Nearly every pool owner would be thrilled to have their pool cleaned by a professional pool cleaner. We witness this on TV commercials all the time. The problem is that a professional pool cleaning service can become very expensive, especially over the entire pool season. Consequently, you should know how to clean your pool with your own two hands.

The water surface of your pool will collect leaves and other debris. Clean it with a pool type leaf rake that has a net attached to it. It should have a long pole on the rake so you can reach all around the pool to scoop up surface debris.

For the quickest clean up, you are going to want to start on the sides of your pool. Simply walk around the perimeter of the swimming pool a couple of times using your rake to collect floating leaves and insects. Be sure to stop and empty the rake of debris when it starts getting full so you do not let what you have already collected slip back into the water.

For the middle of the pool, just stick the leaf rake into the center. You are going to want to have the net upside down for this. Then, just pull the rake towards you while keeping the head at a slight angle. Repeat until all surface debris has been removed.

Vacuuming the bottom of the pool is the next step in the process. After first making sure to connect the hose to the vacuum and placing the unit underwater, you are going to need to siphon the hose so that it is filled with water. You do this so that your vacuum is not sucking air in the beginning as this can reduce the life of the unit. Then, simply vacuum the bottom of the pool until you are satisfied.

Now for time purposes, I suggest brushing the sides of the pool and the steps after vacuuming the bottom. Although you are indeed throwing more dirt and debris into the pool, the alternative is that you have to wait for everything to settle to the bottom if you decide to brush first. It really just depends on how much time you have to dedicate to the cleaning process. If you do decide to brush the sides and steps first, simply let the dirt settle and then come back to vacuum in 30 minutes or so.

You want to start with your brush at the side of the pool with the head facing downward and even with the tiles. Begin with a downward brushing motion but be sure that you keep the brush straight until you reach the bottom. Then, pull the brush back up towards you while carefully moving it over the width of the head. This way, you are certain that you are not missing spots. Repeat all the way around the pool until completed and then simply do the same for the steps.

Presto. You now have a clean pool. That wasn't so bad. Was it? The best thing is to clean periodically to avoid massive debris build up. Follow the steps listed above and you will be well on your way to a pristine clean pool that will have your neighbors green with envy.