7 Critical Things You're Probably Forgetting When Cleaning Your Swimming Pool

Let's face it—owning a pool is like having a high-maintenance relationship. You're constantly giving it attention, checking if it's balanced, and wondering why it's suddenly turned green despite your best efforts. But unlike your ex, your pool's mood swings actually have logical explanations.

If you've ever found yourself staring at your once-crystal-clear oasis wondering where you went wrong, you're not alone. Even the most dedicated pool owners make mistakes. The good news? With the right knowledge (and maybe a little help from modern technology like the Xbenbot Hydro-Puls), you can avoid the most common pool cleaning pitfalls.

Let's dive into the seven critical things you're probably neglecting in your pool maintenance routine, and why they matter more than you think.

1. Your Filter Needs More Attention Than You're Giving It

Your pool filter is basically the kidneys of your swimming pool. It's silently working away, removing debris and contaminants to keep your water safe and clean. But just like you wouldn't expect your kidneys to function properly while eating nothing but fast food, your filter can't perform optimally when it's clogged and neglected.

Many pool owners don't realize they should only clean their filter when the pressure gauge reads about 10 psi higher than normal. Clean it too often, and you'll disrupt the helpful layer of dirt that actually aids filtration. Clean it too rarely, and your pump will work overtime, potentially shortening its lifespan and increasing your energy bills.

Here's a pro tip that some filter manufacturers won't tell you: mark your filter's "clean" pressure reading with a permanent marker right on the gauge. This gives you a clear visual reference point to know when it's actually time to backwash or clean the cartridge, rather than going by some arbitrary schedule.

2. You're Not Testing Water Often Enough (Or Correctly)

If you're only testing your pool water when it starts to look suspicious, you're already behind the curve.

Experts recommend checking your pool's pH levels daily, as they should typically be maintained between 7.2 and 7.6 on the pH scale. Think of it this way: would you only check your car's oil after the engine starts smoking? That's essentially what you're doing when you wait for visible problems before testing your water.

The truth is, those little test strips that came with your pool kit aren't telling you the whole story. They're the pool maintenance equivalent of asking, "Are you okay?" and only accepting "yes" or "no" as an answer—you're missing all the nuance. Invest in a quality digital test kit that measures all the important parameters:

• pH (acidity/alkalinity)
• Free chlorine
• Total chlorine
• Cyanuric acid (chlorine stabilizer)
• Total alkalinity
• Calcium hardness

And here's something your pool store probably doesn't mention: your testing time matters. Testing in the late afternoon gives you the most accurate reading of your pool's chemical balance, since the sun's UV rays will have had time to dissipate some of your sanitizer.

3. Your Skimmer and Pump Baskets Are Crying for Help

When was the last time you cleaned your skimmer baskets? If you're scratching your head, we have a problem.

It's essential to check and empty your skimmer baskets daily, as clogged baskets severely impede water flow. This isn't just about keeping debris out; it's about protecting your pump—the heart of your pool's circulation system.

Imagine trying to breathe through a straw stuffed with cotton balls. That's essentially what your pump is doing when your skimmer baskets are full of leaves, bugs, and that mysterious ball of sunscreen-infused hair that somehow materializes in every pool.

The Xbenbot Hydro-Puls can help reduce the load on your skimmers by catching debris before it even reaches them, but you'll still need to check those baskets regularly—especially after stormy weather or your teenager's impromptu pool party.

4. You're Brushing Your Pool Like It's An Afterthought

Let me guess: you drag a brush along the sides of your pool once in a blue moon, usually when you notice visible algae or discoloration. That's like only brushing your teeth when you spot food stuck between them—not exactly a winning strategy for long-term health.

Pool maintenance experts emphasize that different pool surfaces require different brushes: stiff brushes for plaster and concrete pools, and softer ones for vinyl or fiberglass. Using the wrong type can either scratch your pool surfaces or fail to remove what needs removing.

What you might not realize is that regular brushing (weekly at minimum) prevents biofilm—that slimy layer of organic matter that becomes a five-star resort for algae and bacteria. By the time you see algae, it's already checked in, unpacked its bags, and started ordering room service.

The corners, steps, ladders, and behind the skimmer faceplate are algae's favorite hiding spots. Pay special attention to these areas, and you'll prevent many water quality issues before they start.

5. Your Circulation System Isn't Running Long Enough

"I run my pool pump for a few hours a day to save on electricity." If that sounds like you, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you're setting yourself up for a green pool and a hefty cleaning bill.

