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How to clean your swimming pool with a pressure washer: a practical guide for in-ground and above-ground pools

Written by Comet | Jul 1, 2026 7:45:00 AM

 

 With the arrival of the warm season, the swimming pool becomes one of the most-used areas of the home again. 

Before filling it, reopening it or using it after months of inactivity, however, it is important to carry out thorough cleaning of the pool, edges, flooring and accessories.

During winter, even a covered pool can accumulate leaves, dust, soil, surface algae, moss, mould and organic residues. Using the right tools helps reduce effort and cleaning time, leaving surfaces cleaner and ready for the new season.

One of the most effective solutions for seasonal maintenance is the cold water pressure washer: a simple, versatile machine that is ideal for removing dirt from outdoor surfaces, coatings, pool edges, flooring and areas around the pool.

Cleaning your swimming pool with a pressure washer

    • A pressure washer helps clean the pool, pool edges, outdoor flooring, steps, accessories and garden furniture.
    • It is useful for removing dirt, soil, moss, surface algae and organic residues.
    • High-pressure cleaning reduces working time and effort compared with manual cleaning.
    • In-ground pools generally allow deeper cleaning, especially when they are lined with resistant materials.
    • Above-ground pools require greater care, especially on liners, PVC, reinforced sheets and joints.
    • A pressure washer is also ideal for cleaning the external pool area, such as walkways, terraces, flooring and outdoor furniture.
    • Before use, it is important to remove large debris, protect electrical parts and choose the correct pressure.
    • Compact models such as KRS and KRX are recommended for domestic use.
    • For in-ground pools, larger surfaces or tougher dirt, KLX 1900 GOLD EXTRA is recommended.
    • A pressure washer does not replace water chemical treatments, but helps clean surfaces.

DISCOVER COMET COLD WATER PRESSURE WASHERS

Why clean your swimming pool with a pressure washer: the benefits

Cleaning a swimming pool manually can take a lot of time, especially after winter or after long periods of inactivity, making a stronger cleaning action necessary compared with simple brushing.

A pressure washer allows you to use the force of pressurised water to remove dirt quickly and evenly. The high-pressure jet reaches surfaces in depth and helps detach residues that would require several passes with traditional methods.

Using a pressure washer to clean the pool offers several benefits:

    • it reduces cleaning time;
    • it limits physical effort;
    • it helps remove adhering dirt, moss and surface algae;
    • it reaches corners, joints, steps and rough surfaces;
    • it also cleans pool edges and outdoor flooring;
    • it can reduce the use of detergents when the mechanical action of water is sufficient;
    • it makes seasonal pool area maintenance easier.

A pressure washer is particularly useful for:

    • cleaning the bottom of an emptied pool;
    • washing the internal pool walls;
    • removing dirt and surface algae from the edges;
    • cleaning steps, outdoor showers and accessories;
    • washing the flooring around the pool;
    • cleaning compatible sun loungers, tables, chairs and outdoor furniture.

It is important to remember that a pressure washer does not replace water chemical treatments. It cleans surfaces, while water quality must be managed with specific pool products and checks.

When to clean the pool

The ideal time for deep pool cleaning is spring, before the seasonal reopening. Acting early allows you to prepare the pool before temperatures rise and prevents dirt, algae and residues from becoming more difficult to remove.

Cleaning with a pressure washer is also useful at other times of the year:

    • before the first seasonal filling;
    • after storms or strong winds;
    • after long periods of inactivity;
    • before winter closing;
    • when pool edges and flooring become slippery or dirty;
    • after garden work or outdoor maintenance;
    • when moss, soil or residues build up on walkways.

Regular cleaning of outdoor surfaces helps keep the pool area tidier, safer and more pleasant to use.

In-ground and above-ground pools: differences in cleaning

Not all pools should be cleaned in the same way. The main difference concerns the type of structure, the materials and the resistance of the surfaces.

