Why You Might Be Cleaning Your Pool the Wrong Way
Brent had always been proud of his backyard pool in Granite Bay. He skimmed it daily, vacuumed it weekly, and kept the chlorine steady. But even with all that effort, the water still looked a little…off. Not green, not cloudy—just dull. His kids started complaining about itchy skin, and one day he noticed a slick film near the steps. “How is this happening?” he asked. “I clean it all the time.”
The truth is, many Northern California pool owners are cleaning their pools—just not the right way. And when cleaning is done wrong (or out of order), it can actually make things worse.
What “Cleaning Your Pool” Really Means
A sparkling, healthy pool takes more than a quick skim and chlorine tablet. Real cleaning goes beyond the surface—and involves timing, technique, and chemistry.
Here’s what most people miss (and how to fix it).
Skimming Isn’t Enough
Skimming leaves and bugs off the surface is only the first step. Organic material breaks down fast in warm water, affecting sanitizer levels and clogging filters. If you’re only skimming and not brushing or vacuuming regularly, you’re leaving a lot behind.
Vacuuming Without Brushing First? Backwards.
Many pool owners vacuum before brushing. But brushing first loosens the algae, dirt, and scale stuck to the walls—so your vacuum can actually remove it. If you reverse the order, you’re just moving dirt around.
Forgetting the Filter (or Cleaning It Wrong)
If your pool filter is dirty, no amount of skimming or vacuuming will help. Filters should be cleaned according to their type:
Cartridge filters need to be hosed off and occasionally deep-cleaned with a filter cleaner.
DE filters require backwashing and replacing DE powder.
Sand filters need regular backwashing and eventual sand replacement.
Dirty filters slow water flow and lead to murky water, especially in high-use months.
Not Testing Before You Clean
If your water chemistry is off, cleaning might just stir up problems. Always test water before brushing or vacuuming, especially if your chlorine, pH, or stabilizer levels are low. Stirring up debris in unbalanced water can kickstart algae growth or cause cloudy water.
Brushing Only the Obvious Spots
Step areas and tile lines usually get some attention—but walls, behind ladders, and deep corners need weekly brushing too. Algae love shady, still spots.
The Right Way to Clean Your Pool
If you live in Lincoln, Rocklin, Loomis, Roseville, or anywhere nearby, here’s the method we recommend:
Test your water first – Make sure sanitizer and pH are within range.
Brush all surfaces – Loosen buildup before vacuuming.
Vacuum thoroughly – Manual vacuuming is more precise than auto robots.
Skim the surface – After brushing and vacuuming to catch anything that floats up.
Check and clean your filter – Don’t forget to clean the filter after vacuuming heavy debris.
Top off the water level – Especially important in Northern California’s hot, dry summers.
Why This Matters in Northern California
Our region's long, hot summers and wildfire smoke can throw off pool chemistry fast. Ash, pollen, and heat-driven algae growth make cleaning even more important. If you’re cleaning the wrong way—or skipping key steps—you could be one heatwave away from green or foamy water.
We Help You Clean Smarter—Not Harder
At American Dream Pool & Spa Service, we know how easy it is for busy homeowners to miss the little things. That’s why we offer expert pool cleaning, maintenance, and repairs across Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, Loomis, Penryn, and Sheridan.
Whether your pool’s looking a little dull or you’re just tired of guessing what to do next, our team brings clarity—literally and figuratively.
Contact us today to schedule professional pool maintenance and keep your water crystal clear all season long.
American Dream Pool and Spa Service is a trusted provider of pool and spa maintenance, repair, and cleaning services. They serve the areas of Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, CA, offering comprehensive care for both residential and commercial pools. Their services include everything from routine maintenance to specialized repairs for pool and spa equipment, ensuring that every pool owner enjoys a clean, safe, and well-maintained pool or spa throughout the year. With a focus on customer satisfaction, American Dream Pool and Spa Service strives to keep pools in top condition, regardless of the season.
