How to care for and extend the life of your pool cleaner
So you have an amazing, luxury oasis in your Australian backyard that you enjoy sharing with friends and family.
But with that luxury comes the responsibility of maintaining it, including keeping the pool clean.
This is where a pool cleaner comes in handy. An automatic pool cleaner is designed to make pool maintenance easier and more efficient, leaving you more time for the more important things in life.
But, just like any other machine, it needs to be taken care of and maintained properly to extend its working life.
This article shows you how to care for your pool cleaner and make it last longer.
Clean your cleaner regularly
The first step to maintaining your pool cleaner is to clean it regularly.
For a suction cleaner like a Kreepy Krauly, this entails removing any debris or leaves that may have built up in the skimmer box and giving the cleaner a quick inspection for any wear and tear or damage.
For a robotic cleaner like a Dolphin, it is lifting it out of the pool and removing the filter bag, rinsing it and putting it back in the pool making sure the cord is not a trip hazard.
Doing this will stop the cleaner or pool system from getting clogged and will ensure your cleaner keeps working the way it should.
Regularly cleaning your pool cleaner not only prevents clogs but also maintains optimal suction power and efficiency. Debris buildup can strain the motor and reduce the cleaner’s ability to collect dirt and other debris effectively. For robotic pool cleaners, rinsing the filter bag after each use helps to remove fine dust and particles, ensuring that the filtration system operates at peak performance. Additionally, inspecting parts such as brushes, wheels, and hoses for damage or wear allows you to address issues early, preventing costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Taking the time to perform these simple maintenance tasks can significantly extend the lifespan of your pool cleaner, saving you money and effort in the long run. It also contributes to maintaining cleaner pool water by ensuring that your pool cleaner consistently removes dirt, leaves, and other debris from the pool floor, walls, and waterline. This regular upkeep is especially important in Australian environments where pools are exposed to a variety of natural debris and harsh weather conditions.
In summary, consistent cleaning and inspection of your pool cleaner—whether suction or robotic—are essential steps in effective pool maintenance, helping you enjoy a sparkling clean swimming pool with minimal effort.
Proper storage
When not in use, it is important to store your pool cleaner properly. This means keeping it in a dry, covered and cool place, away from direct sunlight and the elements.
Extreme temperatures can harm your cleaner and reduce its lifespan.
With a suction cleaner like a Kreepy Krauly, we recommend breaking down the hose sections so the hose is stored as straight as possible. This prevents kinks and cracks that can develop over time, ensuring the hose remains flexible and functional for longer. Additionally, avoid placing heavy objects on top of the hose or cleaner parts during storage, as this can cause deformation or damage.
For robotic pool cleaners, it is advisable to store the unit on a stable surface or a designated caddy to protect the wheels and brushes from unnecessary pressure. Keeping the robotic cleaner away from harsh chemicals and moisture when not in use also helps prevent corrosion and electrical issues. If your robotic cleaner comes with a power supply or charger, ensure the cords are neatly coiled and stored safely to avoid tangled cords or damage.
Proper storage not only extends the life of your pool cleaner but also ensures it is ready to perform efficiently when you next need it. Regularly inspect your stored pool cleaner for any signs of wear or damage, and clean it before putting it away for extended periods, especially during off-season months. This proactive care will help maintain optimal performance and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs or replacements.
Regular inspections
Besides cleaning and maintaining your cleaner regularly, it’s important to inspect your pool cleaner regularly.
Check the hoses, brushes, and other components for any signs of wear and tear.
If you notice any damage, replace the parts immediately.
Regular inspections help identify potential issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money on repairs. Pay close attention to moving parts such as wheels and tracks, as these are prone to wear from constant use and contact with rough pool surfaces. For robotic pool cleaners, also inspect the power cord for any fraying or damage that could pose safety risks or affect performance.
By routinely examining your pool cleaner, you ensure that it operates at peak efficiency, maintaining powerful suction and effective scrubbing action to keep your pool floor, walls, and waterline clean. This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of your cleaner but also contributes to maintaining optimal water quality by consistently removing dirt and debris.
Additionally, keeping a maintenance log can be helpful to track when inspections and part replacements occur, making it easier to stay on top of your pool cleaner’s upkeep schedule. This is especially beneficial for pool owners who use their cleaners frequently or have larger pools requiring more intensive maintenance.
In summary, regular inspections combined with timely replacement of worn or damaged parts are essential steps in caring for your pool cleaner, ensuring reliable performance and helping you enjoy a sparkling clean pool with less hassle.
Use the right parts and accessories
Using genuine parts ensures compatibility with your specific pool cleaner model, which helps maintain optimal functionality and extends the life of your equipment. Genuine accessories are designed to meet the manufacturer’s quality standards, providing reliable performance and reducing the risk of malfunctions or breakdowns. Additionally, using authentic parts often means you have access to professional support and warranty coverage, giving you peace of mind in case any issues arise.
