25 Jul Pool Enclosure Cleaning Tips for Pool Screen and Deck
Pool screen enclosures are fantastic at providing some shade while keeping pests and debris out of our swimming pools. However, sometimes our pool enclosures can use a little TLC if you want to keep them looking great and functioning well summer after summer. We’ve put together a few pool enclosure cleaning tips for you to minimize the maintenance and increase the fun you can have this summer.
When dirt, pollen, mold and mildew build up on screen enclosures and pool decks, it not only looks bad, but it can create health concerns for your family. Luckily, some know-how and elbow grease will keep both your pool enclosure and deck in tip-top shape. Here are a few pool enclosure cleaning tips to get the job done.
Keep things simple with a garden hose and soap.
A gentle way to clean your pool screen enclosure and deck is to use a simple soap-and-water mixture plus a soft-bristled scrub brush. This is a labor-intensive method of pool screen cleaning, but it will get most of the dirt and grime off the screen and deck surfaces. Mix some dish soap in a bucket of warm water and then carefully scrub all surfaces, making sure to clean both sides of the screens. After scrubbing, use a garden hose to rinse off soap and debris.
Spray dirt away with a pressure washer.
Pressure washing the screen and frame of a pool enclosure can quickly scrub off any grimy buildup. The same goes for pool deck cleaning with a pressure washer. However, always start with the lowest pressure setting and be careful when raising the pressure; too much power can permanently damage enclosure screens and many types of pool decking. When you use a power washer for pool enclosure cleaning, there will probably still be some algae or mildew spots leftover. That’s when you’ll move on to the next solution.
Say goodbye to mildew with bleach and water.
A solution of 1 gallon of water and 3 quarts of bleach will kill any mold that’s present on nonporous surfaces. It will also eradicate the algae, moss and mildew that has set up residence on your patio paver deck. Put the bleach and water solution in a bucket and use a long-handled, soft-bristled scrub brush to clean any problem areas. Once you’re done, give the enclosure a good rinse with fresh water.
Choose a gentler route with vinegar and water.
When it comes to pool enclosure cleaning, vinegar is the most effective against mold and mildew. It is also less harsh on a pool deck than chlorine bleach. A solution of half vinegar and half warm water is the right concentration to take care of problem areas on your pool deck or screen enclosure. Using a sponge or scrub brush dipped in the vinegar solution, clean away visible mold, mildew or algae. If you like, you can skip the rinse and leave the solution to air dry. The residual vinegar will create an acidic environment that discourages mold growth.
Pool enclosure cleaning can be a challenge because the screens need to be handled with care. Also, debris and mold can settle in high-up, hard-to-reach places. Pool decks can also sustain damage if they’re cleaned in the wrong way, such as with too much pressure. If you want a clean pool deck and enclosure without the hassle, consider calling in the cleaning pros. They’ll have the expertise and tools to do the job right.
If all of these suggestions didn’t help your pool enclosure sparkle, it might be time to consider a pool screen replacement.
If you currently have a concrete pool deck and the stains and cracks are driving you crazy, it might be time to upgrade to pool deck pavers.
American Screen Contractors is owned by American Pools & Spas. We can help you transform your old pool screen enclosure or upgrade your pool deck with one call. For a free estimate, call us at 407-847-9322 or fill out the online form. One of our design consultants will visit your home and help you come up with a perfect solution to suit your needs and your budget.