These are the Skills and Tools You Need to Maintain a Pristine Pool This Swimming Season

With temperatures rising and summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about getting your pool ready. But what exactly does getting your pool ready entail? And when it’s season-ready, do also you know how to clean a pool? We’re here to help you get on top of your day-to-day pool care and maintenance plan, so you can get the most of your backyard paradise.

While it is possible to pay a pool professional to come in and do the job of cleaning your pool for you, with a little reading and investment in the right equipment, you’ll be able to save yourself hundreds of dollars in the long term. Read on to find out more.

What Should Be in a Pool Cleaning Kit?

When putting your pool-cleaning kit together, there are a few essentials that should be in every arsenal, no matter the size or whether it’s above or below the ground. These important tools keep the surface clear, maintain your water’s pH and chemical levels and prevent the sides and bottom from succumbing to algae growth. On the most basic level, your pool cleaning tool kit should include:

• Pool Cover
• Telescopic Pole
• Skimmer
• Leaf Net
• Pool Brush
• Water Testing Kit
• Cleaning Chemicals
• Pool Cleaner – Automatic/Manual

How to Clean a Pool

After you’ve put your pool-cleaning kit together, the next step is to start cleaning your pool. Obviously, the regularity and method for doing so will depend on the size, shape and location of your pool (i.e., whether it’s an above-ground pool or a below-ground pool). However, here are some of the key cleaning jobs you should be performing on a regular basis.

• Remove Leaves and Surface Debris – Use your skimmer and/or pool net to remove floating leaves, bugs and general debris from the surface of your pool.
• Clean the Walls – Remove algae and debris from the walls of your pool using a brush.
• Vacuum the Pool – Depending on whether you have an automatic or manual pool vacuum, either work your way around your pool or set your device to do the job for you.
• Test the Pool Water (Add Chemicals) – Checking your pool water is one of the most important jobs you should be doing, no matter its size or shape. Regular checks (at least once a week) let you see the state of your water and inform you what to add to the pool, like chlorine, for a safe swimming environment. 
• Check the Filter – Like any cleaning process using a filter, eventually, this essential part of your pool is going to block up. Regular checks of your filter ensure optimal cleaning and longevity.

Below you’ll find a list of our top pool cleaning tools. From a basic pool pole to smartphone-controlled pool robots, we’ve got every aspect covered for keeping your pool looking its best.

1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner

BEST ROBOTIC CLEANER

When it comes to choosing a robotic cleaner for your pool, it’s hard to look beyond the Dolphin brand. This Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner is capable of cleaning pools up to 50 feet in length. It’s also impressively reviewed, coming backed by over 4,500 five-star reviews from happy users. Other noticeable features include a tangle-free cable, dual-scrubbing brushes as well as built-in and smart navigation for a comprehensive clean and convenient user experience. Plus, it’s possible to pre-set your cleaning schedule, with every day, every other day and every third-day schedules available.

Buy: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner $779.00

2. Sunnyglade Leaf Skim Net

BEST SKIMMER

With over 6,500 five-star ratings on Amazon and a price tag under $10, the Sunnyglade Leaf Skim Net is a no-brainer purchase for pool owners. It’s constructed from durable, high-quality plastic which is also strong, making it ideal for passing and maneuvering through water without giving way. At 17.5 by 11.8 inches, there’s plenty of net surface area for collecting small debris, like leaves and bugs. Furthermore, the versatile net can be used in pools, ponds or hot tubs and also attaches to most pool poles to provide a greater reach.

Buy: Sunnyglade Leaf Skim Net $7.99

3. DryTec Calcium Hypochlorite Shock Treatment

BEST TREATMENT

For every 10,000 gallons of water in your pool, add a bag of this DryTec Calcium Hypochlorite Shock Treatment to sanitize your pool. This quick-dissolving sanitizer is made up of 68% calcium hypochlorite which combats algae, bacteria and other pool contaminants. Your pool can be ready for swimming in as little as 30 minutes after administering the treatment.

Buy: DryTec Calcium Hypochlorite Shock Treatment $9.74

4. Super Blue Pool Water Clarifier

BEST WATER CLARIFIER

Take your pool from cloudy to clear with Super Blue Water Clarifier. A single ounce of this magic potion can be used in up to 5,000 gallons of pool water to give you the crystal-clear appearance which makes a pool look even more appealing. Even better, it can be used with any type of filter, only takes a few minutes to administer and reduces your sanitizer consumption by reducing the number of dirt particles found in your pool water.

