To keep that swimming oasis crystal clear and inviting, you’re going to need a good automatic pool cleaner. Whether you are fighting sinister-sounding algae blooms or potential (but preventable) bacteria, or you’re just trying to prevent debris from reaching the bottom, there are many good reasons to vacuum your inground pool. In this guide, we’ll cover some important maintenance tasks, such as how to clean pool vacuum filters and how to acid wash pool parts, so your waters stay in top condition all season.
Pool Vacuum Robot filter cleaning on a regular basis.
As with any pool vacuum robot, a dirty filter is your enemy. As time goes, leaves, sand, and small particles build up, decreasing the suction power and putting additional pressure on your cleaner. Use This Once A Week Or On Days Of Heavy Debris:
Get out the filter cartridge or bag and wash it:
Shut down your robotic pool cleaner and power it down.
Remove the filter cartridge or bag. Hose it out well, until water runs clear.
Examine for tears or wear and replace if damage so unfiltered debris does not re-enter pool.
Check the impeller housing:
Remove the impeller housing (refer to your owner’s manual).
Cut twigs, soap scum and hair that are wrapped around the impeller blades.
Carefully replace and secure impeller cover, making sure it is water tight.
Examine the suction inlets:
Remove resistance dirt using a soft brush Separate the suction inlets from the barrel and clean them.
Be sure no obstructions are left, and if necessary use a small stick or brush.
Frequent filters cleaning not only increase cleaning effectiveness but also save energy. If you notice a loss of suction, check an in-house reference such as advanced robot pool cleaner tips for full troubleshooting details.
Let’s Talk Skimmer Maintenance for Your Best Efficiency
And indeed: a properly working skimmer allows your robot to save, it is that a little less work. Even if you are a vacuum-cleaner-heavy pool jockey like me, ignored skimmers force robot units to double up on labor. Here’s how to maintain your skimmers in peak condition:
Clean out skimmer basket weekly:
Leaves and bugs scooped by the hand can also starve your pump of its water flow. Take out the basket, dump debris and rinse it off.
Check and clean the skimmer weir flap:
This little float door works to regulate water level in the skimmer. Make sure it turns as it should and is not obstructed by leaves or pool toys.
Clean the skimmer face plate:
The faceplate becomes surrounded by algae and calcium deposits. Brush using a mild, non-abrasive pool brush to ensure proper water circulation.
For more information on bodysurfing read these best bodysurfing guide and see some advanced tips for the long-term maintenance of your skimmer.
Pool Vacuum Cleaner: Coping with Algae and Debris
Even top-of-the-line models, such as the one I use from Maytronics, may have a hard time battling algae. How to maintain your pool vacuum for algae:
Brush before vacuuming:
Scrub walls and floor with a nylon or stainless-steel pool brush, concentrating on areas that have a lot of algae.
The slippery film is released; it saves your pools vacuum robot system from clogs.
Balance pool chemicals:
After shocking or treatment with algaecide, run your robot pool cleaner to pick up the dead algae.
Check pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels regularly; a poorly balanced pool can support the growth of algae, and vacuuming becomes more difficult.
Choose the right vacuum head:
If you’re struggling to eradicate algae, fasten a fine-mesh vacuum head: Standard vacuum heads are designed with larger openings that sometimes allow smaller spores to slip through.
If algae is remaining, try using a vacuum for pool to connect to a “vacuum-to-waste” procedure on a temporary basis. For more step-by-step instructions, check out our guide on how to drain an inground pool without a pump.
Don’t forget, prevention is always better than cure – regular brushing and chemical balance means less heavy deposits and maintenance for your robotic pool cleaner.
Wall Climbing Pool Cleaner: Looking At The Tracks and Brushes
A few premium models such as those made by Maytronics even have wall climbing technology in a pool cleaner. These pucks inch their way up the wall of a pool to provide a really good clean. So your wall climbers work their best:
Inspect rollers and tracks:
Debris can also get stuck between the tracks, leading to slippage or uneven movement. Get rid of all of the hair & dirty stuff.
