Keeping your pool clean doesn’t have to mean hours of manual work. With today’s pool cleaning technology, there are three main types of automatic cleaners to choose from: robotic, suction-side, and pressure-side. Each comes with its own strengths, installation needs, and price point—so how do you know which one’s right for your pool?

Let’s break down the options to help you make the best choice.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

How They Work:

Robotic cleaners are plug-in devices that operate independently from your pool’s filtration system. They scrub the floor, climb walls, and vacuum debris into a built-in filter cartridge.

Installation:
Just plug it into a GFCI outlet and drop it in the pool. No plumbing or connection to the pump system required.

Cost Range:
Typically $800–$1,500 upfront. Higher-end models can exceed $2,000.

Energy Use:
Surprisingly efficient—most use less energy than a standard light bulb while in operation.

Best For:
Homeowners who want a “set it and forget it” solution. Great for people who want the deepest clean with the least effort. Robotic cleaners are also ideal for energy-conscious pool owners.

Suction‑Side Pool Cleaners

How They Work:
These cleaners connect to your pool’s skimmer or dedicated suction port. As water is drawn through the pool’s filtration system, the cleaner moves along the floor, collecting debris into the pool filter.

Installation:
Requires connecting hoses to your skimmer. No electrical power needed, but it does rely heavily on your pool pump.

Cost Range:
The most budget-friendly option, ranging from $200–$500.

Energy Use:
Depends on your pool pump. These cleaners can increase energy use if they require your pump to run longer.

Best For:
Pool owners with basic cleaning needs and tighter budgets. Suction-side cleaners are effective on fine debris like dirt and sand but can struggle with larger leaves or twigs.

Pressure‑Side Pool Cleaners

How They Work:
These cleaners connect to a return jet in your pool or a dedicated pressure line. They use water pressure to propel themselves and collect debris into a filter bag.

Installation:
Usually requires a booster pump (especially for inground pools), which means higher installation costs.

Cost Range:
Cleaner units range from $400–$900, but if a booster pump is needed, expect an extra $300–$500.

Energy Use:
Moderate to high, especially if running a dedicated booster pump.

Best For:
Pools with lots of large debris like leaves and bugs. Pressure-side cleaners work well for backyard pools surrounded by trees or landscaping. Ideal for those who prefer to keep debris out of the pool’s main filtration system.

Still Not Sure?

If you want convenience and thorough cleaning with the lowest day-to-day effort, a robotic cleaner is hard to beat. For budget-conscious homeowners, a suction-side cleaner gets the job done at a lower upfront cost. And if your pool regularly collects heavy debris, a pressure-side cleaner is your best bet.

A backyard pool is a source of relaxation, fun, and escape during hot summer days. However, to maintain its beauty and functionality, regular upkeep is necessary. One crucial aspect of pool maintenance is the condition of the pool liner. The pool liner is a protective barrier between the water and the pool structure, and over time it can wear out or become damaged. Watch out for these warning signs that indicate it’s time to replace your pool liner.

• Fading or Discolouration: One of the earliest signs that your pool liner may need replacing is a change in its colour. With exposure to sunlight, chemicals, and general wear and tear, the liner can start to fade or develop unusual discolouration. Fading may suggest that the liner has become thin, making it more prone to tears and leaks. If you notice significant colour changes, it’s time to consider a replacement.

• Leaks and Water Loss: A sudden decrease in water level, even after normal evaporation, may indicate a leak in your pool liner. Examine the pool for wet spots, moisture behind the liner, or any signs of water escaping the pool. Small leaks can be patched, but extensive or multiple leaks may require a complete liner replacement to ensure the integrity of the pool structure.

• Visible Tears or Rips: Inspect your pool liner regularly for any visible tears or rips. Sharp objects, excessive use, or age-related deterioration can cause rips or tears in your liner. Even small punctures can worsen over time, leading to more significant problems. If you notice any tears, it’s important to address them right away to prevent further costly damage.

• Wrinkles and Stretching: As a pool liner ages, it may start to develop wrinkles or stretch beyond its original shape. These wrinkles can trap dirt, debris, and algae, making it difficult to clean and maintain proper pool hygiene. Additionally, stretched liners lose their elasticity and may no longer fit snugly in the pool, increasing the risk of tearing or displacement.

• Chemical Imbalances and Difficulty Cleaning: If you’re experiencing consistent chemical imbalances or difficulty maintaining water clarity, it could be a sign of a deteriorating pool liner. A compromised liner can release particles or absorb chemicals, leading to imbalances in the water chemistry. If your pool water becomes increasingly challenging to clean and balance, it’s a good indication that the liner needs replacing.

