Pool Cleaners FAQ's
By Christina DiMartino
Automatic pool cleaners save you time and keep water clear and swim-ready. But before you buy, you probably want to have a little knowledge on the subject. Our experts tackle some frequently asked questions.
What's the difference between suction and pressure-side type cleaners?
Gil L. Erlich, Aqua Products: Suction cleaners rely on a pool's filter and pump to provide suction. A hose with a cleaner head is attached to the skimmer or to a dedicated suction line that was installed during the pool's original construction. The pump draws water into the filter and returns it to the pool, resulting in full circulation. These turn the entire body of water at least once a day. By eliminating sitting water, the action reduces possible build-up of bacteria and algae. Suction cleaners require powerful pool pumps to operate properly.
Kate Thielscher, Zodiac Pool Care, Inc., North America: Pressure-side cleaners connect to either the pool's return line or a dedicated booster pump line.They essentially use water pressure to propel the system, and all debris is captured in the unit's head. Some models incorporate a convenient, easy to empty high-volume debris trap to capture both large and fine particles without reducing water flow. Pressure-side cleaners are especially recommended for pools that are susceptible to heavy or large debris, such as leaves.
How are they installed and what are the related costs?
Erlich: Robotic cleaners do not require installation, so do not have related costs. To operate, you simply plug the submersed cleaner's thin floating cable into the power supply and press a button.These types of automatic cleaners do not use hoses, dedicated lines, filter connections or booster pumps.
Thielscher: There are no installation costs associated with suction-side cleaners. They come preassembled in the box and install in minutes. Pool owners just attach the disc and hoses-and no tools are required for these tasks. Some even include easy-to-follow installation videos.
How much manual labor is required to ensure a clean pool-beyond the automatic cleaner's ability?
Erlich: A quality robotic cleaner will automatically scrub and vacuum the pool so the pool owner does not have to. Most of today's systems are capable of removing large leaves and coins, and even filter out particles down to two microns in size-20 times smaller than what the naked eye can see. This microfiltration removes unhealthy impurities like algae and bacteria, while circulating the pool water to lower evaporation and increase temperatures near the bottom of the pool. This action decreases water loss and heating costs. These are self-contained cleaners with their own on-board filters and pumps that work by plugging them in and pressing a button.
A high-quality cleaner should cut the total pool maintenance costs by as much as half in water, chemicals and energy costs; it will eliminate manual labor completely.
Thielscher: Once the cleaner is installed and working properly, additional labor generally includes regular brushing down of the pool steps and walls. Debris must be emptied from either the pool's pump basket or the head of the unit by hand, depending if the cleaner is suction or pressure-side.
What are the most important questions consumers should ask retailers when shopping?
Erlich: Most people think that buying an automatic cleaner with a sound warranty will protect them against all problems - but this is incorrect. The majority of warranties are limited to manufacturers' defects, not replacing parts due to normal wear and tear.
Studies show that 80 percent of consumer purchasing decisions are directly influenced by the retailer. Do your homework by researching products on the Internet at manufacturers' sites, rather than merchant sites. Compare products, their engineering and the support that accompanies the item. Ask neighbors and friends about their experiences, but keep in mind that their knowledge may only be as current as when they purchased their own cleaners.
Think of your automatic cleaner as an investment that will help to maintain an even bigger investment "your pool" for years to come.
Thielscher: The list of questions may sound basic, but it is not always easy to remember them all. Consumers should ask if the cleaner is simple to install and operate. Does the warranty have exclusions, and, if so, what are they? What are the comparative costs of cleaners, including the ongoing maintenance and operational costs? What parts of the cleaners that you are considering will require replacement in the future, and how often? What are the costs involved in any replacements?
Finally, ask your sales representative which cleaners receive the most customer satisfaction reports.
About 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.
Kate Thielscher
President & CEO, Zodiac Pool Care, Inc., North America
With an M.B.A from Henley Business School, United Kingdom, Kate Thielscher has achieved success in senior management positions for a number of companies, including Johnson and Johnson. Before taking over the reins at Zodiac Pool Care, Inc., North America, Ms. Thielscher was managing director of automated pool cleaners for Zodiac in South Africa.