Choosing an automatic swimming pool cleaner can be a tough decision. You can be better prepared to make the right choice if you understand how each type of pool cleaner works.To best decide which type cleaner will work in your situation, let's discuss the capabilities of each type.
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.
The suction type pool cleaner will require more routine filter cleaning in order for it to remain efficient. As your filter becomes contaminated from debris the cleaner is picking up, less water flow is available for cleaning the pool.
Cons of a suction side pool cleaner: Larger debris will fill skimmer basket quickly requiring frequent cleaning. Traps debris removed in pool filtration system. Losses efficiency as filter becomes contaminated, requiring frequent back washing or filter servicing.
Automatic Pool Cleaners- Pressure Side
The pressure side automatic pool cleaner also operates off the swimming pool filtration system but on the pressure side. This type cleaner has a water driven propulsion system and some are capable of cleaning the pool walls as well as the floor. The pressure side cleaner has a debris bag attached to the cleaner for trash containment.
The trash it picks up is not directed through the swimming pool filter. Jets inside the cleaner force water up through the bag creating a vacuum on the bottom of the cleaner. Some pressure side pool cleaners have a booster pump to increase the cleaning ability of the cleaner. In most cases the swimming pool equipment pump still has to be running along with the booster pump. This type cleaner is best if leaves and other larger debris is routinely in the swimming pool.It is not the best choice for removing small debris such as sand and silt as the mesh bag will let this type of debris flow right through and back into the swimming pool.Automatic
The robotic pool cleaner is completely self contained and operates off electricity. It has it's own pump, drive motor and containment system built right into the cleaner. Most robotic cleaners have onboard computers and has the capability of learning the shape of the pool. This helps the cleaner to effectively and efficiently clean the entire pool in the shortest amount of time.
Robotic Automatic Pool Cleaners
The robotic pool cleaner will scrub the walls and the floor of the swimming pool eliminating the need to preform this task manually.
Pros of a robotic pool cleaner: It scrubs the walls and floor of the pool. Has it's own motors so it doesn't add to the wear of the pool filtration system. It has it's own containment system so it doesn't contribute to the filter contamination.
Some of the disadvantages are the high cost to purchase and it will probably have to be sent off if it ever needs servicing. You will need a GFCI receptacle in the area to power it. - 30521
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.
The suction type pool cleaner will require more routine filter cleaning in order for it to remain efficient. As your filter becomes contaminated from debris the cleaner is picking up, less water flow is available for cleaning the pool.
Cons of a suction side pool cleaner: Larger debris will fill skimmer basket quickly requiring frequent cleaning. Traps debris removed in pool filtration system. Losses efficiency as filter becomes contaminated, requiring frequent back washing or filter servicing.
Automatic Pool Cleaners- Pressure Side
The pressure side automatic pool cleaner also operates off the swimming pool filtration system but on the pressure side. This type cleaner has a water driven propulsion system and some are capable of cleaning the pool walls as well as the floor. The pressure side cleaner has a debris bag attached to the cleaner for trash containment.
The trash it picks up is not directed through the swimming pool filter. Jets inside the cleaner force water up through the bag creating a vacuum on the bottom of the cleaner. Some pressure side pool cleaners have a booster pump to increase the cleaning ability of the cleaner. In most cases the swimming pool equipment pump still has to be running along with the booster pump. This type cleaner is best if leaves and other larger debris is routinely in the swimming pool.It is not the best choice for removing small debris such as sand and silt as the mesh bag will let this type of debris flow right through and back into the swimming pool.Automatic
The robotic pool cleaner is completely self contained and operates off electricity. It has it's own pump, drive motor and containment system built right into the cleaner. Most robotic cleaners have onboard computers and has the capability of learning the shape of the pool. This helps the cleaner to effectively and efficiently clean the entire pool in the shortest amount of time.
Robotic Automatic Pool Cleaners
The robotic pool cleaner will scrub the walls and the floor of the swimming pool eliminating the need to preform this task manually.
Pros of a robotic pool cleaner: It scrubs the walls and floor of the pool. Has it's own motors so it doesn't add to the wear of the pool filtration system. It has it's own containment system so it doesn't contribute to the filter contamination.
Some of the disadvantages are the high cost to purchase and it will probably have to be sent off if it ever needs servicing. You will need a GFCI receptacle in the area to power it. - 30521
About the Author:
Clint Walker has been a swimming pool builder in S.C. since'98. Today he enjoys writing informative articles to help homeowners better understand proper pool maintenance. We hope this article on automatic pool cleaners will assist you in making a wise decision on your choice of pool equipment.
