Why Regular Pool Cleaning Is Essential
Owning a pool is a luxury — but without regular cleaning, it can quickly turn into a costly headache. Whether you’re dealing with murky water, algae buildup, or clogged filters, neglecting routine maintenance can lead to serious health risks, equipment damage, and expensive repairs.
Regular pool cleaning isn’t just about appearances — it plays a vital role in:
- Keeping the water safe for swimmers by eliminating bacteria, organic waste, and debris
- Preventing algae growth, which thrives in dirty, uncirculated water
- Maintaining clear water clarity to spot problems early
- Reducing strain on your filtration system by removing leaves, bugs, and sediment
- Prolonging the life of your pool surface and equipment
Especially during New Jersey’s warm months, debris and organic matter can accumulate quickly. If not addressed through proper cleaning, this can disrupt the water chemistry — leading to cloudy water, corrosion, and costly service calls.
💡 Pro Tip: Want to know the signs your pool may need help? Check out our guide on the 5 red flags your pool needs professional attention.
What Does a Professional Pool Cleaning Service Include?
Surface Skimming
The first step in any professional pool cleaning service is surface skimming — the removal of floating debris such as leaves, insects, flower petals, and dirt before they sink to the bottom of the pool.
Why it matters:
- Prevents organic buildup that can throw off chemical balance
- Reduces filter clogging by removing debris before it enters the system
- Keeps your pool visually clean and inviting
- Helps avoid algae growth by eliminating decomposing material early
Skimming may sound simple, but when done regularly and properly with the right tools, it greatly reduces the strain on your entire pool system. Professionals often use wide-mesh skimmer nets and telescopic poles to efficiently clear the surface — especially in yards with lots of trees or wind exposure.
🔗 Also read: How Often Should You Clean Your Pool? to understand the ideal schedule for skimming and more.
Brushing Walls and Steps
Brushing is a critical step in professional pool cleaning that’s often overlooked in DIY routines. It helps remove algae spores, dirt, and biofilm that stick to the walls, steps, ladders, and other surfaces where your skimmer or vacuum can’t easily reach.
Why brushing matters:
- Prevents algae buildup on pool surfaces
- Removes film and grime that can cause discoloration or staining
- Helps loosen dirt and sediment for easier vacuuming
- Maintains the aesthetic and structural integrity of your pool finish (especially in plaster and tile pools)
Professionals use different brushes depending on your pool type:
- Nylon brushes for vinyl and fiberglass
- Stainless steel or combo brushes for concrete or gunite surfaces
Brushing is especially important after storms, heavy swimmer use, or during warmer months when algae growth is more aggressive.
💡 Skipping this step can allow algae to bloom in corners and shady areas. Learn more about how to beat pool algae by fixing your cleaning routine.
Vacuuming the Pool Floor
Once the debris has been skimmed and the walls brushed, the next step in a professional pool cleaning service is vacuuming the pool floor. Dirt, sand, leaves, and algae often settle at the bottom, where they can’t be removed by circulation alone.
Professionals typically use one of three methods:
- Manual Pool Vacuum: Controlled by the technician using a vacuum head, hose, and telescopic pole
- Automatic Suction Cleaners: Connected to the pool’s filtration system, good for routine cleaning
- Robotic Pool Cleaners: Self-contained units that scrub, vacuum, and circulate independently
Why Vacuuming Is Critical:
- Removes fine debris and sediment that brushing and skimming leave behind
- Prevents cloudy water and murky conditions caused by settled particles
- Keeps filters and pumps running efficiently by reducing heavy load
- Supports balanced water chemistry by removing decaying organic matter
💧 Cloudy water after vacuuming? You may need chemical balancing too. Check our full guide on how to clear cloudy pool water.
Cleaning Skimmer & Pump Baskets
While not always visible, skimmer and pump baskets play a vital role in your pool’s circulation system. These baskets catch leaves, bugs, and other debris before they reach your pool pump or clog the filter.
During a professional pool cleaning visit, technicians will:
- Remove and empty all skimmer baskets
- Clean out the pump strainer basket (usually located inside the pump housing)
- Check for cracks, warping, or missing pieces in the baskets
- Ensure smooth water flow through the filtration system
Why Basket Cleaning Matters:
- Prevents filter clogs and flow restrictions
- Reduces wear on your pool pump motor
- Improves filtration efficiency and water clarity
- Helps maintain proper chemical distribution and circulation
A clogged pump basket can cause water pressure to drop, increase the risk of equipment damage, and lead to cloudy or stagnant water — all of which can be avoided with this simple but essential step.
Water Testing & Chemical Balancing
One of the most important — and often misunderstood — parts of a professional pool cleaning service is water testing and chemical balancing. Even if your pool looks clean, invisible imbalances in your water chemistry can lead to algae growth, eye irritation, corrosion, or equipment damage.
During each cleaning visit, professionals test and adjust key chemical levels:
- pH – Ideal range: 7.4 to 7.6
- Chlorine or other sanitizers – Keeps water disinfected and algae-free
- Total Alkalinity – Helps buffer pH swings (80–120 ppm)
- Calcium Hardness – Prevents scaling and surface damage (200–400 ppm)
- Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer) – Protects chlorine from UV degradation
- Phosphates – Often tested and treated if algae is present
Professionals use digital meters or liquid reagent kits for accurate results and apply only the exact amount of chemicals needed — preventing over-treatment or waste.
