How to Clean the Walls of a Pool

A sparkling pool isn’t just a treat for the eyes. It’s a healthier, safer, and more inviting place to swim. One of the most overlooked parts of pool maintenance? The walls. Dirt, algae, and mineral buildup can sneak up fast, and suddenly your pool walls are less “crystal clear” and more “hazy mystery.” Clean walls improve water hygiene, prevent stains, and help your pool last longer.

Millennium Pools & Spas, serving Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland, knows this all too well. We’ve spent over 30 years helping residential and commercial pools stay functional and gorgeous. Here’s a practical, friendly guide on how to clean the walls of a pool so you can keep your swimming space at its best.

How to Clean Dirty Pool Walls

When your pool walls start showing scum lines, algae spots, mineral scale, or simply a dull appearance, here’s what you’ll want to do:

• Brush the walls using a pole‑mounted pool brush, working from top to bottom and overlapping your strokes.
• Pay special attention to the waterline where body oils, sunscreens, and minerals tend to build up.
• After brushing, vacuum or use filtration to remove the loosened particles so they don’t settle back.
• If there are tougher stains (mineral scale, dark algae), you may need a specialty cleaner or even professional intervention.

Why Pool Walls Get Dirty

Pool walls collect dirt, algae, and scum from daily use. Common causes include:

• Algae growth from low circulation or improper sanitizer levels.
• Body oils, sunscreen, and cosmetics leave a sticky residue at the waterline.
• Mineral deposits or scale caused by imbalanced water chemistry.
• Debris buildup occurs when leaves, dirt, or dust settle on the walls.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Cleaning a pool is easier when you have the right tools:

• Pool brush – Essential for scrubbing walls, steps, and corners. Nylon works on vinyl and fiberglass, while stiffer bristles tackle concrete surfaces.
• Pool skimmer – Removes floating leaves and debris before they settle on the walls.
• Robotic pool cleaners – Automated helpers that keep floors and walls tidy while you focus on other tasks.
• Pool cleaning chemicals – Professionals use these to handle algae, scale, or stains safely.
• Telescopic pole – Lets you reach the deep end or far corners with a brush or scrubber attachment.

How Often Should You Clean Your Pool Walls?

Consistent maintenance is easier than tackling a major mess later. But we got it. You’re busy, and you probably only think about cleaning your pool when you’re ready to use it. So, let us handle the maintenance. At a minimum, you’ll need:

• Weekly brushing – Keeps algae and scum under control.
• Skimming daily or several times a week – Stops debris before it becomes a stain.
• Quarterly deep cleaning – Professional intervention for mineral buildup or stubborn algae.

How Long Does It Take to Clean a Pool?

Time depends on size, surface, and dirt level:

• Residential pools in good shape – Brushing and vacuuming takes 30–60 minutes.
• Heavily soiled or commercial pools – Could take several hours and benefit from professional equipment like robotic pool cleaners.

How to Prevent Pool Walls from Getting Dirty

Prevention is smarter than cleanup:

• Maintain proper water chemistry to minimize algae and mineral deposits.
• Keep water circulating and filters clean.
• Skim debris regularly.
• Brush walls even when they look fine because the subtle buildup is easier to handle than a full scum ring.
• Schedule regular professional residential pool services so it’s done for you

Why Millennium Pools & Spas is the Go-To Team

Millennium Pools & Spas brings over 30 years of expertise in pool plastering, pool renovation, and swimming pool renovations, along with residential and commercial pool services in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Our differentiators:

• Skilled in both residential pool services and large-scale commercial maintenance.
• Member of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals and Honor Roll Rated on Angie’s List.
• Guided customer experience from sales to project completion—no hand-offs, just support.
• Local responsiveness from Springfield, VA, to Frederick, MD, including Stafford, Richmond, and surrounding areas.

Let Us Do the Dirty Work for You

Cleaning pool walls is a mix of strategy, the right tools, and a little know-how. A well-maintained wall keeps water safe and beautiful. For expert help, ongoing residential pool services, contact us to schedule service in Virginia, Washington D.C., or Maryland. With us, you don’t need to know how to clean the walls of your pool. We’ll do it for you! Let us help your pool look its best so you can enjoy every swim.