If you own a pool, you will need to clean it regularly, either manually or with
time-saving and high performing automatic cleaners. Keeping a pool clean involves
removing debris from the pool, cleaning the interior walls and floor, and maintaining
the proper balance of chemicals to prevent bacteria and algae growth. Debris, ranging
from large leaves to fine sand, will be determined to some degree by where you live
and how you landscape.
Prevention is always useful in saving time for you and limiting wear and tear on
your pool filtration system and cleaning devices. A quality
pool cover is helpful, as is pruning back trees as much as aesthetically
workable to help avoid some unnecessary mess in the pool.
Your pool’s filtration system circulates and maintains the pool’s water quality
to some extent, but is not meant to be the sole means to a sanitary pool. In fact,
by regularly cleaning debris from your pool, you can extend the life of your filtration
system, keep it functioning at an optimal and efficient level, and limit maintenance
needs for the system. Regular cleaning can also reduce the need for chemicals such
as chlorine.
The key component in manual cleaning tools is an extendable
pole.
Telescopic poles generally come in two to three attachable pieces, with
overall length ranging from about four to 15 feet. Skimmer nets, leaf rakes, and
brushes all attach to the pole for manual cleaning.
Skimmer nets are better for smaller debris while
leaf rakes are designed to catch large and bulkier leaves. Both are
ideal for catching floating objects before they sink to the bottom.
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Wall and floor
brushes, which clean calcium scale, algae build-up and other dirt, come
in various shapes and materials and should be chosen based on the material of your
pool’s interior. You should check with your pool builder or manufacturer to make
sure you are using the proper brush for your pool. In general, softer nylon bristle
brushes should be used to clean vinyl and fiberglass pools. Concrete pools may require
a stiffer brush with stainless steel bristles. Tile brushes are the softest. On
tile, you should never use an abrasive or stiff brush since these may scratch the
tile or harm the grout. A
pumice stone can also be used on tile for the toughest stains.
The major types of automatic pool cleaners are suction-side,
pressure-side, and robotic cleaners. Automatic pool cleaners do their job with almost
no labor on your part, making them very popular. Top models clean pools quickly,
depending on the size and shape of the pool. Quality units in all three categories
offer effective cleaning, quiet operation, easy set-up and use, and warranties.
Suction-side Cleaners
These underwater vacuums are easy to install and use and
are the most economical automatic pool cleaner option.
Suction-side cleaners attach to your pool’s filtration system via a hose connected
to a water suction port (where the water is being sucked into your filter in order
to be cleaned.) This port is usually your pool’s skimmer (the opening where water
flows into your pool pump.) Some pools have a separate built-in vacuum port that
is used instead. It should only take a few minutes to attach the vacuum to your
pool’s filter and get it running, with no tools required.
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Once attached, suction is generated from your filter and enables the cleaner to
vacuum your pool. The unit automatically travels around the pool while sucking up
debris. Some models include brushes to loosen algae as the unit works. The dirt
travels through the pool’s skimmer and is deposited into your pool’s filter pump
strainer basket, which should be emptied as needed in order to maintain your filter’s
efficiency and avoid clogging.
The upside of suction-side cleaners is their low cost compared to other automatic
cleaners. A significant downside is that the filter’s strainer basket can fill up
quickly during vacuuming, which decreases effectiveness both of your vacuum and
the pool filter itself. Therefore, it should be checked often and may need to be
cleaned each time you vacuum. Also, while the cleaner is hooked up to your skimmer,
your skimmer will not be effective. However, with proper attention to these details,
these cleaners can still be an effective economical choice that is still far less
labor-intensive than manual cleaning.
There are different models for above-ground and in-ground pools, with above-ground
models significantly less expensive. Be sure to purchase the right model for your
pool.
Pressure-side Cleaners
Pressure-side cleaners are also generally easy to set up
and use, and are the mid-range price option for automatic cleaners. The exception
is if you need to install a booster pump, which increases both installation effort
and cost.
Unlike suction-side cleaners, which attach to the suction side of your pool’s filtration
system, pressure-side cleaners have a hose that attaches to the pressure, or return,
side of the circulation system. The force of the filtered water that is being pumped
back into your pool powers these units, both moving them and creating the vacuum
power to suck up debris. Some pressure-side units need a dedicated
booster pump and line to provide enough pressure, which adds to installation
costs but decreases wear on your pool’s main pump.
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Pressure-side cleaners have their own debris bag, which needs to be emptied by hand
when full. They also have a sweeper tail that stirs water as it moves and dislodges
small debris, which is then shifted toward the pool’s skimmer to provide additional
cleaning.
The way these cleaners operate has some clear advantages over suction-side cleaners.
Because of the way they function, they help distribute filtered water throughout
the pool as they travel. Since they have a debris bag, they won't clog your pool’s
skimmer or filter and you won't have to check and empty your filter’s strainer basket
after cleanings. And because these cleaners don't attach to the pool’s skimmer,
it won't impact the skimmer’s functioning.
Like suction-side cleaners, pressure-side cleaners also come in different models
for above-ground or in-ground pools. Again, use care in choosing the appropriate
model for your pool.
Robotic Cleaners
Robotic cleaners are the top of the line option in terms
of convenience, ease of use, and performance. They are also generally the most expensive
choice.
Robotic cleaners are self-contained units that include their own pump, filtration
system, and propulsion motor. Since they do not need to connect to your pool’s filtration
system at all, they do not need hoses, dedicated lines, filter connections, or booster
pumps. They operate on low voltage electricity; typically, a transformer is plugged
into a wall outlet and a long submersible cord from the cleaner plugs into the transformer
to provide its power. Basically, you plug these units in, place them in the water,
and let them go.
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The unit sucks up debris while rotating brushes, rollers, or water jets clean the
walls and floors. These units are generally capable of removing debris ranging in
size from large leaves to algae. Debris is collected within the unit and should
be emptied out periodically. Additional features are available. Some are programmable,
some can be operated by remote control, and many come with an automatic shut-off
feature.
There are many advantages to robotic cleaners. The main one is the outstanding convenience
and ease of use. Since a robotic cleaner is a self-contained unit, it will not put
pressure on your pool’s filtration system, and it is the only automatic cleaner
that can be used when your pool’s circulation system is off. It increases water
circulation while it works, which aids your pool’s filtration system. Finally, a
robotic cleaner is the fastest option for cleaning your pool. Overall, though robotic
pool cleaners cost the most up front, they offer savings in your labor and time,
as well as savings in energy and pool maintenance by working independently from
the overall filtration system. They can even provide savings in chemicals because
they work so effectively to clean pools.
Like the other automatic cleaners, most robotic cleaners are tailored for above
or in-ground pools, so review the product specifications to make sure you are buying
the right one for your pool.