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Introduction
Not everyone wants to hire a professional to clean their pool—and that’s okay! Whether you’re looking to save money, take pride in DIY projects, or just enjoy the satisfaction of maintaining your own backyard oasis, this guide is for you. As an Oklahoma pool owner, you know our state’s unique challenges: towering trees, pollen storms, and tornado season can turn your pool into a debris-filled mess. But with the right routine and tools, you can keep your pool sparkling clean all season long. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: (Secret Pro Tip) Add Tile Soap Mix
Once you’ve tested the water, it’s time to tackle the tile line—and here’s a little pro secret to make your job easier:
Mix Your Solution: Use a 1:10–1:20 ratio of tile cleaner (I use watered-down orange Ajax as it is phosphate free and antibacterial) in a spray bottle.
Spray Along the Tile Line: Spray the mixture along the tile line to break down pollen, dirt, and algae. This breaks the surface tension, causing debris to float to the sides and making it easier to skim. Plus, it reduces glare on the water’s surface so you can see the bottom clearly!
Step 2: Test the Water
Before you start cleaning and while your waiting on the tile soap to do its job, you need to know what you’re working with. Here’s how to test your pool water like a pro:
Collect a Sample: Use an upside-down cup to collect water from elbow deep. This ensures you’re testing water from the middle of the pool, not just the surface. Surface water isn't going to be accurate.
Test the Water: Use a reliable pool test kit or strips to check pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and other levels. Proper water balance is the foundation of a clean pool.
Step 3: Empty the Baskets
Check and empty the skimmer and pump baskets. If the weir door (the little flap in the skimmer) is missing or broken, consider replacing it. A functioning weir door ensures your skimmer works efficiently. If you leave this step for later the debris in the skimmer basket can float back out into your pool adding more work.
Step 4: Brush the Tile Line
Grab a sturdy pool brush and scrub the tile line thoroughly. This step removes debris and allows it to sink to the bottom, making the rest of your cleaning easier.
Step 5: Net the Surface
Oklahoma’s big trees mean lots of leaves and debris. Here’s how to handle it:
Use a high-quality skimmer net (like a Red Barron net and for heavy fall debris, use a 24" Gator net) to remove leaves and debris from the surface.
Tilt your pool jets upward to create a circular flow, which helps gather debris into pockets for easier skimming.
Net in the same direction of your pool jets. Go around your pool twice and you'll likely get 95% of the surface debris.
Step 6: Vacuum the Bottom
A pool vacuum is your best friend.
Start vacuuming in the shallow end and work your way to the deep end, gravity is your friend.
Step 7: Add Chemicals
Now that the pool is clean, it’s time to balance the water.
Add chemicals as needed to keep the water safe and clear.
Step 8: Brush the Walls
Give the pool walls a quick brush to prevent algae buildup. This step is especially important if you’ve had heavy rain or storms.
Step 9: Wrap It Up
Double-check everything, add any final chemicals, and you’re done! A well-maintained pool shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes per cleaning.
Pro Tips for DIY Pool Owners
Invest in the Right Tools: A high-quality net, brush, and vacuum will make your life much easier.
Stick to a Routine: Consistency is key. Doing things in the same order every time saves time and ensures nothing gets missed.
Test Regularly: Test your water at least once a week to catch imbalances early.
Conclusion
Cleaning your own pool doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right routine and tools, you can keep your pool sparkling clean—even in Oklahoma’s challenging climate. Whether you’re saving money, enjoying the DIY process, or just taking pride in your backyard oasis, this guide will help you clean your pool like a pro. So grab your net, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to dive into a cleaner, clearer pool!
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