Removing the debris that blows or drops into your swimming pool is a key element of swimming pool maintenance. The less time the debris has to break down or sink, the cleaner your pool will stay. Netting the debris daily or even several times a day in windy conditions is critical. So it is important to have good equipment to help with the chore.
There are basically three types of swimming pool nets — flat, bent lip scoop and straight lip scoop.
Flat nets are good for skimming the top of the pool, but we’ve found it is darned near impossible to scoop anything off the bottom of the pool with these types of nets.
Scoop nets or deep pocket nets are good for both skimming the surface and scooping off the floor of the pool. There are really two types of scoop nets — bent lips and straight lips. Bent lip scoops have a 33 degree bend that helps scoop items off the floor. Straight lips can be a little awkward because you must always pull toward you to scoop anything off the floor. We’ve found these to be slower and extremely frustrating, so we recommend the bent lip scoop nets.
The last thing to consider is the construction of your net. There are three basic components — plastic, nylon and stainless steel or aluminum. A good choice is a plastic frame and handle with plastic netting. These tend to last one season or so. A better choice is an aluminum or steel frame with plastic netting. We think these tend to last a little longer than one season. The best choice is an aluminum frame with nylon netting that has some reinforcing material woven into the nylon. These types of nets last 2 – 3 seasons.
If you have questions about which type of swimming pool net (or brand) might work best for your pool, come into Pool People in Glendale, Arizona. We’ll be happy to help you select the right net for your needs. Pool People provides regular pool and spa cleaning, pool and spa maintenance, pool remodeling, pool and spa repairs, as well as tile cleaning for residents of the Northwest Valley in Phoenix. We also have a fully stocked pool store at 5830 W. Thunderbird Rd., Suite B-6, Glendale, AZ.