The Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Pool Brush

December 26, 2023

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As a pool owner, keeping your pool clean should be one of your top priorities. A dirty pool isn’t just unsightly, it can also be a haven for bacteria and algae. One of the key tools you need in your pool maintenance arsenal is a reliable pool brush. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which pool brush is right for your needs? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to consider when shopping for the perfect pool brush.

Table of Contents

Why Do You Need a Pool Brush?

Before we dive into the different types of pool brushes, let’s first go over why a pool brush is a must-have for any pool owner. Here are some of the top reasons you need a high-quality pool brush:

Removes Debris and Dirt – Leaves, dust, bugs, and other debris can accumulate on the bottom and sides of your pool over time. A good pool brush makes quick work of scrubbing away these contaminants.
Prevents Algae Growth – By brushing away debris, you eliminate nutrients that algae needs to take hold and spread in your pool. This is especially important in shaded areas where algae tends to thrive.
Distributes Chemicals – When you add chemicals like chlorine to your pool, using a pool brush helps disperse them throughout the water so they can work effectively. The bristles agitate the water better than just relying on the pump.
Scrubs Away Stains – Stains from lotions, dirt, and body oils inevitably end up on the floor and walls of your pool. The scrubbing action of a pool brush helps remove these unsightly stains.
Improves Water Circulation – Brushing pushes water around which improves circulation. This helps ensure chemicals and heat are evenly distributed throughout the pool.

The bottom line is that a pool brush is one of the handiest tools you can own for keeping your pool sparkling clean. Investing in a high-quality brush designed for your pool surface will make maintaining your pool much easier.

Types of Pool Brushes

Now that you know why you can’t live without a pool brush, let’s explore the various types available. Pool brushes mainly differ by the material used for the bristles. The bristle material determines what pool surface the brush can be used on. Here are the most common options:

Nylon Bristle Brushes

Best suited for concrete, gunite, plaster, pebbletec or other rough surfaces
Bristles are stiff enough to scrub away tough stains and debris
Range from 8″ to 18″ wide heads available
Often have a combo of nylon bristles and abrasive pad

Stainless Steel Bristle Brushes

Ideal for concrete, gunite, and plaster pools
Sturdier than nylon for intense scrubbing of rough surfaces
Adds a gentle scratching action to really scour stains away
Available in varying stiffnesses from light to extra firm

All-Purpose Vinyl Liner Brushes

Designed specifically for vinyl liner pools
Softer bristles won’t scratch the vinyl surface
Bristles often have split ends to increase scrubbing power
Available in telescopic poles to easily reach pool floor

Tile Brushes

Made to get into the grout lines on pool tile
Firm bristles combined with a scrub pad get tile immaculate
Grout brush and tile combo brushes also available
Excellent for spas and fountains with lots of tile and grout

Algae Brushes

Have extra stiff bristles perfect for scrubbing away algae
May have a combination of nylon and metal bristles
Can be used on concrete, gunite, or plaster surfaces
Available in both brush and pad styles

As you shop for a pool brush, always ensure it’s designed for your specific pool finish. Using the wrong brush could result in surface scratches or other damage. Consult the product description or packaging to confirm compatibility.

Bristle Stiffness

The material isn’t the only factor that determines a pool brush’s scrubbing power. You’ll also want to consider the stiffness of the bristles. Here’s an overview of the bristle firmness scale:

Extra Soft – Very pliable bristles, ideal for extremely delicate surfaces
Soft – Gentle bristles perfect for routine cleaning of vinyl liner pools
Medium – A moderate level of stiffness suitable for most concrete pools
Firm – Still flexible but able to scrub tougher stains on plaster and gunite
Extra Firm – Very stiff for intense scrubbing of concrete or plaster

Start on the softer end of the scale if you have vinyl or fiberglass and go firmer if you have an aggregate surface that can handle more brushing force. Bristle stiffness is mostly personal preference based on your pool finish and how dirty it gets.

Bristle Attachments

Pool brushes come with a range of bristle arrangements. The right option for you depends on what type of surfaces you need to scrub. Common attachments include:

Brushes – All bristles intended for broad surface cleaning
Combo Brush/Scrubber – combines brush bristles with an abrasive pad
Angled Brush – bristles set at an angle to reach corners better
Grout Brush – firm bristles spaced narrowly to clean grout
Contour Brush – curved bristle area fits rounded seats and spas
Tile Finger Brushes – individual scrubbers fit between tiles

Think about the shape of your pool and any areas that are harder to reach. Then choose bristle attachments suited to cleaning those specific spots.

Ease of Use

You want using your pool brush to be as quick and easy as possible. Here are some convenience-related factors to look for when shopping:

Ergonomic Handle – Cushioned grips and proper length handles reduce arm strain.
Telescoping Pole – Adjustable poles allow you to customize the length to your height and pool size.
Swivel Head – Being able to swivel the brush head makes cleaning tight corners and curved areas much easier.
Caddy or Wall Hooks – Having a caddy to store the brush on the deck or wall hooks to hang brushes helps keep everything organized.

The more user-friendly features the brush has, the more likely you’ll be to keep up with regular brushing. Don’t underestimate the importance of a comfortable handle and easy storage!

