Advice from the Pros
By Betty Kinley
If you have ever wondered how to choose a pool cleaner, how they work and how much time they can truly save, read on to learn about pool cleaners from the people who know them best.
How they work
There are four main types of automatic cleaners - suction side, pressure side, robotic and in-floor. How does each one work?
Gil L. Erlich, Aqua Products: Suction-side cleaners connect via a hose to either a dedicated pool wall connection with dedicated vacuum piping (aka line) or the pool's existing skimmer. The pool's pump and filter system suck in water to provide circulation and filtration.
There are two types of pressure-side cleaners:
- The less common version connects via a hose to the pool's return line, pressurizing the water and creating a circulation effect to flush dirt upwards into the cleaner, where a filter bag traps the debris.
- The more common type of pressure-side cleaner operates similarly, except that it has its own pump motor (aka booster pump) with a dedicated water pressure line to power the cleaner. The pressurized water also powers a tail at the back of the cleaner. The back-and-forth motion of the tail flushes up fine particulates for the pool's skimmer or main drain to filter out.
There are also two types of robotic cleaners. Both operate independent of the pool's pump and filter system.
- The first type, typically referred to as the bot type, has at least two motors: a drive motor propels the cleaner while a pump motor vacuums up dirt and debris. An internal filter bag or cartridge traps the dirt and debris.
- The other type of robotic cleaner, often referred to as jet technology, uses an internal pump motor to redirect the filtered water outward and propel the cleaner both forward and in reverse without the need for drive motors, gears, belts or tracks.
Guy R. Erlich, Water Tech: In-floor cleaning systems are another option, although they are the most costly. These systems must be installed during initial pool construction because jets are plumbed into the pool's surface. During the cleaning cycle, these jets rise up from the floor and flush water toward the main drain for filtering.
In addition, there is now a rechargeable, cordless, hand vacuum cleaner on the market. These battery-powered units can be handheld or attached to a telescoping pole to clean an entire pool manually or as a complement to an automatic system to spot clean specific areas. The vacuum sucks up everything from pine needles and acorns to sand and dirt and stores it in the onboard micro-filter bag, which is then emptied by the user.
Cost
How much do pool cleaners cost?
Buzz Robinson, Zodiac Pool Care: The simplest suction-side cleaners start around $150. Higher-end automatic models such as robotic cleaners are priced around $1,000, with add-on components, such as remote controls, increasing the cost. In-floor systems can run into the thousands depending on several factors, including pool size and configuration.
Guy R. Erlich: Battery-powered, handheld cleaners cost from $49 to $299, depending on the unit's vacuuming power, run time and filter capacity.
How do cleaners effect operational costs?
Brian King, Pentair Water Pool and Spa®: Cleaners can actually reduce chemical costs by keeping the pool clean of debris, meaning fewer chemicals are required to treat the pool. Cleaners will also increase the circulation of the pool, reducing or eliminating circulation dead spots, which, in turn, can reduce filtration cycle times.
The right one for you
Are certain types of cleaners recommended for specific pool environments?
Robinson: Suction-side cleaners, which work similar to that of a vacuum, do a fine job of picking up soot and dirt and depositing it into the pool's filter system. They are not the best choice, however, for people living in areas where large debris is common. Pressure-side cleaners work best in open areas (not screened in) where lots of solid debris, such as leaves and twigs, are present because the unit can collect and house those items internally. Robotic cleaners, which also trap debris via filter bags, work well for almost any pool shape, surface type or environment.
King: Most cleaners can typically clean a wide range of pool debris, shapes and surfaces, but for very large leafy areas, pressure or robotic cleaners do a better job because their on-board debris bags are well-suited to collecting large debris.
When purchasing a cleaner, what are the most important factors to consider?
Gil L. Erlich: Keep in mind that the upfront budget is different from the daily expense to operate. Although a cleaner may be inexpensive out of its box, its operating cost may be quite expensive.
King: Ask yourself why you are buying a cleaner and make sure the model you select has the capacity to meet your needs. Also, buying a name brand cleaner will ensure you get a good product backed by a reputable company.
Robinson: Carefully consider the warranty. If the product has a limited warranty with lots of exclusions, you may be dissatisfied when a future problem is not covered. Also, think twice about buying a cleaner over the Internet. Online stores might offer great discounts, but the price benefit backfires when you have a question and cannot speak to an individual face-to-face. Buy from retailers who service the products they sell. You will be thankful when you want to purchase a replacement part, ask a question or have a repair done down the line.
Guy R. Erlich: Ease of use is key, but also look for the latest technology, as you would when shopping for new car or television. There have been new advancements in cleaner technology lately, which can make your life a lot easier.
Installation & maintenance
What is entailed in installation?
Gil L. Erlich: If suction lines do not need to be installed, installation costs for suction-side cleaners are quite low. The cost is primarily the basic labor time to cut and connect hoses for the appropriate length to the pool's skimmer. Pressure-side cleaners that operate off the return line have essentially the same cost as suction-side cleaners, whereas pressure-side cleaners that require dedicated pressure lines, hardwiring and installation of a booster pump are more costly. Robotic cleaners have no installation costs; they simply plug in and operate at the touch of a button.
How should a cleaner be cared for to add to the unit's longevity?
Gil L. Erlich: Remove the cleaner whenever intensely treating the pool with chemicals (i.e., shocking) and allow the water to dilute for at least 24 hours before returning the cleaner to the water.
Robinson: Remove the cleaner after each use and store it out of direct sunlight. Avoid curling hoses as they build a memory and diminish the cleaner's effectiveness. Also, take the time to read the cleaner's operating instructions. Doing so solves 90 percent of the most common problems; plus, it prevents a lot of frustration.
Meet the Experts
Gil L. Erlich
Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Aqua Products, Inc.
After gaining his bachelor's degree in marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Gil Erlich worked for several advertising agencies and as a sales manager for NABISCO. He returned to the family business where he began his involvement at the age of 15. Mr. Erlich is certified as a pool/spa operator by the National Swimming Pool Foundation.
Guy R. Erlich
President and Owner, Water Tech
Active in the pool and spa industry for over 20 years, Guy Erlich is an inventor whose innovative pool cleaners have been voted by the Reader's Choice Awards as Best New Product in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Mr. Erlich received a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and an M.B.A in sales and marketing from Farleigh Dickenson University.
Buzz Robinson
National Technical Manager, Zodiac Pool Care, Inc.
Buzz Robinson has worked in service, retail, distribution and manufacturing within the pool industry since 1983. He has a bachelor of arts in communications from Florida Atlantic University. He has been with Zodiac Pool Care, Inc., for 11 years and is the company's primary source for technical issues.
Brian King
Senior Product Manager, Pentair Water Pool and Spa®
Brian King has many years of experience in the design and development of automatic pool cleaners. With Pentair Water and Spa for 20 years, Mr. King manages the automatic pool cleaner division and regularly trains the sales staff on the benefits and features of products. Mr. King has a bachelor of science in business from St. Cloud State in Minnesota.