In-ground pools are often made with more resistant materials, such as concrete, tiles, stoneware, mosaic or structured coatings. In these cases, the pressure washer can be used more extensively, especially on the bottom, walls, pool edges and outdoor flooring.

Above-ground pools, on the other hand, require greater caution. They are often made with PVC, liners, reinforced sheets or lighter structures. For this reason, the pressure washer jet must be used carefully, avoiding excessive pressure and keeping a safe distance from the surface.

Cleaning an in-ground pool with a pressure washer

To clean an in-ground pool with a pressure washer, it is advisable to:

    • empty the pool before deep cleaning;
    • protect lights, inlets, skimmers, pumps and electrical components;
    • start from the walls and work from top to bottom;
    • then move on to the pool floor;
    • dedicate a specific phase to edges, grids, channels and outdoor flooring;
    • use greater caution on damaged joints, seals or delicate coatings;
    • rinse thoroughly and remove dirty water and residues at the end of the work.

For medium-large in-ground pools or wider external surfaces, it may be useful to choose a semi-professional model such as KLX 1900 GOLD EXTRA, which is more suitable when greater working continuity is required on pool edges, flooring, steps and surfaces exposed to dirt.

Cleaning an above-ground pool with a pressure washer

Above-ground pools must be treated with greater care because they can have more delicate linings than in-ground pools.

When working directly on the walls or internal lining, it is important to use moderate pressure, keep an adequate distance and avoid focusing the jet on the same point for too long.

To clean an above-ground pool with a pressure washer, it is advisable to:

    • first remove leaves, soil and large debris;
    • empty the pool only if allowed by the manufacturer and if the structure permits it;
    • use a gentle jet on liners, PVC and flexible coatings;
    • avoid directing the jet at seams, joints, valves, fittings and sensitive parts;
    • always keep the lance at a safe distance from the surface;
    • use a stronger jet only on flooring, steps, rigid edges and resistant external surfaces.

For above-ground pools, it is preferable to choose a compact and easy-to-handle domestic cold water pressure washer, such as KRS or KRX, using it carefully and adjusting the jet according to the type of surface.

How to clean your swimming pool with a pressure washer: main steps

Cleaning your pool with a pressure washer is simple, but it requires some precautions to achieve a good result and work safely.

1. Remove the cover and large debris

Before using the pressure washer, remove the pool cover and clear the surface of leaves, branches, insects and larger debris.

This preliminary step prevents dirt from being moved from one area to another during washing and allows you to work more effectively on the surfaces.

2. Empty the pool, if necessary

For deep cleaning of the floor and walls, it is advisable to empty the pool and let it dry.

Cleaning an empty pool is particularly recommended after winter, when the pool has not been used for several months.

For above-ground pools, always check the manufacturer’s instructions: some structures must not be completely emptied or require specific procedures.

3. Protect electrical components and systems

Before starting, cover or protect any electrical parts, pumps, motors, lights, control panels, skimmers, inlets and heating systems.

The pressure washer must be used carefully near sensitive components, avoiding directing the jet at parts that could be damaged.

4. Choose the correct pressure

Not all surfaces require the same cleaning intensity.

For delicate coatings, liners, PVC, seals, painted edges or treated surfaces, it is better to start with lower pressure and increase it gradually only if necessary.

On more resistant surfaces, such as stone, concrete, tiles, stoneware or outdoor flooring, a stronger jet can be used, while always maintaining an adequate distance.

5. Work in sections

Dividing the pool into sections helps you avoid missing dirty areas and gives you better control over the result.

You can proceed from top to bottom on the walls, then move to the floor and finally clean edges, grids, channels and outdoor flooring.

6. Keep the right distance from the lining

The pressure washer jet should not be kept too close to the surface, especially on delicate materials.

It is advisable to maintain a constant distance and move the lance evenly, avoiding focusing on the same point for too long.

7. Rinse and remove residues

After washing, rinse the surfaces and remove dirty water and accumulated residues.