Manual vs. Automatic

The final decision you’ll need to make is whether you want a manual brush or an automatic pool scrubber. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of each:

Manual Pool Brushes

Pros

Lower cost purchase
Total control over scrubbing pressure
Can quickly target problem areas
No electricity or hoses required

Cons

Requires you to do all the physical work
Can’t reach entire pool surface without getting in
Time consuming for large pools
Have to store and maintain brush yourself

Automatic Pool Scrubbers

Pros

Does all the scrubbing for you
Can cover the entire pool surface
Some can scrub walls, steps, and waterline
No effort required after dropping it in

Cons

More expensive purchase price
Requires electricity and water hookup
May miss small spots or not scrub as forcefully
Internal moving parts require maintenance

For most residential pools, a manual brush is the simpler, more affordable option. But busy pool owners or those with very large pools may find the convenience of an automatic scrubber worth the investment. Consider your pool size, your available time, and your budget when deciding between manual and automatic.

Shopping for the Perfect Pool Brush

You’re almost ready to find the ideal pool brush for your needs, but here’s a final checklist of what to watch for when evaluating specific brushes:

Bristle material appropriate for your pool surface
Stiffness level that suits your cleaning needs
Bristle style that reaches all angles and tight spots
A comfortable ergonomic handle
Convenient pole length and adjustable options
High-quality construction that will last
An aesthetic design you like the look of
Good value for the price point

Take your time comparing different brushes to find the right balance of quality, performance, and price. With so many choices out there, you should have no problem locating an excellent pool brush that will make maintaining your pool a breeze.

5 Best Pool Brushes 2023 Reviews

Now that you know how to assess best pool brush, here are my top picks for the best options in various categories:

Best All-Around Pool Brush: Poolmaster Big Gulp Pool Brush

Classic nylon bristle brush perfect for concrete, gunite, and plaster
18-inch head covers large areas quickly
Stiff bristles combined with abrasive pad scrub tough stains
Ergonomic grip reduces hand fatigue
5 section aluminum pole extends from 4 to 18 feet

The Poolmaster Big Gulp combines an oversized scrubbing head with easy adjustability making it ideal for quickly tackling large pools. The duo-scrubbing action gets surfaces immaculate in less time.

Best Budget Pool Brush: Swimline Super Scrub Pool Brush

Very affordable price point under $10
Durable plastic bristles for concrete or vinyl
Perforations in bristles help distribute suction
10-inch head fits standard 1.25-inch poles
Available in fun colors like blue, pink, and green

For a basic no-frills pool brush on a budget, the Super Scrub from Swimline fits the bill. The plastic bristle design isn’t fancy but gets the job done.

Best Brush for Vinyl Pools: Milliard SeaKlear Pool Brush

Extra soft nylon bristles designed for vinyl
Bristles angled to thoroughly clean corners
18-inch head width cleans large areas efficiently
Backed by lifetime replacement guarantee
Telescoping pole adjusts from 4 to 16 feet

Vinyl pool owners who want a gentle yet effective brush should choose this option from Milliard. The angled soft bristles are perfect for scrubbing vinyl without any risk of scratches.

Best Tile and Grout Pool Brush: Pentair Sta-RiteGROUT PRO

Firm nylon bristles with abrasive pads get grout sparkling
Unique finger-style design targets grout lines
18-inch head ideal for pool tile and step areas
Ergonomic handle reduces fatigue
Fits standard 1.25-inch diameter poles

No grout line stands a chance against the unique scrubbing fingers on this Pentair brush. The bristle stiffness is ideal for scrubbing away debris, stains, and algae from tile and grout quickly and easily.

Best Automatic Pool Scrubber: Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner

Cleans entire pool floor and walls automatically
Top and side scrubbing brushes power away debris
Smart navigation maps pool to avoid missing spots
Large cartridge collects leaves, dirt, and more
Just turn on and drop in then relax!

For truly hands-free whole pool scrubbing, the high-end Dolphin Premier is worth the investment. Once placed in the pool, it self-navigates for total cleaning. The brushes spin at high speeds to remove the toughest grime while you sit back.

Conclusion

Regular pool brushing really is one of the simplest ways to keep your pool sparkling all season long. Investing in a high-quality brush designed specifically for your pool surface will make the chore quick, easy, and effective. Use this guide to find the perfect pool brush to meet your needs. Keep it handy on your pool deck for convenient, regular scrub sessions. With the best pool brush in your toolkit, you’ll be on your way to crystal clear pool water in no time!

FAQs

How often should you brush your pool?

Ideally, you should brush your pool once a week as part of your regular maintenance routine. For pools that get a lot of use or have issues with algae, brushing 2-3 times per week may be needed.

When is the best time of day to brush your pool?

The early morning hours before the pool warms up and people start using it is best. The water temperature is cooler which means debris and contaminants won’t dry out and cling as much to the sides.

How do you get a pool brush to sink?

Soak the bristles briefly in water before starting to brush so the brush immediately sinks to the bottom rather than floating. You can also attach a weight to the handle to weigh it down as you scrub.

Should you brush your pool after shocking?

Yes, brushing after shocking helps fully circulate the chemicals throughout the water. Wait the recommended time after shocking before brushing based on the specific shock product directions.

How do you clean pool brushes?

Rinse pool brushes with fresh water after each use to keep bristles free of gunk and buildup. Soak in a chlorine and water solution or specialty brush cleaner periodically for a deeper cleaning.