An effective and productive way to clean surfaces is pressure washing, but can a pressure washer be used underwater? The simple answer is yes, but you need to use certain equipment and precautionary measures. In this article, we will find out the pros and cons of using a pressure washer underwater and highlight some of the best waterproof pressure washers on the market.
Key Takeaways:
- Special waterproof pressure washers can be used underwater safely and effectively. Regular pressure washers will get damaged.
- Most effective and efficient way to Pressure wash a pool.
- They have sealed components to withstand water exposure when cleaning boat hulls, docks, pools etc.
- Advantages are better cleaning, but risks include injury and equipment damage if not careful.
- Top recommended models are Sun Joe SPX3000WP, AR Blue Clean AR383SS, Karcher K1700 Cube.
- Take precautions like lower pressure, protective gear. Avoid harmful detergents.
- Can remove algae, barnacles, grime from underwater surfaces like boats and docks very effectively.
Pressure washers are common cleaning tools that can be used to cleanse different surfaces from walls to cars and from carpets to driveways. But can a pressure washer be used underwater? The short answer is yes, but only a unique kind of pressure washer is designed for underwater use.
What is a pressure washer?
Before discussing the uses of a pressure washer, let’s first comprehend what a pressure washer is. A pressure washer is a tool to clean and cleanse surfaces by using a motor or engine to pressurize water to clean any dirty surface. The high pressure water stream helps to remove dirt, grime, and other litter from surfaces fastly and effectively.
Different types of pressure washers are designed for use on land such as electric, gas powered, and cordless. However, waterproof pressure water is required to use underwater.
Cleaning underwater surfaces
Why do you need to clean the underwater surface? Perhaps you are the owner of a boat or a swimming pool that requires regular maintenance, or you are a worker in the marine industry and need to clean underwater equipment or structures. Whatever the matter, an underwater pressure washer can be a useful tool to remove algae, barnacles, and other debris as well.
However, it is noteworthy that all pressure washers are not designed to be used underwater. Standard pressure washers powered by electricity or gasoline are not waterproof. Using a standard fresher washer underwater can cause severe damage to you and your equipment.
Pressure Washing Boats
Usually, boats are the most common underwater surfaces that require waterproof cleaning. It does not matter if you own a small fishing boat or a large yacht, ultimately it demands regular maintenance for keeping your vessel in top condition. Pressure washing can be the most effective and efficient way to clean marine growth, dust, or debris from the hull, deck, and other surfaces.
You will need a waterproof pressure washer to pressure wash a boat underwater. such pressure washers are designed in a specific way to be used in wet environments. Waterproof pressure washers possess special seals and components to avoid water damage. Therefore, they enclosed the electric motor or gas engine in a waterproof casing.
How to Pressure Wash a Pool and Spa
To pressure wash a pool, you need to drain it first. There are some tools you can use which will make it seem like you can pressure wash underwater, but it greatly reduces the effectiveness of your system. The regular pool water acts as a force that will slow down and reduce the pressure of your system.
Once the pool is drained, you can use a pressure washer to clean the walls and floor of your pool without the need for draining. This method is perfect for removing dirt, debris, algae, and other contaminants that may have built up over time .
Underwater Cleaning Equipment
Many other types of underwater equipment require cleaning, such as underwater cameras, lights, and sensors. A pressure washer can be the best way to cleanse these vulnerable pieces of equipment neatly and quickly.
It is important to use a low-pressure setting of pressure washers to prevent damage to the equipment. Harsh detergents or chemicals should also be avoided as these can be dangerous to marine life and may damage the equipment.
Waterproof Pressure Washers
There are different models and brands of pressure washers available on the market, so it is important to pick one that is specially designed for underwater use. Therefore, if you want to buy pressure water underwater, You need to invest in high-quality waterproof pressure water.
Here is a list of some of the best pressure washers available on the market listed as the Karcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus, the Sun Joe SPX3000, and the AR Blue Clean AR383SS. These models are designed to withstand the rigors of underwater use because of high-quality components and shields.
Some pros and cons of a pressure washer underwater are given below.
Pros of using a pressure washer underwater
Efficient Cleaning
It is very challenging and time-consuming to clean underwater surfaces manually. However, pressure washers considerably minimize the amount of time and effort needed to clean underwater surfaces. A high-pressure washer can easily blast away dirt, grime, and other stains from the surfaces.
