If you have a smaller inflatable pool, cleaning it is very simple. You just need to drain the water from the pool first, then take a cleaning solution and gently scrub the lining, rinse the solution with clean water and refill the pool. You need to repeat this process 2-3 times a month.
But if you have a giant inflatable pool, then draining it will be a very tough task. In this type of pool, you need to balance the pH factor of the water by sanitizing it with chlorine-type chemicals. Let’s go straight into the guide regarding how to clean mold off inflatable pool.
How to clean mold off inflatable pool?
Regular maintenance and cleaning of inflatable pools are very important to maintain the safety and health of those who use them. After 3 to 4 days of regular use, the pool’s water can be full of dirt, debris, and bacteria.
These can lead to skin infections and many other health issues. On the other hand, debris can also damage the inflatable pool itself. By cleaning this type of pool from time to time, you not only maintain a healthy swimming environment but also prolong the pool’s lifespan.
Materials Needed :
Before starting to clean any mold off inflatable pools, you need to arrange the following materials:
- Bathroom or kitchen cleaner
- Scrub brush
- Bucket
- Plenty of clean water
- Chlorine or bleach
- Face mask (if mold is present in large quantities)
- Gloves
Step-by-Step Guide:
To easily and properly clean any small to medium-sized inflatable pool, you must follow some simple steps properly.
- Drain the water: Suppose you find that the water in the pool is not very clean. If it is slightly greenish or cloudy, you need to clean the pool immediately. First of all, you need to drain out all the water from the pool. In most cases, there is a drain plug at the bottom area of the pool. Just use it to rain the stored water completely.
- Let the pool dry completely: Now take a dry towel or rag, and try to dry the entire pool. They may have some grime or mildew growing at the pool’s walls. You don’t need to worry about it; just try to make it as dry as possible.
- Use of cleaning solution: Lysol or any other bathroom or kitchen cleaner can be used as a cleaning solution, but you need to use them a lot. If you are uncomfortable with these cleaning solutions, you can make one at home by mixing some bleach and water.
- The ratio of bleach and water should be 1:12. With 12 cups of water, you need to mix one cup of bleach. But if the pool is dirty, you can change this ratio and make it stronger to easily clean it. You can pour this mixture into a spray bottle to use conveniently.
- Scrubbing: Before applying the cleaning solution, you must scrub the pool properly with mild soap water. It will easily lift most of the grimes from the pool’s surface. If the pool is not so dirty, it is good to clean it with only soapy water.
- For scrubbing, you need to take a clean rag. Spray the cleaning solution on the rack 4 to 5 times and start to scrub the surface of the pool walls. For your safety, you can wear hand gloves. Make sure you scrub every corner of the pool.
- Rinse the pool: Now rinse the pool well with clean water. You need to ensure that no stances of cleaning solution are present on the surface. You may need to repeat this rinsing process 2 to 3 times. Continue this process until the discolored area restores its color and form.
- Refilling the pool: Before refilling the pool with clean water, please check for any leaks or irregular form on the surface. If found any, fix it properly. and then refill the pool with clean, fresh water.
Safety precautions while cleaning mold from inflatable pool
It is important to take safety precautions to protect yourself from mold spores and any type of harm while cleaning an inflatable pool.
- The most common safety precautions that you can take are:
- First, you need to wear protective gear. A hand glove, face mask, and goggles can protect you from mold spores.
- Choose a well-ventilated outdoor space for this cleaning purpose.
- Keep the cleaning solution away from any open source of heat or flame.
- If you are working in a closed place, make sure that the fans are switched off. Else the mold spores can spread rapidly.
- Avoid using porous materials, such as inflatable pool toys or air mattresses. These can easily become moldy. And cleaning these items is very difficult.
- Don’t miss any area or wall of the pool while cleaning.
- Before cleaning the pool, it is good to check the manufacturer’s guide for proper instructions.
Prevention of mold growth on inflatable pools
Besides the above-mentioned cleaning process, there are a lot of other things that can help you to get rid of molds from your inflatable pool. Here we mention some easy ways to prevent mold from growing on inflatable pools.
