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 Suction Side Pool Cleaners
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.
This type cleaner is probably not the best choice if you have large debris such as leaves and twigs entering the pool frequently. This is the best cleaner choice if you mainly have sand and silt debris that needs to be cleaned from the pool.
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.
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 Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners have electric motors inside them to drive the cleaner and vacuum up debris. An on board computer "learns" the shape of the swimming pool to maximize the robotic cleaners efficiency.
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.
Cons of a robotic pool cleaner: Cost, they are the most expensive type of automatic pool cleaner. Expensive to repair. - 30521
Automatic Suction Side Pool Cleaners
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.
This type cleaner is probably not the best choice if you have large debris such as leaves and twigs entering the pool frequently. This is the best cleaner choice if you mainly have sand and silt debris that needs to be cleaned from the pool.
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.
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 Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners have electric motors inside them to drive the cleaner and vacuum up debris. An on board computer "learns" the shape of the swimming pool to maximize the robotic cleaners efficiency.
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.
Cons of a robotic pool cleaner: Cost, they are the most expensive type of automatic pool cleaner. Expensive to repair. - 30521
About the Author:
Clint Walker has been a swimming pool builder in S.C. since 1998. 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.
