Top 5 Pressure Washers To Clean Your Pool & Patio Deck 2023: Reviews and Guide
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Shopping for a pressure washer to clean your pool and patio deck?
You’ve come to the right place.
Pressure washers make quick work of dirt, stains, grime, and mold. With a pressure washer, you’ll clean your pool or patio deck faster and with cleaner results. Together with an automatic pool cleaner, you can keep your pool and pool area clean.
A pressure washer is also great for cleaning driveways, walls, and even your car.
Pressure washers come in two varieties: electric and gas-powered. Electric pressure washers are cheaper and more compact. However, they provide less power, with the most powerful ones offering up to 2,000 PSI of output power.
Gas pressure washers are bigger and more powerful, providing up to 3,000 PSI of water pressure. They are, however, noisier, bigger, and more expensive.
What’s In This Buying Guide?
In this buying guide, we review and compare the top 5 pressure washers that’ll do a great job cleaning your pool and patio deck as well as other outdoor surfaces around your home.
We also explain the different types of pressure washers in the market and choose the right one for your cleaning needs.
Top 5 Pressure Washers for Your Pool & Patio Deck
Disclaimer: All the links below go to Amazon.com
- Electric Pressure Washer: Sun Joe SPX3000
- Gasoline Pressure Washer: Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer
- Budget Electric Pressure Washer: GreenWorks GPW1501 1500 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
- Compact Pressure Washer: YARD FORCE YF1600A1 1600 Psi Compact Electric Pressure Washer
- Value Pressure Washer: WHOLESUN 3000 PSI Pressure Washer with Hose Reel and Brush
| Pool shock | Best for | Max power | Flow rate | Onboard detergent tank | Weight | Wheeled | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sun Joe SPX3000 | Best electric | 2030 PSI | 1.76 GPM | Yes (0.9L x 2) | 31lbs | Yes | 2 years |
Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 | Best gasoline | 3200 PSI | 2.5 GPM | No | 65lbs | Yes | Engine 2yrs, Pump 1yr |
Greenworks | Best budget | 1500 PSI | 1.2 GPM | No (Separate soap applicator) | 16.8lbs | No | 1 year |
Yard Force YF1600A1  | Best compact | 1600 PSI | 1.2 GPM | Yes (0.9L) | 17lbs | Yes | 2 years |
WHOLESUN | Best value | 3000 PSI | 2.4 GPM | No (Separate soap applicator) | 19lbs | Yes | 2 years |
1. Best Electric Pressure Washer: Sun Joe SPX3000
The Sun Joe SPX3000 is not only the best electric pressure washer; it is also the best pressure washer for most homes.
To be honest, you’ll rarely need the 3,000 PSI a pricey gas powered pressure washer provides. The 2030 PSI output of the Sun Joe SPX3000 is plenty enough to keep your pool deck clean.
Pros
- Great price.
- Enough power for most cleaning tasks.
- Dual onboard detergent tanks.
- Comes with quick-connect spray nozzles.
- Long power cord.
Cons
- It takes longer to clean extra-stubborn dirt than a 3,000-PSI pressure washer (but it’ll still get the job done).
- Gums up after a long period of storage.
- The manual is not very helpful.
Our Review
The design of the Sun Joe SPX3000 electric pressure washer combines a decent amount of cleaning power with ease of use and easy portability. This allows you to tackle just about any cleaning job around the house.
The maximum working pressure is 2030 PSI, and the typical working pressure is 1450 PSI. That’s enough pressure to blast away dirt, mold, and other grime on outdoor surfaces.
Another advantage of the lower water pressure is the reduced risk of serious injury should you accidentally direct the jet at yourself or someone else.
The Sun Joe SPX3000 features a pair of onboard detergent tanks, each with a capacity of 0.2-gallons (0.9 liters). You can use these tanks in two ways.
One, you can carry more detergent when you need to clean a large area. This eliminates the need to come back for more detergent.
Two, you can carry two different kinds of detergents. This is handy if you plan to do multiple cleaning jobs in one go. For instance, you can fill one tank with dishwashing liquid for your pool deck and the other with carwash detergent for your car.
You can go from cleaning the patio to your car without pausing to add detergent.
A selection dial allows you to select which tank to draw detergent from. You can also select how much detergent is drawn from a specific tank.
