Introduction
Sick of scooping endless leaves out of your pool? You’re not alone. Learning how to remove leaves from your pool efficiently can save you hours of time and frustration—especially during autumn or after a storm. This step-by-step guide will show you the quickest, easiest methods to keep your pool leaf-free and sparkling clean without breaking your back.
Why Removing Leaves Matters for Your Pool
Leaves might seem harmless, but they can cause a lot of problems if left unchecked. When they accumulate, they clog filters, stain pool surfaces, attract pests, and cause chemical imbalances. As they decompose, leaves release organic debris that can cloud water, promote algae growth, and make chlorine work harder.
Regular leaf removal not only improves your pool’s appearance but also extends the life of your pump, skimmer, and filter system. Clean water also makes chemical balancing easier, saving you money and time in the long run.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Leaves from Your Pool
Step 1: Skim the Surface Daily
Use a leaf skimmer net with a telescopic pole to quickly remove floating leaves before they sink.
Tip: Skim early in the morning before the sun pushes leaves to the sides or they begin to sink.
- Start at one end of the pool and slowly move in a sweeping motion.
- Don’t rush—leaves can easily drift around if you move too fast.
Step 2: Use a Deep Leaf Rake for Submerged Debris
Sunken leaves are heavier and need a deep bag-style leaf rake, not a flat skimmer.
- Scoop slowly across the pool floor.
- Empty the bag every few passes to avoid stirring debris back into the water.
Caution: Avoid dragging sharp debris across vinyl liners to prevent tears.
Step 3: Vacuum the Pool Bottom
Once large debris is removed, manually vacuum the pool using a suction or pressure-side vacuum cleaner. If you have a robotic pool cleaner, now’s the time to let it run.
- Focus on areas around steps, corners, and under ladders—leaves tend to settle there.
- Set your filter to waste mode if there are heavy leaf loads, so they don’t clog the filter.
Step 4: Clean the Skimmer and Pump Baskets
After leaf removal, your skimmer and pump baskets will likely be full. Clear them out to keep water circulating efficiently.
- Turn off the pool pump.
- Remove the baskets and dump leaves into a yard waste bin.
- Rinse baskets with a hose if needed before replacing.
Tip: Check baskets every few hours during heavy leaf days.
Step 5: Backwash the Filter (if applicable)
If your pool uses a sand or DE filter, you may need to backwash after a heavy leaf load.
- Turn off the pump, switch to “Backwash” mode, and run for 2–3 minutes.
- Then rinse and return to “Filter” mode.
Clogged filters slow water circulation, reducing cleaning efficiency and water clarity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Waiting Too Long to Skim
The longer you wait, the more leaves sink and break apart, making cleanup harder.
Solution: Skim daily during peak leaf fall seasons.
2. Using the Wrong Tools
A flat skimmer net won’t work well on heavy sunken leaves.
Solution: Invest in a deep leaf rake for bottom debris and a robotic cleaner for regular help.
3. Letting Leaves Sit in Baskets
This reduces pump efficiency and can create a bad odor.
Solution: Check and empty baskets frequently.
4. Not Covering the Pool
Open pools near trees attract constant leaf fall.
Solution: Use a pool cover or leaf net when not in use, especially in fall.
5. Ignoring the Pool Floor
Leaves that settle on the bottom often go unnoticed.
Solution: Regularly vacuum or run a robotic cleaner to remove hidden debris.
Extra Tips & Pool Hacks
- Install a leaf canister on your vacuum hose to catch leaves before they hit your filter system.
- Trim nearby trees and shrubs to minimize leaf drop directly over the pool.
- Use a leaf blower around your pool deck to prevent leaves from blowing into the water.
- For pools under heavy tree cover, consider using a fine mesh pool cover or leaf net during peak shedding seasons.
Bonus Resource: Learn more about [How to Clean a Pool Without Draining It] for ongoing maintenance tips.
Conclusion
Removing leaves doesn’t have to be an exhausting daily chore. With the right tools, smart timing, and a solid system, you can keep your pool clean with minimal effort. Daily skimming, deep raking, and vacuuming go a long way in keeping your water healthy and beautiful. Don’t forget: prevention is just as important—using a pool cover or trimming nearby branches can drastically reduce your leaf problem.
Final tip: During autumn, set a timer to skim morning and evening for best results. And always keep your gear nearby—because a clean pool is a happy pool.