Maintaining a well-functioning and visually appealing pool requires periodic inspection and replacement of the pool liner. By paying attention to the warning signs, you can identify when it’s time to replace your pool liner. Timely replacement not only ensures the longevity of your pool but also guarantees a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for you and your family. If you notice any of these signs, contact the experts at Ultimate Pool and Spa, who can guide you through the process of selecting and installing a new pool liner.

When summer finally arrives and temperatures begin to soar, there’s nowhere you’d rather be than in your pool, which you’ve been meticulously maintaining all season. While it seems like heat waves and pools might go hand in hand, high temperatures that persist for more than a few days can cause unwanted issues including algae blooms from the warmer water temperature, depleted chlorine, and increased evaporation rates. The 5 tips below can help ensure your pool stays balanced and ready for use during a summer heat wave:

•  Keep your pool covered at night: The use of a pool cover or blanket at night will help combat increased evaporation caused by higher temperatures. The cover will maintain the water temperature through the night, thus reducing heat loss evaporation. Pool covers have been shown to reduce heat loss evaporation by as much as 95%, which can save you time and money.

•  Increase your vacuuming time: The accelerated chlorine loss due to increased UV exposure along with the sustained high temperatures of a summer heat wave can create the perfect conditions for an algae bloom. Many types of algae begin by forming on surfaces, so by increasing how often you vacuum your pool during a heat wave, you can prevent algae blooms before they even begin.

•  Keep an eye on your chemical levels: Make sure you have plenty of shock available during a heat wave. The degradation of chlorine from the heightened UV combined with heavy use of the pool can result in an unbalanced pool. Regularly checking the chemical levels, including the pH level, and making adjustments as needed while in the midst of a heat wave, will ensure more time is spent enjoying the pool rather than addressing water quality issues.

•  Give your chlorine a helping hand: In addition to maintaining your chlorine level, ensuring your pool stabilizer (typically cyanuric acid) level is consistently between 30-150 ppm will help prevent degradation of your chlorine, in turn helping prevent possible algae blooms and unwanted downtime during the season.

•  Backwash, backwash, backwash: With everyone trying to stay cool during a heat wave, your pool’s filter will be under much higher strain than normal. It’s important to make sure you increase your filter backwash and/or cleaning intervals when dealing with a heat wave. A filter full of debris will put additional demand on your pump, forcing it to work harder to move the water and risking early failure. Allowing for extra backwash and cleaning time will help extend the life of not only the filter but your pump as well.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the high temperatures and sunshine without having to sacrifice pool time to address unwanted water quality issues or equipment failures. A heat wave is the perfect time to gather around (and in!) the pool, making summer memories to last a lifetime.

While owning a swimming pool in the Okanagan is one of the best ways to enjoy the warm summer days, there are some specific care elements you’ll need to consider:

Circulation

You should keep in mind that moving water is a good sign that the water is clean, clear, and safe. It is for this reason that pool circulation is critical to your safety and health.

Also, it is possible to eliminate pool algae infestations by maintaining regular circulation. Ensure the pumping system and filters are working properly for optimal circulation.

Cleaning

Your pool is likely to be completely cleaned if circulation is functioning properly. Keep your swimming pool clean by scrubbing, brushing, and vacuuming it weekly. The water will remain clear and the walls will shine.

Chemistry

Chemistry plays a vital role in pool maintenance and water care in general. All pool owners should be aware of basic pool chemistry.
As a first step, a Water Testing Kit is essential to check the water quality. Before handling all the chemicals, make sure they are safe. Understand how your water is composed, as well as what is missing.

According to pool water chemistry, there are three key elements:

• pH levels: The acidity or basicity of your pool water. Your pool should have a pH range of 7.4 to 7.6.
• Alkalinity: Helps prevent huge spikes in acidity or basicity due to pH buffering. The range should be between 100 and 150 parts per million (ppm).
• Sanitizer levels: Pool water contains chlorine, bromine, and so on. Different types of sanitizers have different levels of efficacy.

Create a Maintenance Schedule

For consistent maintenance, it is important to set up a schedule that is easy to follow. The to-do list can quickly become overwhelming as you learn about pool maintenance. It can be easier to execute a schedule, and you can see how much more work needs to be done.

Conclusion

In addition to enjoying the sun at your house, owning a swimming pool brings a sense of fulfilment.
There is a need for regular maintenance, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend your life vacuuming or playing with your chemistry set.
Understanding your pool’s function, understanding the care it needs, and planning to maintain it might make you feel proud of your pool care skills. Regular and thorough pool maintenance will provide you with more than just a relaxing swim.