Why Brushing Your Pool Is a Must: Techniques, Timing & Tools Every Pool Owner Should Know
Brushing your pool might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of the most important tasks for keeping your pool water crystal‑clear and your surfaces looking brand new. Whether you own a backyard paradise with a grotto or a basic rectangular inground pool, knowing how and when to brush your pool makes all the difference.
Still wondering if you should brush your pool before vacuuming or shocking? Or curious about how often to do it? We’ll break it all down here — from the best pool brushes to the most efficient techniques and answers to every common question.
Why Brushing Your Pool Matters
Algae, calcium deposits, and scum buildup aren’t just eyesores — they can cause long‑term damage to your plaster, tile, and grout. Routine brushing prevents this by loosening debris, making it easier for your filtration and vacuum systems to do their jobs.
Not brushing regularly can lead to:
- Stained or etched pool surfaces
- Algae growth, especially in shaded or low‑circulation areas
- Unbalanced water chemistry from trapped debris
- Reduced effectiveness of pool chemicals
How Often Should You Brush the Pool?
For most pool owners, brushing two to three times per week is ideal. However, there are special cases:
- Newly plastered pools: Brush daily for the first 2 weeks to remove plaster dust.
- After shocking: Always brush afterward to distribute chemicals and prevent buildup.
- Heavy swimmer load or after storms: Increase brushing frequency to prevent debris from settling.
Should You Brush the Pool Before Vacuuming or Shocking?
✅ Brush Before Vacuuming
Yes. Brushing lifts algae, dirt, and debris from walls and floor, making it easier for your vacuum to collect everything in one pass.
✅ Brush Before Shocking
Yes again. Brushing before shocking helps expose hidden algae or organic residue so that chlorine (or whatever shock you use) can do its job more effectively. It also helps distribute chemicals more evenly.
How to Brush the Pool Properly
- Attach a quality pool brush to your telescoping pole. For example, check out the A&B 18″ Standard Curved Wall Brush (SKU 3010).
- Start in the shallow end and work your way toward the deep end.
- Use long, overlapping strokes to cover all surfaces.
- Pay special attention to dead zones: steps, corners, behind ladders, and around water features or grotto walls.
- Brush debris toward the main drain or floor area before vacuuming.
Choosing the Right Pool Brush
Not all brushes are equal. The best brush depends on your pool’s surface:
- Plaster, gunite, or concrete: Use a stiffer nylon or mixed bristle brush, such as the A&B curved wall brush above.
- Vinyl or fiberglass: Use a softer nylon brush to avoid scratching.
- Tile lines and scum lines: Use a dedicated tile/scum line brush (if available).
How to Brush Scum Lines Around an Inground Pool
Use a soft tile brush and a nonabrasive scum line cleaner. Scrub horizontally along the waterline, applying light pressure to avoid damaging tile or grout.
Brushing Unique Pool Features
How to Brush the Grotto
Grottos tend to harbor algae because of lower circulation. Use a narrow or flexible brush to get into tight curves, corners, and behind rocks.
How to Brush After Pool Plastering
When a pool is freshly plastered, it sheds fine dust for days. Brush the entire pool surface twice a day (walls + floor) for the first week, then daily for the next week.
Other Useful Tools & Brush‑Related Products
Here are some related products (not always full pool brushes) found on Aqua Pool Supply that you may find useful:
Polaris Atlas XT Silver Cyclonic Scrubbing Brushes (4 pack)
Hayward TigerShark Roller Brush | RCX26008
Pentair Great White Brush Ring Kit GW9505
Frequently Asked Questions About Brushing the Pool
Should I brush the pool before vacuuming?
Yes. Brushing first loosens debris so your vacuum can collect more in less time.
Can I go in the pool with a brush burn?
It’s best to wait until it heals. High chlorine or chemicals used in shocking can irritate open wounds, and bacteria from the pool might infect it.
What is the best pool brush?
The “best” depends on your pool’s surface. For example, the A&B 18″ curved wall brush (SKU 3010) is a solid option.
How often should I brush my pool?
Generally 2–3 times per week. More if you’ve shocked the pool, had heavy use, or just plastered it.
What is the best brush for a pool table?
This is a different kind of “pool.” For a billiards pool table, use a soft, horsehair brush — outside the scope of swimming pool maintenance.
What time does the brush pool close?
If you meant a public swimming pool named “Brush Pool,” you'd need to check local municipal schedules. This post is about cleaning tools, not public facility hours.
Make Every Brush Stroke Count
Regular brushing is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to keep your pool healthy, sparkling, and swim-ready. Whether you’re dealing with new plaster, tricky grotto corners, or persistent algae in the corners, the right brush and brushing habits go a long way.
Want help picking the right brush or accessory for your pool? Visit our Pool Supplies collection or contact us for expert advice.
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