In today’s episode of Poolside Chat, Rob and Matt tackle another common swimming pool question:

• What’s the best way to remove leaves and debris from the pool?

Let’s start with swim season… For light debris or routine maintenance, a basic telescopic pole and skimmer net will do the job. There’s plenty of sizes and shape options; it’s dealer’s choice.

If you want a less manual solution, there are automatic pool cleaners. Robotic, pressure, and suction cleaners can be used for daily or weekly maintenance. Robotic cleaners are energy-efficient, self-contained, and provide a deep clean. Suction cleaners are budget-friendly, connect to skimmer or vac line, and handle small debris. Pressure cleaners can tackle big leaves and help improve water circulation.

For heavy leaf buildup and large debris, we recommend using a leaf eater. Powered by a garden hose, this pole attachment uses venturi suction to efficiently collect bulky debris. Its wide-mouth design and durable mesh bag make spring openings and winter closings much quicker and easier.

If you want to prevent leaves from falling into the pool, consider a leaf net. The net can be stretched directly over the pool or placed on top of a winter cover. Once the leaves are done falling, simply remove the net for easy cleanup. This prevents debris from decaying on the winter cover, helping to extend its lifespan.