Automatic Pool Cleaners
If you’re in the market for a swimming pool cleaner, all the options may seem confusing . In order to choose the best automatic pool cleaner for your needs you should have an understanding of how each cleaner operates.Although there are many different brands on the market, there are only three different types of pool cleaners.
Automatic Pool Cleaners- suction side
The suction side automatic pool cleaner operates off the suction of the swimming pool pump. The cleaner moves along the bottom of the pool sucking trash and debris through a hose attached to the skimmer of your swimming pool. This type of cleaner does an excellent job of removing small debris as every thing it takes in is filtered through the pool filtration system.
Pros of a suction side pool cleaner: It will remove small debris such as sand and silt effectively.Since it operates off the pool filtration suction it will help circulate the pool water more effectively.
Some of the disadvantages to this type cleaner are the pool filter may need to be serviced more frequently because all the trash removed from the pool is captured by the filter. the cleaner also losses efficiency as the filter becomes contaminated.
Automatic Pool Cleaners- Pressure Side
Pressure side pool cleaners. like the suction side cleaners use the pool pump to power them. They use water pressure instead of suction and jets located in the cleaner forces water up and through the cleaner bag. This water flow creates a suction on the bottom of the cleaner to allow it to pick up trash from the pool.
Pros of a pressure side pool cleaner: Has own containment bag. Doesn’t contribute to filtration system becoming contaminated. Will remove larger debris than suction side cleaners. Booster pump models will pick up even larger trash effectively and even remove small rocks and pebbles.
Cons of a pressure side cleaner: Small debris can pass through bag and re enter the pool. (note) some pressure side cleaners have sand and silt bags available to aid in removal of small debris, use of this bag greatly diminishes the cleaners ability to pick up larger trash.For pressure side cleaners using a booster pump there is added costs in utilities.
Robotic Automatic Pool Cleaners
If you’re looking for a self contained cleaning system that doesn’t rely on the pools filtration system the robotic cleaner is the way to go. It is powered from household current and has an on board computer to help make it very efficient at cleaning the swimming pool.
Some of the advantages of the robotic pool cleaner are it is self contained. It stores trash it picks up on board so it doesn’t rely on the pool filter. It doesn’t loose cleaning ability even if the swimming pool filtration system isn’t 100 %. It has power driven scrub brushes to scrub the pool walls and floor.
Cons of a robotic pool cleaner: Cost, they are the most expensive type of automatic pool cleaner. Expensive to repair.
Clint Walker has been in the swimming pool industry in S.C. since 1998. Today he enjoys writing informative articles to help homeowners better understand proper pool maintenance. We hope this article on robotic pool cleaners will assist you in making a wise decision on your choice of pool equipment.