Pre-Season Checklist: Automatic Pool Cleaner Maintenance

A sparkling, clean pool isn't just the highlight of summer—it's a sanctuary for fun and relaxation in your backyard. Before you dive into that first refreshing swim, make sure your reliable pool cleaner checks all the essential boxes. Proper pre-season pool cleaner maintenance ensures your cleaner performs at its best, preventing breakdowns when you need it the most.

This guide walks you through essential pre-season maintenance for your pool cleaner, covering different types of cleaners, weekly inspection tips, filter care, and when to go pro for servicing.

Why Pre-Season Pool Cleaner Maintenance is Crucial

Your pool cleaner is the backbone of pool maintenance, tirelessly working to keep your water dirt- and debris-free. Skipping pre-season checks and maintenance can lead to inefficiencies, damage, or even costly repairs. By dedicating some time before swim season, you’ll maximize the cleaner's performance, extend its lifespan, and enjoy stress-free pool ownership.

Whether you have a robotic marvel or a suction-side workhorse, each type of pool cleaner needs tailored care to keep it in top form.

A Quick Overview of Pool Cleaner Types

Before diving into maintenance steps, it’s helpful to understand the three main types of pool cleaners and how their upkeep differs.

Suction-Side Pool Cleaners

Perfect for smaller pools, suction-side cleaners connect to your pool’s filtration system and rely on suction power to scrub your pool floors and walls. Maintenance for these cleaners often involves ensuring proper suction and keeping the hoses and head clear of debris.

Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners

These cleaners require a booster pump and propel themselves with water pressure, tossing debris into an attached bag. Maintaining them means regularly checking hoses, swivels, and their debris bags.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Independent and efficient, robotic pool cleaners operate on electricity and feature built-in filters. Maintenance focuses on cleaning internal filters, inspecting brushes, and quickly addressing any software or component issues.

Each type of cleaner has its own strengths, but the maintenance principles for ensuring optimal performance remain largely universal.

Your Weekly Pool Cleaner Inspection Checklist

Consistency is key when it comes to pre-season maintenance. Use this checklist to ensure your pool cleaner is in prime condition before it dives into action.

1. Check for Cracks or Broken Parts

• Inspect hoses, swivels, wheels, and other components for wear or cracks.
• Damaged parts might reduce cleaning efficiency or cause water leaks. If you notice broken parts, replace them immediately to avoid further damage.

2. Ensure Proper Suction Power

• If the suction seems weak, check your skimmer and pump baskets for blockages.
• Monitor for air leaks in the hoses or fittings.

3. Verify Wheels, Brushes, and Other Components are Functioning

• Test moving parts like wheels, scrubbers, or tracks for smooth motion.
• Worn-out wheels or sticky brushes can prevent your cleaner from covering the pool effectively.

4. Inspect Cleaner Hose for Leaks or Damage

• Ensure all connections are tight and free of holes or kinks.
• Damaged hoses can significantly decrease cleaning performance and efficiency.

Don’t Forget About Filter Maintenance

Faulty or poorly maintained filters can quickly ruin a cleaning session, leaving debris behind or clogging your pool cleaner. Addressing your filter maintenance now saves frustration when pool season kicks off.

Suction-Side Cleaners

• Clean your pool’s primary filter using either backwashing or cartridge replacement techniques (depending on your system).

Robotic Cleaners

• Open the internal filter compartment and remove debris.
• Wash filters using water pressure from a garden hose after each use.
• Replace torn or overly worn filter bags as needed.

Pressure-Side Cleaners

• Thoroughly clean or replace the filter screens within your cleaner’s hose.
• Check and empty the debris collection bag frequently to avoid reduced performance.
• Empty pump and skimmer baskets regularly to maintain water flow and suction.

When to Seek Professional Help

While you can perform most maintenance tasks at home, there are moments when expert servicing is the best option. Knowing when to bring in the pros can save you valuable time and money.

1. Your Cleaner Isn’t Working Properly

If it’s not moving, suction power is weak, or it’s turning in circles, professional diagnostics can pinpoint the issue.

2. Damaged Internal Components

Problems like broken gears, cracked casings, or malfunctioning motors may require skilled repair.

3. Scheduled Tune-Ups

Even if everything seems fine, an annual service ensures your cleaner stays in peak condition.

Small Efforts, Big Rewards

When it comes to pool cleaner maintenance, a little effort pays off in spades. With regular inspections, filter care, and professional servicing when needed, you’ll ensure clean and inviting water for the entire season.

Don’t wait until pool season is in full swing—grab your checklist and give your pool cleaner the care it needs today. Need expert guidance? Stop by your local Leslie’s for advice or take advantage of our FREE pool cleaner inspection and repairs! We'll cover the labor, you just pay for parts.