After a clogged intake, I swear by manual rakes over automated screens.

Hand clearing avoids the downtime that sensors and auto-jets cause.

3 comments

3 Comments

But what do you do when the buildup is really bad, like after a big storm? I've had times where the manual rake just can't get through the thick mat of debris, and you're still stuck there for ages trying to chip it away. That's the only spot where I sometimes wish for the raw power of an automated system, even with the sensor lag. Do you just keep multiple rake heads on hand for when one gets stuck, or is there a trick to it?

anderson.jason7d ago

Think about it, is that mat of debris ACTUALLY impossible to clear? I just use a sturdy rake and work in sections, never had to swap heads. People make it sound way worse than it really is.

sethk501d ago

Recall when @anderson.jason helped me clear a soaked mat of leaves with just a sturdy rake and some elbow grease.