We test before we treat
Reading the water first isn't optional to us.
Swimming Pool Cleaning in Al Balad, Jeddah
Al Balad is the historic commercial heart of Jeddah, its coral limestone and wooden rawashin architecture listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, with traditional souqs and narrow, densely packed lanes. Pools are extremely rare here but when they exist they sit in very old houses, and water is heavily affected by age, humidity and coastal salt.
- A full team, not one person
- Price agreed before we start
- Our own pumps and test kit
- Reworked in the same visit
What changes about swimming pool cleaning in Al Balad
Pools here are extremely rare and when found they present severe challenges: water is very hard, walls are centuries old, and original filters may not function at all. The condition is usually critical on the first visit. For the method itself, see the full swimming pool cleaning page.
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The first reason
Coastal humidity and salt besiege the pool
Al Balad sits on the sea: salt and humidity are relentless. Pool walls are coated in salt and mould that has built up over decades, and the water may be unsafe to swim in until very aggressive treatment is done.
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The second reason
Original pipes and filters may not work at all
Historic houses contain piping and filters from very old eras: the filter may be completely blocked and water may not circulate. Pressure is very weak and the pump may be failed entirely.
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The third reason
Narrow lanes make access to the pool difficult
Al Balad has narrow streets and daily congestion: reaching the pool may be complex and heavy equipment may not fit easily. Coordination with shops and neighbours is essential before any visit.
What swimming pool cleaning covers in Al Balad
The historic commercial district at the centre of Jeddah, adjacent to the port and sea, with an extremely dense and ancient street layout, high humidity and salt present everywhere.
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Water chemistry tested first
Water is very high in salts, so testing first measures total salinity and total dissolved solids precisely: if salinity exceeds safe limits we may need complete draining and fresh water refill.
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Brushing walls and waterline
The old coral stone and wooden screens are fragile: brushing needs extreme care to avoid damage. We use soft tools and work very carefully to protect the heritage.
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Vacuuming the pool floor
Vacuuming may be difficult if water is very turbid, so movement is slow and cautious to avoid resuspending settled deposits into the water column.
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Skimmer and baskets cleaned
The skimmer and piping may be completely blocked: deep and thorough cleaning is essential, and we may need to partially disassemble some connections.
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Filter backwash
The original filter may not function at all: very strong backwashing may be risky to the equipment. Initial inspection may recommend replacement.
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Chemical balance reset
After dosing we walk carefully with you: the house is historic and may be fragile. We recommend conservative improvements and very frequent monitoring.
Not included
- Repairing pumps, filters or pool plumbing
- Fixing cracks, leaks or replacing tile
- Draining and acid-washing an empty pool, that is a separate service
- Removing permanent staining from metals or long-neglected plaster
How a pool is actually cleaned
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1
Test before we add anything
pH, sanitiser and hardness are read at the start.
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2
Skim and net first
Floating leaves and debris come off before we brush.
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3
Brush walls, steps and waterline
Algae and the oily waterline film cling to the surfaces.
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4
Vacuum the floor
Silt settles in the deep end and the corners the return jets never reach.
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5
Clean the filter and baskets
The skimmer and pump baskets are cleared and the filter checked or backwashed.
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6
Balance, dose, and walk it with you
With the water clean, we balance and dose, then walk the pool with you before leaving.
Al Balad on the map
Why us for this service in particular
A full team arrives together
The company runs a large crew, and we send a team rather than one person.
Our equipment, not rented
Pumps, vacuum heads and the test kit come with the team.
We say no when it's no
If the pump or the plumbing is the real problem, we tell you.
From our work
Photographs from real jobs carried out by the crew.
The job isn't closed until you approve it
The commitment is simple enough to actually keep: we don't leave until you've seen the result and had your say on it.
Landmarks of Al Balad
Pools in Al Balad are very close to Nassif House and Al Shafi'i Mosque, Souq Al Alawi and Souq Al Badu around Bab Makkah and Bab Sharif. Access is via Port Street and narrow lanes and coordination with shops and neighbours is absolutely essential before any visit can happen.
- Nassif House
- Al Shafi'i Mosque
- Souq Al Alawi
- Souq Al Badu
- Bab Makkah
- Bab Sharif
Questions about swimming pool cleaning in Al Balad
Is the water in Al Balad safe to swim in or contaminated from the port?
Water may be very high in salt and minerals but is not directly contaminated from the port. Precise testing on day one is critical: if salinity is dangerously high you may need complete draining and fresh refill.
If the old historic house is this ancient, is the pool itself that old too?
Usually: pools in old houses may be very old as well. The walls may be weak and the filter may not work. First inspection may reveal the pool needs major rehabilitation.
Is the original filter worth keeping or should it just be replaced?
If the original filter is part of the heritage we try to repair it. But if it is completely clogged you may need replacement. Initial testing tells us what is possible.
The walls are black with salt crust white on top. Is it safe to swim?
No: thorough cleaning and full testing are necessary before anyone swims. Salt and mould can irritate skin and eyes seriously.
Do the narrow streets mean you cannot bring your equipment in?
You may need smaller equipment or hand carrying of heavy tools. Al Balad has constraints but not impossible ones. Pre-visit coordination is essential.
How often should the historic house pool be treated?
At least weekly until the water stabilises. Salt and excess humidity mean more frequent testing: you may need treatment twice per week.
Do you repair pumps or filters?
No. We clean and balance the water and clear the baskets and filter, but repairing pumps, motors or plumbing is a separate trade. If we find a mechanical fault, we tell you what it is so you can get it fixed.
Do you drain the pool to clean it?
Not for a normal clean. Vacuuming, brushing and balancing are all done with the pool full. Draining and acid-washing is only for specific cases like heavy staining or a full reset, and that is a separate service we'd discuss first.
How much does swimming pool cleaning in Al Balad cost?
It is set after the inspection, because it follows the size of the job, the materials involved and their condition. Send photos on WhatsApp and we will give you an estimate before we reach Al Balad.
Other services in Al Balad
We provide these in Al Balad too, and more than one can share a single visit.