The Sun Joe SPX3000 is relatively light, weighing just 31lbs. Large rear wheels provide easy maneuverability across different kinds of surfaces.
The 35-feet long power cord and 34-inch extension wand allow you to clean surfaces far away from the power outlet. If you need even more reach, the Sun Joe SPX3000 comes with a 25-foot extension hose.
Other accessories include five quick-connect nozzles (0, 15, 25, 40 degrees + soap dispenser nozzle), a garden hose adapter, and a cleaning tool.
Issues and Limitations
For really dirty pool and patio decks, the Sun Joe SPX3000 will take longer to blast away the dirt than a 3,000 PSI pressure washer.
But once you do the first cleaning, subsequent cleanings are easy and quick.
One issue many customers experienced is the pressure washer gumming up after weeks or months of storage. You can avoid this by removing the nozzle when storing the pressure washer and applying pressure washer pump lubricant when you take the pressure washer out of storage.
Bottom Line
The Sun Joe SPX3000 is the best electric pressure washer and the best pressure washer overall for most folks. It has enough power to keep your outdoors clean, it’s easy to use, and the price is not too bad.
2. Best Gasoline Pressure Washer: Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer
If your pool or patio deck gets really dirty from heavy foot traffic, dust, or some other reason, a gasoline pressure washer will provide the extra power you need to clean it.
The best gas-powered pressure washer is the 3200 PSI Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 with a reliable and long-lasting HONDA GC190 engine.
Pros
- High water pressure to remove extra-stubborn dirt and grime.
- Reliable Honda engine.
- Durable steel frame.
- Includes quick connect nozzle.
- Large pneumatic tires for easy mobility outdoors.
Cons
- Costs more than an electric pressure washer.
- No onboard detergent tank.
- The handle is too low for tall users.
- Loud.
Our Review
The Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 is the closest you’ll come to owning an industrial pressure washer. It’s obviously not as powerful as industrial washers are. But at 3200 PSI, it outmatches most electric pressure washers.
The biggest advantage of owning a high-pressure washer is that it cuts down massively on cleaning time. Some customers say they spend about two hours cleaning an area that takes half a day to clean.
You can also tackle stubborn dirt, mold, and stains much more effectively.
The Simpson Cleaning pressure washer combines a 3200-PSI water pressure with a 2.5-GPM flow rate or increases performance. The high flow rate allows you to wash away dirt and soap quickly.
The Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 comes with five quick-connect nozzles that allow you to adjust your spraying angle. The five nozzles are for 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap. Storage slots near the handles provide easy access to the nozzles.
The Simpson Cleaning pressure washer runs on a Honda engine. Honda is famous for its reliable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance engine.
It’s not just the engine that’s built to last. The entire pressure washer is solidly constructed and features a welded steel frame. A powder-coated finish keeps out corrosion.
The Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 is, unsurprisingly, heavier, and bigger compared to an electric pressure washer. But it’s still easy to move it around thanks to the large 10″ pneumatic tires.
Issues and Limitations
The MSH3125 pressure washer lacks an onboard detergent tank. Instead, you get a siphoning hose that you can insert into a detergent bottle. Alternatively, you can get a foam cannon and connect it to the spray wand.
Another complaint from users is that the handle is too low, especially for taller folks. This makes pushing the washer around a bit taxing. It also causes the coiled hose and the wand tip to drag along the ground.
Many customers say the MSH3125 pressure washer is also loud. Your neighbors will probably not be the biggest fans of your new pressure washer.
Something else to note is that a gas-powered pressure washer requires more maintenance. You have to add oil and gasoline to keep it working regularly.
Bottom Line
You’ll have to spend more on the Simpson Cleaning pressure washer (compared to an electric pressure washer). But the extra cleaning power is worth it. You’ll be able to tackle tougher dirt and save time cleaning.
3. Best Budget Electric Pressure Washer: GreenWorks GPW1501 1500 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Shopping on a budget? We recommend the Greenworks 1500 PSI electric pressure washer.
You have to make do with less power, but 1500 PSI is adequate for most home cleaning projects on concrete, pavement, wood, and other types of surfaces.
Pros
- Adequate pressure for home use.
- Highly portable.
