Periodic skimming will remove any debris from your pool like leaves, twigs, other plant life, or algae. Visually inspect your pool every couple of days, and especially after a major storm. You want to provide a clean, safe swimming zone, and prevent any debris from making its way into the regeneration zone where it can affect your plants
If you need to get rid of debris or waste deeper in the pool, a vaccuum may be necessary. These will allow you to remove sludge or grime from the pool walls, and even the pool floor.