Gear stack builder
Choose how far you want to automate. Each level adds one piece of gear. You'll see what it takes off the pool guy's checklist, and what still stays on yours.
Always yours, at every level
- Verify your water with a drop test kit. Smart monitors measure pH and sanitizer (FC or ORP), but stabilizer (CYA), alkalinity and hardness still need a real test. WaterGuru itself says its newer TA/CH/CYA pads are still being improved.
- Empty the baskets (skimmer, pump, robot) and clean the filter by type: cartridge, sand or DE, following your filter's manual.
- Check your equipment for leaks, new noises, air in the pump basket, or filter pressure off your normal baseline.
- Keep the water level at least halfway up the skimmer opening.
Safety: non-negotiable
- Never mix pool chemicals with each other, and especially never mix chlorine with acid. It can release toxic gas.
- Chlorine feeders and dosing pumps must only run while the circulation pump is running. Follow the manufacturer's install guide.
- Electrical work (salt systems, dosing pumps, controllers, bonding) belongs to a licensed electrician.
- Robots: follow battery and charging instructions, and check CPSC recalls. For example, Wybotics recalled some robot models in April 2026 for battery fire risk (notice).
- For fecal incidents and other contamination, follow the CDC's healthy swimming guidance.