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Prepping your cordless pool cleaner for spring

After a long winter, the sunny days are finally making a comeback. Before diving in, it's important to make sure your cordless pool cleaner is ready to keep your pool crystal clear all season long.

It’s important to follow a few key steps to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here’s a complete guide to getting your Zodiac® pool cleaner up and running for the season.

1. Check the Pool’s Condition

Before your cordless pool cleaner can dive into its first job of the season, it’s essential to assess the state of your pool. A well-maintained pool ensures your cleaner operates efficiently and lasts longer. Think of it as setting the stage for a trouble-free cleaning routine.

 

Here’s what you need to check before using your robot: 

 

  • Water level & temperature – Ensure the water level is adequate, and the temperature is above 15°C. If the water is too cold, it could affect the internal components of the cleaner.

  • Filtration & chemical balance – Make sure the filtration system is running, and the pH and disinfectant levels are within the recommended range. This helps maintain water clarity and prevents damage to the cleaner.

  • Algae & shock treatment caution – If your pool has turned green, you’ll need to perform a shock treatment before using your cleaner. However, never place your robot in the pool during a shock treatment—high disinfectant levels can damage its components.

  • Remove large debris – Use a skimming net or manual pool vacuum to clear out leaves and twigs before running your cleaner. This prevents premature clogging and allows the robot to focus on finer dirt particles.

 

2. Inspect the Pool Cleaner

Now that your pool is ready for the season’s first cleaning, it’s time to check on your robotic cleaner. After months in storage, you may not remember its exact condition, and a quick inspection will help prevent any performance issues.

 

Here’s what to look at before putting your robot to work:

 

  • Filter: Open the cleaner and inspect the filter. A clogged or debris-filled filter can affect performance, especially if your model doesn’t have a by-pass system—it may struggle to climb walls or clean efficiently. Empty and rinse the filter with clean water. For a deeper clean, soak it in white vinegar to remove any built-up residue.

  • Brushes & Tracks: Examine the brushes for signs of wear. All our Zodiac® robots feature a wear indicator to show when replacement is needed. Also, check the tracks—if they’re loose, the robot may lose balance, impacting its behavior.

  • Impeller: The impeller (a small fan-like component that creates suction) needs to be free from obstructions like hair, leaves, or debris. A jammed impeller can cause malfunctions, strain the motor, and shorten the cleaner’s lifespan.

     

Taking just a few minutes to inspect these key components will help prevent operational issues and ensure your robot performs at its best throughout the season.

3. Charge the Cleaner Fully

Now that you've ensured your cleaner is in good condition, it's time to wake it up from its deep sleep state. After months of inactivity, the battery level has likely decreased, so a full charge before first use is essential—not only for immediate performance but also to protect battery life over time.

 

Follow these steps to charge your cleaner properly:

 

  • Plug it in and charge until the indicator light turns solid green (100%). This might take longer to recharge than usual as the battery level might be particularly low.

  • If your cleaner has a charging station, remove the robot and place it back on the station to disable winter protection mode and start charging.

     

A fully charged cleaner ensures optimal performance and maximizes battery lifespan for the season ahead.

4. Check for Firmware Updates (For connected models)

If your pool cleaner is a connected model with app control, check if any firmware updates are available. Zodiac® releases updates to improve performance, optimize cleaning algorithms, and fix minor issues.

 

  • Open the cleaner’s app on your smartphone.

  • Check for any available firmware updates and install them if needed.

     

While this step is optional, it can help your cleaner work more efficiently throughout the season.

5. Start the Cleaning Process

With your pool prepped and your cleaner fully charged, it’s finally time for the first clean of the season! However, before setting your robot loose on the entire pool, it's best to follow a strategic approach to maximize efficiency.

 

Over the winter, dirt and debris tend to settle on the pool floor, making it the most dirty area. Starting with a floor-only cycle allows your cleaner to focus on the dirtiest spots first, ensuring a deeper clean from the beginning.

 

Here’s how to get started:

 

  • If your cleaner offers different modes, begin with a floor-only cycle for the first few runs. 

  • After one or two cycles, you can switch to full cleaning mode, covering the walls and waterline as well.

     

By easing your cleaner into the season with a targeted approach, you'll achieve better results and keep your pool in top condition from the start!

 

6. Maintain Your Cleaner After Each Use

Here’s what to do after each cleaning cycle:

 

  • Clean the filter – Remove the filter and rinse it with clean water after every cycle. If needed, soak it in a mild vinegar solution to dissolve any built-up residue.

  • Check for debris – Inspect the impeller, brushes, and tracks for any leaves, hair, or dirt that could affect performance.

  • Store it properly – Always avoid leaving your cleaner in direct sunlight or submerged in the pool for extended periods when not in use. Proper storage helps maintain its durability and battery life.

     

By following these steps, your pool cleaner will be in top shape, keeping your pool crystal clear all season long!

Things to remember when operating your cordless robot for the 1st time after winter

By following these steps, your cordless pool cleaner will be ready to tackle dirt and debris all season long, keeping your pool sparkling with minimal effort.

 

Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:

 

✅ Prepare your pool first – Ensure water levels, chemical balance, and filtration are in check.
✅ Inspect the cleaner before use – Check the filter, brushes, and impeller for any wear or blockages.
✅ Charge it fully – A complete charge ensures optimal performance and extends battery life.
✅ Start with a floor-only cycle – This helps remove the heaviest debris before a full clean.
✅ Perform routine maintenance – Cleaning the filter and checking components after each use will keep your robot in top shape.

 

With these simple steps, your Zodiac® cordless cleaner will stay reliable, and your pool will remain crystal clear and swim-ready all season long! Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your pool!