Getting a new pool is an exciting time, but along with the fun of pool ownership comes the chore of cleaning and maintenance. While cleaning the pool may never be exactly fun, there are some basic tools that every pool owner should have that will make the chore a little less tedious. Your local pool suppliers can advise you as to any special tools, but these should get you off on the right foot.

• Chemical test kit and test strips
• Pool Cover
• Telescoping Poles 
• Vacuum Head 
• Skimmer Net
• Leaf trap
• Pool brush

 

1. Skimmer Net

A skimmer net is a vital tool for manually removing debris from your pool’s surface. It features a fine mesh net attached to a pole, often telescoping for extended reach, making it easy to scoop up leaves, twigs, and insects. This simple, low-cost solution is perfect for maintaining pool cleanliness, including the floor, steps, and spas.

To maximize the effectiveness of your skimmer net, choose the right type for your pool’s needs. Flat nets are great for quickly skimming small debris, while bag nets are designed for larger amounts of debris. Regular skimming should be part of your maintenance routine, ideally at least once a week or more frequently during peak debris seasons like fall.

When using a skimmer net, keep it in motion with a gentle sweeping action to gather debris without stirring up the water too much. Start at one end of the pool and work your way across to ensure you cover the entire surface. Empty the net frequently to maintain its effectiveness and use a fine mesh net for capturing smaller particles.

It’s important to inspect the net regularly for any tears or damage and replace it if necessary. Combine the skimmer net with other tools like pool brushes and vacuums for a comprehensive cleaning routine. Proper storage after use, such as rinsing and drying, will prolong the net’s lifespan.

How Often Should You Skim?

Regular skimming at least once a week helps to remove surface debris before it sinks and becomes more difficult to clean. During debris-heavy seasons or after storms, increase the frequency to every few days or even daily. Monitoring water clarity can also guide you on when to skim more often. Handheld skimmer nets typically cost between $28 to $50, with options like the Aussie Gold Pool Leaf Rake Deep Net available for under $30.

Buying a Skimmer Net

Handheld skimmer nets are available in a range of prices to suit different needs and budgets. Generally, skimmer nets cost between $28 to $50. For example, the Aussie Gold Pool Leaf Rake Deep Net is priced under $30 and provides reliable performance. If you’re looking for options online, Amazon offers a variety of choices, including budget-friendly options like the Evob Leaf Skimmer Net.

2. Pool Brush

Pool brushes are crucial for scrubbing pool surfaces, including walls, floors, and steps, to remove dirt, algae, and other contaminants. Regular brushing is vital for maintaining water clarity and preventing algae growth and staining.

Types of Pool Brushes:

• Nylon Bristle Brushes: Ideal for fiberglass pools, these brushes have soft bristles that safely clean without damaging surfaces.
• Nylon/Steel Bristle Brushes: More aggressive, good for tougher stains and algae, but not suitable for fiberglass pools.
• Wire Bristle Brushes: Primarily for concrete or plaster pools; avoid using on fiberglass as they can cause damage.

For fiberglass pools, opt for a nylon bristle brush. Look for features such as curved edges to reach corners and an adjustable handle for comfortable use. Regular brushing, at least once a week, helps prevent dirt and algae buildup. After adding chemicals, brushing assists in dissolving and dispersing them, preventing stains.

Maintenance Tips for Pool Brushes:

• Regularly inspect the bristles for wear and replace the brush as needed.
• Rinse the brush after use and store it in a cool, dry place to prolong its lifespan.
• Avoid soaking the brush in harsh chemicals to preserve the bristles.

Proper Brushing Technique: Start with the steps, benches, and shallow end walls. Brush the shallow end floor towards the deep end drain, then finish with the deep end walls and floor. Use long, overlapping strokes, focusing on corners and along the waterline. 

How Often Should You Brush Your Pool?

Brush your pool at least once a week as part of regular maintenance. After adding powdered or granular chemicals, brush the pool to help dissolve and disperse them. If you notice stains or algae buildup, increase the frequency. After resurfacing, brush twice daily for 2-3 weeks to remove dust and debris.

3. Pool Vacuum

Pool vacuums are crucial for removing dirt, debris, and sediment, ensuring a clean swimming environment. They come in various types: manual, robotic, and suction-side cleaners. You can’t live without this pool accessory because you’ll need it so often. 

Robotic Pool Vacuums: Robotic vacuums clean the pool floor and walls automatically, equipped with powerful suction and brushing systems. Examples include the Aiper Scuba 800 and Seauto Crab Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum.

Suction-Side Vacuums: These vacuums connect to the pool’s filtration system, using suction power to collect debris. The Hayward Pool Vac XL is a popular choice for in-ground pools.

Manual Vacuums: Manual vacuums require manual operation, where the user moves the vacuum around the pool. They can be less convenient but are often more affordable. The Flowclear AquaSuction is an example of a manual vacuum option.

Zodiac Australia offers a wide range of pool cleaners tailored for residential pools, including robotic, suction, and pressure cleaners. They have various models suitable for different pool types and sizes.

The cheapest robotic cleaner at Zodiac is the TornaX™ TX20 for around $1,089.00, and the most expensive is the EvoluX™ EX6050 iQ for $3,600. The cheapest suction pool vacuum cleaner is $550 for the T3, and the most expensive is the AX20 Activ for $1,039.

Pool and Spa Warehouse is another great retailer  and has one of Australia’s largest selections of premium pool cleaners, including handheld and automatic vacuums.

They have cheap cordless handheld pool cleaners like the Kokido Telsa 10 at $149, and the more expensive Kokido Telsa 90 Rechargeable at $399.

