One of the easiest ways to keep your pool in condition is by simple maintenance tasks such as weekly brushing and cleaning of your pool surfaces. Arizona pool owners deal with a unique set of challenges that go far beyond simple debris removal. The desert climate is harsh on plaster, tile, and pebble surfaces, and because sunlight, heat, and mineral-heavy water work together year-round, any lapse in care quickly shows. Many homeowners assume that vacuuming or running the filter is enough, but the real protection comes from something far simpler: brushing the pool every single week.
Benefits of Weekly Brushing
Weekly brushing sounds basic, almost too basic. Yet it is one of the most powerful habits for extending the life of pool surfaces in Arizona. The more consistent the brushing, the fewer chances algae, calcium, and microscopic dust have to settle and harden into the kinds of problems that require resurfacing or major repairs. In a desert environment where algae thrives in warm water and minerals cling to rough surfaces, brushing becomes a preventative investment, not just a chore.
One of the biggest issues Arizona pools face is algae growth. Because the water stays warm for most of the year, algae spores multiply quickly. Even if your pool looks clear, tiny algae colonies can cling to walls and steps. Once they attach, they create a thin biofilm that chlorine struggles to penetrate. Weekly brushing breaks up this layer before algae has a chance to root into the plaster. It opens the surface so sanitizers work efficiently and prevents the slick, greenish tint that often shows up after just a few neglected weeks. Regular brushing is one of the easiest forms of algae prevention and often saves pool owners from costly shock treatments or emergency cleanings.
Mineral buildup is another silent threat. Arizona’s water is rich in calcium, and with every splash-out and refill, more minerals are introduced into the pool. Over time, calcium dust settles on steps, benches, and walls. If left undisturbed, it forms hard scale that bonds to the plaster and can eventually etch the surface. Once scale is fully formed, removing it usually requires an acid wash or professional bead-blast cleaning, both expensive processes that wear down the pool over time. Weekly brushing keeps those minerals suspended so the filter can remove them before they harden. It’s a simple habit that dramatically slows the scaling process and helps maintain the smooth feel of the plaster.
The desert environment also introduces fine dust and sand that settle quickly in still areas of the pool. Corners, ledges, and textured surfaces trap this dust, creating rough patches that allow algae to take hold faster. Brushing disrupts these pockets and keeps the pool’s finish healthier for longer. When brushing becomes part of routine maintenance, the surface retains its aesthetic appearance and structural integrity, reducing the need for resurfacing sooner than expected.
For plaster pools in particular, brushing is essential during the first year after resurfacing. Fresh plaster continuously cures, and as it does, it releases plaster dust. Weekly, or in the early stages, daily brushing prevents this dust from hardening into permanent scale. Even after the curing period, plaster benefits from regular brushing because it naturally becomes more porous over time. Keeping the surface clean reduces roughness, staining, and premature aging.
There’s also a financial side to this habit. Most major surface repairs begin with something small: a bit of scale on the steps, a tiny stain on the wall, a patch of algae that’s brushed too late. When those issues accumulate, they weaken the finish and reduce its lifespan. Weekly brushing costs nothing, doesn’t require special equipment, and adds years to the life of the surface. In a state where resurfacing can cost thousands of dollars, this simple maintenance step is one of the best long-term savings strategies.
Beyond the surface itself, brushing improves overall water chemistry. When contaminants, dust, and algae are lifted off the walls, sanitizers work more effectively and the filter captures more debris. This reduces chemical demand, helps stabilize chlorine levels, and keeps the water clearer for longer stretches. Brushing isn’t just protecting the plaster—it’s supporting the entire circulation and sanitation system.
Arizona pools face more stress than pools in cooler climates. Sun exposure, heat, dust, and mineral-heavy water create perfect conditions for buildup and surface degradation. Weekly brushing interrupts that cycle. It preserves the beauty of the pool, protects the plaster, prevents algae, and significantly reduces the likelihood of expensive repairs. For any Arizona pool owner who wants long-term savings and better water quality, brushing is one habit that should never be skipped.