FAQ: Swimming Pool Cleaners

Are you a new pool owner in need of the rundown on swimming pool cleaners? Check out these frequently asked questions.

How often should I clean or vacuum my swimming pool?

At least once a week you’ll need to vacuum the pool to remove sediment and debris such as leaves and twigs that were not picked up by the filter system. This will help maintain both the beauty and operation of your pool.

How long does it take to clean or vacuum a swimming pool?

Vacuuming your pool with a manual pool cleaner/sweeper is an effective way to remove areas of dirt because you’re less prone to miss any spots; however, it can take you anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half to sweep the entire pool, depending on its size.

If you have a large pool or are unable to dedicate a few hours each week to vacuuming the pool, an automatic pool cleaner, such as a suction-side, pressure-side, or robotic cleaner, may be a better option.

What type of swimming pool cleaner should I use?

Suction-side pool cleaners connect to the pool’s skimmer box or a dedicated suction line and use the suction created by the filter system to suck up grime and dirt from the floor and walls and transfer it to the skimmer. Some models feature brushes to loosen algae. Others come with their own filter bag so leaves and large debris do not clog the skimmer.

Pressure-side pool cleaners use a combination of suction and jet action to roll around the pool surface and draw up material into an attached bag. These automatic cleaners work well for pools with a heavy leaf load because they have a large opening (up to 2 ½ inches in diameter). Some pressure-side cleaners have a tail that swishes back and forth to help filter out fine particles to the main drain or skimmer.

Electric or robotic pool cleaners are a good option for very large pools because they are not limited by the length of a hose; they are powered by a chargeable battery, solar power, or a water-safe electrical cord that is plugged into a standard GFCI-protected outlet. Robotic cleaners rove the surfaces of the pool sucking up small and large debris like pollen, sand, and tree litter. Many models use rotating brushes or rollers to scrub the pool’s walls and floor, including hard-to-reach corners.

Photo courtesy of Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.

Pool Cleaners Companies and Experts

Learn more about these recommended manufacturers of pool cleaners directly from the company experts.

Carlos Del Amo

Vice President of Global Marketing

Pentair Aquatic Systems

Carlos Del Amo is the vice president of global marketing for Pentair. In addition to overseeing global marketing efforts, he leads Latin American sales and marketing strategies. He has worked in the pool industry for more than 25 years. Prior to joining Pentair in 2002, he was vice president of sales and marketing for Letro Products in Redding, Calif.

“Pentair makes products that simplify pool ownership. Our cleaners, chemical controllers, automation controls, and other innovative products give pool owners more time to enjoy their pools. Recent additions to the cleaners family are the redesigned Kreepy Krauly® Kruiser™, Platinum™, and Prowler® robotic cleaners. All automate the otherwise manual labor of removing debris from a pool. New to our offering of products that simplify water care are the IntelliChem™ and IntellipH™ controllers, which automatically add chemicals that keep water balanced. When combined with an IntelliChlor® salt chlorinator, these devices take most of the work out of water care. For the ultimate in user convenience, our IntelliTouch® and EasyTouch® automation systems are compatible with Apple iPhones, iPads, and the iPod touch.”

Kevin J. Braidic

Director of Product Development, Cleaning Solutions

Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.

Kevin Braidic is a 22-year veteran of the pool and spa industry. He began his diverse career in product development for Polaris, and later transitioned to business development where he led global initiatives for the company. Mr. Braidic later established a successful pool-building and consulting firm. He is currently the director of product development, cleaning solutions, for Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.

“Zodiac® offers a complete line of premium quality, energy-efficient products to create the perfect pool environment. Our newest pool cleaner offerings, including the Polaris 9100 Sport and 9400 Sport Robotic, take robotic pool cleaning technology to the next level. Featuring Patented Vortex Vacuum Technology, Polaris robotics deliver extraordinary cleaning power without losing suction. The cleaners also feature simple debris removal with an easy top access, large capacity filter canister that takes the hassle out of cleaning. Additionally, the new Zodiac MX8™ is a high-performance, energy-efficient suction pool cleaning robot that cleans faster and more aggressively than any cleaner in its class. It utilizes a revolutionary Flex-Power Turbine and Cyclonic Suction technology to capture maximum debris while maintaining cleaning power.”

Kevin Potucek

Vice President, Product Management

Hayward Pool Products, Inc.

Kevin Potucek is a high-profile pool industry expert who has led the marketing and product development efforts for industry-leading manufacturers for more than 20 years. His areas of expertise include safety, energy efficiency, wet environment innovation, LED lighting, automation, pool and spa products, and enhancing the pool experience.

“Every Hayward product is designed with the pool owner and poolside experience in mind. Improving the comfort, convenience, and ambiance of the pool and its environment are paramount to our effort, all while dramatically improving its energy efficiency. Hayward’s mission to be environmentally responsible led to the development of our Energy Solutions line of products, which reduce energy, water, and chemical use. We offer long-lasting, energy-efficient LED lighting that provides the perfect backdrop for poolside events. Salt chlorination delivers the ultimate swimming experience that is as easy on the wallet as it is on eyes and skin. Automatic pool cleaners and controls save money and reduce pool maintenance time. But the biggest energy saver is with our variable-speed pump—up to a 90 percent energy savings.”