Cost and Frequency of Pool Cleaning

The frequency and duration for a cleaning cycle depends on several factors -- including pool size and location, the surrounding landscaping, weather factors such as wind and the type of cleaner. Some general guidelines:

• Robotic cleaners typically run 2 or 3 days per week, for up to 6 hours at a time.

• Pressure-side cleaners are set to run when the pool's filtration system is not in use. They normally need to run for 2-3 hours.

• Suction-side cleaners operate 6 to 8 hours a day, whenever the filtration system turns on. But the cleaner can be removed from the pool after just a few hours or used part-time to extend its lifespan.

• In-floor systems generally operate whenever the pump is running and can clean an entire pool in approximately 1 hour.

No matter what type of cleaner you purchase, some manual labor will always be required, including brushing pool steps and walls, periodically scrubbing the tile and coping and emptying debris from the cleaner's bag or pool's pump basket. But here's what you can expect from different types of cleaners, depending on your budget.


Save Spend Splurge

Manual cleaners
Help save money while you brush, sweep and clean your pool to sparkling perfection. Battery-powered, handheld units are ideal for spot cleaning and hard-to-reach areas.
Price range: $100 - $200 Suction-side (for areas with small, sandy debris, including Florida and the Southwest)

Pressure-side (for areas with large debris, including the Northeast and Northwest)
Work wonders with little installation or maintenance worries, saving you 3 - 5 hours per week over manual models.
Price range: $200 -$400 for suction-side; $300 - $500 for pressure-side) Robotic (for existing pools)

In-floor (for new construction)
Just set them and forget them. You'll enjoy hassle-free ease and a sparkling pool.
Price range: $600 - $1,200 for robotics; $3,000+ for in-floor