This step ensures safe, balanced water, making the pool comfortable for swimmers and extending the life of your plaster, vinyl, and equipment.
📌 Want a deeper dive into water care? Check out our pool maintenance & cleaning guide for homeowners.
Equipment Check (Optional Add-On)
While not always included in basic cleaning visits, many professional pool cleaning services offer an equipment check as an optional or bundled add-on — and it’s well worth considering.
This step involves a quick inspection of your pool’s key systems to ensure everything is functioning properly, catch early warning signs, and prevent expensive breakdowns.
Professionals will often:
- Inspect the pool pump for strange noises, leaks, or low pressure
- Check the filter pressure gauge to see if backwashing or cleaning is needed
- Observe water circulation to confirm all return jets and skimmers are operating
- Look for wear in o-rings, valves, and connections
- Test the heater (if present) for ignition or temperature issues
Why It’s Important:
- Prevents equipment failure during peak swim season
- Helps identify leaks or inefficiencies early
- Ensures your entire pool system is running safely and smoothly
- Can reduce long-term repair costs by catching small issues before they escalate
🛠️ Need to know when it’s time to repair or replace your equipment? Don’t miss our Pool Repair & Prevention Guide for expert advice.
How Often Should You Clean Your Pool?
The frequency of pool cleaning depends on multiple factors — including the size of your pool, how often it’s used, surrounding environment, and the season. But one thing is clear: consistent cleaning is the key to healthy, clear water and long-lasting equipment.
General Guidelines for Pool Cleaning:
- Skimming: Daily or every other day, especially during peak debris seasons
- Brushing: Once per week to prevent algae and biofilm buildup
- Vacuuming: Weekly or bi-weekly, depending on pool usage and surrounding debris
- Basket Cleaning: 1–2 times per week to maintain proper circulation
- Water Testing: At least once per week, more often in extreme heat or after heavy rain
- Chemical Balancing: Weekly, or as needed after testing
Factors That May Require More Frequent Cleaning:
- Pools surrounded by trees or landscaping (leaves, pollen, insects)
- High swimmer traffic (parties, kids, pets)
- Stormy weather or high winds
- Use of automated pool covers that trap humidity
💡 Still unsure what works best for your pool? Check out our detailed post on How Often You Should Clean Your Pool for a tailored guide.
Maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule — whether you do it yourself or hire professionals — will save you time and money in the long run by reducing the need for emergency repairs and shock treatments.
Professional vs DIY Pool Cleaning
Many pool owners wonder if they should clean their pool themselves or hire a professional. While DIY can seem cost-effective at first, the reality is that pool cleaning involves more than just skimming debris — and skipping key steps or mismanaging chemicals can lead to long-term problems.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Aspect | DIY Cleaning | Professional Service |
| Time Required | 2–4 hours per week | 30–60 mins (you don’t lift a finger) |
| Tools Needed | Skimmer, brush, vacuum, test kit | All commercial-grade tools provided |
| Chemical Accuracy | Risk of under/overdosing | Precise testing and application |
| Water Clarity | Inconsistent if done improperly | Consistent and crystal-clear |
| Cost Over Time | High if mistakes occur | Predictable and preventative |
| Problem Prevention | May miss early warning signs | Early detection of leaks, algae, clogs |
Why Professionals Are Worth It:
- Consistency: Weekly visits mean your pool stays clean, safe, and ready to swim
- Expertise: Technicians know how to treat algae, balance water, and spot equipment issues early
- Convenience: You don’t have to store or handle chemicals — or waste your weekend scrubbing
📌 Think DIY saves money? You may want to read our post on Why DIY Pool Opening Costs More in the Long Run — the same logic applies to cleaning!
Ultimately, hiring a professional isn’t just about saving time — it’s about protecting your investment, ensuring swimmer safety, and extending the life of your pool and equipment.
H2: Pool Cleaning Services Near You in NJ
At Desi Boys Pool Services, we provide professional, reliable pool cleaning services across Mercer County and surrounding New Jersey townships. Whether you need weekly maintenance or a one-time deep clean, our team is fully equipped to keep your pool sparkling, safe, and swim-ready.
📍 We Proudly Serve:
- East Windsor, NJ
- Robbinsville Township, NJ
- Hamilton Township, NJ
- Plainsboro Township, NJ
- West Windsor Township, NJ
- Mercer County, NJ
Our technicians are trained to clean all types of pools — inground, above-ground, vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete — using commercial-grade tools, precision water testing, and preventative care.
We don’t just clean — we protect your pool, identify small issues before they become big problems, and help you enjoy a stress-free pool season.
📞 Ready for a Cleaner, Healthier Pool?
Let Desi Boys Pool Services handle the dirty work so you can enjoy your pool.
Whether you need weekly cleanings or just a one-time service, we’re here to help.👉 Call us today at +1 (609) 322 1655
📧 Email: info@desiboyspoolservices.com
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