Owning a swimming pool offers countless moments of relaxation, fun, and family bonding, especially in a beautiful backyard setup. But keeping that sparkling blue water clean takes more than just the occasional skim. This is where pool cleaners come in handy.
Whether you’re new to pool ownership or a seasoned homeowner looking to up your maintenance game, we’ve crafted this easy-to-follow pool cleaners guide to ensure your pool stays crystal-clear and swim-ready all season long.
These 7 tips are carefully tailored to the needs of New Hampshire homeowners and pool enthusiasts- rooted in our 80+ years of experience at Bemister’s Pool & Patio, where we’re passionate about helping you get the most from your outdoor space.
1. Regular Skimming and Surface Cleaning
Keep debris out before it sinks
Skimming is your first line of defense against dirt, bugs, leaves, and anything else the wind might carry into your swimming pool. The longer debris sits on the surface, the more likely it is to sink and dirty the pool floor.
Make it a habit to use a leaf skimmer or net at least once a day, especially during heavy pollen seasons or after storms. You’ll want to pay special attention to corners and around waterline tiles where debris tends to gather.
Also, investing in a telescoping pole with interchangeable heads (like skimmers, brushes, and vacuum heads) makes your job easier. And don’t forget to empty your skimmer basket regularly—it keeps your pump and filtration system running efficiently.
2. Vacuuming the Pool Floor
Remove what your eyes can’t see
Even with surface skimming, dirt, sand, and algae spores can accumulate on the floor of your pool. Manual or automatic vacuuming is essential to keeping your water healthy and your pool bottom spotless.
For smaller pools or tight corners, a manual vacuum cleaner attached to a garden hose may do the trick. For a more hands-off approach, consider an automated pool cleaner or a robotic pool vacuum.
These units crawl along the pool floor, walls, and even steps, using powerful suction to pick up debris, algae, and fine particles. Look for models that suit your pool size, shape, and material—especially if you own a fiberglass pool. We’ll highlight our favorites a bit later in this article.
3. Brushing Pool Walls and Tiles
Scrub away scale and algae before it starts
Just like a bathtub, your pool surfaces need regular brushing to prevent build-up. Algae, calcium deposits, and oils from swimmers can cling to walls, floors, and steps – particularly along the waterline.
Use a brush suited to your pool’s finish:
- Nylon bristles for vinyl or fiberglass pools
- Stainless steel bristles for concrete or plaster pools
Brush your pool once or twice a week, paying extra attention to areas with poor circulation such as stairs, behind ladders, and corners. This routine keeps your waterline clear, your tiles sparkling, and your filtration system from overworking.
4. Maintaining Optimal Water Circulation
Let your water flow do the hard work
Circulation is crucial for dispersing chemicals, filtering out contaminants, and preventing algae. Without proper flow, you’ll get dead spots, leading to cloudy water and uneven chemical distribution.
Make sure your pump and plumbing system are running efficiently. A good rule of thumb is to run your pump for at least 8 to 12 hours per day, ideally during daylight hours when algae growth is most active.
Check your return jets, vacuum ports, and suction outlets regularly for obstructions. An optimal flow means fewer chemicals, less scrubbing, and longer equipment life.
5. Regular Filter Maintenance
Don’t let a dirty filter sabotage your efforts
Your filter acts as the kidney of your pool – removing fine debris and microscopic particles. But over time, even the best filters clog and need cleaning.
Here’s a quick guide to the three main types:
| Filter Type | Maintenance Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sand Filters | Backwash every 1–2 weeks | Larger pools, minimal upkeep |
| Cartridge Filters | Rinse monthly, replace every season | Small to medium pools |
| DE Filters | Backwash monthly, recharge powder | Crystal-clear water seekers |
Make it part of your regular pool maintenance checklist. If your pressure gauge is 8–10 PSI above normal, it’s time to clean.
6. Balancing Water Chemistry
Crystal-clear water starts at the molecular level
Balanced water chemistry keeps your pool safe, sparkling, and damage-free. At minimum, test your water weekly – or more often after heavy use or rain.
Target these ideal ranges:
- pH: 7.2–7.6
- Free Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
- Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
Use a liquid test kit or test strips, and make small adjustments using trusted pool chemicals. Bemister’s offers free water testing at all locations, so swing by and let our experts help you build the perfect treatment plan.
