Our top pick is the Lalapool Swimming Pool Brush, which has a generously sized 18-inch head that’s reinforced with aluminum and has curved edges to brush along corners. Here are the best pool brushes. This pool brush attaches to most standard-size poles with a simple snap, and its metal handle is angled at 45 degrees, making it easy to push along the pool floor. However, this brush head does not come with a pole, so you’ll have to purchase a pole separately, if you do not already own one. While this pool brush doesn’t remove dirt from the water, our tester enjoyed using it to free chemical and algae build-up from her pool’s walls. You can use this brush on any type of pool surface, including vinyl, concrete, and tile. We recommend using a gentle pressure when using it on vinyl to avoid unintentional tearing. This brush doesn’t have a soft bumper around the edges, so there is a chance it may scratch your pool’s lining if not used properly. However, this brush’s simple, yet effective and affordable design make it our top pick, despite a few minor design concerns. The Intex Pool Brush’s simple plastic tab allows it to clip into a compatible pole. However, it’s designed to be used with a pole that has a 1.19-inch inner diameter, which isn’t the most common. If you’re shopping for a pole, the manufacturer recommends its 110-inch Telescoping Aluminum Shaft for use with this brush. This pool brush is designed to clip into standard 1.25-inch poles, and the head is reinforced with aluminum for durability. The 45-degree-angled handle makes it easy to push along the bottom of your pool, and its gentle bristles shouldn’t damage vinyl or painted surfaces. This pool brush occasionally sheds bristles, but overall, it’s a well-priced tool for above-ground pool maintenance. This heavy-duty pool brush is made from heat-resistant materials, so it doesn’t deteriorate if you leave it out in the sun. You can connect it to standard pool poles—though the exact measurements aren’t listed—and it works well on other pool materials, including tile and concrete. The only potential negative of this pool brush is that it’s not reinforced with any type of metal, so it may not be quite as durable as other options. This pool brush is only 8 inches long, so it’s not ideal for cleaning large areas, but you can wield it by hand or attach it to a 1.25-inch pool pole. The handle rotates 90 degrees in either direction, allowing you to change its alignment to suit the job at hand, and its EZ Clip handle prevents your fingers from being pinched as you attach it to a pole. The stiff bristles are ideal for cleaning any type of pool surface. Overall, this small brush is a must-have addition to your pool maintenance tool kit. The Wall Whale Brush attaches to most standard pool poles, and the tail is adjustable, allowing you to change the pressure to suit your cleaning needs. The nylon bristles are gentle enough to use on any type of pool liner, and while the brush is slightly pricey, it makes pool maintenance quicker and easier. Just be aware that the metal reinforcement can rust, so rinse the brush after use and store it in a dry area. The heavy-duty plastic brush curves up on both ends, allowing you to get into tight corners of your pool. Additionally, you can rotate the brush’s handle up to 90 degrees, making it easy to adjust the angle to suit your needs. It also has two holes in the handle for draining water and preventing a siphon effect, making the brush easier to use. Also, consider the bristle material. “There are a variety of different pool brushes on the market, either using bristles with nylon, a combination of nylon and natural bristles, or stainless steel,” explains Stewart Vernon, COO, and founder of America’s Swimming Pool Company. “Nylon brushes are the most common and, in my opinion, the best material for almost any pool. These bristles are resilient to frequent brushing, yet gentle enough on all pool surfaces.” Some heavy-duty pool brushes use stainless steel bristles instead, but these are only suitable for concrete or gunite pools.
Design
Most pool brushes look fairly similar, featuring a wide row of bristles and a handle that attaches to a telescoping pole. However, certain brushes have special features for specific tasks. For instance, it’s common for pool brushes to have curved edges, as this allows you to get into the corners of your pool more readily. Other brushes have rubber bumpers around the edges to prevent them from scratching the liners, and some have special fins that help apply pressure to the walls and floors for a more thorough clean.
Pole Attachment
Unless you’re purchasing a hand brush, chances are, you use your pool brush on the end of a telescoping pool pole. Some brushes come with matching poles—ideal for first-time pool owners—while other poles are sold separately. Most brushes list the pole size they can be used with; the standard size is 1.25 inches in diameter.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer, and product reviewer who has contributed to The Spruce since 2017. While researching pool brushes, she spoke to Stewart Vernon, COO, and founder of America’s Swimming Pool Company, for expert tips on what to look for when shopping. Using his advice, she evaluated different products based on their materials, design, and overall value. She prioritized pool brushes that offer some reinforcement on the head, as well as options that can be connected to standard-sized telescoping poles.
