How to Clean a Concrete Pool

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

This is a relatively quick, safe and inexpensive way to clean an empty, in-ground concrete/plaster swimming pool using materials and tools you probably already have on hand. Instead of dangerous acid washing, this method uses a water-based mixture of bleach and detergent. Power washing is an optional follow-up, but not absolutely necessary.

Steps

1
Drain pool and periodically spray sides of pool to loosen dirt and grime.
2
Once empty, physically remove debris with shovels and brooms, using hose with power nozzle to wash dirt to the puddle. A 5 gallon (18.9 L) bucket works well for carrying the debris up and out of the pool. Small pails can bail the remaining water into the 5 gallon (18.9 L) bucket for removal.

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3
Cleaning solution: In a clean 2 gallon (7.6 L) bucket, mix 1/4 cup TSP (TriSodium Phosphate powder, available in paint dept. of home improvement center), 1/2 cup laundry powder, 1 US-quart (950 ml) laundry bleach, 3 US quarts (3,000 ml) warm water. Makes 1 gallon (3.8 L).
4
Wear protective gloves and long pants for the following: Wet the pool with hose, then apply cleaning solution with a long handle brush to the walls and bottom of the pool.
5
Let stand 30 minutes, then brush from top to bottom, using additional solution as needed. Time is the magic ingredient.
6
Rinse with clear water, and repeat as needed. Do not let the solution stay on the surface too long.

Community Q&A

Question

Is this method suitable for cleaning if the pool has been emptied because of excess cyanuric acid?

Community Answer

Cyanuric acid plays well with chlorine bleach, so no problem.
Question

Do I have to open the drain plugs at the bottom of the pool before draining the water?

Community Answer

Yes, there should be 2 drain plugs that need to be opened as soon as they can be accessed during the draining process.

Warnings

Anytime you use bleach or phosphate, even in household strengths, there is danger of skin and eye irritation. Also, your pool plaster should not be exposed to these caustic substance for extended period of time or it can be damaged. Keep your pool pump valve in the "waste" position so none of these chemicals reach your filter.

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Things You'll Need

Stiff scrub brush with a long handle.
Flat shovel.
Broom.
Some 2 and 5 gallon buckets (empty pool chemical buckets are fine).
Garden water hose with power nozzle.
1/4 cup TSP (TriSodium Phosphate powder, available in paint dept. of home improvement center - 1 lb. box is enough).
1/2 cup laundry powder.
1 quart laundry bleach.
3 quarts warm water.