Oh look, your pool is green. Again. But hey, you added chlorine, right? You ran the pump, balanced the pH, and even tossed in some fancy clarifier. So why does your pool still look like a swamp? Simple. You skipped brushing it.
Yep, brushing. That boring, manual task you keep pretending doesn’t matter. Spoiler: It does. Big time.
Why Skipping Brushing Is Ruining Your Pool
Green algae is stubborn. It clings to surfaces like it owns the place. If you’re only relying on chemicals to do the heavy lifting, you’re basically letting algae throw a pool party on your walls and floor.
Chlorine kills what it touches. But it can’t reach algae hiding in tiny surface crevices unless you scrub it off and expose it. So if you’re skipping brushing, you’re not cleaning your pool. You’re just hoping for a miracle.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
Mistake #1: Thinking The Filter Does Everything
Running your filter is important, but it doesn’t replace actual cleaning. A pool filter is not a magic vacuum. If you let stuff settle on the floor or stick to the walls, your filter isn’t going to magically suck it up.
Quick Fix
- Run your filter at least 8 hours a day
- Skim surface debris daily
- Vacuum weekly
- Brush all pool surfaces regularly
Mistake #2: Ignoring Brushing Because It’s “Too Much Work”
You spent all that money on a pool, but you’re too tired to brush it? Cool, enjoy the algae.
Brushing takes maybe 10 minutes every other day. That’s less time than scrolling social media or watching pool hack videos you’ll never actually try.
Quick Fix
- Use a good wall brush and telescopic pole
- Brush all surfaces including steps, ladders, and behind the skimmer
- Schedule brushing every other day
Mistake #3: Dumping In Chemicals Like You’re Baking A Cake
Shock, algaecide, pH adjuster, clarifier, more shock. If your pool routine looks like a chemistry experiment gone wrong, you might be wasting time and money.
Too many chemicals can cause cloudy water, irritation, and still not fix your green problem if you haven’t physically removed algae.
Quick Fix
- Stick to the basics: chlorine, pH, and alkalinity
- Test your water weekly
- Brush before shocking
Mistake #4: Leaving Debris In The Water Too Long
Leaves, bugs, dirt, mystery floaters from the neighbor’s dog. All of it sits in your pool and feeds algae like a buffet. Organic debris breaks down and adds phosphates to the water, which algae love.
Quick Fix
- Skim daily
- Empty skimmer and pump baskets regularly
- Remove large debris immediately
Mistake #5: Assuming It’ll “Clear Up On Its Own”
Magical thinking is not a pool maintenance strategy. If your pool looks bad today, it’s going to look worse tomorrow. Algae doesn’t just go away because you ignored it.
Quick Fix
- Act fast at the first sign of green
- Brush thoroughly and shock immediately
- Run your pump continuously for 24 hours
- Retest and adjust chemical levels
Deep Dive: What Brushing Really Does
Brushing physically removes algae film, biofilm, and scale buildup. It improves water circulation, especially in dead zones where water flow is weak. It also exposes stubborn contaminants to sanitizers, making your chemicals work better.
Focus on these areas:
- Steps and ladders
- Behind return jets
- Corners and seams
- Waterline tiles
Use a nylon brush for vinyl liners and a stainless steel brush for concrete pools.
How Algae Develops Even When You Think You’re Doing Everything Right
Algae spores are everywhere. They enter your pool from wind, rain, and even swimsuits. If your sanitizer dips even slightly, or if circulation is poor, they bloom fast. That’s why brushing matters. It keeps growth from taking hold.
Contributing Factors:
- Warm water and sunlight
- Poor circulation
- High phosphate levels
- Organic debris buildup
A lazy brushing routine gives all these things a perfect storm to thrive.
Pro Tips To Level Up Your Routine
- Use a phosphate remover monthly if algae keeps coming back
- Install a return jet eyeball fitting to improve circulation
- Don’t forget to brush after shocking to expose any remaining algae
- Cover your pool when not in use to reduce sunlight and debris
- Always clean behind ladders and under pool toys or floats
Stick to this routine and you’ll get your weekends back. Skip it and, well, say hi to your green “friend” again next week.
Your pool. Your call.
