How do you clean your Automatic Pool Cleaner?
When cleaning your automatic pool cleaner, be sure to remove all of the components from the pool and rinse off the entire system. This will reduce the chlorine and any other chemicals may be on it and it will help reduce the degradation and wear and tear of the unit. Â
At Pump and Pool People, we can help you ensure that your Automatic pool cleaner is working at its optimum level by organising a pool service technician to visit you at your home. Alternatively, if you would like to stop in and speak to the team directly, we can provide the right advise for you.
How long should I run my Automatic Pool Cleaner for?
This depends on your pool size, but generally speaking, your Automatic pool cleaner will run anywhere between 4 and 5 hours per day. Although as mentioned, it all depends on your pool size. In Australia, where we experience a warmer climate, it is recommended to leave the automatic pool cleaner running for longer periods of time as opposed if you are in a colder climate, you will run it for less time.
Running your automatic pool cleaner for longer hours than required will significantly increase your pool maintenance costs and may cause unnecessary wear and tear on your automatic pool cleaner. A good practice is to remove the Automatic pool cleaner from the pool area you are satisfied with the cleanliness of the pool.
Should I run my Automatic Pool Cleaner during the daytime or in the evening?
Running your automatic pool cleaner and pool pump during the daytime is optional as that is when the sun is out. During the day, the UV rays from the sun eat up the chlorine. Therefore, it is a good idea to have the pump running to counter the sun’s effects. If your pool tends to collect a lot of debris, then it may be a good idea to run it during the day just before you use the pool.
On the other hand, running the automatic pool cleaner in the evening is beneficial for your power bill, saving costs during off-peak utility hours. It is certainly cheaper to run your automatic pool pump at night compared to during the day. Therefore, if you don’t get a lot of debris building up in the pool during the day, then it may be better to run your pool cleaner at night.
Pool maintenance tips to prolong your Automatic Pool Cleaner
We have mentioned some very easy pool maintenance tips to prolong the life of your automatic pool cleaner. It is not hard as you think you keep your pool at its best, it may sound difficult, but we have the tips to help you keep your pool sparkling clean all year round.
The first thing to understand is that your pool is unique and therefore different from everyone else’s, so it has its own maintenance needs. The best thing to do is have a routine and consistent care for maintaining your pool. This will help keep your pool in good condition throughout the year. If you let your guard down with your pool maintenance, things can quickly out of control with problems as it can be quite expensive to repair.
Cartridge Filters
It is important for the life of your automatic pool cleaner to maintain your cartridge filter as dirt, dust, chemicals and other fine particles can cause your filter to clog up. Consequently, by clogging up your filter, there is more stress added to your automatic pool cleaner to perform.
Additionally, if you regular use a pool heating system, be sure to keep a closer eye on your filter as the warmer water typically can cause the filter to clog up much more frequently.
By following the manufacturer’s instructions, allocating time in your day to clean the cartridge filter will not only maximise the life of your cartridge filter but your Automatic Pool Cleaner will thank you.
It is important when cleaning the cartridge filter, to ensure you do not use any stiff brushes and its preferred if you use a softer brush. A good idea in prolong a cartridge filters life is to rotate two filters. And as always, please ensure you have a correct balance of chemicals for the pool water which will ensure your filters are not being damaged, but also much safer for you and the family.Â
Pool Skimmer
Your pool skimmer is the next step in keeping your Automatic pool cleaner working and efficient. Your pool skimmer is the first line of defence and the gateway to your pools filtration system. Your pool pump sucks water into the skimmers and as the water passes through the skimmer basket, it is cleared of larger debris. This debris would normally cause a blockage if it made it all the way to your pump or filter, so the pool skimmer is an important part of your pool and your automatic pool cleaner!
Checking Water Levels
The efficient and optimal operation of your pool filtration system relies deeply on the water level in your swimming pool and thus, will keep your Automatic pool cleaner working at its peak. This requirement is often overlooked by many people, and it can cause your pools skimmer box to shut down, and not allow your Automatic pool cleaner to work correctly.
Finding the best water level for your pool is quite simple and you can usually identify the perfect level from eyesight alone. The halfway point of your skimmer hatch is the best level to have the pool water. Ideally, you have your water level between half and a third up the skimmer box opening.
If the water level is higher than that, it is possible that debris will not be pulled into the skimmer box through the plate or the valve. This means that you will end up with floating debris and other bits and pieces on the surface of your swimming pool.
Your pool could face severe damage to the skimmer if the water level is lower than the optimal depth. Due to the lack of water, the skimmer will start to draw air into the filter system and consequently, the motor for your pump is at risk of burning out.
Having a pool filtration system replaced can be a costly issue, so it is a good idea to do everything possible to prevent this from happening by following the above tips. This will also ensure that your Automatic pool cleaner works at it is indented to.
Pool Filtration
Your pool’s filtration system is to ensure the water is clean and prevents the accumulation and proliferation of algae, dirt, dust and other bacteria that can dirty your pool. Unfortunately, your automatic pool cleaner only does a portion of the job, whereas the pool filtration system performs the bulk of the work at approximately 80%.
At Pump and Pool People, we stock different types of filtration systems which suit your need, including the fineness of the filtration systems, the time required for maintenance and the water consumption.
Water Testing
At Pump and Pool People, we provide free water testing  and can guide you to what it will take to keep your pool in a prestigious condition. Great water quality is fundamental for ensuring the longevity of your automatic pool cleaner is fundamental.
You can even test the water yourself. We stock test strips and can supply you with testing kits ensuring the clarify of the water is at an optimal level.