Any property must have a clean pool deck! Pressure washing is one of the best ways to maintain this part of your home. If you neglect to clean your pool deck, it can lead to premature degradation of deck materials and unsafe walking surfaces. The pool decks can also contain chlorine residues that cause unpleasant odors and sand, silt, and storm debris. These particles then end up in the water, overworking filters and creating unhygienic swimming conditions.

For wood and concrete decks, use oxygenated bleach and not chlorine, or dilute vinegar to kill algae and moss around the pool. For decks that are particularly dirty, add dishwashing detergent, or use pressure washers to clean the pits and pores in stone, concrete, and brick.

It’s important to consider not only the cleaners and solutions for your pool deck but also the tools and techniques that are best for each material. For example, a harsh scrubbing could damage softwood. However, a firm brush with a little elbow grease is usually needed to clean paver stones or concrete.

Consider this pool deck guide before you risk damaging your deck by using the wrong tools and cleaners. Power washing contractors can help you with your exterior cleaning requirements.

How to clean a pool deck: Pressure Washing

You may need to adjust the cleaning method for your pool deck depending on its material and condition. For older wood, you may need to be gentle so as not to exacerbate small cracks and splits. Concrete that is cracked may need to be scrubbed more vigorously in order to remove the dirt and debris. Here are some tips for cleaning a pool deck.

1. Be sure to thoroughly rinse and clear the pool deck before cleaning it. Clean as much dirt and dust as you can with a stiff-bristled outdoor brush. This ensures that the debris will not dilute your cleaning solution or be ground into your decking materials while you clean.
2. Mold and mildew are notoriously found on wood decks! Mix a cup or two of white vinegar with a gallon water, and spray the mixture over the growth.
3. It may be necessary to soak your vinegar solution for several minutes to kill the mold and mildew, and to loosen their roots and spores. Scrub the growth with a soft-bristled scrubber.
4. As stated, oxygenated bleach is better than chlorine bleach for concrete, stone, and brick. Pour one cup of bleach into one gallon of warm water. Add a few drops of dish soap to the pool deck if it is particularly dirty. Make sure you use dish soap, not dishwasher detergent. Also, choose a brand that does not contain skin lotions.
5. Spread the solution evenly over your deck after thoroughly mixing. Add more solutions as necessary to cover the entire deck.
6. Let the solution soak for a few moments to dissolve thick dirt and mud and penetrate all the pits and pores on concrete surfaces. Use an exterior scrubber to thoroughly scrub the deck.
7. After cleaning the pool deck, rinse the solution with a garden hose. Make sure you hose it down the driveway or sidewalk and not on your lawn.

Muriatic acid is available in many janitorial or home improvement stores. When handling muriatic acids, use caution. Wear thick rubber gloves and eye protection, as well as a breathing apparatus.

Choose a degreaser that is commercial grade for oil stains. These are available in home improvement and janitorial supply shops. Some degreasers need to be diluted, while others can be applied directly to the stain. As needed, scrub the stain using a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse.

Check your local home improvement shop for specific cleaning solutions for decks with particularly dirty surfaces or stains. They can be expensive and sometimes too powerful, so first try vinegar or oxygenated chlorine solution.

Use a sponge that has been dipped into lime juice and baking powder to remove rust and other unattractive stains on metal railings or pool steps! This mixture can be used to remove rust and corrosion.

Tips to Consider When Cleaning a Pool Deck

When you are ready to clean your pool, take note of these tips so that you can do a thorough job.

If you are cleaning the pool deck, make sure to rinse immediately after cleaning. The dried detergent will leave streaks, stains and create a sticky residue on the deck. This can attract more dirt!

For pool deck cleaning, use a clean outdoor scrub brush. String mops do not work well for cleaning patio pavers and concrete. Indoor brooms can spread dirt rather than remove it.

Dirt and grime can cover up cracks, chips, and other damage to the pool deck. You should address any damage you see as soon as you can after your final rinse. The larger cracks become the longer you ignore them.

You should also apply a sealant to the surface of your pool deck after cleaning it. This will protect it from further damage. Select a sealant that is specifically designed for the material of your pool deck.

Before cleaning your pool deck, be aware of the weather conditions! Even a light drizzle can have a negative impact on your cleaning, but if it is moderately heavy rain, your cleaning solution will be ruined. The freezing of rinse water can also occur in very cold weather, which makes it more difficult to remove.

Use gentle cleaning products or brushes to clean plastic or fiberglass slides or pool walls. To avoid damaging your pool accessories, use a mild cleaner designed for fiberglass.

How Often Should You Clean Your Pool Deck?

In general, concrete, stone, and brick pool decks require cleaning about every two years. To remove mold, mildew and algae, wood pool decks may need to be cleaned annually. Metal wood decks require periodic cleaning to maintain a safe and welcoming surface for your guests and you.

Despite these being typical cleaning schedules, the pool deck at your home may need to be cleaned more frequently for several reasons. If your home is near fields, the pool deck might be covered with pollen or other irritating substances every summer. Pressure washing is often required for homes near busy roads or production facilities.

Cleaning is also more necessary for pool decks with a lot of foot traffic. The pool deck will need to be cleaned more often if there is a lot of foot traffic. This includes children and pets.

Why you should clean your pool deck regularly!

Regular cleaning of the pool deck will keep it looking great and create a welcoming environment for you and your guests. It is important to keep your pool deck clean for many reasons, not just the appearance.

The reason for keeping a pool deck in good condition is that dust, dirt, and other debris from the deck are blown into your pool by every gust of the wind. This not only makes swimming unpleasant but also causes the filter and pump to work overtime. The more debris that is in the pool, the harder the pump has to work to get water to the filter. This means the filter will need to be cleaned more frequently.

Mold, moss, and other residues can also be slippery. If you have neglected to fix cracks or other damage, your pool deck is already dangerous. It’s important that you keep it as clean and clear of debris as possible.

Allergies and other health issues can also be aggravated by mold, dust, pollen, and other allergens. You may notice that even when you are outside by your pool, your allergies or breathing problems worsen the longer you ignore the need for cleaning. The moldy smells are also removed by regular cleaning.

How can you remove stains and discolorations from your pool deck?

Some pool decks are so damaged, stained, faded, or discolored that they can’t be cleaned. Paint and specialty stains are great for bringing new life to concrete, brick, paver stone, or wood pool decks. They can cover stains and make these materials look brand new.

Does pressure washing damage pool decks and surfaces?

Incorrect power washing techniques or harsh detergents may chip and crack brick, concrete, paver stone, and wood. Professional power washing, especially soft wash cleaning, is an effective way to remove even the most stubborn dirt, dust and other residues. Power washing contractors can advise you on the best way to clean your pool deck.

If you are looking for a reliable pressure washer, call K&M Pressure Washing LLC now.