Clean Machines

Photo courtesy of Land Design.

Automatic pool cleaners save time and simplify routine maintenance.

Though engineers are inching closer to designing a maintenance-free pool, for now you still have to do a few chores yourself. Relax, though: Today’s pool cleaners are making maintenance easier than ever before. The latest automatic pool cleaner models even take much of the hassle out of routine vacuuming.

These devices do more than pick up dirt and debris. They help pool water stay warmer by circulating cooler water to the surface, where the sun can heat it. They help distribute chemicals evenly throughout the pool so they work more effectively. They even help conserve water by lowering the temperature of the surface water, thereby making it less vulnerable to evaporation. All of these benefits help offset the purchase cost.

The three basic types of pool cleaners are suction, pressure, and electric, and each comes with its own set of advantages and limitations. Chances are, one is perfect for your pool.

Suction Cleaners

Suction cleaners (not surprisingly) attach to the suction side of the pool’s plumbing system, much like a hand vacuum does. When the filter pump is running, suction is created on the underside of the cleaner. The cleaner then moves randomly around the pool, sucking up debris. Large debris is caught in the pool pump’s strainer basket, while small debris is trapped by the pool’s filter. Because the vacuum pattern is random, some spots may be missed. If your pool has a lot of debris on the bottom, you may need to empty the skimmer basket frequently; alternatively, you could invest in an in-line strainer basket for the cleaner hose. This will catch large debris before it has a chance to fill up the pump basket. Suction cleaners range in price from $150 to $450.

Pressure Cleaners

Pressure cleaners attach to the pressure side of your pool’s circulation system—the side that returns water to the pool after it has been filtered. As water flows toward the unit, it is directed into the cleaner’s sweeper tail, thrust jet, and venturi.

The sweeper tail helps stir up fine debris from the floor and walls so that it can be caught in the pool’s main filter by way of the skimmer; the thrust jet sends the cleaner around the pool in a random pattern; and the venturi forces large debris into an attached filter bag. Because they have their own filter bags, pressure cleaners do not cause excessive wear on the pool’s main filtration system. However, because pressure cleaners don’t work well if the flow rate drops due to a clogged pool filter, some experts advise using a booster pump with these cleaners. Pressure cleaners range in price from $200-$700, and booster pumps can add several hundred more dollars to the cost.

Electric Cleaners

Electric cleaners operate independently from the pool’s circulation system. Sometimes referred to as robotic cleaners, electric cleaners are low-voltage devices that hook up to a standard GFCI-protected outlet. A transformer converts the electrical power to a voltage that is high enough to power the unit but low enough to allow them to operate around water safely.

The electric cleaner’s integrated pump sucks up water and debris into an internal filter, while another motor drives the unit around the pool. If you’re willing to invest a bit more, you can purchase a unit that can be programmed to remember the shape and size of pool for a more precise travel pattern. Some units even have remote control capabilities. Suction cleaners range in price from $700 to $2,000.

5 Things to Know Before You Buy

All pool cleaners (and the pools they service) aren’t the same. Keep these tips in mind before making your purchase.

Use the Right Tool for the Job. Lightweight cleaners designed for aboveground pools might have attractive low prices, but they won’t perform well in the heavy-duty environments of inground pools.

Make the Right Match. Choose a cleaner designed for your pool’s surface to maximize performance and prevent pool damage—some cleaners designed to scrub concrete pool surfaces could damage vinyl liners.

Know Your Pool Size. This will ensure you get a cleaner with long enough hoses and cords to reach the pool’s farthest corners.

Accessorize It. Accessories, such as an in-line leaf canister for a suction cleaner or a booster pump for a pressure cleaner, can enhance performance.

Consider Built-Ins. If you’re building a new pool, consider an in-floor cleaning system, which uses pop-up nozzles to direct debris toward the pool’s main drain.