10 Pool Cleaning Hacks to Save You Money Long-Term

Scrub Tiles With Baking Soda

An old toothbrush and baking soda can work wonders on your pool's tiles. Finn Cardiff, the founder of the summer sports gear company, Beachgoer, suggests scrubbing your tiles (and other miscellaneous spots, like lights and ladder fittings) one to two times a week to avoid algae growth.

Toss in a Tennis Ball

Old tennis balls can be repurposed into tons of things—they can even double as dryer balls—so it comes as no surprise that they're great for your pool, too. The wool and nylon on the balls work to absorb any oils in the pool, which means all of that sunscreen and sebum from our skin won't be as much of a problem, Cardiff explains.

Scrub Stains With Vitamin C

Every pool owner knows that metal stains are the worst. Fortunately, there's an easy solution—and it might even be in your kitchen. Cardiff suggests wrapping vitamin C tablets in cloth and using them to scrub those pesky stains off the corners of your pool. No tablets? No problem. Lemon slices work, too!

Skim With a Window Screen

Yes, an old window screen can double as a pool skimmer. Cardiff says that if you have a broomstick and a wire, you'll have an easy DIY skimmer with a handle.

Invest in a Robotic Pool Cleaner

According to Lindsey Maxwell, co-founder of Where You Make It, investing in a robotic pool cleaner will save you time, energy, and money maintaining your pool. Most robotic cleaners can climb the pool walls and clean the tiles themselves, which means you'll be spending less time scrubbing the pool and more time enjoying it.

Run Your Pool Pump Twice

We know it sounds tedious, but trust us on this. With more people working from home than ever, those with pools might be using them more often, which is why Cardiff recommends running the pump twice a day to keep your pool in tip-top shape.

Repurpose Panty Hose as a Skimmer Filter

Pool skimmers do a great job of collecting leaves and bugs, but what about finer debris, like hair and dirt? According to Cardiff, attaching an old pair of pantyhose (yes, really) to your skimmer will keep your pool crystal clear. Plus, if you keep up with the little things now, here's exactly how much value your pool will add to your house.

Remove Water Scales With Vinegar

Cardiff explains that if you don't have a decalcifying chemical handy, a sponge and a solution of half vinegar and half water will get the job done. And according to Anna McCabe at All Safe Pool, neglecting to keep up with the scales now means you'll be spending more money on replacing parts of your filter, pump, and heater in the long run.

Buy an Automatic Pool Cover

Investing in an automatic pool cover is "the easiest way to prolong the quality of your pool by far," says Maxwell. Not only will you never have to worry about struggling to get the pool cover on again, but you'll be doing your wallet a favor.

If the pool is covered when it's not being used, it'll accumulate less debris, keep sunlight out (so the chlorine doesn't become less effective), maintain a fairly consistent temperature, and help prevent algae growth. The best part? You'll be saving your future self money with each push of a button.

Replace Pool Water Regularly

Pools can't thrive off filters and chlorine tablets forever. Drain and replace your pool water every two to three years to avoid algae and bacteria buildup, and you'll add years of your pool's life, says Maxwell.