Owning a pool in Perth is one of the best ways to enjoy your backyard. Whether it’s a quick swim after work, relaxing with the family, or hosting friends on the weekend, a clean pool makes all the difference.
But keeping your pool clean takes more than a quick skim every now and then.
Dust from dry WA winds, falling leaves, sunscreen, rainwater and everyday use all affect your pool water. Over time these factors change the water chemistry, introduce debris and place extra strain on your filtration system.
That’s why understanding how to clean a pool properly is essential for every pool owner.
The good news is that pool cleaning doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right routine and a few simple checks throughout the year, you can keep your pool clear, balanced and running efficiently.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the complete process of how to clean a pool. From the basic weekly routine to deeper cleaning, water testing and equipment care, this is a practical guide designed specifically for Perth pool owners.
TL;DR – Quick Pool Cleaning Checklist
If you’re short on time, here’s the basic routine for how to clean a pool properly.
2–3 times per week
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Skim leaves and debris from the surface
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Check skimmer basket and pump basket
Weekly
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Brush pool walls, steps and corners
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Vacuum the pool floor
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Test water chemistry
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Adjust chlorine and pH if needed
Monthly
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Inspect filtration system
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Check salt chlorinator cell
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Clean cartridge filters or backwash sand filters
Seasonally
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Deep clean pool surfaces
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Inspect pumps, filters and chlorinator
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Balance water chemistry
Keeping to a simple schedule helps your pool stay clear, safe and ready to swim in all year round.
Why Regular Pool Cleaning Matters
Perth pools deal with a unique mix of environmental conditions.
Our hot summers increase chlorine demand. Strong sunlight breaks down sanitiser faster. Wind regularly carries dust, sand and organic debris into backyard pools. Winter rainfall can dilute chemicals and disrupt water balance.
Even if a pool looks clean, contaminants are constantly entering the water.
These can include:
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Dust and pollen
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Leaves and organic debris
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Sunscreen and body oils
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Rainwater and environmental runoff
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Microscopic algae spores
Without regular cleaning, several problems can develop.
Water can turn cloudy. Algae may begin to grow. Filters can clog. Pumps and chlorinators can also work harder than they should.
Routine pool cleaning prevents these issues before they start. It protects your equipment and ensures the water stays safe and comfortable for swimmers.
The Basic Pool Cleaning Routine Every Owner Should Follow
When most people search how to clean a pool, they’re usually looking for a simple routine.
Pool cleaning really comes down to four core tasks:
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Removing debris
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Brushing surfaces
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Vacuuming the pool
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Testing and balancing the water
When these tasks are done consistently, most major pool issues can be avoided.
Skim Debris From the Water Surface
Leaves, insects and dust often collect on the water surface first.
If left too long, this debris sinks to the bottom where it becomes harder to remove and can affect water chemistry.
Use a pool skimmer or leaf net to remove floating debris.
Focus on areas such as:
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The pool surface
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Steps and ledges
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Around the skimmer box
Skimming a few times per week prevents build-up and keeps the pool looking inviting.
Brush Pool Walls and Steps
Even clear pools can develop thin layers of algae or dirt along the walls.
Brushing helps loosen these particles so they can be filtered out or vacuumed away.
Pay particular attention to:
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Pool corners
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Steps and ledges
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Behind ladders
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Around return jets
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Waterline tiles
Most pools benefit from brushing once per week.
Regular brushing also prevents staining on plaster, tiled or concrete pool surfaces.
Vacuum the Pool Floor
Once debris settles on the pool floor, vacuuming removes it completely.
There are two common methods.
Manual Vacuuming
Manual vacuums connect to the pool suction line and are guided slowly across the pool floor.
This approach is effective but requires more time.
Automatic Pool Cleaners
Many Perth pool owners prefer automatic cleaners such as Maytronics Dolphin robotic cleaners.
These devices move around the pool automatically, removing debris from the floor and walls.
Automatic cleaners are particularly helpful in areas where wind regularly blows debris into the pool.
Empty Skimmer and Pump Baskets
Skimmer baskets catch larger debris before it reaches the pump and filter.
When these baskets fill up, water flow slows and the pump must work harder.
Check and empty:
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Skimmer baskets
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Pump baskets
This should be done regularly, especially after windy days or storms.
Testing and Balancing Your Pool Water
Knowing how to clean a pool also means understanding water chemistry.
Even if your pool looks clear, the water still needs to be balanced properly.
Testing your pool water regularly ensures that sanitiser levels are working effectively.
The key levels to monitor include:
Chlorine
Chlorine eliminates bacteria and contaminants.
Most pools should maintain chlorine levels between 1.5 and 3 ppm.
pH Levels
pH measures how acidic or alkaline the water is.
The ideal range is 7.2 to 7.6.
High pH reduces chlorine effectiveness. Low pH can cause corrosion and irritation.
Total Alkalinity
Alkalinity stabilises pH and prevents sudden fluctuations.
Calcium Hardness
Calcium helps prevent corrosion or scale formation within the pool system.
Testing your water weekly allows small adjustments before problems develop.
Keeping Your Filtration System Clean
Your filtration system is the heart of pool cleaning.