At this stage, it can be useful to combine the pressure washer with a wet vacuum or a vacuum cleaner suitable for collecting liquids and wet debris, especially from the bottom, corners and areas where water collects.

Which Comet pressure washer to choose for cleaning the pool

The choice of pressure washer depends on three main factors: type of pool, size of the surface to be cleaned and frequency of use.

For domestic pools, pool edges, outdoor flooring and outdoor furniture, compact, easy-to-handle and simple-to-use cold water pressure washers are recommended.

For in-ground pools, larger surfaces, tougher dirt or more frequent use, it is better to choose a semi-professional model with greater robustness and higher performance.

 

KRS: compact and practical for domestic use

Comet KRS is a cold water solution designed for domestic use.

It is equipped with a universal electric motor, motor thermal protection, three-piston axial pump with aluminium head, Total Stop device, integrated detergent tank and hose reel at the top.

With a maximum pressure of 150 bar and a maximum flow rate of 500 l/h, it is suitable for those looking for a practical machine for seasonal cleaning of domestic pools, pool edges, small outdoor areas and garden furniture.

It is particularly suitable for above-ground pools, small in-ground pools and routine maintenance of the pool area.

 

KRX: domestic, easy to handle and with reinforced hose

Comet KRX is another domestic cold water solution, designed for those who want practicality, easy handling and a more complete set-up for periodic cleaning of outdoor spaces.

It is equipped with a high-efficiency universal motor with thermal protection, three-piston axial pump with aluminium head, Total Stop device, integrated detergent tank and hose reel.

The rubber hose with steel reinforcement makes it particularly practical for moving around the pool and working on edges, flooring and outdoor furniture.

The KRX 1450 Plus version reaches a maximum pressure of 160 bar and a maximum flow rate of 500 l/h, values suitable for maintaining domestic pools and small or medium-sized outdoor areas.

KLX 1900 GOLD EXTRA: semi-professional for pools, outdoor surfaces and tougher dirt

For those looking for a more robust and high-performance solution, KLX 1900 GOLD EXTRA is the most suitable semi-professional model.

It is designed for a wide range of semi-professional applications and is well suited to cleaning domestic surfaces, vehicles, garages, pools, green areas, roofs and gutters.

Its versatility comes from the balance between an operating pressure of 140 bar, maximum pressure of 180 bar, flow rate of 540 l/h and 2.8 kW power.

KLX 1900 GOLD EXTRA is therefore recommended for cleaning medium-large in-ground pools, pool edges, outdoor flooring and surfaces more exposed to dirt, maintaining good efficiency even when residues are tougher.

The equipment, including a 10-metre R1 high-pressure hose, two metal lances — one for high and low pressure and one turbo lance — and a GC 201 gun with protection, allows you to immediately handle different cleaning operations without needing additional accessories.

Comparative table of recommended models

Comet model

Recommended use

Max pressure

Max flow rate

Recommended pool type

Ideal for

KRS

Domestic

150 bar

500 l/h

Above-ground pools and small in-ground pools

Seasonal cleaning, pool edges, small outdoor areas, garden furniture

KRX

Domestic

160 bar

500 l/h

Above-ground pools and domestic in-ground pools

Periodic pool cleaning, edges, light flooring, outdoor furniture

KLX 1900 GOLD EXTRA

Semi-professional

180 bar

540 l/h

Domestic and medium-large in-ground pools

Pool edges, outdoor flooring, larger surfaces, tougher dirt

 

In general, for above-ground pools it is better to prioritise easy handling, jet control and delicate cleaning on the surfaces.

For in-ground pools, especially when resistant surfaces and large outdoor areas are present, it may be useful to choose a machine with higher flow rate, greater robustness and more continuous use.

Pressure washer and wet vacuum: two complementary tools

For complete pool cleaning, a pressure washer and a wet vacuum can be used as complementary tools.

The pressure washer is ideal for detaching dirt from surfaces: walls, floor, edges, flooring, steps and outdoor furniture.

