• The porous surface of a concrete pool can make cleaning it a challenge.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Concrete pools are often preferred by homeowners because they offer design flexibility and are highly durable. The drawback of concrete pools, however, is that their porous surface makes them difficult to clean. You should keep your pool clean because dirty walls can cause problems like algae or cloudy water. Keeping your concrete pool clean is easier if you keep some basic products on hand and work slowly to ensure that you remove all traces of dirt, oil and residue.
  
  

High Pressure Washer

• For a concrete pool that must be cleaned of old, chipped paint or particularly stubborn, crusted stains, a high pressure or power washer may be necessary. A pressure washer connects to your garden hose and uses an air compressor to spray the water with a high rate of pressure to deep clean the surface. Hot water pressure washers usually work better on concrete surfaces because higher temperatures work more effectively to emulsify dirt, oils and other debris that may be on pool walls. With the first pass of the pressure washer, remove any visible debris such as leaves, twigs or loose dirt from the pool. For the next pass work away from the pressure washer, and use a side-to-side motion as you spray. Direct the dirty water away from the areas of the pool that you have cleaned so the concrete remains clean.
  
  

Trisodium Phosphate

• For a basic washing of a concrete pool, a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water is usually best. TSP is available at pool supply, paint and hardware stores and is a washing compound specifically meant for concrete pools. Washing your pool with TSP is especially important when preparing it for painting. Regular detergents are not recommended for use on concrete pools because they leave behind a soapy residue while TSP rinses clean. Mix the TSP with water according to the package's instructions, and scrub the pool surface with a stiff-bristled brush. Areas where oils may collect, such as the main drain or waterline, should be scrubbed with extra care to ensure that any residue is removed.
  
  

Acid

• Even after using TSP to clean your concrete pool, there may still be chalky residue and mineral deposits left on the surface of the pool. Acid etching the concrete can remove this residue and open pores on the surface, which is especially important if you plan to paint your pool because it helps the paint adhere more easily. Muriatic acid or sulfamic acid crystals can be mixed with water and applied to the surface with a scrub brush. Follow the package instructions for proper ratios, and rinse the concrete approximately every 10 feet. After your pool has been acid-etched, wash the surface again with TSP. The TSP neutralizes any remaining traces of acid on the concrete so salts do not form.