Pool Cleaners Buying Guide

Pool cleaners are an essential accessory for your in-ground or above-ground pool. A clean pool is not only more beautiful and appealing; it is also healthier for you. In addition, regular cleaning is an integral part of the maintenance required to keep your pool functioning in top form for years to come. Pool cleaners are available in a variety of styles and prices, with options ranging from skimmer nets on poles to high tech robotic cleaners.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For clear and sanitary pool water, it is essential to use a testing kit to check the PH balance and chemical levels, and to make adjustments according to results. Proper chemical balance helps prevent bacteria and algae from growing, and keeps your pool looking great.

Prices vary based on the type of cleaner you are purchasing. Simple manual cleaning tools can be purchased for under $30. Of the automatic cleaners, suction-side models are usually least expensive, ranging from about $150 to $500. Pressure-side units are usually pricier, with a range from about $400 up to $800. Robotic cleaners cost most, ranging from about $400 for some above-ground pool options to as high as $2,000 for in-ground choices, with many good units available for around $1,000. As a general rule, cleaners for above-ground pools fall in the lower end of each style's price range, with those designed for in-ground pools costing more.

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