Question: Robert, after the winds and fires, we’ve experienced more than the normal amount of debris on the surface of our pool. We do all of our own pool care, which means endless use of the pool net to keep the debris from settling to the bottom of the pool and contaminating the water. Being that we are, at best, novices to owning a pool and maintaining it, so far so good on the water quality but we are feeling overwhelmed with the amount of time and energy this is taking to stay ahead of this. Is there anything you can recommend for us that helps lighten this load? Any advice is very much appreciated, thank you.
— Joseph A.
Answer: Joseph, once you get your pool automated (it may take some time, but it is worth it), you will spend more time sitting beside it and enjoying it than laboring over it.
For this specific question, cleaning the surface of your pool, I highly recommend you go with what’s called, a “Betta Bot.” Essentially, it is like a Roomba but made for pools and this specific task. They are easily purchased online and not terribly expensive, and I have to say that they are a quality product with a company that stands behind it.
I’ve had one for several years and it only had one issue where it was making a different sound. Turns out it was an impeller. The company sent not only the one, but both to me, and following the video I replaced it myself. Aside from that, there have been no issues, and it remains in my pool year-round. There is a basket that you can empty after it cleans for a time, moving about the surface of the pool. It picks up leaves, bugs and anything that floats on the surface of the water. A great item — I highly recommend it. Best of luck.
Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at [email protected].
