Pool Cleaner Maintenance 101: Keep Your Device Running Smoothly

Nothing beats having a pool cleaner that just works every time you need it, but like any piece of equipment, it needs regular care to stay reliable. Most pool owners skip the basic maintenance tasks and end up with expensive repairs or having to replace their cleaners way too early.

The truth is, maintaining your robotic or suction pool cleaner is easier than you think and only takes a few minutes. Here's how to keep your pool cleaner running perfectly and extend its life for years.

Why Maintenance of Regular Pool Cleaners is Necessary

Taking care of your pool cleaner isn't just about keeping it running - it's about making sure you don't waste money on repairs and that your pool actually gets clean when you need it.

1. Saves You Money in Repairs: Identifying issues early by doing simple tasks, such as cleaning filters, saves you plenty of money compared to paying hundreds to repair serious breakdowns later.
2. Extends the Life of Your Cleaner: A well-maintained pool cleaner will live for 5-8 years, while neglected cleaners die after just 2-3 years. Regular cleaning and replacement of worn-out parts see to it that all the parts keep running smoothly.
3. Maintains Cleaning at Its Best: Regular maintenance ensures that your pool remains sparkling clean without you manually cleaning it or adding additional chemicals to the water.
4. Saves Costly Emergency Breakdowns: Keeping up with maintenance allows you to find problems before they become emergencies, so your pool is available when you need it.
5. Keeps Your Pool Surface and Equipment Safe: Having brushes, wheels, and tracks in good condition keeps your pool safe from damage or scratches.
6. Saves Energy Costs: Clean filters and properly maintained motors do not need to work as hard, thus resulting in cheaper electric bills than plugged or struggling cleaners.

Regardless of whether you possess the most affordable suction cleaner or an expensive one, such as the iGarden Pool Cleaner K 150 that comes with a 3-year replacement warranty, constant upkeep is the secret to getting your money's worth. Even cleaners with advanced technology and good warranties will still require good maintenance to survive for as long as they should and work as they should.

Daily/Weekly Maintenance Tasks

Staying on top of simple daily and weekly tasks is the easiest way to keep your pool cleaner running smoothly. These quick checks and basic cleaning steps take just a few minutes but prevent the most common problems before they start.

Empty the Debris Bag or Canister Daily

Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from your cleaner's collection bag or canister after each use. A full bag reduces suction power and makes your cleaner work harder, leading to premature motor wear.

Check and Clear Any Visible Clogs

Look for leaves or debris stuck in the intake, hoses, or moving parts before each cleaning cycle. Clear any blockages immediately to prevent damage to the motor and maintain proper water flow.

Rinse the Filter After Every Few Uses

Hose down your robotic pool cleaner filter or cartridge to remove fine dirt and particles. Clean filters maintain strong suction and prevent debris from recirculating back into your pool water.

Inspect Hoses for Kinks or Damage Weekly

Check suction and pressure cleaner hoses for twists, cracks, or holes that can reduce cleaning efficiency. Straighten kinked hoses and mark any damage spots for repair or replacement.

Test the Cleaner's Movement and Coverage

Watch your cleaner for a few minutes to ensure it's moving properly and covering all pool areas. If it's getting stuck in corners or missing spots, check for worn wheels, tracks, or navigation issues.

Clean Brushes and Remove Tangled Debris

Remove hair, string, and plant material wrapped around rotating brushes or wheels. Tangled debris can jam moving parts and cause motors to overheat or burn out.

Check Pool Water Chemistry

Maintain proper pH and chlorine levels, as unbalanced water can damage cleaner components over time. High acidity or chlorine levels can deteriorate rubber seals, hoses, and plastic parts faster.

Monthly Deep Cleaning Checklist

Monthly deep cleaning goes beyond daily maintenance to address the buildup and wear that regular use creates. These thorough cleaning tasks help maintain peak performance and catch potential issues before they become expensive problems.

Disassemble and Deep Clean All Filters

Remove all filter cartridges and bags, then soak them in a filter cleaning solution or mild bleach mixture. Scrub away algae, oils, and fine particles that regular rinsing can't remove, then rinse thoroughly before reassembling.

Inspect and Clean All Moving Parts

Check wheels, tracks, brushes, and gears for wear, cracks, or debris buildup. Clean moving parts with a soft brush and lubricant where recommended by the manufacturer to ensure smooth operation.

Examine Hoses and Connections Thoroughly

Look for small cracks, worn connection points, or internal damage that might not be visible during weekly checks. Test suction at different points along the hose to identify weak spots or blockages.

Clean the Motor Housing and Vents

Wipe down the exterior housing and clear any debris from air vents or cooling fins. Blocked vents can cause motors to overheat, leading to expensive repairs or complete failure.

Test All Electrical Connections and Cords

Inspect power cords, transformers, and connection points for fraying, corrosion, or loose connections. Clean electrical contacts with a dry cloth and ensure all connections are secure and waterproof.

Check and Clean the Pool Cleaner's Sensors

Wipe down navigation sensors, water sensors, and any camera lenses with a soft, damp cloth. Dirty sensors can cause erratic movement patterns and poor cleaning coverage.

Inspect and Tighten All Screws and Fasteners

Check that all screws, clips, and fasteners are tight and secure. Vibration from regular use can loosen components, leading to parts falling off or poor performance.

