What is Power Washing?
Pool cleaning usually requires a lot of work, as you have a lot of area to scrub. That’s one thing that scares away non-pool owners from getting a pool in the first place. But how about we tell you that you might not have to grease your elbow so much because you can keep your pool clean without having to do a lot of scrubbing? That’s possible with power washing.
Power washing is the use of high water pressure to remove dirt, grime, mildew, mold, algae growth, and other contaminants from various exterior surfaces like your pool tile, driveway, or patio. The high-pressure water is released from a device called a pressure washer, which can safely clean a variety of different surfaces, including concrete driveways and commercial property.
With power washing, you can keep your pool tile clean and utilize the force of pressurized water to maintain a visually appealing pool with less effort and money. It is also recommended to pressure wash your home’s exterior, including gutter cleaning, roof cleaning, and exterior window cleaning, at least once a year to remove any buildup and maintain its curb appeal. However, the pricing for power washing services, including vinyl siding cleaning, can vary depending on the type of service and factors that influence the cost.
In this blog, we will be discussing what power washing is. We will also discuss when, how, and why power washing can make life as a pool owner easier for you.
Let’s dive in right away!
Key Highlights
- Power washing is the use of high water pressure to remove dirt, grime, mildew, mold, and other contaminants from your pool tile.
- The main difference between power washing and pressure washing lies in the temperature of the water used. Power washing doesn’t need overheated water; pressure washing does.
- A step-by-step guide to power washing your pool area involves first prioritizing safety, then setting up the power washer correctly, selecting the right pressure and nozzle, following proper washing techniques, and adding additional treatment after washing.
- In some situations, like washing delicate surfaces or hard-to-reach areas, and when dealing with very stubborn stains and discoloration, you’ll need the assistance of professionals.
Why Power Wash?
Power washing is a great alternative to pool cleaning. It’s an effective yet easy way to do away with stubborn stains. As opposed to the traditional method of manually scrubbing your pool tile, a pool washer can do the job better.
After cleaning agents have sat on your pool tile for a few minutes and finished their work, you won’t have to start scrubbing away the conquered dirt from the pool. That’s where pressure washers come in. Pressure washers provide the same pressure hand scrubbing would have provided, but at a more precise level. If there is any more dirt still sitting on your pool after pressure washing, which is rare, then use a bristle brush to finish it up.
The Difference Between Power Washing and Pressure Washing
Pool owners usually use these two terms interchangeably, but experts won’t make such mistakes. This is because we consider the two, although slightly similar, to be different. The main difference lies in the temperature of the water used. Let’s discuss this better.
Just as we stated earlier, power washing involves the use of high-pressure water to remove dirt and stains from your pool. It does not require the use of heated water. On the other hand, you’ll need hot water to pressure wash. The hot water helps dissolve stubborn stains and grease faster, making it more effective for cleaning outdoor surfaces such as walkways, sidewalks, and public spaces. It’s used for heavier-duty pool cleaning.
Now here’s something else you should know. The two techniques are both unique, and to choose between them, you must consider the type of pool tile you are dealing with and the type of cleaning you are performing. Both techniques, if properly used, produce exceptional results.
Step-by-Step Guide to Power Washing Your Pool Area
Now let’s discuss how to perform power washing services on your pool tile. We’ll show you a step-by-step guide on how to clean your pool tile with a power washer. We’ll start from the pre-washing step to the post-washing steps to get a refreshing pool.
Step 1: Safety First: Protecting Yourself and Your Property
Before starting the process, prioritize safety. Eradicate whatever will pose a threat to you during the process, and ensure the availability of whatever will reduce the chances of an accident. Here are some key safety measures to consider:
- Protective gear: Wear necessary protective equipment to protect yourself from potential harm. Some of these protective gears include gloves, goggles, and closed-toe shoes.
- Clear the area: Remove all obstacles, like outdoor furniture and objects, from around the pool region. It’s a lot of pressure coming out of the nozzle of the power washer. Such an amount of pressure can destroy delicate objects.
- Cover delicate items: You might not be able to remove every outside object. Some of these objects, like plants and electrical outlets, are even immovable and can only be covered.
- Take precautions for electrical outlets. You don’t want water coming in contact with your wiring. You can either tape your electrical outlets or cover them with waterproof materials.
Step 1 is essential for your safety during the process. It’s a good way to reduce the chances of an accident occurring during the cleaning process.
Step 2: Setting Up the Power Washer
Now that you’ve set up the surroundings and worn the necessary safety gear, we have to set up our power washer correctly. Follow these steps to ensure the proper setup:
- Read the instructions: This is especially important if you haven’t done this before. You need to get familiar with the manufacturer’s instructions. Do this by making sure you read and understand the instructions properly. Some manufacturer’s instructions can even guide you through the entire process.
- Connect the water supply: Now that you know what you are doing, connect a garden hose or water supply to the power washer. Be careful to properly attach the hose to prevent leakage.
- Attach the nozzle: Different nozzles produce different flow patterns and different pressure levels. Choose the nozzle appropriate for the task at hand. Consider the type of pool tile when picking the nozzle. Make sure you securely attach the nozzle to the power washer.
- Test the power washer. Don’t go ahead and shoot water just yet. Test the pressure washer elsewhere to be sure you have properly attached the nozzle. Also, check out the pressure gauge, and be sure the pressure won’t cause any harm to your pool tile.
- Adjust the pressure. It’s possible to damage your pool tile with a pressure washer. It all depends on the level of pressure suitable for your target spot. Higher pressure is for tougher tiles and hard stains. For delicate surfaces, opt for milder pressure.