Examine brushes for wear:
Brushes wear out before performance deteriorates. Replacement bristles when flattened or frayed.
Check Whether It Sticks On Vertical Surface:
Run a quick auto cleaning to let the cleaner reach the walls well. If it falls off, examine filter and hose obstructions.
If you need to replace or troubleshoot, take a look at our in house article on pool filter guide of compatible parts and replacement schedules for many popular robot brands.
Beatbot and The Best Brands: Mid-Season Review
Trusted brands are among the staples of many homeowner routines. Halfway through your service season, it’s a good time to take inventory of your gear lineup:
Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra, Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro, Beatbot AquaSense 2:
These models are smart and powerful. Be sure to clean their multi-layer filters every two weeks, and check power cords for wear.
Maytronics Pool Cleaner:
As a world leader in automatic pool cleaning, Maytronics units perform—but don’t overlook impeller and hose gasket checks.
Other Pool Cleaner Robot Models:
If you’re using a pool cleaner from a different manufacturer, consult your owner’s manual for brand-specific maintenance instructions. Specialized brushes or filter inserts, such as those offered by many brands to help maximize flow, are frequently recommended.
Connect all of your devices, including your skimmer, pool vacuum, and robot pool, in one solid maintenance regimen, and each will be sure to add years to the life of the other two.
What’s a pool booster pump and why you may need one
In ground pool booster pump increases the flow of water to your clean, it is especially suitable for sweep and in floor as well as suction cleaners. Here’s how it helps:
Improved Suction:
Enhances the power of your normal pump allowing your pool vacuum to clean up heavier debris.
Enhanced Filtration:
A booster pump can lower cycle times by adding flow when combined with a high efficiency filter.
Algae Prevention:
This increased circulation also means there are fewer stagnant spots, which is great if you’re wondering “will a pool robot pick up algae” in the cooler months.
For more information, you can check out this external guide on what is a pool booster pump and how to select one.
Seasonal Tasks: Acid Wash and Deep Drains
At minimum once a year, you need to give your pool a more prodigious cleaning. Some of the most common tasks are how to acid wash pool components, and how to drain an inground pool without a pump:
Areas with stained or rough surface, wash it with acid:
Drain the water to 2 inches below tile line in your pool (For “how to drain a pool inground without a pump” read the guide).
Make a 1:1 solution of acid (always add the acid to the water).
Brush material of polypropylene Use to apply solution to affected areas and rub gently to prevent etching.
Fill pool back up, rebalance chemicals and keep cleaning as normal.
Deep Drain Considerations:
Low-level draining can also free built-up scale and mineral deposits around skimmers and returns.
If you don’t have a pump, use a submersible utility pump or siphon; follow safety standards to prevent damage to the home.
In the end, after the pool has been refilled and the chemistry has been balanced, it is time to bring your robot pool cleaner, a pool vacuum robot, Maytronics pool cleaner back to work. New surfaces result in cleaner scooped algae and debris, so you can clean your aquarium faster and make maintenance time more efficient.
Addressing Common Questions
Can a pool robot pick up algae?
Most new pool cleaning robots feature fine filtration — so yes, if you brush walls first and have balanced chemistry then your robot will help take away the loose algae also. But too many blossoms could require manual vacuuming or shocking prior to robot cycles.
Pool Vacuum for Algae vs Skimmer Method:
For algae removal, there isn’t anything that beats a vacuum cleaner for pool that has a fine-mesh head As for floating debris, your skimmer will catch it. Use both simultaneously: brush, vacuum, and let your bot do a final pass.
Conclusion
The best pool maintenance relies on regular use of your robot pool cleaner, pool vacuum, and skimmer. With filter cleans, inspections of brushes, chemical levels and the addition of tasks that should only be done seasonally, such as how to acid wash pool steps, you can keep your equipment working efficiently and your water sparkling. Just remember, a little TLC will take you a long way: if you take regular care of your robot pool cleaner with these maintenances, it’ll make sure your water gleams season after season!
