Automatic Pool Cleaner Maintenance: Tips for Longevity

You know what’s a real bummer? When your fancy automatic pool cleaner decides to take an unscheduled break. And let’s be real, fixing or buying a new one can cost you a pretty penny. So, keeping that automatic pool cleaner running smoothly with some regular maintenance can save you a bundle.

Automatic Pool Cleaners: Tips On Types

There are three main types of automatic pool cleaners: suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic. Each one has its own quirks when it comes to maintenance.

Suction-side cleaners are like the vacuums of the pool world. They use the pool’s filter to suck up dirt and stuff. To keep them in tip-top shape, make sure you check the filter now and then. If it’s full of junk, the cleaner won’t suck so well. And keep an eye on the hoses, because if they spring a leak or get blocked, the cleaner won’t be doing its thing.

Pressure-side cleaners are the water-powered champs. They use the pool’s plumbing to blast water around and grab debris. Keep their bags and filters clean so they can keep cleaning like a pro. If they get clogged, the cleaner won’t be as effective.

Robotic cleaners are the high-tech ones that do their own thing. They’ve got built-in motors, filters and wheels to get around. Regularly check their brushes and wheels. If the brushes are looking rough, they might not scrub the pool right, and wonky wheels mean they’ll have a hard time moving around the pool.

Knowing what each type needs will help you keep your pool sparkling clean all season long.

The Important Parts of Your Automatic Pool Cleaner

The filter is like the pool cleaner’s bread and butter. It catches all the nasty stuff like leaves and bugs, making sure your pool water stays clean. Keep it clean, and you’ll keep the cleaner happy and efficient.

Then there’s the impeller, which is the part that makes the water flow and helps it glide around the pool. A strong impeller means it’ll get to all the parts of the pool, including the walls.

Hoses are like the cleaner’s lifeline. They let the water flow in and out, so keep ’em in good nick. The right size and type of hose means the cleaner can do its job without any hiccups. Similarly, an undamaged power cord will keep a pool robot working without losing precious power.

Spotting When Your Cleaner’s Feeling Under the Weather

If your automatic pool cleaner seems a bit off, there are some tell-tale signs:

  1. Suction power goes down: if it’s not sucking like it used to, you might have a blockage or clog. Time to check for debris.
  2. Weird noises: if your cleaner starts making sounds it didn’t before, like grinding or whirring, something’s up. It could be a sign of parts wearing down.
  3. Water or air leaks: look for damage or loose bits that might be causing it.

Keep an eye out for these, and you’ll be ahead of the game.

To illustrate, here is how to take care of robotic pool cleaners.

Regular Maintenance for Automatic Pool Cleaners

To keep your automatic pool cleaner in the pink of health, give it a good look over regularly. Make sure the filter is clean, and the hoses are kink-free.

And don’t forget about the water chemistry! Balancing chlorine, pH, and alkalinity keeps your pool water fresh and your pool surfaces in top condition.

Furthermore, skim the surface to keep debris at bay. A robotic pool surface skimmer is your best friend here, keeping leaves and floating bugs out when you’re not swimming.

Storing your automatic pool cleaner right is also a big deal. Keep it in a cool, dry spot to prevent any damage from the elements. Coil the hoses or power cords nicely to keep them from getting all tangled up.

When to Call in the Professionals

Some pool cleaner woes are DIY-friendly, but others? Maybe not so much. If you’re dealing with complex repairs or parts that need swapping out, it’s time to call in someone who really knows their stuff. They can figure out what’s wrong and get it sorted safely.

Conclusion

For the most part, if you stick to a good maintenance schedule, you’ll be golden. Monthly, quarterly, and annual checks can keep your automatic pool cleaner going strong for ages: like up to 5 to 10 years long.

So, roll up your sleeves, get a little dirty, and keep that automatic pool cleaner in top form. It’s totally worth it for a clean pool and more cash in your pocket.

Photo by Adheesha Paranagama on Unsplash.