Enhanced Cleaning Results
Pressure washing underwater brings better, more reliable, and long-lasting results in comparison to traditional cleaning methods. The hard-to-reach areas, tough stains, and greasy surfaces shine like new with the help of high-pressure water streams.
Cost-Effective
Pressure washing underwater can be a cost-effective solution for cleaning underwater surfaces. Large surfaces can easily be cleaned in less time with the best result with the right equipment. This can save you time and money in comparison to manual cleaning.
Environment Friendly
An underwater pressure washer can be an environmentally friendly cleaning solution. A high-pressure water stream does not harm marine life and the environment because you can remove dirt and debris without using harsh chemicals and detergents.
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Best Waterproof Pressure Washers for Underwater Use
All pressure washers are designed to wash with pressure but underwater washing requires specifically built-in equipment. Here are some of the best waterproof pressure washers on the market:
Sun Joe SPX3000WP
Best PickSPECIFICATIONS
Power Source: Electric | Pressure: 2030 PSI |
The Sun Joe SPX3000WP is a high-pressure electric washer that is designed to clean cars, patios, fences, and other outdoor surfaces. It is powered by a 14.5-amp/1800-watt motor that generates up to 2030 PSI of water pressure and 1.76 GPM of water flow which is easy to use underwater.
The washer comes with five quick-connect spray tips (0°, 15°, 15°, 40°, and soap) that allow you to tackle a variety of cleaning tasks. It also features two onboard detergent tanks that can carry and store different types of detergent to simultaneously tackle different cleaning projects.
It is easy to use and assemble, and it comes with a 20-foot high-pressure hose and a 35-foot power cord. It also has a Total Stop System (TSS) that automatically shuts off the pump.
Pros
✓High-pressure electric washer .
✓Comes with five quick-connect spray tips .
✓Features two onboard detergent tanks .
✓Easy to use and assemble .
Cons
✗Not suitable for large jobs .
✗Short wand .
✗Hose and power cord can tangle easily
AR Blue Clean AR383SS
Staff PickSPECIFICATIONS
Power Source: Electric | Pressure:1900 PSI |
The AR Blue Clean AR383SS is a powerful and versatile electric pressure washer that is designed to tackle a wide range of outdoor cleaning tasks. It is equipped with a 14-amp motor that produces up to 1900 PSI of pressure and 1.3 GPM of water flow.
The pressure washer comes with a 35-foot power cord and a 20-foot high-pressure hose, which gives you plenty of reach to clean large areas without having to move the unit around too much. It also features a Total Stop System (TSS) that automatically shuts off the pump when the trigger is not engaged to save energy and prolong pump life.
The AR Blue Clean AR383SS is easy to use and operate, thanks to its simple controls and lightweight design. It comes with a range of nozzle tips (0 degree, 25 degree, Soap, and Rotary/Turbo) that allow you to adjust the water pressure and flow rate to suit different cleaning tasks . The pressure washer also has an integrated detergent tank that makes it easy to apply soap or other cleaning solutions to surfaces.
It comes with a 1-year “bumper-to-bumper” warranty .
Pros
✓Easy to use and operate, simple controls and lightweight design.
✓Powerful 14-amp motor.
✓Comes with a 35-foot power cord and a 20-foot high-pressure hose.
Cons
✗Minor issues with leaks and hose management.
✗The hose reel is for storage only.
Karcher K1700 Cube
Budget PickSPECIFICATIONS
Power Source: Electric | Pressure:1700 PSI | Tank Volume: 0.3 Gallons |
Karcher K1700 Cube is a portable electric pressure washer that delivers 1700 PSI of TruPressure, ensuring you get the highest level of cleaning power and driven by a reliable universal motor . It is compact in design, taking up little storage space, only 12″ tall and weighs less than 20 lbs .
The pressure washer comes with a Quick-Connect Steel Wand with 3 Spray Nozzles: 15° Nozzle for all-around cleaning, the Turbo Nozzle for superior results on tough-to-clean surfaces – and the 65° Nozzle for detergent application. It is easy to transport and use in narrow spaces because it is lightweight and compact.
