Poolsidebasics
Pool gear that earns the deck.
Buying guides for robotic pool cleaners, vacuums, and care kit ranked for real pools and real seasons.
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Top buying guides
Ranked picks that earn their deck space
Start with the guides that match your pool type and budget. Each page lists verified Amazon picks with pros, cons, and setup notes.
Buying guideBest Robotic Pool Cleaner (2026): Dolphin Proteus DX3 for In-Ground Pools
The best robotic pool cleaner for most in-ground pools is the Dolphin Proteus DX3 because it climbs walls and scrubs without a battery to charge. Choose the WYBOT C1 for cordless coverage or the Dolphin Nautilus AG for above-ground floors.
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Buying guideBest Pool Vacuum (2026): Polaris Pressure Sweep vs Cordless Handheld
The best pool vacuum depends on plumbing. Choose a Polaris pressure-side cleaner when you have a booster line. Keep a cordless handheld for spot sand and spa cleanup.
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Buying guideBest Cordless Pool Vacuum (2026): Robots and Handhelds That Finish
The best cordless pool vacuum is the one that finishes your square footage before the battery dies. The WYBOT C1 covers most pools, the WYBOT C2 handles larger footprints, and a Pool Blaster handheld cleans steps and spas.
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Buying guideBest Pool Skimmer (2026): Fine-Mesh Nets That Catch the Small Stuff
The best pool skimmer for a small pool or spa is a fine-mesh net on a short pole you will actually grab before dinner. TidyMister covers the first few feet of water, the Swimline 8040 hauls storm loads, and a 16 ft pole reaches the middle when you need it.
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Buying guideBest Pool Test Kit (2026): Taylor K-2006 vs Test Strips
Best pool test kit setup for most homeowners is a Taylor K-2006 drop kit for real decisions, paired with HTH 6-way strips for fast midweek dips. Refresh the reagents once a season and the numbers stay honest.
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Buying guideBest Above Ground Pool Cleaner (2026): Compact Robots That Fit the Shell
The best above ground pool cleaner is usually a compact robotic floor scrubber sized for your diameter. Skip giant in-ground wall climbers unless you truly need them, and measure your shell before you buy.
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Latest guides
Pool Liners Above Ground (2026): Overlap vs U-Bead
Pool liners above ground are vinyl shells you match to the pool diameter and the wall height. This guide compares an overlap liner and a unibead liner, then walks the measure, level, cove, and fill steps in the order that keeps wrinkles out.
Pool tile for an above ground pool is a waterline band that only a rigid wall can hold. This guide names the pools that can take tile, prices a porcelain, a glass mosaic, and a grout repair by the square foot, and gives the set and grout rules that keep the band sharp.
A pool pump that will not prime is pulling air, not failing. Work the suction side in order: water level, baskets, lid seal, fittings. Most fixes cost under $10 and take an afternoon.
The best dog pool ramp for most pools is the Dog-DOK, a floating platform with weighted steps that sit just under the water. Choose the PUP ON for a big dog and the Iceberg dock when the budget is tighter.
Most pool pump repairs are one of three things: a worn O-ring set, a shaft seal that let water into the motor, or a motor that has finally quit. Find the leak first, then buy the rebuild kit that matches your pump family.
The best pool storage box for most decks is the Keter Westwood 150 gallon bench, which swallows deflated floats and seats two adults. Pick the 71 gallon Keter Marvel for a narrow pad and the 160 gallon ATMELT for the most space per dollar.
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Pool calculators
Type in your pool shape and dimensions to get the volume in gallons and liters, the number you need before adding any chemical.
Set your pool volume and pump flow to see the daily run time in hours and minutes, plus how turnovers change the schedule.
Enter your pool size and current reading to see how much chlorine to add to reach your target free chlorine level.