Maintaining cleanliness in your pool is of great importance if you want to enjoy swimming.
Though automatic pool cleaners such as the robotic type can help you with this, sometimes you need to get down to the task and clean some parts manually.
Whether you use a brush, vacuum, skimmer or rake, the common thing among them is a pool pole as it gives you the length required to reach deep down to the pool floor.
That said, there is quite a wide variety of such products in the market and to assist you in picking the most ideal one, here is a close up look at 7 of the best telescopic pool poles that you can get.
In this post:
What To Check Before Buying Telescopic Pool Pole
1. Length
The primary purpose of a telescopic pool pole or any other pool pole is to give you the reach required to clean every inch of your pool as you stand on the deck. Therefore, the pole’s length is an important factor to consider.
Basically, a long pole will give you extended reach so that you can cover a wider and deeper pool if you have such. However, if you own a shallow pool that is not very wide, a shorter pole will be enough.
With most units having adjustable lengths, to get the best pole for your pool, it is recommended to measure the length and depth of the pool, then buy a pole that matches these measurements.
2. Weight
Another important factor to put into consideration is the pole’s weight. Heavy poles can be difficult to handle, be it while pushing through the water or when getting it back or out of storage. This is especially so if you have weak hands.
However, there is a plus side to this, as heavy poles usually feel firmer to use, especially when scrubbing the pool floor.
The best weight though should be picked based on personal preference, and you should pick the one that you feel comfortable handling.
3. Strength
This is a no brainer. The stronger the telescopic pool pole, the better. Usually, a higher number of pieces, such as in 3-piece units, makes the pole weaker because there are multiple joints.
Such poles should have extra reinforcements so as to match the strength of 2-piece poles.
That said, an important feature to look for is a thick aluminum tubing, which can hold it together when being pushed through the water.
A ribbed structure is also desirable because it acts as a reinforcement to the already strong metallic construction.
4. Durability
Strength and durability should go hand in hand and in this case, apart from having the strong aluminum structure, something extra like having an anodized surface is ideal for protection against rusting or corrosion.
This is especially important because first the metal will be dipped in water, which causes rust, and second, a lot of chemicals are used in pool maintenance, and they might be corrosive to the pole.
Other features to look for include durable handles and cam sleeves, in which one of the best materials to make them should be ABS plastic.
5. Brand
There are quite a number of telescopic pool poles in the market that are produced by different brands. Even though most of the features are usually very similar, the brand name matters.
This is because some brands are well known for making high quality and durable products and thus, you can be assured of a good purchase once you choose their products.
For instance, Swimline and Poolmaster are well known and trusted brands, which means that you can be assured of good telescopic pool poles in their line ups.
For other unknown brands, you have to be very careful so as to pick the best and not waste your money.
6. Cost
Lastly is the cost. Not all expensive poles are the best and not all cheap ones are of poor quality. The selection criteria should be based on quality first, suitability second (mostly with the height), then price third.
Ultimately, you should buy what is within your budget, provided that it fits all your requirements.
7 Best Telescopic Pool Poles Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Swimline 8356M (Best for the Money) |
|
 | 2. JED Pool Tools 50-560-16 (Best Professional) |
|
 | 3. U.S. Pool Supply TP-224 (Best Swimming Pool Pole) |
|
 | 4. Swimline 21 ft. (Best Extendable) |
|
 | 5. Poolmaster Stanley 21816 (Best with Locking Cam) |
|
 | 6. Swimline HydroTools 83565 (Good) |
|
 | 7. Poolmaster 21328 (Very Durable) |
|
1. Swimline 8356M (Best Budget)
Photo: Swimline
- Length: 5-15 feet
- Weight: 2 pounds
If you are looking for an affordable telescopic pool pole, then this one from Swimline should be your go-to option.
The product is actually available in 4 different sizes, which include an adjustable 2.5-7.5 feet, 5-15 feet, 6-18 feet, and 7-21 feet. All these are meant to cater to pools with different depths and therefore, you should pick according to that criteria.
