2 Tips for Cleaning Pool Coping

An outdoor pool.
  • 4-12 hours
  • Beginner
  • 20-300

Cleaning pool coping can be a very tricky task due to the chemicals and tools involved. Pool coping stones are very susceptible to dirt and grime build-up and must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent mold and mildew growth. This article will give you some tips on how to thoroughly clean your pool coping.

1. Use an Acid Wash

One of the best things you can use to clean your pool coping is an acid wash. The acid will eat away any and all of the dirt and grime, leaving your pool coping sparkling clean. However, before you handle any acid at all, make sure you wear proper personal safety gear and follow the acid manufacturer's instructions. Failure to wear the proper personal safety gear can result in serious injuries to your skin, eyes, nose, respiratory system, or hands. Mix 1 part acid with 2 parts of water in an approved container. Apply the mixture to the pool coping very sparingly.

Using a small handheld brush, scrub on the soiled pool coping in very tiny circles. Make sure not to scrub too vigorously because you do not want the acid mixture to splash back on to you or into your eyes. Also, make sure not to get any of the acids into the pool water. It is best to complete this task when the pool is empty of water that is going to swim in. Make sure to rinse the pool out after cleaning with the acid and before filling with water that will be swimming in. You will want to make sure that the pool coping is rinsed very well before opening up the pool to swimmers. Also, make sure not to get the acid mixture on anything outside of the coping or onto the pool deck. It will acid wash any areas that come in contact with the acid and produce very undesirable effects on the surface.

2. Use a Pressure Washer

Another way to give your pool coping a sparkling new appearance is to wash it with a pressure washer. When using a pressure washer, there is no need to use any type of chemical if you do not want to. The pressure alone from the machine will be enough to completely clean the pool coping. If you are not using chemicals, this a task that can be completed while the pool is still full of water that people will be swimming in.

You may still want to vacuum your pool once you have finished pressure washing your pool coping. If you do not own a pressure washer and do not wish to pay the money to buy one, you can visit your local hardware store and rent one. Most hardware stores will rent out their machines at an hourly rate so that you can choose a time frame that suits your needs.