Buy: Super Blue Pool Water Clarifier $16.99

5. Greenco Pool Brush

BEST POOL BRUSH

When cleaning your pool, it’s important to clean the walls and surrounding tiles, too. This Greenco Pool Brush is a strong and sturdy answer to the problem. It’s made from durable materials, including heavy-duty aluminum, and features a 20-inch wide head covered with tough bristles for effective removal of even the most stubborn algae build-ups. The curved edges further add to the brush’s cleaning efficiency by letting you reach your pool corners with ease.

Buy: Greenco Pool Brush $14.99

6. Poolmaster 5-Way Swimming Pool & Spa Test Kit

BEST TESTING KIT

The Poolmaster 5-Way Swimming Pool & Spa Test Kit lets you test the water in your pool, helping you maintain the proper chemistry for more hygienic enjoyment. Inside the box, you’ll find everything you need to test for total alkalinity, chlorine, pH, acid demand and bromine. The accompanying clear-view round test block sports integrated color chips to simplify the color-matching process. In addition, the kit is supplied in a handy case for greater portability and easier storage.

7. U.S. Pool Supply Professional Swimming Pool Pole

BEST POLE

If you’ve got a range of pool tool heads and no pole to attach them to, the U.S. Pool Supply Professional Swimming Pool Pole could be the answer you’re looking for. From nets and skimmers to rakes and vacuum heads, a versatile pole is another must-have in your pool cleaning arsenal. This pole sports a telescopic design that can expand up to a maximum of 12 feet, allowing the tool to work for a range of pool sizes. Furthermore, it’s constructed from anodized aluminum to give it the strong and durable quality which is desirable in regularly used tools.

Buy: U.S. Pool Supply Professional Swimming Pool Pole $58.14

8. ProTuff Pool Net Leaf Skimmer Rake

BEST LEAF NET

Attach the ProTuff Pool Net Leaf Skimmer Rake to your pool pole, and you’ll feel as powerful as King Neptune with his trident. Sweep from side to side and comfortably remove leaves and other debris from your pool with ease. The rake is mold and mildew resistant and capable of handling larger swimming pools without any difficulty. Plus, as water passes so freely through the net while debris is retained, you’ll never have to deal with uncomfortable resistance in the water when performing your cleaning duties.

Buy: ProTuff Pool Net Leaf Skimmer Rake $33.97

9. HydroTools Pool Maintenance Kit

BEST ALL-IN-ONE KIT

For unbeatable convenience, the HydroTools Pool Maintenance Kit comes with everything you need to clean your pool. It includes a weighted vacuum head with a handle, an 18-inch wall brush, a skimmer, a scoop thermometer and a dual test kit. Plus, it has instructions for pH and chlorine pool water checks. Throw in a budget-friendly price, and it’s easy to see why so many pool owners opt for this all-in-one kit.

Buy: HydroTools Pool Maintenance Kit $28.99

10. In The Swim Deluxe Pool Opening Chemical Start-Up Kit

BEST CHEMICAL KIT

Treating your water is just as important as testing your water, which is why you need the In The Swim Deluxe Pool Opening Chemical Start-Up Kit. This well-reviewed collection of formulated and pre-measured chemicals is capable of treating up to 15,000 gallons of water. Inside the kit, you’ll find chlorine shock, which gives your pool that added kick it needs at the start of the season in order to remove built-up contaminants and bacteria. There’s also a stain, rust and scale preventer to clear out any unsightly colors as well as a non-metallic algaecide and sun sorb, which get rid of algae blooms and absorb oils and lotions respectively.

Buy: In The Swim Deluxe Chemical Start Up Kit $35.99

11. Stargoods Pool Skimmer Net

BEST CATCH NET

Unlike some of the more 2D skimmer net options, the Stargoods Pool Skimmer Net incorporates a mesh net bag into the design, allowing you to collect more debris and empty your net less regularly. It’s constructed from tough materials to give you a strong and durable frame that resists bending during use. In addition, the universal design of the head can fit a range of pool poles, while the large surface area and fine mesh bag ensure clearing your pool takes fewer passes when compared to smaller options.

Buy: Stargoods Pool Skimmer Net $39.97

12. POOLWHALE Pool Vacuum Jet Underwater Cleaner

BEST MANUAL CLEANER

The POOLWHALE Pool Vacuum Jet Underwater Cleaner is a solid choice for pool owners searching for a portable, pool-cleaning device at a budget-friendly price. This versatile, manual cleaner can be used in pools, ponds or spas and utilizes an attached garden hose to produce suction for removing stains and collecting large debris. It comes with a hose adapter, a drawstring nylon collection net and a five-piece pole, which reaches up to 48 inches in length. Plus, the vacuum easily assembled and has over 3,000 five-star ratings from happy Amazon users.