That said, all these different sizes have the same features such as a 3-piece construction that forms the telescopic extension design, with dual locking cams that are placed externally for ensuring the 3 pieces do not move once locked in place.
These cams have ribbed textured surfaces that provide sufficient grip when locking or unlocking them while a blue anodized finish on the longest piece that goes into the water protects the underlying aluminum from rusting and also gives it a good look.
Combined, these features make this the top-rated telescopic pool pole in this review. However, the aluminum poles are not ribbed, which would have otherwise made them much stronger.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Available in 4 different sizes
- External dual locking cams with textured surfaces for easy handling
- Blue anodized finish for aesthetics and protection
Cons:
- Pole surface is not ribbed
- Relatively short
2. JED Pool Tools 50-560-16 (Best Professional)
Photo: JED Pool Tools
- Length: 8-16 feet
- Weight: 3.47 pounds
Though quite heavy and expensive, JED Pool Tools’ 50-560-16 is quite the professional pool pole, featuring a two-piece construction, with both poles having a true commercial grade thickness of 1.24mm.
With this construction, the pole is 50% thicker than other models, which means that it holds steadily and firmly once extended fully to 16 feet or at its shortest length of 8 feet.
Aluminum is used to build the two poles, and it is protected with an anodized finish that ensures the surface does not rust as a result of getting into contact with the pool’s water, as well as the chemicals in it.
Other features include a smooth finish with a pro handle that gives you good grip in the wet environment, a large deluxe external cam for locking the 2 pieces together, and a universal fitting design that can fit all standard accessories.
Pros:
- Two-piece construction with commercial grade 1.24mm thick poles
- Adjustable from 8 to 16 feet
- Strong aluminum construction with a protective anodized finish
- Pro handle for good grip
- Can fit on all standard accessories
Cons:
- Heavy
- Expensive
3. U.S. Pool Supply TP-224 (Best Swimming Pool Pole)
Photo: U.S. Pool Supply
- Length: 8-16 feet
- Weight: 2.75 pounds
U.S. Pool Supply’s telescopic pool pole stands out as the best pole for a number of reasons. For starters, the unit easily attaches to all standard accessories such as pool skimmers, brushes, vacuums and rakes so that you can easily clean the water.
The pole also has a 2-piece construction, which is in some ways stronger than a 3-piece due to the reduced number of joints (weak points). This means that when extended up to 16 feet, it still remains very firm.
On top of this, each of the 2 pieces is made of aluminum that has anodized surfaces for protection against corrosion as well as for aesthetic purposes. This is topped off by a ribbed design, which gives additional strength to the entire structure.
Other features include a single external locking cam and a minimum length of 8 feet.
Pros:
- Easily attaches to all standard accessories
- Strong 2-piece construction
- Aluminum construction with anodized surfaces
- Ribbed design for additional strength
- Large external locking cam for length adjustment
Cons:
- Relatively short as compared to the others
4. Swimline 21 ft. (Best Extendable)
Photo: Swimline
- Length: 8-21 feet
- Weight: 3.52 pounds
If you have a very deep pool, for proper maintenance, you will need this telescopic pool pole because of the range that it has. Starting off at 8 feet, it can be extended up to 21 feet, enabling you to push the brush, skimmer, vacuum, etc. to greater depths.
This wide range of extension is made possible by a 3-piece pole design, in which each piece is composed of a heavy-duty aluminum frame that gives the entire 21-foot pole the strength required to hold firm as you push it along the water.
With a smooth outer surface, the pole features an extra thick handgrip that enables you to use it comfortably in the wet pool environment, while large external cams make it easy to lock or unlock the pieces together in position.
However, the unit is quite heavy, weighing in at 3.52 pounds, but this is expected due to its long length.