7. Shocking the Pool
Say goodbye to cloudy water and contaminants
Shocking is like pressing the reset button for your pool. It destroys organic contaminants, chloramines, and bacteria that standard chlorination can’t eliminate.
You should shock your pool:
- Weekly during high use
- After heavy rain
- After a pool party or if algae appears
Choose a calcium hypochlorite or non-chlorine shock, and always follow the product’s instructions. Be sure to run your pump while shocking and wait until chlorine levels drop before swimming.
Bonus: Seasonal Pool Maintenance Tips
New Hampshire’s four seasons can be beautiful—but they also pose unique challenges for pool maintenance. From heavy spring rains to harsh winter freezes, it’s essential to fine-tune your pool care routine throughout the year to protect your investment and enjoy crystal-clear water all season long.
Here’s a breakdown of how to adapt your pool maintenance strategy based on the time of year:
Spring: Reopen With Care and Caution
As the snow melts and temperatures rise, it’s time to get your pool ready for the swim season. Opening your pool properly sets the tone for a smooth and enjoyable summer.
Here’s what to do:
- Shock the Pool: Start with a chlorine shock treatment to kill off any bacteria or algae that may have developed over the winter.
- Inspect Equipment Thoroughly: Check your filters, pumps, hoses, heaters, plumbing, and pool cleaners for cracks, wear, or leaks caused by ice or prolonged inactivity.
- Clean and Reinstall Accessories: Return ladders, skimmer baskets, lights, and return fittings to their proper places. Clean or replace cartridges and sand if needed.
- Balance Water Chemistry: Test your pool’s pH, chlorine, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer levels. Balance as needed to protect equipment and swimmer health.
Pro Tip: Use a robotic pool cleaner like the Dolphin Active 30 to make spring startup faster and easier.
Summer: Step Up the Cleaning Routine
Summer is pool season, and with frequent use comes more maintenance. Warmer weather accelerates algae growth and can make water chemistry fluctuate faster.
Essential summer maintenance tasks:
- Skim Daily, Vacuum Weekly: Keep the waterline clear of floating debris like bugs and leaves. Use an automated pool cleaner or vacuum to manage dirt on the floor and stairs.
- Brush the Walls & Tiles: Brushing twice a week helps remove biofilm and algae before it takes hold.
- Monitor Chemical Levels Closely: Test your water 2–3 times per week, especially after pool parties or rainstorms. High temperatures and UV rays consume chlorine quickly.
- Check Circulation and Filter Pressure: Make sure your pump is running at least 8–12 hours a day and backwash your filter when the pressure increases.
Summer Tip: Upgrade to a smart cleaner like the Polaris ALPHA iQ+ for scheduled cleanings while you relax.
Fall: Prep for Cooler Days and Falling Leaves
Leaves, acorns, and colder temperatures bring a new set of challenges. Taking preventative steps during fall can make winterizing easier and prevent long-term damage.
Fall maintenance checklist:
- Leaf Removal is Key: Skim the pool daily or use a cleaner with a large debris canister like the EPIC8640 to collect heavy leaf loads.
- Balance Chemistry for the Transition: Test and adjust chemical levels—especially pH and alkalinity—to stabilize the water before closing or lowering usage.
- Cover Your Pool: Invest in a high-quality cover to prevent leaves and debris from entering the water and to conserve heat.
- Clean and Store Equipment: Remove and clean accessories that won’t be used during the colder months.
Winter (If Not Closing): Keep Ice Damage at Bay
If you decide not to fully close your pool for the winter, especially if it’s heated or used with a hot tub, some light maintenance is still required to avoid costly repairs.
Winter upkeep tips:
- Run the Pump Occasionally: Running the pump during the warmest part of the day helps prevent freezing in the pipes. For extended cold snaps, consider using a pump timer or freeze protection system.
- Maintain Proper Water Level: Lower the waterline below the skimmer to prevent ice expansion from damaging the plumbing and skimmer housing.
- Cover or Shield Exposed Equipment: Use insulation or protective covers on your pump, filter, and heater if they’re above ground and exposed to snow or freezing wind.
- Check for Ice Formation: Periodically inspect the water surface and equipment for ice buildup, especially after a storm.
By adapting your pool care routine for each season, you not only ensure a cleaner, safer swimming environment but also extend the life of your equipment and surface materials. Want help finding the best tools to make it easier?