When replacing filters, brushes, hoses, or any other components, always check the manufacturer’s recommendations and purchase parts from authorised dealers or directly from the manufacturer. This not only guarantees the quality of the parts but also helps you avoid counterfeit or substandard products that could compromise your pool cleaner’s efficiency.
Investing in the correct parts and accessories also contributes to maintaining your pool’s cleanliness and water quality. For example, genuine filters capture fine particles and stubborn debris effectively, ensuring your pool stays clean with minimal effort. Properly fitting brushes and hoses enable thorough scrubbing of the pool floor, walls, and waterline, preventing algae buildup and prolonging the life of your pool surfaces.
In summary, prioritising genuine parts and accessories is an economical and practical solution to keep your pool cleaner operating at its best, protect your investment, and enjoy a sparkling, healthy swimming pool for years to come.
Do a proper chemical balance
It is important to keep the chemicals balanced in your pool. This is necessary not only for the pool’s health, but also to protect the lifespan and warranty of your pool cleaner.
More information about chemical balancing as well as other pool maintenance tips can be read in our handy FAQs.
Handy tip: Did you know chemical damage is not covered under your pool cleaners warranty? Test and adjust the chemical levels in your pool regularly to make sure they are in the proper range.
Remove your cleaner when shocking your pool
PHOTO: A pool like this will need a chemical shock, just remember to remove your pool cleaner.
Always remove your pool cleaner from your pool when shocking or adding any extreme amounts of chemicals.
Handy tip: If it isn’t safe for you to swim, it isn’t safe for your cleaner to swim.
You will also void your warranty. More information about shocking your pool can be found here.
Suction cleaner do’s and don’ts
Always check if your skimmer basket and valve are clean and working well. Also, look for any signs of damage in the components.
Handy tip: Did you know a suction cleaner can function beneath your pool blanket and maintain cleanliness throughout summer and winter? Just be careful not to void your warranty (see above: Do a proper chemical balance)
Suction cleaners are a reliable and economical solution for pool owners who want effective cleaning with minimal intervention. They connect directly to your pool’s filtration system, using the pump’s suction power to collect debris from the pool floor and surfaces. Regular maintenance of the skimmer basket and valves is crucial to ensure optimal suction power and prevent blockages that could reduce cleaning efficiency or damage the system.
These cleaners are particularly adept at collecting large debris such as leaves and twigs, helping to keep your pool water clear and inviting. Because they rely on the pool’s existing pump and filtration system, suction cleaners tend to be more energy-efficient compared to some robotic models, making them an ideal choice for pool owners looking to balance performance with cost-effectiveness.
However, it’s important to remember that suction cleaners require periodic manual cleaning of the skimmer basket and may not provide the same level of thorough scrubbing on walls and waterline as robotic cleaners do. For pools that experience heavy leaf fall or stubborn debris, combining a suction cleaner with regular manual cleaning or a robotic pool cleaner can provide the best overall maintenance.
With proper care and attention to chemical balance, suction cleaners can operate effectively year-round, even under pool blankets, ensuring your pool stays clean and ready for use regardless of the season. This makes them a versatile and practical option for many Australian pool owners.
Robot cleaner do’s and don’ts
If you own a robot cleaner, don’t leave it in the pool for extended periods.
If it is exposed to water and chemicals for a long time, it can cause the cleaner’s parts to perish.
Once your cleaner is finished cleaning, take it out of the pool and clean it. Then, store it in a cool and dry spot, away from the sun.
Always remember to check your filter on your robot.
Additionally, it’s important to regularly inspect other components such as brushes, wheels, and the power cord for any signs of wear or damage. Promptly addressing these issues can prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your robotic pool cleaner. Using genuine replacement parts and accessories recommended by the manufacturer ensures compatibility and maintains optimal performance.
Moreover, avoid using your robotic cleaner during pool chemical shocks or when high levels of chlorine are present, as these conditions can damage sensitive electronic components. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and operation will help you get the most out of your investment.
Proper care and timely maintenance not only keep your robotic pool cleaner running efficiently but also contribute to maintaining crystal-clear pool water, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your pool and less time on upkeep.
Takeaways
- Don’t forget to clean and check your cleaner often, use genuine parts and accessories, and keep the right chemical balance in your pool.
- Make sure you store your cleaner properly, covered from the elements, and away from direct sunlight.
- Ask yourself if the spare parts are easily accessible? Is there local service and support? What does the warranty cover? What is the cost for repairs if they happen? Is it $30 for a new part, or $400?
- Cleaners tend to experience wear and tear over time. It’s smart to first invest in a good product made for Australia by Australians.
- We live in a society where things are easily thrown away. Let’s take care of what we have. Care for your cleaner and you’ll save money and the environment.
If you follow these tips, you can make your pool cleaner last longer and keep your pool clean and shiny.
With proper care, your pool cleaner will continue to serve you for years to come.
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