Their robotic cleaners range to 2,895 for the K-Bot RX-3 (which includes a handy remote), least expensive but still nifty Smorobot Tank X11 retails at $1,599.

Suction Vacuums are probably what you’ve seen as a kid cleaning pools at your friend’s place or at home. The Pool & Spa Warehouse has them starting at $299 for the Avenger Pool Cleaner to $850 for the Kreepy Krauly.

Pool Vacuum Maintenance

Whichever pool vacuum you go with it’s important to follow the maintenance tips to keep them in working order. We’ve provided a quick rundown for you of general maintenance advice but be sure to keep that instruction booklet handy from the manufacturer for specific instructions.

• Manual Vacuums: Clean the vacuum head and hose regularly, check for damage, and store properly.
• Suction-Side Vacuums: Clean the filter bag or canister, check the impeller, and inspect the hoses.
• Pressure-Side Vacuums: Clean the filter bag, check wheels and bearings, and inspect hoses.
• Robotic Vacuums: Clean the filter, check brushes and treads, inspect the power cord, and store it properly.

Frequency of Pool Vacuuming:

• Vacuum at least once a week during the swimming season.
• Increase frequency after heavy use or storms.
• Monitor water clarity and vacuum more often if necessary.

 

4. Telescopic Pole

Telescopic poles are an indispensable tool for pool cleaning, providing extended reach to easily access all areas of your pool without getting in. Compatible with various cleaning tools like skimmers, brushes, and vacuum heads they are the swiss-army knife pool tools. Usually made from aluminum or fibreglass, these poles withstand regular bumps, scrapes and exposure to pool chemicals and a good one will last a lifetime.

This is the most likely tool to come out daily in your pool maintenance schedule. Attaching your skimmer head and getting those leaves out of the pool or twigs and dirt off the bottom. You can get a basic one from Best Pool Supplies in Yatala for $49 

 

5. Test Kits and Test Strips

Similar but not the same test kits and strips provide a way to measure your pool chemistry. The main difference between the two is how long it takes and how accurate the results are. 

Test Kits: Provide a detailed analysis of various chemical levels in the pool, such as pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. They are more accurate and comprehensive than test strips and are best when you’re doing regular pool maintenance. 

Test Strips offer a quick and easy way to check the pool’s chemical balance by dipping the strip in the pool water and comparing the color change to a chart. They aer ideal for quick routine checks.

You can buy either at most pool outlet stores.

6. Leaf Trap

A leaf trap is a filtration device that captures leaves, twigs, and debris before they reach your pool’s filtration system. Installed between the skimmer and pump, it works with suction-side cleaners or manual vacuums. 

Leaf traps use mesh bags or canisters for debris collection and easy cleaning. They come in various to best match all pool setups. Using a leaf trap protects your pump and filter from getting blocked up and reduces the need for maintenance.

Leaf traps can be bought from most pool accessory retailers or (surprisingly) Big W most retail from about $50 to a few hundred dollars depending on the brand and its construction. 

 

7. Pool Cover

Pool covers keep the pool clean by keeping out leaves and other debris such as leaves, insects, and dirt, which lowers maintenance efforts by preventing debris accumulation, which reduces the frequency of chemical treatments and cleaning. Additionally, adding a solar cover can save you tons on your heating and water bill (if you’ve bothered to heat in Brisbane) by reducing heat loss and evaporation. There are two main types of pool covers people consider solar and automatic covers. Let’s look at both so you can make an informed buying decision.

Types of Pool Covers

Solar Pool Covers: Solar pool covers are designed to heat your pool by absorbing sunlight and reducing evaporation. They can increase the water temperature by up to (8°C) and reduce water loss due to evaporation by up to 95%. Made from bubble-like material, these covers trap heat and act as an insulating layer. 

Automatic Pool Covers: Automatic pool covers provide convenience and safety by automatically covering the pool when not in use, keeping debris out, and maintaining water temperature. Operated with the push of a button, these covers are user-friendly and efficient but costs can vary greatly depending on the installer and brand used. Most require a custom quote which we won’t speculate on here. 

Whichever cover you choose to get the most out of it, use the pool cover whenever the pool is not in use. Make sure the cover fits well to prevent gaps that allow debris to enter.

Maintenance for a pool cover is simple – Regularly clean the pool cover to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Rinse off debris and allow the cover to dry before storing it in a dry place. Avoid folding the cover while it is wet to prevent damage.

8. Floating Chlorine Dispenser

Floating chlorine dispensers are designed to hold and release chlorine tablets into pool water gradually. They float on the surface, allowing for continuous disinfection as the tablets dissolve. These dispensers can accommodate different sizes of chlorine tablets, typically 1-inch or 3-inch, and often feature adjustable flow settings to control the rate of chlorine release.

Chlorine dispensers simplify the process of adding chlorine to the pool. Instead of manually adding chlorine, you can fill the dispenser and let it do the work for you. The adjustable flow release regulates the amount of chlorine and help prevent over-chlorination. With a floating dispenser, you spend less time managing pool chemicals which is always a plus.

You can buy them for just $7 from Big W or Bunnings for a similar price. 

Wrapping Up

Owning a pool is an exciting adventure, but it comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance to keep it clean and safe. By equipping yourself with essential pool cleaning tools such as a skimmer net, pool brush, pool vacuum, telescopic pole, test kits and strips, leaf trap, pool cover, and floating chlorine dispenser, you can streamline your maintenance routine. These tools not only help maintain water clarity and hygiene but also reduce the effort and cost involved in professional cleaning services. Your local pool suppliers can provide guidance on the best tools for your specific needs, ensuring you get the most out of your pool experience.