Most Popular Pool Cleaner Parts to Replace Before the Summer Heat Hits

Don’t Wait for the Heat: The Essential Pool Cleaner Parts Pre-Season Checklist

Getting your pool ready for the summer shouldn't wait until the water is already green. One of the most common mistakes pool owners make is assuming their automatic cleaner is ready to go after sitting idle all winter.

At Aqua Pool Supply, we see a huge surge in "emergency" pool cleaner parts orders the first week the temperature hits 90 degrees. By inspecting your cleaner now and replacing high-wear items like hoses, bags, and tracks, you can ensure your pool stays crystal clear from day one.

Here is your pre-season checklist for the most common pool cleaner parts that need replacing before the cleaning season begins.

1. Pressure-Side Cleaners (Polaris, Pentair Legend)

Pressure cleaners are the workhorses of the industry, but they have several "consumable" parts that degrade over time, even when not in use.

• All-Purpose Bags: If your bag has even a tiny hole, fine debris will bypass the cleaner and go right back into your pool. Check for thinning fabric or failing Velcro and zippers.
• Tires and Bearings: Do the wheels wobble? If the internal bearings are seized or the tires are "bald," the cleaner won't have the traction needed to climb walls or move efficiently.
• Sweep Hose Scrubbers: These small foam tips are designed to wear down so your pool surface doesn't. If yours is worn down to the plastic, it’s time for a 5-second replacement.

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2. Suction-Side Cleaners (Hayward Navigator, Pentair Kreepy Krauly)

Suction cleaners rely on a sealed vacuum environment. If there is an air leak or a mechanical obstruction, they simply stop moving or lose their prime.

• Hose Sections: Sun exposure and winter storage can make hoses brittle. Check for cracks or "stiff" sections that prevent the cleaner from reaching the far corners of the pool.
• Diaphragms & Flappers: In models like the Zodiac G3 or Kreepy Krauly, the diaphragm is the "heartbeat" of the machine. A single pebble or a tiny tear in the rubber will stop the suction entirely.
• Wings and Shoes: For geared cleaners like the Hayward Navigator, the "shoes" (the pads on the bottom) wear down like brake pads. Replacing these prevents the cleaner from scratching your plaster or vinyl liner.

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3. Robotic Cleaners (Dolphin, Polaris, Hayward)

Robotic cleaners are high-tech, but they still have moving parts that suffer from "dry rot" or stretching during the off-season.

• Drive Tracks: If your robot is spinning in circles or struggling to climb the walls, the rubber tracks have likely stretched or lost their grip.
• Brushes: Scrubbing brushes (PVC or WonderBrushes) lose their agitation power as they wear down. New brushes ensure the robot is actually scrubbing algae and film off the walls, not just driving over it.
• Filter Cartridges & Panels: Ensure your cartridges aren't clogged with old calcium deposits or torn. A clean filter ensures maximum flow and cooling for the internal motor.

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Why Replace Parts Early?

1. Avoid the Rush: During peak season, popular parts like Polaris bags or Hayward wings often go on backorder. Buying now ensures you aren't stuck waiting 2 weeks for a $10 part while your pool turns green.
2. Lower Energy Costs: A cleaner with a hole in the hose or a failing diaphragm makes your pump work harder for fewer results.
3. Extended Equipment Life: Replacing a $20 set of shoes or tires prevents the main chassis of your $600 cleaner from grinding against the pool floor and wearing out prematurely.

Not Sure Which Part You Need?

Finding the right part for an older cleaner can be tricky. At Aqua Pool Supply, we stock OEM parts for Pentair, Hayward, Polaris, and Zodiac.

If you aren't sure which part fits your specific model, our team is here to help!

• Call us: 1-888-484-0864
• Chat with us: Use the blue chat bubble on our site.
• Shop Online: Pool Cleaner Parts Collection