6 Best Swimming Pool Tools DIY Service Cleaning & Maintenance

Use The Right Pool Tool for the Job and Save Your Back

In this DIY tip, I’ll list six basic swimming pool tools you need to care for your swimming pool properly.

Best of all, they’re the same tools most professional pool care services use.

Quality versus Price

My recommendation is to buy quality tools that’ll last about 2 years.

This way, you’re not left having to replace a tool that’s broken or doesn’t work anymore.

Here’s a related post I wrote about buying pool supplies online. It’ll help you save time and money when purchasing chemicals.

When a tool breaks, it puts your pool at risk of going without cleaning until you can return to the pool center and buy a replacement, which is not good.

I know from experience because I’ve bought cheap skimmers that the net rips on. And I’ve bought a vacuum attachment that cracked and left sharp pieces of plastic in the pool.

Taking care of your own pool is a long term job so do yourself a favor and learn from my mistakes.  Buy good quality tools that will last you and make the job easier. Remember, swimming pools should be fun!

Basic Pool Tools Every New Pool Owner Needs to Buy

Caution! Before I begin let me warn you to stay away from pool toolkits that come with all the basics. Buying these toolkits can save money but most of the time these tools are cheap and will not last.

#1 – Pool Skimmer

Start with a good solid skimmer attachment with an extendable pole.

If you’ve never seen a skimmer before, it looks like a tennis racket and is used to skim the top of the water to remove leaves, bugs, and other floating things you don’t want in your swimming pool.

A skimmer with an adjustable pole that will allow you to change the length depending on the size of your swimming pool is best.

You want the pole to be long enough to reach the middle of the swimming pool without you having to lean over the pool’s edge.

The skimmer size may vary depending on what is getting into your pool.

I’ve had to skim large dead birds out of my pool, but mostly leaves and bugs…

#2 – Pool Vacuum

The next item on the pool tools list is a good vacuum attachment to remove the dirt and debris that end up on the bottom of the swimming pool.

Along with a good vacuum attachment, you’ll need a long hose and another adjustable pole (Note: most poles are detachable so you can use the same pole from the skimmer).

Once again, I can’t stress the importance of buying quality pool tools.

The vacuum attachment and hose need to be sturdy. I replaced a few before I finally learned my lesson.

#3 – Pool Brush

You need a good brush head attachment that attaches to a pole.

The brush is used to brush the steps and walls of the swimming pool and the pool floor.

Brushes come in various shapes and sizes, as well as brittle materials.

They can have plastic or metal bristles depending on the type of job they’re used for.

A basic brush works best for scrubbing algae that may form on the pool wall surface.

Caution! Pool supplies such as Skimmers, vacuum, and brush attachments all attach to a pole and are held in place with a clip. These clips are on the attachment end of the tool and break easily, yielding a useless tool. Take note of the clip when purchasing your pool tools, and avoid anything that looks or feels cheap. Many tool attachments end up at the bottom of the pool because they detach during use and are left there. Don’t buy tools with cheap clips!

#4 – Pool Water Test Kit

Now for the most important item on the pool tools list!

A pool water testing kit is an essential part of any pool toolkit.

It’s used weekly to check chlorine and Ph levels, and you will want to stay on top of these important levels to ensure your pool is safe to swim in.

Normally, you will go through multiple kits because they run out of test strips and pool chemicals.

Also, don’t be afraid to try the new computerized pool water tester that makes pool water testing easier and more accurate.

The key here is to find a pool testing kit that works for your type of pool.

#5 – Extendable Pole

As mentioned multiple times, you need at least one good extendable pole for attaching your pool tools.

I prefer a pole for each tool, so I don’t have to remove the attachments as often.

This also reduces the risk of breaking one of those retaining clips I warned you about.

But one extendable pool is good for starters…

#6 – Vacuum Hose

All kidding aside, a good firm hose is critical. A cheap hose will collapse and choke your pump.

A firm host with good ends that don’t slip off the vacuum attachment is necessary.

Buying Pool Tools Online

Buying pool tools online is easy, but I want to warn you that you may not like what UPS delivers to the front door.

If you prefer not to visit a pool store and handle pool tools with your hands before buying them online, then carefully read reviews for the best tools.

• How does the pole grip in my hands?
• Are the skimmers solid?
• Is the vacuum made from cheap materials?
• Are the clips flimsy?

Unless you already know what you’re buying, reading reviews is the best way to choose the tools when purchasing online.

Let’s Recap:

There are thousands of cool tools on the market to spend your money on.

That said, what I’ve given you in this pool tools list is the basics – buy whatever will make you and your pool happy.

In these DIY tips, I covered:

• a skimmer attachment that is sturdy and has a good clip
• a vacuum attachment that is made from good materials and has a good clip
• a vacuum hose that reaches the length of the pool
• a brush attachment with a good clip
• an extendable pole that can reach the center of your pool
• a pool water testing

Finally, do your research on swimming pool tools. Learn which tool brands and models are best for you.

Before buying anything read online product reviews by customers who have used them.

Your turn to offer pool tooltips, please comment!

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