How to Make Pool Deck Cleaning Easy and Effective

Have you noticed that your deck is not as bright as it used to be? We understand it can be dreadful to every year pick up all the cleaning supplies and then clean your deck for 4-5 hours. 

Pool deck cleaning doesn’t need to be such a project you just want to postpone every year, because, with the right approach, you can maintain a beautiful and safe outdoor space without spending hours scrubbing or worrying about damage. 

How to Clean Your Pool Deck?

No matter which type of deck you have, the cleaning process is almost the same. Depending on your deck’s material and condition, you may need to adjust your cleaning approach just a little. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you keep your pool deck spotless.

Step 1: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution

Start by mixing a cleaning solution in a bucket. For concrete decks, combine water, oxygenated bleach (not chlorine bleach), and a squirt of dish soap. 

For wooden decks prone to mold and mildew, mix a cup of white vinegar into a gallon of water. You can apply this with a spray bottle or garden hose attachment. Once your solution is ready, apply it generously to the deck using a mop or scrubbing brush.

Step 2: Scrub the Pool Deck

Scrub the deck thoroughly to remove dirt, mildew, and grime. For wooden decks, be gentle to avoid damaging the surface. Concrete decks may require more scrubbing, especially if cracks are present, to ensure dirt and debris are removed from those areas. 

Be cautious when using bleach around plants, flowers, or furniture as it can harm them.

If you’re dealing with stubborn mold or mildew on a wood deck, allow the vinegar solution to sit for several minutes to kill the growth. Then, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub it away. 

Step 3: Rinse the Deck

After scrubbing, rinse the deck thoroughly using a hose with a nozzle to remove the cleaning solution. Make sure to rinse away the solution toward a driveway or walkway, not your lawn, to prevent damage to your plants. A pressure washer can also be used for extra power if needed.

Step 4: Deal with Stubborn Stains

For rust stains, apply muriatic acid, but use caution and wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a breathing apparatus. Always dilute it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

For oil stains, a commercial-grade degreaser works best. Follow the instructions on the product label and scrub the stain with a stiff-bristled brush.

If your pool deck is especially dirty, look for specialized cleaning solutions designed for your deck’s material. These can be more potent but may also be more expensive, so try a vinegar or oxygenated bleach solution first. 

For rust and corrosion on metal railings or pool steps, a simple paste of lime juice and baking soda can work wonders.

Tips for Pool Deck Cleaning

When it’s time to clean your pool deck, follow these tips to make sure that you’re doing a thorough job while avoiding common mistakes!

1. Avoid Letting Cleaning Solution Dry: Never allow your cleaning solution to dry on the deck before rinsing. Dried detergent can leave streaks, stains, and a sticky residue that attracts more dirt.
2. Use the Right Tools: Opt for a clean outdoor scrub brush when cleaning concrete, wood, or patio pavers. String mops are ineffective, and indoor brooms may only push dirt around rather than scrub it away.
3. Address Deck Damage Promptly: Dirt and grime can accumulate in cracks, chips, and other damage on your pool deck. If you notice any damage after rinsing, address it as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration.
4. Seal the Deck for Protection: After cleaning, applying a sealant can help protect the surface from future damage. Make sure to choose a sealant designed for the specific material of your pool deck.
5. Check the Weather: Be mindful of the weather before cleaning. Light drizzle won’t affect your efforts, but moderate rain can wash away your cleaning solution. Cold weather can cause rinse water to freeze, making it difficult to clean properly.
6. Be Gentle on Pool Accessories: Never use harsh cleaners or scrub brushes on plastic or fiberglass slides and pool walls. Opt for a gentle cleanser specifically made for fiberglass to avoid damaging delicate surfaces.

Why You Should Avoid Pressure Washing Your Deck

Pressure washing is a common cleaning technique that uses powerful streams of water to remove dirt and stains from various surfaces. However, pressure washing is not the best choice for cleaning a deck. 

While it may seem effective, the high-pressure water can cause significant damage to your deck, leading to surface imperfections like lines, pitting, and accelerated deterioration. 

If you’re considering cleaning your pool deck, be cautious when hiring inexperienced companies that use pressure washing on concrete. This method can do more harm than good, leaving your deck looking worse over time.

How Often Should You Clean Your Pool Deck?

Concrete, stone, and brick pool decks generally require cleaning every other year. Wood decks, however, should be cleaned annually to remove mold, mildew, moss, and algae. Metal pool decks often need cleaning on an as-needed basis to maintain a safe surface.

However, your pool deck may require more frequent cleaning depending on your location and lifestyle. Homes near open fields may see their decks covered in pollen and other allergens every summer, while properties near production facilities or busy roads accumulate dust and debris more quickly, requiring regular power washing. 

Additionally, pool decks that experience heavy foot traffic, especially from children and large pets, may need annual or semi-annual cleanings to keep the area looking its best.

Why is Pool Deck Cleaning Necessary?

Regular pool deck cleaning is necessary for ensuring a safe and enjoyable poolside experience.

Keeping your pool deck clean prevents dust, dirt, leaves, twigs, and other debris from being blown into the pool. This not only makes swimming less pleasant but also strains the pool’s filter and pump. The more debris in the pool, the harder it is for the filter to pump water efficiently, leading to more frequent pool maintenance and repairs.

In addition to that, mold, moss, and other residues can create slippery surfaces, making the pool deck hazardous. Wet surfaces or neglected cracks can already pose a risk, so regular cleaning is important to minimize these dangers and guarantee a safe environment.

Cleaning your pool deck also helps remove pollen, dust, and mold that can aggravate allergies and breathing conditions. Keeping the area tidy reduces the risk of triggering health issues and eliminates any unpleasant odors caused by mold or mildew.

Don’t Have Time and Energy for Cleaning Your Deck?

Why spend your valuable time scrubbing, rinsing, and battling stubborn stains on your pool deck when you could be relaxing instead?

Cajun Soft Wash can do all the cleaning for you! We specialize in exterior cleaning, offering professional services that remove grime, mold, and algae in no time. Our team will use safe, effective methods to restore your deck’s original shine while protecting its surface from damage.