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6 pool cleaning tools we won’t go without this summer

It’s not all fun and games when you own a swimming pool. Oh, sure, you get to spend hours floating around, swimming, entertaining, and just keeping cool in general. But, there comes a time when your pool starts to get a bit grungy. There’s debris and algae and all kinds of tiny bits of scum that you must clean if you want to maintain your own sparkling oasis.

No matter who (or what) is enjoying your pool, unless you want to hire a professional cleaning service, you’re going to have to do the pool cleaning and maintenance yourself. That means you need the proper pool cleaning supplies to get the job done right. With that in mind, here’s a list of pool cleaning equipment you shouldn’t go without.

Telescoping pole

There’s no need to reach out over the surface of the pool and strain yourself if you’ve got a telescoping pole and a skimming net. In fact, a good pole like the Premier 12 ft. Swimming Pool Telescopic Pole from Home Depot can help you reach the deepest parts of your pool to snag bits of floating debris. You can also use other attachments to help you remove stains and algae stuck to the floor or walls of your pool.

Check out the Premier 12 ft. Swimming Pool Telescopic Pole at Home Depot.

Pool shock

Suppose you don’t use the right chemicals. In that case, your pool can become a breeding ground not only for mosquitoes but also for gross bacteria. Those bacteria feed off the oils and skin cells your body produces and leave behind when you swim. Pool shock is a chemical designed to kill bacteria and sanitize the water. It can also help cut down on algae to a degree.

Grab the MAXBlue 10 lbs. Shock (10-Pack) from Home Depot.

Handheld pool vacuums

A handheld pool vacuum can be an indispensable tool in your pool cleaning toolbox. In fact, they’re a lot like regular household vacuums. They’ve got suction heads, bristles, built-in filters, a compartment to trap debris, and long handles. You use it by running the head along the pool’s floor and sides in the same way you would vacuum the carpet in your house.

Purchase the Telsa 10 Rechargeable Handheld Pool Vacuum for Small Pools.

Skimmer

Skimmers go hand in hand with long telescoping poles. Having one on hand is essential, especially if you’ve got flowering plants and trees near your pool. Then there are bugs that land in your pool and somehow seem to become part of its ecosystem. A skimmer is a perfect way to scoop out bugs, leaves, and most other free-floating debris.

Grab the Deluxe Wall-Mounted Swimming Pool Surface Automatic Skimmer from Home Depot.

Robotic pool cleaners

An alternative to getting a handheld pool cleaner is purchasing a robotic one. They’re not cheap, but they can save you time since you don’t have to do the vacuuming yourself. Most pool robots are energy efficient and are self-contained with built-in filters and motors. Depending on the model you choose, you can get extra features like a robot with a four-wheel-drive, and that’s remote controlled!

Check out the Blue Wave Indigo Hybrid X-5 Robotic Pool Cleaner.

Filter cleaner

Regardless of the other methods you use to clean your pool, having a pool filter is non-negotiable. It’s a must-have. In fact, your pool’s overall health is dependent on it. With that said, you need to clean your pool’s filter periodically. Filter cleaners help prevent cloudy water, remove residue, and improve your filter’s efficiency.

Buy the Pool Cleaner Universal Wall Fitting Filter Screens UWF QD.

Bottom line

Whether you’ve got years of experience owning a pool or you’ve just purchased one for the first time, you’re going to need proper pool cleaning equipment. Of course, everyone has their own quirks when it comes to how they handle pool maintenance. But one thing is certain —  it’ll be mighty hard to maintain a pool your family and friends will enjoy if you neglect to buy the right cleaning supplies.

Why not simplify your life by choosing one or more of the pool cleaning tools listed above so you can enjoy swimming for as long as the season lasts?

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Will Blesch
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Will Blesch is a copywriter, content writer, and someone passionate about anything that lets him discover more about this…
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