How to Choose the Right Pool Brush for Your Pool
Choosing the right pool brush might seem straightforward, but using the wrong one can mean wasted effort — or worse, damage to your pool’s surface. Here’s everything you need to know to pick the right brush the first time.
Bristle Types: Nylon vs. Steel vs. Combo
The bristle material is the most important decision. It determines what surfaces you can safely clean and how aggressively the brush scrubs.
Nylon Bristles
Nylon is the safest and most versatile bristle type. It’s gentle enough for delicate surfaces like vinyl liners and fiberglass, while still effective at removing dirt, light algae, and debris from plaster and gunite.
Best for: Vinyl, fiberglass, plaster, and all-purpose weekly maintenance.
Our 18” Blue Nylon Brush and 24” Blue Nylon Brush use premium blue nylon bristles that hold their shape and density over time — unlike the thin, floppy bristles on most imports.
Stainless Steel Bristles
Steel-tip bristles are more aggressive and designed for tough jobs on hard surfaces. They’re ideal for scrubbing stubborn algae, calcium deposits, and mineral buildup on plaster, gunite, and pebble finishes.
Best for: Plaster, gunite, pebble/aggregate — surfaces that can handle aggressive scrubbing.
Important: Never use steel bristles on vinyl or fiberglass. They can scratch, gouge, or puncture these surfaces.
Combination (Combo) Bristles
Combo brushes pair nylon and stainless steel bristles together, giving you the best of both worlds. The nylon bristles handle general maintenance while the steel tips tackle tougher buildup — all in one brush.
Best for: Pool owners with plaster, gunite, or pebble surfaces who want one brush that does it all.
Our 18” Combo Brush is our most popular brush for exactly this reason. For larger pools, the 24” Combo Brush covers more surface area per stroke.
Size: 18” vs. 24”
Pool brushes typically come in two widths: 18 inches and 24 inches.
18” Brushes
The 18” width is the standard for residential pools. It’s maneuverable enough to get into tight corners, around steps, and along the waterline without fighting your telescopic pole.
Choose 18” if: You have a standard residential pool, need to clean around steps and ladders, or prefer easier handling.
24” Brushes
A 24” brush covers roughly 33% more surface per stroke, which adds up fast on larger pools. If you’re brushing a big pool every week, the wider head saves real time.
Choose 24” if: You have a large pool (over 20,000 gallons), a commercial pool, or you just want to finish brushing faster.
Quick Surface Compatibility Guide
| Your Pool Surface | Recommended Bristle | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Nylon only | 18” Blue Nylon |
| Fiberglass | Nylon only | 18” Blue Nylon |
| Plaster | Nylon, Steel, or Combo | 18” Combo |
| Gunite | Combo or Steel | 18” Combo |
| Pebble/Aggregate | Combo or Steel | 24” Combo |
The Bottom Line
If you’re not sure, start with a combo brush — it handles the widest range of surfaces and cleaning tasks. Our 18” Combo Brush is our best seller for a reason.
For vinyl or fiberglass pools, stick with nylon. And if you have a large pool, go with the 24” width to save yourself time every week.
Whatever you choose, invest in a brush that’s built to last. Cheap brushes lose bristles, bend under pressure, and end up in the trash after a season. A quality American-made brush pays for itself.