently appear in areas with hard water or in swimming pools that have not been cleaned properly for some time. They can be seen on walls, floors, the waterline or stairs.
In these cases, it is advisable to use a specific descaling product for swimming pools, always checking compatibility with the surface and following the instructions for use.
Cleaning outdoor areas
Pool maintenance does not end with the water. Outdoor areas are also part of the facility and require proper cleaning, especially in professional environments.
Showers, changing rooms, flooring, stairs, handrails, walkways and stainless steel surfaces are exposed to humidity, limescale, footprints, sun creams, dust, grease and organic residues.
To keep these areas in good condition, general cleaners, disinfectants, anti-limescale descalers, stainless steel cleaners or degreasers can be used, depending on the type of surface and level of dirt.
In hotels, campsites, residential communities, gyms or sports centres, this part of maintenance is key to offering a well-kept image and ensuring a good user experience.
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Common mistakes in pool maintenance
Good maintenance does not only depend on having the right products, but also on using them correctly. These are some common mistakes:
Adding chlorine without measuring the pH
If the pH is not properly adjusted, chlorine can lose effectiveness. That is why measuring and regulating pH should be one of the first steps.
Thinking that clear water is always in good condition
Water may look clean visually and still not be properly disinfected. It is important to carry out regular checks and not rely only on appearance.
Not brushing walls and floors
When there is algae or ingrained dirt, applying a product without brushing may not be enough. Mechanical cleaning improves the effectiveness of the treatment.
Forgetting filtration
Filtration is essential to keep the water clean. Without good circulation, products do not work optimally.
Using unsuitable products
Not all cleaners are suitable for swimming pools. Using non-specific products can damage surfaces or interfere with water treatment.
Neglecting outdoor areas
Showers, floors, stairs, handrails and changing rooms are also part of pool maintenance and must be cleaned with the appropriate frequency.
What products does a professional need to maintain a swimming pool?
Although each pool requires treatment adapted to its condition, several product families are commonly used in professional maintenance:
- pH regulators, to adjust the balance of the water.
- Chlorinated products, for disinfection.
- Multifunction treatments, for regular maintenance.
- Algaecides, to prevent or control algae growth.
- Flocculants, to improve water clarity.
- Descalers, to clean walls, floors and limescale residues.
- Cleaners and disinfectants, for showers, changing rooms and outdoor areas.
The key is to use each product at the right time and within a well-organized maintenance process.
What products does a professional need to maintain a swimming pool?
Although each pool requires treatment adapted to its condition, several product families are commonly used in professional maintenance:
- pH regulators, to adjust the balance of the water.
- Chlorinated products, for disinfection.
- Multifunction treatments, for regular maintenance.
- Algaecides, to prevent or control algae growth.
- Flocculants, to improve water clarity.
- Descalers, to clean walls, floors and limescale residues.
- Cleaners and disinfectants, for showers, changing rooms and outdoor areas.
The key is to use each product at the right time and within a well-organized maintenance process.
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Pool maintenance in professional environments
Professional or shared-use swimming pools require greater control than private pools. The number of bathers, constant exposure and hygiene requirements make it necessary to establish clear cleaning and treatment routines.
This is especially important in residential communities, hotels, campsites, gyms, sports centres, spas or municipal facilities.
In these spaces, keeping the water in good condition is not just a matter of appearance. It also affects safety, hygiene, user comfort and the image of the facility.
That is why it is advisable to work with professional products and a maintenance plan that covers both water treatment and the cleaning of the pool basin and surrounding areas.
Frequently asked questions about pool cleaning
How do you clean a swimming pool after winter?
The first step is to remove leaves and visible debris, check the condition of the water, clean the walls and floor, check the filtration system and measure the pH. Then, the pH should be adjusted and the appropriate disinfection treatment applied. If there are deposits, it is advisable to use a specific descaling product for swimming pools.
What product should be used when pool water is green?
Green water usually indicates the presence of algae. In these cases, it is advisable to adjust the pH, brush the walls and floor, apply shock treatment if necessary, use algaecide and keep the filtration system running.
What is flocculant used for in a swimming pool?
Flocculant is used to group together small particles suspended in the water. This makes them easier to remove through filtration or floor cleaning and helps restore water clarity.
Why is it important to regulate pH before adding chlorine?
Because pH directly affects the effectiveness of chlorine. If it is outside the correct range, disinfection may be less effective and the water may cause irritation, cloudiness or limescale deposits.
Frequently asked questions about pool cleaning
How do you clean a swimming pool after winter?
The first step is to remove leaves and visible debris, check the condition of the water, clean the walls and floor, check the filtration system and measure the pH. Then, the pH should be adjusted and the appropriate disinfection treatment applied. If there are deposits, it is advisable to use a specific descaling product for swimming pools.
What product should be used when pool water is green?
Green water usually indicates the presence of algae. In these cases, it is advisable to adjust the pH, brush the walls and floor, apply shock treatment if necessary, use algaecide and keep the filtration system running.
What is flocculant used for in a swimming pool?
Flocculant is used to group together small particles suspended in the water. This makes them easier to remove through filtration or floor cleaning and helps restore water clarity.
Why is it important to regulate pH before adding chlorine?
Because pH directly affects the effectiveness of chlorine. If it is outside the correct range, disinfection may be less effective and the water may cause irritation, cloudiness or limescale deposits.
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