Quick answer: Cleaning a pool cage or screen enclosure requires a much gentler approach than any other surface on the property, since the fine mesh screen can tear or stretch if too much pressure is applied. The safest method uses very low pressure, a mild cleaning solution, and a soft brush attachment for the frame, working carefully across the mesh rather than blasting it directly with a standard pressure washer setting.
Key Takeaways
- The screen mesh is the most delicate surface covered in this entire guide, and it requires meaningfully lower pressure than any other job.
- Buildup on the mesh often shows up as reduced brightness and a duller view rather than obvious visible dirt.
- Properties closer to the water tend to see faster buildup on the screen due to added salt exposure.
- The aluminum frame can generally tolerate a bit more pressure than the mesh itself, but should still be treated with more care than a driveway.
- This is one of the more time consuming jobs on a per square foot basis, simply because of how carefully it needs to be approached.
What Equipment Do You Need to Clean a Pool Cage?
A pressure washer capable of a very low pressure setting, or a garden hose with a spray attachment for an even gentler option, a mild cleaning solution safe for use on screen mesh and aluminum, and a soft bristle brush for the frame. A long handled soft brush can also help reach higher sections of a tall enclosure without needing a ladder for every section.
Step by Step: How to Clean a Pool Cage Yourself
1. Assess the Enclosure and Identify Problem Areas
Walk the perimeter and look for sections with visible buildup, discoloration, or areas that seem noticeably duller than the rest of the screen, since these often need the most attention.
2. Apply a Mild Cleaning Solution
Apply a cleaning solution designed to be safe for screen mesh, working in smaller sections rather than the entire enclosure at once. Avoid harsh chemicals that could degrade the mesh material over time.
3. Use Very Low Pressure or a Garden Hose
If using a pressure washer, set it to the lowest effective pressure and test a small, inconspicuous section first. A garden hose with a spray attachment is often a safer choice for the mesh itself, reserving any pressure washer use for the sturdier aluminum frame.
4. Brush the Frame Separately
Use a soft bristle brush combined with the cleaning solution to address the aluminum frame, which can generally tolerate a bit more direct attention than the screen mesh itself.
5. Rinse Thoroughly but Gently
Rinse the entire enclosure with low pressure water, working section by section, and check for any remaining cleaning solution residue on both the mesh and the frame.
6. Inspect the Mesh for Any Damage
Once finished, walk the enclosure again and check the mesh for any tears, stretching, or loose sections, particularly if you used a pressure washer at any point during the process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Causes a Problem |
|---|---|
| Using standard pressure washer settings on the screen | Can tear or stretch the mesh, which is far more delicate than concrete, siding, or even a garage door |
| Holding the nozzle too close to the mesh | Even low pressure applied at close range can damage the fine screen material |
| Judging the job as complete based on visible dirt alone | Mesh buildup often shows up as dullness and reduced light rather than obvious visible grime |
| Skipping a final inspection of the mesh | Small tears or stretched areas are easier to catch and address early than after they have worsened |
When Should You Call a Professional Instead?
Short answer: this is the job in this entire guide where professional experience matters most, given how easily the screen mesh can be damaged by the wrong pressure or technique. A larger enclosure, a taller cage, or a screen that has gone a long time without cleaning are all situations where professional attention meaningfully reduces the risk of tearing an expensive material.
Unlike a driveway or even a garage door, a torn screen is not something that can be easily fixed after the fact, it typically means a costly repair or replacement of that section of mesh. Given how much time and care correct pool cage cleaning requires, and how much is at stake if it goes wrong, many homeowners find this to be one of the more worthwhile jobs to have handled by someone experienced with the material.
If you would rather have your pool cage handled professionally, our pool cage and screen enclosure cleaning page covers our gentle, careful approach to this surface specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pressure wash my pool cage screen without tearing it?
Yes, but only with a very low pressure setting and careful technique. Standard pressure washer settings used on a driveway or even a garage door are too strong for the fine mesh material and can tear or stretch it.
Is a garden hose enough to clean a pool cage?
For lighter buildup, a garden hose combined with a mild cleaning solution can be effective and is often the safer choice for the mesh itself, reserving any pressure washer use for the sturdier aluminum frame.
Why does my pool cage look dull even though I do not see obvious dirt?
Buildup on screen mesh often accumulates gradually and shows up as reduced brightness and clarity through the screen rather than as obvious visible dirt, since the porous material collects debris across its entire surface.
How often should a pool cage be cleaned?
This varies by property, but homes closer to the water with more salt air exposure often need more frequent cleaning than homes farther inland, since salt residue tends to build up on the mesh faster in those conditions.
Is it worth hiring a professional to clean a pool cage?
Given how easily the screen mesh can be damaged by the wrong pressure or technique, and how costly a torn section can be to repair, many homeowners find professional cleaning worth it for this particular job, even if they handle other surfaces on the property themselves.