- Includes two nozzles and a detergent bottle.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Takes longer to clean compared to a 2,000 or 3,000 PSI pressure washer.
- It comes with only two nozzles – you’ll need to buy extra nozzles, especially a turbo nozzle.
Our Review
A powerful 2,000+ PSI pressure washer cleans fast, but it’ll cost you more. If you are shopping on a budget, the Greenworks 1500 PSI pressure washer is a cheaper alternative.
Now, there’s a big difference between a 1500 PSI and a 2,000 or 3,000 PSI pressure washer. The difference is mostly in the cleaning time.
The Greenworks pressure washer will clean your patio or pool deck just as well as a pricier model, but it’ll take longer.
Where the Greenworks pressure washer really wins big is portability. It’s much smaller and lighter (it weighs 16.8lbs) than other pressure washers.
Even though it lacks wheels, you’ll have an easy time moving it from one place to another.
As for accessories, the Greenworks pressure washer comes with a 35ft GFCI power cable that gives you a long reach. It also comes with two nozzles: one for 25 degrees and a wider 40-degree nozzle.
The Greenworks pressure washer doesn’t have an onboard detergent tank, but you’ll receive a soap applicator that you attach to the spray gun.
You’ll also get a 20′ long high-pressure hose that connects to an ordinary garden hose.
Issues and Limitations
Some people may find the Greenworks pressure washer underpowered. If you are coming from a higher PSI pressure washer, you’ll certainly notice a difference in cleaning time.
If you need to clean an extra-large deck or you often deal with stubborn dirt and stains, consider getting a 2,000 PSI or 3,000 PSI pressure washer instead. It’ll save you lots of time.
The Greenworks pressure washer comes with just two nozzles. We highly recommend a 5-nozzle set like this one from Twinkle Star.
You’ll find the turbo (0 degrees) nozzle tip to be especially useful. The concentrated spray makes up for the lower PSI, helping you tackle tougher cleaning jobs in less time.
Bottom Line
Don’t let the lower PSI dissuade you from getting the affordably priced Greenworks pressure washer. With some patience and the right nozzle, you’ll have no trouble keeping your pool or patio deck clean.
4. Best Compact Pressure Washer: YARD FORCE YF1600A1 1600 PSI Compact Electric Pressure Washer
If you are looking for a pressure washer that can fit in a small garage or storage space, we recommend the Yard Force YF1600A1 electric pressure washer.
The Yard Force YF1600A1 is not just compact; it’s also light and includes wheels, so it’s easy to move it around.
Pros
- Perfect for small storage spaces.
- Good portability.
- Enough pressure for most home cleaning projects.
- Great price.
- Built-in soap tank.
Cons
- Not ideal for those looking for a powerful pressure washer.
- Comes with just three nozzles.
Our Review
Being smaller than most electric pressure washers, the Yard Force YF1600A1 understandably has less maximum pressure.
But the 1600 PSI max pressure is plenty for cleaning your pool or patio deck. At that pressure, the water easily blasts away dirt, stains, and mold.
1600 PSI is also adequate for cleaning walls, railings, and other hard surfaces. With some care, you can also clean your car.
The Yard Force YF1600A1 goes the extra mile to make sure it really is compact. Once you are done washing, everything folds or retracts inside the pressure washer neatly for easy storage.
The Yard Force YF1600A1 includes storage compartments for the spray nozzles, power cord, hose, and spray gun. Also, the handle folds down, allowing you to fit the washer in a small space.
Unlike other compact pressure washers, the Yard Force YF1600A1 comes with a 32-ounce onboard soap tank. You don’t need a soap applicator or an external soap bottle.
When you need to switch detergents, the tank has a drain plug for rinsing the tank clean before adding new detergent.
Another thing we like about the Yard Force YF1600A1 is its easy portability. It is light enough (17lbs) that you can carry it by hand, but you don’t need to. When cleaning, tug gently on the hose to pull the pressure washer along on its wheels.
Issues and Limitations
If you are looking for a pressure washer that can blast away stubborn dirt and stains quickly, the Yard Force YF1600A1 is not it. The 1600 PSI max pressure requires some patience to get surfaces clean.
If you want more power, get a 2,000 PSI electric model or a 3,000 PSI gas pressure washer.