While skimming and vacuuming remove visible debris, the pool filter removes microscopic particles that cause cloudy water.
Most pools use one of three filter types.
Sand Filters
Sand filters trap debris within a bed of specially graded sand.
Cleaning is done through backwashing, which reverses water flow and flushes debris out of the filter.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters use pleated cartridges to capture particles.
They require periodic removal and rinsing with a hose.
Chemical cleaning may also be required to remove oils and scale.
DE Filters
Diatomaceous earth filters use a fine powder to capture extremely small particles.
These systems provide excellent filtration but require occasional backwashing and recharging.
Regardless of filter type, regular maintenance keeps water circulation strong and prevents cloudy water.
Cleaning Your Salt Chlorinator Cell
Many Perth pools use salt chlorination systems to generate chlorine automatically.
These systems convert salt in the water into chlorine using electrolysis.
Over time, calcium deposits can build up on the cell plates.
This scale reduces chlorine production and can affect overall pool sanitation.
Cleaning the salt cell helps restore proper operation.
The basic process involves:
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Turning off the pump
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Removing the chlorinator cell
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Rinsing the plates with water
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Removing calcium scale with a cleaning solution
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Reinstalling the cell once clean
Regular inspection ensures the system continues producing chlorine effectively.
How Seasonal Conditions Affect Pool Cleaning in WA
Pool cleaning needs change slightly throughout the year.
Perth’s climate brings different challenges in each season.
Summer
Higher temperatures and strong sunlight increase chlorine demand.
Pools may require more frequent testing and longer filtration cycles.
Autumn
Falling leaves and windy conditions increase debris entering the pool.
More frequent skimming and basket cleaning may be required.
Winter
Rain can dilute chemicals and alter water balance.
Regular testing ensures the pool remains healthy even when not in frequent use.
Spring
Spring is the ideal time for a deeper clean before warmer weather returns.
Checking equipment, cleaning filters and balancing the water prepares the pool for the months ahead.
Maintaining the pool year-round prevents larger issues later.
Pool Cleaning Tools That Make Maintenance Easier
The right tools can make pool cleaning faster and more effective.
Common pool cleaning equipment includes:
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Leaf skimmers
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Pool brushes
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Manual vacuum heads
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Automatic cleaners
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Water testing kits
Many Perth pool owners choose robotic cleaners like the Maytronics Dolphin range because they automate much of the cleaning process.
Reliable pumps and filters from brands like Astral, Davey, Zodiac and Hayward also play a major role in maintaining water quality.
Investing in quality equipment can significantly reduce the amount of manual cleaning required.
When to Call a Professional Pool Cleaner
While many pool owners handle regular cleaning themselves, professional residential pool servicing can be helpful at times.
Professional pool technicians can:
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Perform deep cleaning
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Diagnose water chemistry issues
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Inspect equipment
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Identify early signs of damage
For busy homeowners or those wanting peace of mind, scheduled servicing keeps pools consistently healthy.
Pool Assist has been helping Perth pool owners maintain their pools for over 50 years, providing expert cleaning, maintenance and equipment servicing.
Keep Your Pool Clean, Balanced and Ready to Enjoy
Learning how to clean a pool properly is the key to maintaining clear, healthy water throughout the year.
Regular skimming, brushing, vacuuming and water testing form the foundation of effective pool care. When these tasks are done consistently, your pool remains inviting and your equipment runs more efficiently.
If you ever feel unsure about your maintenance routine, expert help is always available.
At Pool Assist, we’ve been helping Perth pool owners maintain their pools for more than five decades. From professional servicing to equipment repairs and expert advice, our team is here to help you keep your pool in top condition.
Book a service with Pool Assist or visit our Myaree store for expert advice on keeping your pool clean year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often should you clean a pool?
A.Most pools should be cleaned at least once per week. This includes skimming debris, brushing surfaces, vacuuming the pool floor and testing the water chemistry.
In Perth, windy conditions and strong sunlight can introduce debris and affect chlorine levels, so some pools may require more frequent maintenance.
Q. What is the fastest way to clean a pool?
A. The fastest way to clean a pool is by combining automatic pool cleaners with a consistent maintenance routine.
Robotic cleaners such as Maytronics Dolphin models automatically vacuum the pool floor and walls while the filtration system removes smaller particles.
Regular skimming and weekly brushing also prevent debris from building up.
Q. Why does my pool get dirty so quickly?
A. Pools can get dirty quickly due to environmental factors such as:
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Wind blowing dust and leaves into the water
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Rain diluting pool chemicals
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Sunscreen and body oils from swimmers
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Poor water circulation or filtration
Maintaining balanced water chemistry and running the filtration system daily helps prevent rapid contamination.
Q. Do you need to brush your pool if you vacuum it?
A. Yes. Brushing loosens dirt and algae that stick to pool surfaces. Vacuuming then removes those particles from the water.
Skipping brushing can allow algae and biofilm to develop on pool walls and steps.
Q. Can you clean a pool without draining it?
A. Yes. Most pool cleaning can be done without draining the pool.
Regular skimming, brushing, vacuuming, water balancing and filter cleaning will keep the pool healthy.
Draining is only required for major repairs or resurfacing.