The days of manually vacuuming your pool are over. Automatic pool cleaners allow pool owners to enjoy their pool and not work on it. There are 3 types available:
- Suction – the most popular and least expensive
- Pressure – priced in the mid-range
- Robotic cleaners- the most expensive but definitely the best
The Knowledge You Need
Suctions side means that the automatic pool cleaner comes with approximately 40 ft of 3 ft hose sections that are joined together. The quantity used depends on the pool size. It works like manual vacuums in that the hose end is connected to the skimmer or vacuum port.
Pressure cleaners are attached to the pool’s return fitting. The water pressure picks up the dirt and deposits it in a net or bag. This type of cleaner is often the best choice if your pool gets a lot of leaves. Suction models can plug up in excessively leafy environments.
Robotic models are the best of both worlds. They do not need hoses and run independently of the pool’s filtration system making them environmentally friendly as all the dirt, leaves etc. are caught in the cleaner. This can drastically reduce the need for backwashing or cleaning cartridge cleaners.
High tech features make the latest generation of robotic cleaners the pool owners’ choice. Although they have a higher price point than suction type cleaners, prices have dropped considerably in recent years. They have superior features which include the following:
- Work independently of the pool’s filtration system
- Separate hose system not required
- Saves on backwashing & cartridge filter cleaning
- Some may be programmed for customized cleaning
- Some models capable of remote control
- Most clean a typical pool in 4 hours or less
Happy Swimming!