The Yard Force YF1600A1 comes with just three nozzles for 25 degrees, a 0-degrees turbo nozzle, and a soap dispensing nozzle. We recommend buying a complete nozzle set to ensure you have a nozzle for every job.
Bottom Line
Power is not the only important thing to consider when buying a pressure washer – size and portability matter, too – for ease of use and storage.
The Yard Force YF1600A1 electric pressure washer provides a decent amount of power while providing easy portability and a compact design that takes up little space in your garage.
5. Best Powerful Electric Pressure Washer: WHOLESUN 3000PSI Pressure Washer with Hose Reel and Brush
Electric pressure washers typically max out at 2,000 PSI. The WHOLESUN electric pressure washer is an exception.
It blasts water at 3,000 PSI and 2.4 GPM, making it just as powerful as a gas-powered pressure washer, at half the price.
Pros
- Great value for money.
- Plenty of power for all kinds of cleaning.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Complete nozzle set.
Cons
- Mostly plastic construction – probably won’t last as long as a gas pressure washer.
Our Review
You might be wondering why the WHOLESUN is so affordable. It’s half the price of a gas-powered pressure washer with a similar PSI.
The reason is in the construction. The weight of the WHOLESUN pressure washer gives it away. Weighing just 19lbs, it’s lighter than the Sun Joe SPX3000 2,000 PSI electric pressure washer.
While this is good for portability, it also means it’s not as solidly constructed as other pressure washers. It’s mostly plastic.
But when it comes to cleaning performance, the WHOLESUN is almost as good as a gas-powered beast. The 3,000 PSI pressure and 2.4 GPM flow rate quickly clean stains, dirt, mold, mildew, and old paint.
You can choose from four nozzle tips (40°, 25°, 15°, and 0°) depending on the surface you are cleaning and the kind of dirt you are dealing with. You also get a soap dispenser nozzle.
Other accessories include an external soap foam sprayer (attaches to the spray wand), a pressure washer brush, and a 20-foot high-pressure hose.
Issues and Limitations
As we mentioned, the low price of the WHOLESUN pressure washer is the mostly plastic construction.
It doesn’t affect cleaning performance, but we don’t expect it to last as long as other pressure washers.
Bottom Line
If you’d like the 3,000 PSI power of a gas pressure washer, but not the high price, we recommend the WHOLESUN electric pressure washer. It provides the same power for half the price.
Buying Guide: What to Consider When Buying a Pressure Washer
Electric vs. Gas
Here’s the lowdown on each type of pressure washer.
Electric pressure washer: Cheaper, smaller, lighter, and quiet. If portability is important to you, go electric. Electric is also the best choice if you don’t want to annoy your neighbors with a gas engine noise. On the downside, electric pressure washers usually have a max pressure of 2,000 PSI.
Gas pressure washer: More powerful (most offer 3,000 PSI or more of water pressure) and ideal for tough cleaning jobs. A gas model is the best choice for cleaning high-traffic areas or extra-large surfaces. Another advantage is that you don’t need to be near an outlet. On the downside, gas pressure washers are pricey, noisy, heavy, and require more maintenance.
For most homes, a 1,500 to 2,000 PSI electric pressure washer is good enough. It’ll take longer to clean surfaces, but it’ll get the job done. It’s also safer to use with less risk of injury from a misdirected jet.
But if you want more power to clean stubborn dirt or cover a large deck or driveway quickly, then get a gas-powered pressure washer.
Water Pressure
For the pool and patio deck, we recommend a minimum of 1,500 PSI. That’s enough water pressure to clean dirt, mold, and crud.
Going up to 2,000 PSI allows you to wash a large deck faster. You can also quickly clean the driveway, pavement, siding, railing, and other surfaces.
At 3,000 PSI, the biggest advantage is speed. You can cut your cleaning time in half. Above 3,000 PSI is overkill for residential cleaning.
Keep in mind that you don’t need high PSI to keep your pool deck clean. With some patience, a 1,500 or 2,000 PSI pressure washer will clean just as well as a 3,000 PSI washer. Spend more money on a powerful pressure washer only if you want to save time.
Water Flow Rate
Water pressure and flow rate go hand in hand. 3,000 PSI washers typically have a flow rate of 2.4 or 2.5 GPM. At 2,000 PSI, the flow rate is between 1.5 and 2 GPM. Below that, the flow rate is around 1.2 GPM.