The wet vacuum, on the other hand, is useful for collecting dirty water, sand, small debris, leaves and wet residues that accumulate on the bottom or in the corners.

This combination is particularly useful after washing with a pressure washer, when dirty water tends to settle in lower areas or water collection points.

It is important to remember that a wet vacuum does not replace water chemical treatments and does not sanitise the pool. It is used to remove visible residues and liquids, making maintenance easier.

Mistakes to avoid when cleaning the pool with a pressure washer

A pressure washer is very effective, but it must be used correctly. Some mistakes can reduce the result or damage delicate surfaces.

The most common mistakes are:

    • using pressure that is too high on liners, PVC, seals or delicate coatings;
    • keeping the lance too close to the surface;
    • focusing on the same point for too long;
    • directing the jet at electrical parts, pumps or system components;
    • using detergents that are not compatible with the pool;
    • failing to remove leaves and large debris first;
    • neglecting the final rinse;
    • using the same pressure level on in-ground and above-ground pools;
    • confusing surface cleaning with chemical water treatment.

FAQ

Can I clean my pool with a pressure washer?

Yes, a pressure washer can be used to clean the bottom, walls, edges and flooring around the pool, especially when the pool is empty. It is important to adjust the pressure and pay attention to more delicate materials.

Do I need to empty the pool before using a pressure washer?

For deep cleaning of the bottom and walls, it is advisable to empty the pool. This allows you to work better on encrustations, surface algae and adhering dirt. For above-ground pools, however, it is always better to check the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can I use a pressure washer on an above-ground pool?

Yes, but with caution. Above-ground pools can have more delicate materials, such as liners, PVC or reinforced sheets. It is important to use moderate pressure, keep the correct distance and avoid focusing on joints, seams or valves.

Can I use a pressure washer on an in-ground pool?

Yes. In-ground pools, especially if lined with resistant materials such as tiles, stoneware, mosaic or concrete, allow deeper cleaning with a pressure washer. However, electrical components, lights, skimmers, seals and inlets must still be protected.

Can a pressure washer damage the internal pool lining?

It can damage it if used with excessive pressure or too close to the surface. On liners, PVC, seals and delicate materials, it is better to work carefully, start with lower pressure and maintain an adequate distance.

Which Comet pressure washer should I choose for an above-ground pool?

For an above-ground pool, compact and easy-to-handle domestic models such as KRS and KRX are recommended to be used with moderate pressure and care on more delicate materials.

Which Comet pressure washer should I choose for an in-ground pool?

For a domestic in-ground pool, you can choose KRX or KLX 1900 GOLD EXTRA. For larger surfaces, pool edges, outdoor flooring and tougher dirt, KLX 1900 GOLD EXTRA is the most suitable solution.

Does a pressure washer remove algae and moss?

A pressure washer helps remove surface algae, moss and adhering dirt from surfaces. However, it does not replace the chemical treatments required for proper pool water management.

Can I use detergents with a pressure washer?

Yes, if the machine is equipped for it and if the detergent is compatible with the surface and the pool environment. It is always important to follow the instructions provided by the pool and detergent manufacturers.

Is a pressure washer useful for cleaning pool edges?

Yes, it is particularly useful for cleaning pool edges, flooring, walkways and areas where dust, moss, soil and residues accumulate.

Can I also clean garden furniture with a pressure washer?

Yes, if the materials are compatible. A pressure washer can be used on tables, chairs, sun loungers, planters and water-resistant outdoor accessories. On lightweight plastic, wood, painted surfaces or fabrics, it is better to use a gentle jet and keep an adequate distance.

Is a pressure washer or wet vacuum better for cleaning the pool?

They are different and complementary tools. The pressure washer detaches dirt from surfaces, while the wet vacuum helps collect dirty water, sand, leaves and wet residues.

How often should I clean the pool with a pressure washer?

It depends on use and exposure to dirt. In general, it is useful to carry out deep cleaning before seasonal reopening and periodically clean edges, flooring and furniture during summer.