Pool Cleaning Simulator is a casual simulation game focused on the detailed process of restoring dirty swimming pools to pristine condition. Developed by Rubens Games and released in full on PC in June 2024 after an Early Access period, the title places players in the role of a pool maintenance professional tasked with scrubbing, treating, and maintaining water features across different settings.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on using specialized equipment to remove grime, algae, and debris from pool surfaces and surrounding areas. Players select from an assortment of tools that handle tasks such as pressure washing tiles, vacuuming the floor, skimming the surface, and applying chemical treatments to balance water quality. Water physics respond realistically to cleaning actions, with dirt particles detaching gradually under sustained tool use. Progression involves earning resources from completed jobs to purchase upgraded equipment that speeds up work or improves reach in larger spaces. Weather conditions shift between jobs, influencing visibility and the rate at which surfaces dry or accumulate new contaminants. The experience emphasizes methodical, repetitive motions that reward patience and attention to detail rather than speed or combat.
Game Modes
The game operates as a single-player experience with a series of distinct pool locations that increase in size and complexity. Each location presents a self-contained cleaning job where players must address multiple layers of dirt and maintenance needs before the pool meets completion standards. There are no competitive or cooperative modes; instead, the structure revolves around sequential contracts that introduce new tool requirements and environmental variables. Players revisit earlier pools with improved equipment to achieve higher efficiency ratings, though the primary focus remains on thorough one-time cleans of each new site.
Environments and Progression
Locations range from compact residential backyard pools nestled among gardens to expansive commercial facilities used by community centers. Each setting features unique obstacles such as surrounding decking, landscaping elements, or deeper water volumes that demand different approaches. As contracts are fulfilled, new tools and attachments become available, allowing faster coverage of large surfaces or more precise cleaning in tight corners. Dynamic weather adds variability, with rain potentially washing away some surface dirt while sun exposure can bake on stains that require extra effort to remove.
Is It Worth Playing?
Pool Cleaning Simulator delivers a straightforward relaxation-focused simulation that appeals to players who enjoy methodical cleaning mechanics similar to other titles in the genre. With mixed user reception at 63 percent positive across several hundred reviews, opinions vary on the depth of the systems and the variety of tasks. Those seeking a low-pressure activity with tangible visual feedback from their efforts will find consistent satisfaction in the transformation of neglected pools. The full release includes the weather system added during Early Access and a range of pool types that provide several hours of content for dedicated players. It suits casual sessions rather than extended play marathons, and its modest price point makes it accessible for fans of simulation experiences who prefer single-player progression without multiplayer elements.