Stop by Bemister’s Pool & Patio in Salem, Litchfield, or Hampton – or browse our premium pool cleaners and pool chemicals online to make every season a breeze.
Use the Best Pool Cleaners at Bemister’s
Maintaining a pristine pool is effortless with the right equipment. At Bemister’s Pool & Patio, we offer a selection of top-tier robotic pool cleaners designed to meet diverse cleaning needs.
Here are four standout models available:
| Feature | Dolphin Active 30 | Dolphin Active 40 | Polaris ALPHA iQ+ | EPIC8640 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pool Type | In-Ground | In-Ground | In-Ground | In-Ground |
| Cleaning Coverage | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Navigation System | CleverClean™ | Advanced | Sensor Nav System™ | Advanced |
| Filter Access | Top-Load Basket | Top-Load Basket | Easy-Access Canister | Large Debris Canister |
| Additional Features | Weekly Scheduler, Energy Efficient | Weekly Scheduler, Plug’n’Play | Wi-Fi Connectivity, iAquaLink® App | Dual Cleaning Modes, Tangle-Reducing Swivel Cable |
1. Dolphin Active 30
The Dolphin Active 30 is a versatile cleaner suitable for in-ground pools up to 50 feet. This pool cleaner efficiently scrubs the floor, walls, and waterline, ensuring comprehensive cleaning. Equipped with CleverClean™ Smart Navigation, it scans your pool to optimize its cleaning path.
The top-load filter basket allows easy debris removal, and the weekly scheduler lets you set cleaning cycles that fit your routine. Its energy-efficient design helps reduce operational costs.
2. Dolphin Active 40
For enhanced performance, the Dolphin Active 40 pool cleaner offers powerful active scrubbing and superior navigation for in-ground pools. It effectively cleans the floor, walls, and waterline. The easy-access top-load filter simplifies maintenance, and the weekly scheduler provides convenient automation. Its lightweight design ensures easy handling, and the Plug’n’Play feature allows hassle-free operation.
3. Polaris ALPHA iQ+
The Polaris ALPHA iQ+ pool cleaner delivers an intelligent cleaning experience for in-ground pools. Its Sensor Nav System™ scans the pool to optimize cleaning patterns. The large, easy-access debris canister reduces the frequency of emptying. With Wi-Fi connectivity and the iAquaLink® app, you can control and monitor cleaning schedules remotely. The Easy Lift Removal System simplifies retrieval from the pool.
4. EPIC8640
The EPIC8640 pool cleaner features cyclonic vacuum technology to maintain strong suction throughout the cleaning cycle. It offers dual cleaning modes for floor-only or comprehensive floor, walls, and waterline cleaning. The large debris canister minimizes maintenance, and the tangle-reducing swivel cable ensures uninterrupted operation. At Bemister’s Pool & Patio, our expert team is dedicated to helping you select the ideal pool cleaner tailored to your specific needs. Visit our showrooms in Salem, Litchfield, or Hampton to explore these models firsthand and receive personalized recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a robotic pool cleaner if I already vacuum manually?
While manual vacuums work, robotic pool cleaners save time, energy, and effort. They’re especially useful for larger pools and busy homeowners.
2. How do I know which pool cleaner is best for my pool type?
Our experts at Bemister’s Pool & Patio can help match your pool cleaner to your pool’s surface, shape, and debris load.
3. Is weekly shocking too much for my pool?
Not at all! Weekly shocking is often necessary during peak season to maintain water clarity and sanitation.
4. How can I tell if my filter needs replacing?
If cleaning no longer restores water flow and pressure, or your water stays cloudy, it’s time to replace the filter media or cartridge.
5. Do you offer pool cleaning service near me?
We don’t offer cleaning service, but we provide expert advice, free water testing, and the best pool maintenance tools in New Hampshire.
Conclusion
Maintaining a sparkling pool doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job. By incorporating these 7 simple yet powerful tips into your routine—and using the right tools like robotic pool cleaners from Bemister’s Pool & Patio – you’ll enjoy more time swimming and less time scrubbing.
We’re proud to be New Hampshire’s go-to destination for hot tubs, pools, backyard leisure, and expert support.
Contact us online, stop by one of our locations in Salem, Litchfield, or Hampton, or explore our pool cleaners online to find the perfect fit for your oasis.
