PoolGearGuide

Pool Accessories & Gear

The gear that makes a pool easier to own and more fun to use: skimmer nets and brushes, telescopic poles, vacuum heads, replacement filters, cover pumps and reels, variable-speed pumps, and the luxury floats worth actually paying for.

What to know before you buy

Buy the pole and net once, well

A flimsy telescopic pole and a shallow skimmer net are the tools you'll fight with every week. Spend a little more for a rigid anodized pole and a deep, well-stitched net — they outlast the cheap ones several times over and make the weekly skim far less annoying.

Variable-speed pumps pay for themselves

A variable-speed pump costs more upfront than a single-speed, but running it slower for longer moves the same water using a fraction of the electricity. In many regions the energy savings cover the price difference within a season or two — and several states now require variable-speed pumps on new installs.

With floats, materials are the whole game

The gap between a $25 float that betrays you in three weeks and a premium lounger that lasts years is almost entirely material and seam quality. Marine-grade fabric, welded seams, and UV-resistant foam cost more but survive sun and chlorine; thin PVC does not.

Frequently asked questions

What pool maintenance gear do I actually need?

The short list: a telescopic pole, a skimmer net, a wall/floor brush, and a vacuum head with hose. Add a filter-cartridge cleaning tool and skimmer socks and you've covered routine care. Everything else is situational.

Are variable-speed pumps worth the extra cost?

For most pools, yes. They use dramatically less electricity than single-speed pumps by running slower for longer, and the savings typically recoup the price premium within a couple of seasons. Several U.S. states also mandate them on new pool pump installations.

Why do premium pool floats cost so much more?

Materials and construction. Premium floats use marine-grade or high-denier fabric, welded or double-stitched seams, and UV- and chlorine-resistant foam that survives seasons of sun. Budget floats use thin PVC that fades, leaks, and splits — so you rebuy them constantly.