Get a fine mesh skimmer net.

A fine mesh skimmer net. Regular skimmer baskets and standard leaf rakes let pollen slip right through and back into the water.

Pollen is basically dust. It floats, then sinks, then clogs your filter. A fine mesh net catches it before it settles. You’ll need to skim daily during peak tree season, but it takes two minutes and saves you from backwashing every other day.

If you already have visible clumps of tree debris, scoop those first with a regular skimmer, then go back with the fine net for the yellow film. And if you have a robotic cleaner, let it run on a schedule — but manual skimming is still the best bang for your buck.

Your filter will last longer. Your water will look better. And you won’t be fighting the pollen all summer.