Step 2 is essential for the optimal performance of the process and to achieve the desired product.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Pressure and Nozzle
Let’s dwell a bit more on choosing the right pressure and most suitable nozzle. You wouldn’t want to see cracks in your beautiful pool after the process, so read this carefully. Here are some more considerations when selecting the pressure and nozzle:
- Surface type: Your surface type is a huge decider when choosing the right nozzle. Higher pressure level will be suitable for concrete surfaces like asphalt. While lower pressure is suitable for more delicate surfaces, like wood or vinyl.
- Tough stains: Some stains are just too stubborn. Those types of stains need a stubborn amount of pressure. When increasing your pressure level for such a stain, be careful not to exceed the recommended pressure for that surface
- Spray pattern: There are different spray patterns, such as a narrow stream or a wider fan spray. Different nozzles produce different spray patterns. Adjust the nozzle to produce your desired spray pattern.
Step 3 ensures effective cleaning while reducing the chances of surface damage.
Step 4: The Washing Process: Tips and Techniques
Everything is all set now. Let’s start the washing process. Here are some tips and techniques to help you achieve the best results:
- Maintain distance: Avoid holding the nozzle too close to the tile. Maintain a distance between the nozzle of your power washer and the pool tile surface you are washing. You can start with about 2–3 feet and then adjust when necessary.
- Work in sections: Divide your pool into manageable sections and handle your tasks according to those sections. One section at a time. This is to ensure that your eye misses no spot.
- Overlap each pass: When washing, there are different patterns you might love to follow. A steady side-by-side motion or a circular motion is okay. Make sure to overlap each pass slightly to ensure even cleaning and avoid uneven results.
- Move consistently: When you choose the motion you want to move in when cleaning your pool tile, make sure to move consistently. Avoid standing at one spot and blasting only that spot for longer than necessary.
By strictly following step 4, be sure to produce professional results you’ll be proud of.
Step 5: Post-Washing Steps: Drying and Additional Treatments
This is a very important but usually neglected step in power washing. Steps 1 to 3 help you produce the best result in a safe way. This last step helps you maintain your result for an extended period. Here are some key post-washing steps:
- Drying: After power washing, allow your pool tile to dry. This will let you see the tile for what it really is. You can let the sun do its job or do it artificially by using a dryer or a clean mop to remove excess water.
- Additional treatments: The importance of this step depends on the type of pool surface you have and your desired product. Treating your surface further may require you to use sealant or coats to protect your pool surface from getting stained quickly. You may have to consult a professional power washing service company for their recommendations and methods of applying.
In addition to these steps, you also need to clean and maintain your pool area frequently to prevent the quick accumulation of dust, debris, and algae. Doing the above post-washing activities and maintaining regular cleaning will help ensure that your pool area remains clean and looks great for a long time.
Complex Situations that Require Professional Expertise
Power washing is the use of high water pressure to remove dirt, grime, mildew, mold, and other contaminants from various exterior surfaces like your pool tile, driveway, or patio. The high-pressure water is released from a device called a pressure washer, which can safely clean a variety of different surfaces.
With power washing, you can keep your pool tile clean and utilize the force of pressurized water to maintain a visually appealing pool with less effort and money. It is also recommended to pressure wash your home’s exterior at least once a year to remove any buildup and maintain its curb appeal.
- Delicate surfaces: Some pool surfaces, like antique tiles, are so fragile that they have high tendencies to damage if not properly power washed. For such surfaces, it’s better to contact the professionals to prevent damage.
- Stains and discoloration: Some stains are just too stubborn, even for power washing. Such stains need expert’s knowledge and skills to properly tackle them. Professionals have access to specialized cleaning agents and techniques to take on any stain, no matter how difficult it may be.
- Hard-to-reach areas: Some areas of your pool fall within the hard-to-reach parts of the pool. Professionals have the necessary skills and tools to reach out to those places.
- Safety considerations: Pool washing has its own hazards attached to it. The hazards are even greater when working with high pressure. You might have to deal with electrical outlets near the pool, and you’ll need to be careful not to blast away some useful stuff with the high-pressure water. Professionals are properly trained in safety protocols and can handle these situations.
You can rest assured of safety and efficiency if you leave power washing services to the professionals. With professional technicians, you’ll will always get the best results, even in the most difficult situations that require the use of safe and effective processes. When searching for a professional pressure washing service, be sure to look for customer reviews and photos that showcase the quality of their work.
Conclusion
Regular power washing is key to a flawless pool area. By following the steps we listed above, you can boost the aesthetic of your pool. And even after the power wash, you’ll still need to keep up a routine maintenance habit. For a perfect result, even in the face of difficult stains, reach out to the experts. We are more than a pressure washing company. With more than 20 years of experience, we take great pride in providing quality service to your pool area, no matter the square foot. Our services are at competitive prices. Reach out to us now for a free quote and receive your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does power washing harm my pool tiles or decks?
Power washing may damage pool tiles or decks if not done correctly. It is crucial to apply adequate pressure with techniques that are appropriate for the specific surface. You can reduce the risk of damage to a minimum when a professional with expertise in pool surface cleaning is on the wheel.
Does power washing remove stubborn stains and algae?
Power washing is definitely able to remove tough marks and algae from pool tiles. The high pressure of the water and the right cleaning solutions can destroy and wash away these intractable contaminants. Here is a table showcasing some common stains and algae that can be removed with power washing:
| Stain Type | Power Washing Effectiveness |
| Stains/Algae | Power washing is effective |
| Dirt and grime | Highly effective |
| Rust stains | Effective with proper cleaning solutions |
| Mildew and mold | Highly effective with proper cleaning solutions |