It is equipped with a 20’ kink-resistant High-Pressure Hose and features a removable Storage-Container for your hose and pressure washer accessories . The pressure washer also comes with a 0.3 Gallon removable detergent tank for easy soap application and is compatible with most universal 1/4″ Quick-Connect pressure washer accessories .
Pros
✓Easy to set up .
✓Great price .
✓Excellent storage set-up .
✓Very quiet .
Cons
✗Issues with warranty .
✗Short hose .
Westinghouse WPX3200
SPECIFICATIONS
Power Source: Gas | Pressure: 3200 PSI | Tank Volume: 1.6 ltrs |
The Westinghouse WPX3200 is a gas-powered pressure washer that delivers 3200 PSI of pressure and 2.5 GPM of water flow. It is powered by a heavy-duty 212cc 4-cycle horizontal shaft Westinghouse engine with a 0.9-gallon fuel tank.
The pressure washer comes with a 25-foot abrasion-resistant hose and an EndraGrasp spray gun that is lightweight and easy to use. The WPX3200 is equipped with a 1.6 L soap tank on its side, which is safe to use on brick, stone, concrete, wood, aluminum, and iron.
The pressure washer also features a 3-piston axial cam, aluminum head pump valve, and a rugged steel frame with high profile 12-inch never-flat wheels that make maneuverability easy.
Pros
✓Powerful pressure washer that can handle tough cleaning jobs.
✓Easy to use and set up.
✓Equipped with a 1.6 L soap tank.
✓Built with a heavy-duty 212cc 4-cycle horizontal shaft Westinghouse engine.
Cons
✗Not as environmentally friendly as electric pressure washers.
✗Relatively heavy, weighing in at 63 pounds.
Cons of a pressure washer underwater Use
While there are many advantages to utilizing a pressure washer underwater, there are a few drawbacks to take into account as well. Here are a few negative aspects to be aware of:
Risk of Injury
Improper use of a pressure washer underwater can be dangerous. Pressure washers use a high volume of pressure which can cause injury to the user or anyone nearby. So, it is important to use a pressure washer underwater by following all the safety guidelines and preventive measures. The user should wear protective gear such as a wetsuit and gloves.
Read More: Does Pressure Washing Increase The Water Bill?
Risk of Damage to Equipment
An average-quality pressure washer underwater can damage the equipment. It can potentially cause electrical shock to the user. It’s essential and beneficial to use a waterproof pressure washer that is specifically designed for underwater use with high-quality motor and polyurethane hoses. It will prevent damage to the equipment and ensure the safety of the user.
Limited Water Pressure
Underwater pressure washers are specially designed to have low water pressure as compared to land-based pressure washers.
Pressure washers designed for underwater use typically have lower water pressure than land-based pressure washers. This is due to the fact that when submerged in water, the water pressure can dramatically increase, making control more difficult. This may reduce the efficiency of pressure washers and make cleaning more challenging.
Higher Cost
The specialized design and functionality of waterproof pressure washers might cost more than ordinary pressure washers. Before purchasing a waterproof pressure washer, it’s crucial to consider the expense, especially if you only want to use it occasionally.
Environmental Issues
If a pressure washer is used underwater improperly, the environment can be harmed. It’s crucial to avoid using strong detergents or chemicals that can endanger marine life. Environmental laws and guidelines can help in this regard.
Types of Surfaces that Can be Cleaned with a Pressure Washer Underwater
A pressure washer can be used to clean a variety of underwater surfaces, including boats, docks, pools, and underwater equipment. Here are a few surfaces that can benefit from underwater pressure cleaning in more detail:
Boats
Boats are constantly in contact with water, so algae and other marine creatures may develop on the hull and deck. This growth, along with filth, grime, and other trash, can be removed by pressure washing, leaving the boat clean and brand new.
Docks
Algae growth and other trash can cause docks to become slick and dangerous. This growth may be removed using a pressure washer, making the dock safer and more appealing.
Conclusion
To sum up, pressure washing can be a useful technique for cleaning underwater surfaces, but it’s crucial to use the proper tools and exhibit safety measures. If you intend to pressure wash a boat, underwater equipment, or other underwater surfaces, make sure you use a high-quality waterproof pressure washer and adhere to all safety precautions. Your underwater surfaces can be kept spotless and well-maintained for years with the correct tools and methods.