Similar to PSI, a high GPM allows you to clean surfaces faster. But you don’t really need to focus on the GPM since a high-PSI pressure washer will automatically have a high flow rate.
Nozzle Tips
Check if the pressure washer comes with several nozzle tips. These are important for adjusting the angle and concentration of the spray jet.
A narrower angle tackles stubborn dirt and stains better, while a wider fan angle is great for rinsing and is safer for certain surfaces.
Note: Some pressure washer comes with just a few nozzles, meaning you have to buy extra.
If the pressure washer doesn’t have nozzles, it likely has an adjustable nozzle that allows you to switch among different angles without attaching a different nozzle tip. Many people find this type of nozzle to be more convenient.
Hose and Cord Length
Most pressure washers come with a 20′ high-pressure hose. Add the length of your garden hose, and you can reach most areas around your home.
Also, check the length of the power cord. Most pressure washers have a 35′ long GFCI cord. Obviously, this doesn’t apply if you are buying a gas-powered pressure washer.
Portability
Get a wheeled pressure washer. It’ll be easy to move it across grass and pavement. If the pressure washer is not wheeled, make sure it is light enough to carry by hand.
Onboard Soap Tank
An onboard soap tank is very convenient. You don’t have to drag an extra tank or bottle along as you clean.
If a pressure washer doesn’t have a soap tank, the next best thing is a soap foam gun that you attach to the pressure washer’s spray wand.
How to Use a Pressure Washer Safely
- Learn how to assemble and operate the pressure washer. This means reading the user manual cover to cover, as boring as it is. Reading the manual protects you and ensures you don’t accidentally damage the machine.
- Dress properly. It’s tempting to go out in shorts and flip flops when the sun is out. Don’t. The high-pressure jet from a pressure washer can easily cause injury if it meets bare skin. Wear pants, closed shoes, and gloves. To protect yourself from debris, the water kicks up, wears a pair of goggles. And if you are operating a gas pressure washer, wear ear protection.
- Prepare the working area. Remove furniture and any other tripping hazard from the deck. Make sure any lights and vents are covered.
- Keep kids and pets out of the working area. Make sure your kids know the danger of the powerful spray, as fun as it looks. Keeps pets secured, so they don’t suddenly jump in front of the spray.
- Use the right nozzle. A narrower degree nozzle (0-25 degrees) produces a more powerful and concentrated spray. It’s great for tough stains and dirt. A wider degree nozzle (40 degrees and above) is great for delicate surfaces such as blinds and windows. Note that the 0-degree nozzle can cause serious injury or damage to some surfaces. Use it only when necessary.
- Wash surfaces at a 45-degree angle and keep the nozzle at least 6 inches away from the surface. This will minimize the risk of damage to the surface.
- Never pressure-wash electric panels, AC units, pool filters, or your roof. For the roof, you can damage the shingles or injure yourself when standing on a ladder (a ladder is a no-no when using a pressure washer. The kickback from the water pressure can cause a fall).
FAQs
Do pressure washers remove oil stains from concrete?
Yes, but not on its own. First, apply an oil-removing detergent and scrub at the stain. This should lighten and loosen the oil stain.
Next, use a pressure washer with a 25-degree nozzle to eliminate any remaining oil on the concrete.
What is a good PSI for a pressure washer?
We recommend a pressure washer with a PSI of at least 1,500. That’s enough water pressure to clean most surfaces around the home, including concrete, pavement, and siding.
If you want to clean faster, get a 2,000 PSI or 3,000 PSI pressure washer.
How do you store a pressure washer?
When storing a pressure washer, the most important thing is to drain all the water from the pump, hose, spray wand, and nozzle. If you leave water inside, it can freeze and damage various components.
If you have a gas pressure washer, you may need to winterize the engine with anti-freeze.
Store the pressure washer in a cool and dry place away from excess heat and moisture. Never store the pressure washer outside.
About the Author
Roger Corbinetti I’ve owned a pool for over 20 years. During that time, I have owned and reviewed dozens of pool cleaners, especially robotic pool cleaners. I created RoboticPoolCleanersCompared to help other home owners leverage my experience to select the right pool cleaner, pool heater, pool cover and modern pool appliance for their needs & budget.
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