Buy: POOLWHALE Pool Vacuum Jet Underwater Cleaner $27.99

13. Robelle Winter Round Above-Ground Pool Cover

BEST COVER

One of the easiest ways to maintain a clean pool is to keep it covered when it’s not being used. For round pool owners, there’s no better choice of pool cover than the Robelle 3524-4 Winter Round Above-Ground Pool Cover. It’s available in a range of sizes, from 12 feet to 33 feet in diameter. For greater aesthetic convenience, the cover also comes in over 15 different color options, including silver, cream, blue and green. Plus, each cover has a 10-year warranty and includes a four-foot overlap to make the installation process simpler.

Buy: Robelle Winter Round Above-Ground Pool Cover $49.89

14. Intex Auto Pool Cleaner

BEST BUDGET AUTO CLEANER

Put pesky pool leaves in the past with this auto pool cleaner from Intex. It saves you hours of time and gets that pool sparkling without breaking the bank. This cleaner only works with above-ground pools with 1-1/2″ hose fittings.

Buy: Intex Auto Pool Cleaner $159.99

15. No More Green Technologies Solar Pool Ionizer

BEST IONIZER

Treat your family and your wallet to a kinder and gentler summer with the No More Green Technologies Solar Pool Ionizer. Copper Ionization and solar power eliminate the need to spend hundreds on chemicals that are just going to burn your skin and eyes. It works with in-ground and above-ground pools and comes with a long-lasting copper anode.

Buy: No More Green Technologies Solar Pool Ionizer $149.98

16. Sun2Solar Rectangle Solar Cover

BEST SOLAR COVER

In addition to keeping your pool covered and protected from bugs and falling debris, the Sun2Solar Rectangle Solar Cover heats your pool at the same time. This benefit is a handy addition for cooler climate pool owners. It’s available in a range of sizes as well as either blue or clear color options. This popular cover comes backed by over 2,500 five-star reviews from Amazon users and can function on both in-ground and above-ground swimming pools. Plus, the cover prevents up to 95% of pool water evaporation and can be trimmed to fit unusually shaped pools when required.

Buy: Sun2Solar Rectangle Solar Cover $168.96

17. BARACUDA G3 Automatic Pool Cleaner

BEST AUTOMATIC CLEANER

One of the problems with pool cleaners is that they have so many little rotating parts, which have a habit of getting jammed. But, the Baracuda Automatic Pool Cleaner sports only one moving part and devours debris with its powerful suction, while its FlowKeeper Valve helps maintain peak performance. This is one pool cleaner you can rely on.

Buy: BARACUDA G3 Automatic Pool Cleaner $307.44

18. Zodiac Baracuda Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaner

BEST ELECTRIC CLEANER

The Zodiac Baracuda combines cyclonic suction, powerful vacuuming and an aggressive turbine blade to climb and clean the walls of your pool. That’s why they nicknamed it the “Little Tank.” It’s super sturdy and works hard, so you don’t have to. And, that’s a win in our book.

Buy: Zodiac Baracuda Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaner $276.98

19. Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner

BEST FOR LARGER DEBRIS

In addition to sweeping, scrubbing and vacuuming the walls and bottom of your pool, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner includes a built-in, single-chamber bag for collecting large pieces of debris. The well-reviewed device is powered by triple jets and Incorporates advanced cleaning technology for a noticeably cleaner pool. It’s also compatible with any kind of in-ground pool, no matter its size or shape. Functionally, the cleaner uses your existing circulation pump without the need for a booster pump, and it comes attached to 31 feet of feeder hose, ensuring this bad boy can reach every corner.

Buy: Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner $490.59

20. DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Cleaner

BEST SMART VACUUM

Like seemingly every device in the world nowadays, there is an option that can be controlled using your smartphone. In the case of pool cleaners, it’s the DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Cleaner. Using your local WiFi connection and the MyDolphin Plus App, it’s possible to select cycles, delay cleaning, schedule your cleaning rota and remotely steer the device, too. It’s capable of cleaning pools up to 50 feet big in as little as 1.5 hours. In addition, the cleaner is capable of scrubbing up to the waterline and includes a built-in, tangle-free power cable for a truly convenient and complete pool-cleaning experience.

Buy: DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Cleaner $1,449.00