Test Run and Monitor Performance

Run a complete cleaning cycle while observing the cleaner's movement, suction power, and coverage patterns. Document any changes in performance to track the effectiveness of your maintenance routine.

Troubleshooting Common Maintenance Issues

Even with regular maintenance, pool cleaners can also develop problems that affect their operation. Knowing how to troubleshoot and fix common issues effectively can spare you frustration, cash, and time in maintaining a clean pool.

• Slow Movement of Pool Cleaner or Frequent Getting Stuck: Check for debris wrapped around wheels, tracks, or brushes that are obstructing normal movement. Wipe down all moving components and ensure the trash bag is not overfilled, which can weigh down the cleaner and reduce mobility.
• Inadequate Suction or Cleaning Ability: Check filters for blockage and clean or replace them if blocked. Check for cracks, loose fittings, or blockages in hoses that minimize suction capability and cleaning effectiveness.
• Cleaner Won't Work or Won't Start: Check power connections for tightness and corrosion-free status, particularly for robot cleaners. Verify circuit breakers and GFCI outlets, and check power cords for damage that could break the electrical circuit.
• Twisting or Floating of Hoses Being Used: Hoses need to have the correct weights fitted and cannot be kinked or twisted. In suction cleaners, make sure the hose length is appropriate for your pool depth, and adjust floats if the hose is not remaining correctly submerged.
• Cleaner Climbing Walls But Not Staying Attached: Properly clean the wheels or tracks to remove oils and debris that reduce grip. Make sure brushes are not worn, since good brush contact is most important for wall-climbing robotic cleaners.
• Unusual Sounds or Vibration when Operating: Check for any debris that may be lodged in the intake or impeller and cause grinding or clattering noises. Check for damage in moving parts and secure screws and connections to avoid looseness and excessive vibration.
• Debris Left Behind or Spots Missed by Cleaner: Check brushes are not worn and make good contact with the pool surfaces. Check navigation sensors for damage or dirt that may affect the cleaner's navigation and maintenance of good cleaning patterns.
• Recurring Filter Clogging or Debris Bag Rapid Filling: Check your pool's general cleanliness and chemical balance because high amounts of algae or debris are signs of water quality problems. Think about pre-cleaning extremely dirty pools by hand before using your automatic cleaner.

Storing Your Pool Cleaner Properly (Off-Season)

Proper off-season storage is crucial for protecting your pool cleaner during months of non-use. Taking time to prepare and store your cleaner correctly prevents damage from freezing, UV exposure, and component deterioration that can ruin expensive equipment.

1. Remove all debris and chemical residue from every part, then let everything air dry for 24 hours to prevent mold and corrosion during storage.
2. Take out rechargeable batteries and store them in a cool, dry place at partial charge to prevent corrosion damage to electrical components.
3. Remove every drop of water from hoses and internal chambers to prevent freeze damage that can crack expensive housing or internal parts.
4. Lubricate wheels, tracks, and brushes with manufacturer-recommended products to prevent rust and protect rubber seals from deteriorating.
5. Keep your cleaner in a garage or basement where temperatures stay above freezing and avoid areas with extreme temperature changes that damage plastic and rubber.
6. Cover your cleaner with a cloth or store it in the original box to prevent UV damage and dust buildup that can degrade components.
7. Store hoses in loose coils without sharp bends and support long hoses to prevent stretching and permanent deformation.
8. Record the storage date and take photos of any existing wear or damage to track component condition and plan for replacement parts.

When to Replace Parts (Filters, Brushes, Tracks)

Knowing when to replace pool cleaner parts is essential for maintaining peak performance and preventing costly breakdowns. While regular maintenance extends part life, all components eventually wear out and need replacement to keep your cleaner working effectively.

• Replace Filters Every 3-6 Months or When Damaged: Change filter cartridges when they no longer come clean after washing or show tears, holes, or permanent staining.
• Change Brushes When Bristles Are Worn Down: Replace rotating brushes when bristles are less than half their original length or become frayed and ineffective.
• Replace Tracks When Tread Patterns Are Smooth: Change cleaner tracks when the tread pattern is worn smooth or shows cracks, tears, or missing sections.
• Replace Hoses When Cracks or Holes Appear: Change suction or pressure hoses immediately when you notice cracks, holes, or soft spots that indicate internal damage.
• Replace Wheels When They Won't Spin Freely: Change wheels or wheel assemblies when they become cracked, warped, or no longer rotate smoothly.
• Replace Seals and Gaskets When They Lose Flexibility: Change rubber seals, O-rings, and gaskets when they become hard, cracked, or no longer provide a watertight seal.
• Replace Impellers When Blades Are Chipped or Bent: Change impellers immediately if you notice chipped, bent, or missing blades that can cause vibration and motor damage.
• Replace Debris Bags When Mesh Tears or Zippers Fail: Change collection bags when the mesh develops holes, tears, or when zippers no longer close properly.

Make Your Pool Cleaner Last Years With Easy Maintenance

Taking care of your pool cleaner is way easier than dealing with expensive repairs or buying a new one. Just follow these simple daily and weekly tasks, and your cleaner will keep your pool spotless season after season. The time you spend on maintenance now saves you serious money later. Get started with these tips and enjoy a cleaner that actually works when you need it.