Pros:
- Long extension range of 8-21 feet
- 3-piece design with a heavy-duty aluminum frame construction
- Extra thick hand grip for comfortable handling in the wet environment
- Large external cams for easy locking or unlocking
Cons:
- Heavy
- Not ribbed
5. Poolmaster Stanley 21816 (Best with Locking Cam)
Photo: Poolmaster
- Length: 8.5-15.5 feet
- Weight: 3 pounds
Poolmaster’s Stanley 21816 is made for the serious pool maintenance professionals with longevity in mind. This is because it is made of a 1mm thick commercial grade aluminum construction that keeps the entire structure from buckling under pressure.
On top of this, the pole has a very unique external locking cam, which is composed of a durable posi-lock that keeps the two-piece design strongly attached once locked in position, and a durable ABS plastic cam sleeve and handle for easy use.
The unit has a telescopic range of 7 feet, with the minimum length being 8.5 feet, going all the way up to 15.5 feet, making it ideal for medium depth pools.
Other features include a smooth black finish that looks very good, which is also anodized for protection against corrosion.
Pros:
- 1mm thick commercial grade aluminum construction
- Unique external locking cam with a durable posi-lock
- Durable ABS cam sleeve and handle
- Good looking smooth black finish
- Anodized outer aluminum surface for protection against corrosion
Cons:
- Relatively short
- Not ribbed
6. Swimline HydroTools 83565 (Good Choice)
Photo: Swimline
- Length: 8-15 feet
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
Being a well known and trusted brand in making pool poles, Swimline makes highly durable units and this one is no different.
With a 2-piece design, this pool pole features a length adjustment of between 8 and 15 feet, which is not as long, but the benefit you get is a lightweight pole that weighs only 2.1 pounds and is very easy to carry to the pool and back to storage.
An external locking cam is used to make these adjustments, and it has a ribbed design that gives you grip as you turn it for locking or unlocking the two pieces.
Other features include an aluminum construction with a blue anodized finish for protection against corrosion, a thick grippy handle for non-slip use and a universal fitting size that easily attaches to all standard pool skimmers, brushes, and rakes.
Pros:
- Strong 2-piece design
- Lightweight
- External locking cam with a grippy surface for easy use
- Strong aluminum-build with a blue anodized finish for corrosion protection
- Thick grippy handle for non-slip use
Cons:
- Quite short
- The aluminum body is not ribbed
7. Poolmaster 21328 (Durable)
Photo: Poolmaster
- Length: 8.75-20.5 feet
- Weight: 2.85 pounds
Poolmaster’s 21328 Premier is a very sturdy and durable telescopic pool pole that is made using high-quality materials, which mostly includes an aluminum frame that is 0.8mm thick. This tube has a silver anodized finish that keeps the metallic structure for corroding or rusting.
Durable white ABS cam sleeves are used to lock or unlock the external cams, and these have a textured finish for non-slip easy use. An ABS plastic handle is also included and it features a hanging hole for suspending the pole on a hook during storage.
That said, the pole has a 3-piece design with two external locking cams and combined, these give the unit a maximum extension length of 20.5 feet.
For storage though, the pole can be compressed to 8.75 feet, and adjustments in between are possible to cater for pools with different depths.
Other features include 1, 1-1/8 and 1-1/4-inch diameter poles (for the 3 interlocking pieces), and a standard fitting size that can be used on a wide array of brushes, rakes, vacuums, and other pool maintenance tools.
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable 0.8mm thick aluminum frame
- Durable white ABS cam sleeves
- ABS plastic handle with a hanging hole
- Long extension rage, going from 8.75 to 20.5 feet
- Standard fitting size for most pool maintenance tools
Cons:
- Not ribbed
Conclusion
With most telescopic pool poles, apart from the material used and its thickness, what you see is what you get.
Some have a 3-piece design that extends over a longer range while others have shorter 2-piece structures.
Despite all these differences, each pole is suited to a particular type of use and having gone through the review above, you should have an easier time picking the best telescopic pool pole that matches all your needs.