In general, it's a good idea to vacuum your pool once a week. You should also vacuum your swimming pool any time you notice large amounts of debris, dirt, or leaves on the floor of the pool (for example, your pool may need vacuuming after a heavy storm).
Ideally, you need to run your robot pool cleaner daily or at least once a day if you're always swimming in it. But if you don't swim in it as much, run it at least once weekly or every two weeks. When you're using a swimming pool cover all the time, you may wash your pool monthly.
Remember: vacuuming your pool regularly will help keep your pH balanced easier and more controlled. Skim your pool for debris, such as leaves, bugs, etc. and be sure to check your skimmer and empty that regularly as well.
It may seem simple enough and although it is one of the easiest parts of pool maintenance, it is one of the most important. A thorough weekly brushing will prevent algae, extend the life of your pools interior surface, and reduce your need for expensive chemicals.
Cleaners aren't meant to stay in the pool 24/7. This is true for all cleaners. Pressure side cleaners run on a schedule every day so why take it out? Leaving the cleaner in the pool 24/7 increases its exposure to corrosive chemicals in the water, such as chlorine or shock.
However, most people will find that a robotic pool cleaner lasts for at least 3 to 5 years, with some extending the longevity of their machine to 7 years or more with basic maintenance and occasional parts replacement. How much do robotic pool cleaners cost?
A manual vacuum should be run as long as it takes to remove all visible dirt and debris on the bottom and sides of the pool. For a small, well-maintained pool, this usually takes around 20 minutes. For a very dirty small pool, or a maintained larger pool, it may take around 45 minutes.
You'll also need to vacuum to waste when there is a large amount of debris or leaves in the pool, usually at opening. Vacuuming to WASTE can only be accomplished if a multiport valve controls your pool filter system. This position bypasses the filter and sends all the unwanted debris through the waste line.
It's an absolutely vital step in the pool cleaning process, but initially, it feels like a step backwards. Brushing is very effective to kick up settled particles so that the skimmer and drain have an opportunity to collect them.
The rule of thumb for pool maintenance is to run your pump for eight hours per day.
If dirt is reappearing at the bottom of your swimming pool after you've vacuumed it your pool's filter may be working poorly. Pool filters often work poorly because they're in need of cleaning. If you have a sand filter for your pool you need to make sure that the sand is sharp and freshened up.
Low flow = poor circulation which will lead to algae in the pool. Bottom line, the filter must be backwashed on a regular basis to ensure that your pool water is clear. "When do we need to backwash?" - It is recommended to backwash your filter once every 4-6 weeks of regular use.
The size of your pool, the efficiency of your pump and filter, and how dirty your pool is are just some of the factors you need to consider. Nevertheless, most pool cleaning professionals would advise against running a pool pump for more than 8 hours a day.
After the hose fills with water, backwash your sand filter for 2 - 3 minutes, or until water runs clear. Shut off the pump motor and push the T-handle back down into locked position. Turn your pump back on and note the lower pressure.
If you do have this option, it is highly recommended that whenever you have algae, you will need to vacuum to waste. This option allows you to vacuum the algae up and send it out through the backwash line, avoiding getting algae into your filter sand.
Connecting the vacuum system to the pump.
Now, here answers the question earlier: do you leave skimmer basket in when vacuuming pool? YES, you need to remove the skimmer or strainer basket before attaching the open end of the hose to the inlet. Finally, plug the open vacuum hose into the suction port.
All pools both above ground and in-ground need to be vacuumed. Theoretically you can abandon all vacuuming duties, but watch your pool water look disgusting, dirty and cloudy. The process of vacuuming keeps chemicals working their best and increases the desire and appeal, especially on a hot summer day.
You can swim while your bot cleans the pool, but it's better not to. Swimming churns up the water. If the machine is in the water at the time, the current will buffet it, making it harder for it to complete its work. It'll have to work harder to cover the same ground.
Depending on the type of surface in your pool, you can use a brush to scrap it clean with or without water in it. If the pool has a soft vinyl liner, you will use a rubber or nylon brush to keep it clean. If the pool has a concrete floor and walls, a stiff and course brush will do the trick.
HOW LONG SHOULD A KREEPY KRAULY RUN? Just as long as it needs to, which is generally about 2-4 hours depending on the size of the pool and the amount of debris.
Although it's generally recommended that all the pool water undergo filtration every 24 hours, the pump does not need to run all the time. A proactive, productive and energy-saving maintenance activity is to remove the debris floating on the pool surface with a hand-held skimmer.
Put it away when done using. Don't leave outdoors in the elements. Expect it to last 2 to 2.5 years at best. This is my 3rd Tigershark and 4th robotic pool cleaner and it by far the best!