Photo courtesy of Lewis Aquatech

Homeowners have a number of alternatives when it comes to cleaning the pool. They can hire an outside service, use their own muscle, or if they are in the process of building a new pool, include an in-floor system. Many turn to automatic pool cleaners, however, because they save time, are easy to use, and are quite efficient. Here are a few pointers to help you decide which automatic pool cleaner is best for your pool.

What are the types of automatic pool cleaners, and how are they different?

There are three types of automatic pool cleaners: robotic, pressure-side, and suction-side. Robotic cleaners are compact and self-contained machines that move themselves around the pool, sucking up dirt and debris while also rotating brushes or rollers to scrub surfaces. These types of cleaners do not use the pool or booster pump to power up. Some use a water-safe electrical cord that is plugged into a standard or GFCI-protected outlet, while others operate via a chargeable battery or solar power.

Unlike robotic cleaners, pressure- side cleaners use the power of water pressure to pick up dirt and debris and to deposit it into an attached bag. One style 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 in the same manner, but it has its own booster pump motor with a dedicated water pressure line to power the cleaner. A tail swishes back and forth to flush up fine particles for the pool’s skimmer or main drain to filter out.

Suction-side cleaners are low cost alternatives. Most suction cleaners connect to the pool’s skimmer or a dedicated suction line and navigate the pool using the suction power of that filtration system. Most transfer debris into the pool’s skimmer, but there are some models that include their own filter bag so large items, like leaves and heavy refuse, do not clog the skimmer.

What kind of debris can each type handle?

Some robotic cleaners have two intake ports with a combined 11-inch opening and can handle large debris, while also taking care of small nuisances like pollen and sand. Many models are adept at cleaning porous surfaces, seams, and hard-to-brush corners. With an opening of up to 2 ½ inches in diameter, pressure-side cleaners are ideal for locations with lots of trees because they are great at removing debris such as leaves, pinecones, and acorns. With wheels, these cleaners roll across pool surfaces sucking matter into attached bags. Suction-side cleaners are great for removing sand, dirt, and other small items. Newer models come with brushes to loosen algae, while others include automatic steering features so the cleaner won’t get stuck in the pool’s corners.

How long does it take an automatic pool cleaner to get the job done?

Robotic cleaners should be used at least two to three times per week and take about one to two hours to finish, while pressure-side cleaners need about three to four hours to complete the circuit. Suction-side cleaners can run full-time (four to eight hours per day, or whenever the pool pump turns on), but manufacturers recommend running it only part-time in order to save energy and wear and tear.