- Cleaning the filter pump: The large inflatable pools come with a filter pump. You need to keep it clean to work properly and effectively. You can use chemicals to clean it. Circulating the water is the major task of this pump. So it can easily clean out the debris.
- Using a pool vacuum: This tool is mainly used to clean large inflatable pools. The filter pump can’t keep all the corners of the large pools clean. There will be some debris remaining, and to clean then, you may need a pool vacuum. Your pool bottom will be kept clean with it. And the cleanliness of the stored water will be prolonged for a few more days.
- Using Oil Sponge: The Oil Sponge is an easy-to-use tool for extracting body oil and lotion from pool water. To use it, simply soak the sponge in the water, and it will absorb all oil that has settled in the water. And ultimately, it will keep the pool water clean for longer.
- Using a pool cover: he presence of Algae is one of the main reasons for foggy water. Algae can’t grow in such areas where there is no direct sunlight. So it is important to cover the pool when not in use. It is a simple and easy way to reduce the time and effort spent cleaning and keep the water clean for a longer period. It also keeps away any flying leaves or objects from the water.
- Using a skimmer net: This type of net is very effective in keeping various debris away from the pool. These nets are available in various shapes and sizes. So you can purchase some according to your pool’s size and requirements.
Natural and chemical methods of removing mold from inflatable pool
Natural Methods
- Vinegar: Vinegar is a very common household item and can also be used for this cleaning. You must mix water and vinegar in 1:1 form to make a cleaning solution. And apply it on the pool’s surface after scrubbing it with some mild shop water.
- Baking soda: You can also apply a paste of baking soda and water to clean the moldy areas.
- Tea tree oil: To make a cleaning solution, you just need to add only a few drops of tea oil into a spray bottle and then fill it with water. It works slowly. So after applying it on the pool’s walls, you need to leave it for at least one hour to sit on the wall properly. Then scrub the dirty areas with a brush and rinse the entire pool with clean water.
Chemical Methods
- Bleach: One cup of bleach and one gallon of water should be mixed. Apply the solution with a brush to the moldy areas of the pool. Rinse the pool with clean water after 15 minutes. It is as simple as that.
- Hydrogen peroxide:
- Make a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide by mixing equal quantities.
- After spraying the solution on the moldy area, let it sit for an hour.
- Use a brush to scrub the area, then rinse it with clean water.
- Ammonia: You must mix one cup of ammonia with one gallon of water. Apply the solution using a brush. You should let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
Other Guides: How To Clean Air Stones For Hydroponics | How To kill Orchard Grass In Your Lawn Easily
frequently asked questions (fAQs)
Can I use bleach to clean inflatable pool?
The answer is yes; bleach can be used to clean inflatable pools. Mix a small amount of bleach with water before cleaning the pool. Don’t forget to rinse the pool thoroughly after cleaning it with this mixture of water and bleach.
What can I use to clean an inflatable pool?
A mixture of water and mild detergent, a pool-specific cleaning solution, or any kitchen or bathroom cleaner can clean an inflatable pool. Or you can use a mixture of chlorine bleach and water, To clean the sides and bottom of the pool, and you can use a pool brush.
How do you remove mold from a vinyl pool?
To make an effective solution for removing mold from vinyl pools is to mix chlorine bleach and water in a 1:3 ratio. The affected area should be scrubbed with a stiff brush. Then you need to rinse the pool thoroughly.
If necessary, repeat the process. If you use abrasive cleaning products or leave chlorine solutions on vinyl for too long, the material of the pool can be damaged.
Can I put vinegar in an inflatable pool?
The material of an inflatable pool can be damaged over time if vinegar is used in the pool. Vinegar is acidic. It is also ineffective in killing the existing bacteria or disinfecting the pool’s surface. Instead of vinegar, using a mild detergent or pool-specific cleaning solution is good.
Conclusion:
I hope now you have a complete idea regarding how to clean mold off inflatable pool. And it is very important if the user doesn’t want to be sick. From severe screen disease to many long-lasting allergies – it can cause anything. So please clean this pool from time to time, with your convenient method.