Customizing Your Water Fed Pole System for Speed, Effectiveness and Safety
Not all water fed pole systems are equal, and not all systems – depending on the product manufacturer – come out of the box ready to tackle every window cleaning scenario you may encounter. Ultimately, the effectiveness and ease of use of your system is a combination of the system itself and the accessories you select to customize your investment.
Each of the following water fed pole system accessories, when chosen and used correctly, enhances the overall performance and versatility of the pole, helping you consistently achieve efficient, effective, and safe cleaning results. By enhancing your water fed pole’s capabilities with the right accessories, you can tackle different types of dirt, reach various heights and angles, and ensure the highest-quality finish for all your window cleaning jobs.
Window Cleaning Brushes
When selecting the best cleaning brush for your water fed pole system, you need to first evaluate the specific cleaning application, surface quality, and the degree of cleaning required for your jobs. Given all of the available options, pay attention to:
- the brush components to differentiate between them all, including the type of bristles, which can vary in stiffness and material to cater to different surfaces;
- the brush size, which should correlate to the dimensions of the window;
- the brush shape, which can influence the ease of reaching corners and edges; and
- the type of jets, which impact water flow and distribution.
By considering these aspects, you can ensure that you choose a brush that not only fits your system but also meets the specific requirements of your cleaning job. Brush types include:
- Radius Brush: Ideal for cleaning large, flat surfaces, sills and ledgesdue to its curved shape, which increases surface contact.
- Hybrid Brush: Combines soft and hard bristles, making it suitable for versatile cleaning tasks, from light to more intense scrubbing.
- Soft Brush: Best for cleaning delicate windows with minimal dirt, ensuring a gentle, scratch-free finish.
- Flagged Brush: Features split bristles that trap fine particles and remove light dust, pollen, etc. from windows.
- Unflagged Brush: With straight bristles, it’s ideal for heavy-duty scrubbing to remove tough dirt and debris from windows.
Scrubbers and Pads
Sometimes you need a little extra help beyond a bristled brush to clean heavily soiled glass thanks to bird droppings, insect residue, car exhaust build-up, or caked-on dust and pollen. That’s when having a detachable window scrubber available comes to the rescue.
Alternatively, a product like the PowerPad uses a microfiber pad, secured with an elastic hook and loop attachment, to replace a window cleaning brush and provide a fast, effective clean. The integrated rinse bar keeps the pad clean and minimizes the need for frequent replacements.
Adapters
Using appropriate adapters with your water fed pole ensures that the system is versatile, efficient, and tailored to handle specific window types and challenges. Secure connections and the ability to adjust angles also help you maintain more control over the pole, reducing the risk of on-the-job accidents or damage to the windows.
Types of adapters you’ll want to consider for your water fed pole system:
- Thread Adapter: These adapters ensure compatibility between the pole and its accessories. For example, if your pole has a Euro thread and your brush has a standard thread, a thread adapter will allow these two parts to connect securely.
- Locking Cone Adapter: If you’re frequently switching between different window cleaning accessories, a locking cone adapter ensures each tool is firmly attached and easy to change, making the job at hand more efficient and faster.
- Angle Adapter: If you need to clean high windows or those with ledges or obstructions, an angle adapter lets you position the brush correctly for effective cleaning.
- Goosenecks: Goosenecks provide flexibility and reach, enabling the pole to bend and twist into hard-to-reach areas while the brush maintains contact with the surface, enhancing maneuverability around obstacles.
Jets
It’s important to consider the type of jets you use, such as fan jets versus pencil jets, because each offers distinct advantages for different cleaning tasks and conditions. Fan jets disperse water over a wider area, creating a fan-shaped spray and they typically use more water due to the wider spread. The wider spray pattern makes it easier to rinse large areas quickly, which is ideal for cleaning large windows.
On the other hand, pencil jets produce a narrow, concentrated stream and provide a more focused and higher-pressure water stream. The concentrated stream allows for precise targeting of dirt and grime, which is useful for the detailed cleaning of smaller windows.
When choosing the best jets for your window cleaning brush, you’ll want to determine whether you need broad coverage or concentrated power, as well as the soil level you’re dealing with. Each type of jet has its strengths that can enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of your water fed pole system.
Hose Clips
While a relatively low investment and small, hose clips are a must-have for any water fed pole that does not have integrated hose management. Hose clips keep the hose neatly attached to the pole, preventing it from getting tangled or caught on obstacles which can slow down your productivity. By securing the hose in place, hose clips ensure smooth movement and maneuverability of the pole, as well as consistent water flow by avoiding kinks in the hose. The clips also can minimize the risk of tripping over loose hoses and protect the hose itself from being damaged by sharp edges, rough surfaces, or moving parts.
Accessories that Achieve Superior Window Cleaning Results
Each accessory, from the variety of brushes and scrubbers to adapters, jets, and hose clips, can elevate the efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of your window cleaning jobs. Customizing your water fed pole system with the right accessories not only optimizes your workflow, but it also extends the versatility of your system, allowing you to meet the specific demands of each customer and facility with confidence and precision.