You know what’s fun? Floating in a sparkling clean pool on a hot day. You know what’s not fun? Looking out the window and seeing a swamp where your pool used to be.
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at murky water wondering where it all went wrong, this guide is for you. These DIY pool cleaning hacks will help you keep things fresh and blue without dropping a small fortune at the pool store. Let’s dive in. (Okay no diving puns beyond that I swear.)
1. Use a Sock to Distribute Chemicals
Yep a sock Stay with me
If you’re using chlorine tablets or powdered shock, don’t just toss them in and hope for the best. Instead:
- Drop the tablets or powder inside a clean sock (preferably one without holes)
- Tie it off and let it float in your pool or hang it near the return jet
- This method helps the chlorine disperse slowly and evenly, avoiding bleach spots on liners
Bonus: No more watching expensive chemicals sink straight to the bottom and disappear into oblivion
2. Skim With a Pantyhose Filter Hack
Can’t catch those tiny floating particles like pollen or bugs? Make your skimmer a superhero
Here’s the trick
- Take a pair of pantyhose or tights and stretch them over your skimmer basket
- The extra fine mesh will trap tiny particles your regular basket misses
- Just remove rinse and reuse as needed
You’ll be amazed what that thing catches (and maybe a little grossed out too)
3. Baking Soda for Algae and Tile Grime
We love a good baking soda moment and your pool does too
- Mix baking soda with water to make a thick paste
- Use a sponge or soft brush to scrub tile scum and algae spots
- It’s gentle enough for vinyl and tile but tough enough on stains
No harsh chemicals no eye watering fumes just clean
4. Tennis Balls Soak Up Oil
You read that right Your pool’s worst enemy in summer isn’t just algae — it’s sunscreen body oils and hair products floating around like a slick film
- Toss a couple of clean tennis balls into the water
- The fuzzy surface absorbs oils over time
- Swap them out every week or two
It’s the cheapest oil removal tool you’ll ever love
5. Old Toothbrush for Tight Spots
We’re talking ladders jets and drains — all the awkward little areas where grime loves to hide
- Dip the brush in vinegar or your baking soda paste
- Scrub until the gunk surrenders
It’s like detailing your car but wetter and more chlorinated
6. The Leaf Blower Trick for the Pool Deck
Alright this one’s not technically for the pool water but it’ll save your sanity
Before you start skimming the surface forever trying to catch floating leaves use a leaf blower to push everything into one corner of the pool
Then skim once like a boss
Why spend 30 minutes chasing a leaf when you could just blow it into submission right
Bonus Hack Clean Your Pool Tools
You wouldn’t clean your house with a dirty mop right So don’t scrub your pool with algae covered brushes
- Soak pool brushes skimmer nets and hoses in a vinegar and water solution
- Rinse and let dry in the sun
Clean tools clean pool
Final Thoughts
DIY pool cleaning doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive If you’ve got vinegar a sock and a slightly worn-out toothbrush you’ve got everything you need to keep your pool in swim ready shape
Try a few of these hacks this weekend Your future summer self will thank you
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