Pool Guy Knowledge Vol 6: Timers, Lube & Dish Soap!

 Pool service success often comes down to small, repeatable habits that reduce mistakes on a busy pool route. One of the simplest upgrades is making sure each homeowner has a usable telescopic pole and a quality leaf rake. Too many backyards have a bent aluminum pole that will not lock, paired with a weak flat skimmer net that tears the first time someone tries to scoop debris from the floor. Recommending or supplying a sturdy pole and a real leaf rake helps the customer skim between visits, clean up before swim time, and handle surprises like a critter in the deep end. That single improvement can prevent emergency calls and save you an extra trip, which protects your schedule and your profit.  

Timers are another quiet source of chaos in pool maintenance. In many markets, the Intermatic mechanical timer is everywhere, and knowing how it behaves can save you from chasing phantom equipment problems. Listen for the steady ticking and check the sight window to confirm the gears are moving and the clock is keeping time. The most common failure is not the timer motor itself, but the on and off trippers: they get bent, worn, or left loose so they slide and end up next to each other. If a pool will not turn on or off when it should, those little tabs are often the reason. Carrying spare trippers and tightening them properly is a fast, professional fix.  

Modern upgrades create a new timer trap: a standalone variable speed pump may still be wired through an old Intermatic box because the wiring is already there. If the trippers remain installed, the timer can cut power and shut the pump off completely, even though the variable speed controller should be in charge. The right move is to keep that timer permanently on and remove the trippers so it cannot interrupt power. The same logic applies to pressure cleaners with booster pumps. Their timers must run only when the main circulation pump is on, or you risk running the booster dry and getting poor cleaner performance. After any power outage, verify both timers still match so the cleaner schedule stays inside the main pump window.  

Efficiency also shows up in the products you use. For filter cleanings, switching from messy grease to RV grade silicone spray can make a real difference for O-ring life and day-to-day cleanliness. A light, even spray lubricates the tank O-ring so lids seat easier, grime does not build up as quickly, and your hands and equipment stay cleaner. Visibility is another pro-level advantage: polarized sunglasses reduce surface glare so you can spot algae, debris, and issues you would otherwise miss in harsh sun. Pair that with a small spray bottle of diluted dish soap or tile soap on the water surface, and you can cut glare further while helping fine debris clump and move toward the sides for faster pickup. These pool cleaning tips are simple, affordable, and practical, and they add up to faster routes and fewer surprises.