Trying to learn more about automatic pool cleaners? Want to figure to figure out which one is best for you?
Keep reading, this post has the answers
If you’re thinking about getting an automatic pool cleaner, then you already understand the benefits of pool maintenance. Good pool care habits (which are easy to form with a pool care schedule) save you tons of time and money down the line. That’s because a well-maintained pool system (chemically and physically) means less wear and tear on pool equipment, and the pool itself. It also greatly reduces your average chemical costs.
But this post is all about automatic pool cleaners, so let’s get to it.
Why are automatic pool cleaners worth it/benefits
An automatic pool cleaner has the capability of a vacuum but is far more enhanced and useful. Like a manual vacuum, an automatic pool cleaner cleans the underwater surfaces of your pool.
Why is that important?
Because even with the best filter systems, there’s still heavier debris that doesn’t always get drawn into the filtration cycle. This heavy debris can eat away at your pool chemicals, and completely throw your water’s chemistry off balance. Not to mention how ugly twigs and leaves look at the bottom of an otherwise crystal clear and sparkling blue pool.
Hence, why pool vacuums/cleaners exist in the first place.
Now with a manual vacuum, you have to put in a good amount of elbow grease if you’re aiming for results. That means walking across your deck, “mowing” your pool floor as you push the telescopic pole of the vacuum back and forth. Is it worth all the work? Of course.
But automatic pool cleaners do the work of a manual vacuum for you, so you can relax and read a book poolside.
In fact, automatic pool cleaners collectively come with a number of beneficial features:
- Self-contained debris (keeps your filter and pump clean)
- Automatic scrubbing power on floors AND walls
- Smart cleaning (programmed to learn how to clean more efficiently)
- Improved pool water circulation
With that being said, each type of automatic pool cleaner differs in capability and functionality. So we’re going to explain how each pool cleaner works so you can decide which one is best for you.
Automatic Pool Cleaners 101
Suction Side Pool Cleaner
As the name implies, suction side pool cleaners rely on the suction pressure of your skimmer line. Using the pressure from the line, these cleaners slide across the floor and walls of your pool picking up most debris across its path.
Most suction side pool cleaners rely on a flat, rubber vacuum head instead of wheels. This piece allows the pool cleaner to maintain a constant suction pressure (similar to a suction cup) that lets it move across the surfaces of your pool. Hence, the name.
Suction-side pool cleaners are the most affordable option of the main three automatic pool cleaners covered in this guide. That’s because they use a simple but effective design —working like a manual vacuum that covers all the surfaces of your pool without you lifting a finger
Quick summary
- Powered by suction from skimmer line
- Sends debris to your pump/filter
- Cleans floor and walls
- Pricing = $
(Most affordable automatic pool cleaner)
Pressure Side Pool Cleaners
Pressure-side pool cleaners are something of an enhanced version of suction side cleaners. They run on the suction power of your pump/filter system but work in a different way.
Pressure-side pool cleaners use wheels to move around. Wheels propelled by the suction pressure of your pool pump — pretty neat engineering, huh?
(Note: Some pressure side pool cleaners may require a dedicated pump known as a booster pump. Be sure to research the specific requirements of each model before purchasing)
But that’s not all! These cleaners also self-contain debris in a special mesh vacuum bag, so that way your filter and pump basket stay squeaky clean. Plus they’re designed to be especially durable — ideal for managing larger debris.
Quick Summary
- Self-contain debris in a bag
- Use wheels + pump suction power to move
- Durable and ideal for large debris
- Pricing = $$
Robotic Pool Cleaners
If you were wondering which of the automatic pool cleaners reigns supreme, look no further than robotic pool cleaners.
What makes robotic pool cleaners so great? They have the same capabilities as the other automatic pool cleaners, plus much more. And they don’t need your pump system or skimmer line.
Which means that…
Robotic pool cleaners are “self-powered” and run independently from your pump. But to elaborate on their features, here’s a rundown:
Robotic pool cleaners:
- Contain scrubbers that brush the surfaces of your pool
- Self-contain debris
- Use wheels to travel across the surfaces of your pool
- House an electric motor and pump within the unit
- Do not require suction power of skimmer or
pump system
- Do not require suction power of skimmer or
- Run on electrical power from an outdoor outlet
- Contribute to healthy pool water circulation
Quick summary
- Scrubs and vacuums the surfaces of your pool
- Uses wheels and built-in motor to move
- Runs on electrical power
- Pricing = $$$ (Typically the most expensive
of the three types of automatic pool cleaners)
Making your choice
The choice you make is entirely dependent on your needs, budget, and expectations. All of the cleaners mentioned in this post will do precisely what you need them to: clean and vacuum your pool. But each one comes with unique advantages, whether it’s affordability, capability, or simplicity.
Still need to vacuum your pool the old school way? Here’s a helpful post for just that: How To Vacuum Your Pool Manual
While you’re at it, here are some powerful pool care tips that’ll make pool maintenance a breeze.