For optimal pool health, your circulation system should ideally run 24/7, but since that's not practical for most homeowners' budgets, experts recommend running your filter at least 10 to 12 hours daily. This ensures your pool water turns over multiple times, which is essential for proper sanitation and preventing algae growth.

If you're concerned about energy costs, consider upgrading to a variable-speed pump. They might cost more upfront, but they use significantly less electricity when running at lower speeds for longer periods. It's like choosing a hybrid car for your daily commute—the savings add up over time.

Better yet, supplement your circulation system with the Hydro-Puls robotic pool cleaner, which adds additional water movement while it cleans, helping to eliminate dead spots where algae love to party.

6. You're Ignoring the Water Level (Until It's Too Late)

Water level in your pool isn't just about having enough to splash around in. It's critical for proper skimmer function and pump health.

During swimming season, evaporation and activity cause water loss, and if levels drop below the skimmer, your pump could suffer serious damage. On the flip side, too much water reduces skimmer effectiveness and can lead to water quality issues.

Here's what most pool guides don't tell you: your water level maintenance schedule should change with the seasons. In hot summer months or during heavy use periods, check levels twice weekly. During cooler months, weekly checks should suffice.

And here's a trick from the pros: use a waterproof marker to make a small "fill line" mark on your pool wall at the ideal water level. This makes it easy to spot at a glance when you need to top off your pool, no measuring required.

7. You're Not Cleaning Your Pool Cleaner

Yes, you read that right. Your pool cleaner needs cleaning too. Whether you're using a suction-side cleaner, pressure-side cleaner, or a robotic cleaner like the Xbenbot Hydro-Puls, regular maintenance is essential.

Pool cleaning equipment should be properly maintained and stored when not in use to ensure longevity and optimal performance. This means emptying collection bags or canisters after each use, checking for wear on brushes and wheels, and rinsing with fresh water to remove chemical residues.

The Hydro-Puls makes this maintenance particularly easy with its accessible filter canisters and durable construction, but even the best robotic cleaners need some TLC.

Think of it this way: your pool cleaner is swimming in the same chemical soup as you are, but for much longer periods. Chlorine, salt, and other chemicals can degrade components over time if not properly rinsed away.

A well-maintained robotic pool cleaner will not only clean more effectively but will also last significantly longer—meaning more summers of effortless pool maintenance before you need to replace it.

The Solution You've Been Looking For

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all these maintenance requirements, you're not alone. Pool ownership shouldn't feel like a second job. That's exactly why innovations like the Xbenbot Hydro-Puls have revolutionized the way we care for our pools.

The Hydro-Puls doesn't just clean your pool—it transforms the entire maintenance experience:

• Advanced navigation technology ensures complete coverage of your pool floor, walls, and waterline
• Powerful suction removes debris before it can break down and affect water chemistry
• Multi-stage filtration captures everything from large leaves to microscopic particles
• Scrubbing brushes remove biofilm before it can become a problem
• Smart programming lets you set it and forget it, with cleaning schedules that match your pool's needs

Unlike older manual cleaning methods, the Hydro-Puls works independently of your pool's filtration system, meaning it won't put additional strain on your pump or filter. It's like having a dedicated pool maintenance technician that works tirelessly without complaining or sending you a bill every month.

Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Better Than Cure

The old saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" might as well have been written about pool maintenance. According to the CDC, thousands of emergency room visits each year are linked to pool chemical injuries, and hundreds of disease outbreaks have been connected to improperly maintained pools. Proper maintenance isn't just about aesthetics—it's about health and safety.

By addressing these seven commonly overlooked aspects of pool maintenance and leveraging modern technology like the Xbenbot Hydro-Puls, you can significantly reduce the time and money spent on your pool while improving water quality and safety.

Remember, a clean pool isn't just a beautiful centerpiece for your backyard—it's a healthy environment for you and your family to create lasting summer memories. And isn't that why you got a pool in the first place?

So the next time you look out at your backyard oasis, ask yourself: am I giving my pool the attention it deserves, or am I setting myself up for green water and headaches? With the right tools and knowledge, you can enjoy all the benefits of pool ownership without the traditional drawbacks.

Ready to transform your pool maintenance routine? The Xbenbot Hydro-Puls might just be the relationship counselor your high-maintenance pool has been waiting for.