Pool cleaners: what type should you buy?

If you don’t engage a pool maintenance team to keep your pool clean and healthy on a regular basis, you’ll need to purchase a pool cleaner. There are several different pool cleaners on the market, so which do you choose?

This guide will help you understand the difference between each pool cleaner and find the right system for you. We’ll start from the most basic pool cleaning system to the premium option.

Types of pool cleaners

Telescope Pole

Telescope poles are the most basic pool cleaning tool you can own. This will allow you to manually brush the pool’s surfaces and collect debris. There are attachments such as scrub brushes and skimmers that allow you to clean off algae.

Telescope poles are a very inexpensive option, but they do rely on elbow grease and will give you a good workout. It’s also the most time-consuming way to clean a pool, although very therapeutic for some. Most pool owners will use a telescope pole in addition to a regular pool cleaning service by the professionals.

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Manual Pool Vacuum

A step up from the telescope pole is a manual pool vacuum. This handheld device enables you to clean the surfaces of your pool and vacuum dirt and small debris. Most models are battery powered and simply attach to your telescope pole which means there are no hoses or cords to worry about.

To clean your entire pool with a manual pool vacuum will take time depending on the size of your pool, so these are best used for spot cleaning. It’s recommended you backwash your pool filter after vacuuming which adds more time and effort.

Suction-side cleaners

Suction pool cleaners are attached via a hose to the circulation system. Water is strained through the skimmer and filter and the machine automatically moves around the pool floor and sometimes up the walls cleaning up dirt and debris.

These are the most basic of the automatic pool cleaners and are suitable for those pools that are exposed to dust or small particles on a regular basis. It’s worth taking into consideration, your pool filter will require more frequent cleaning with a suction-side cleaner and you’ll also be running your pool pump during the clean which will increase your electricity use.

Pressure-side cleaners

As the name suggests, pressure-side cleaners operate by using pressure to move along the bottom of the pool and up the walls. Unlike suction-side cleaners, most pressure cleaners are fitted with their own filter bag. This can help minimise the wear and tear on your pool filter and the need to clean the filtration system as frequently.

Pressure-side cleaners are also superior at collecting larger debris such as leaves and twigs. Many models will operate on their own, however, some will require a separate pump for added power to help them perform better.

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Robotic pool cleaner

Robotic pool cleaners are highly popular as they clean the pool independently and very efficiently. They work by vacuuming the pool’s surface directly into its own filter and can be programmed to maneuver around any shaped pool. They’ll even navigate steps and oddly shaped angles.

If you’re looking for an energy efficient pool cleaning system, robotic cleaners may be your best option. They’re also highly suitable for above-ground pools that aren’t equipped with a skimmer basket.

You’ll have the choice between a floor-only model or one that can navigate both floors and walls. Robotic pool cleaners can also be fitted with additional options including a scrubber or brush for a more thorough clean or a supplied with a remote control.

In-floor cleaning systems

When it comes to pool cleaning, the top of the line system is an in-floor automatic vacuum system. It’s the most expensive option and will need to be installed during the construction of your pool.

The in-floor cleaning system comprises of jets that are installed in the bottom of the pool and connect to a return line. When the system is turned on, jet heads pop up and a strong current is produced. The pressure forces the debris and dirt into the main drains before being transported to the pool’s filtration system.

As an automatic pool system, it does come at a cost and it is argued that the results aren’t as superior as other cleaners such as the robotic pool cleaner. If you are considering installing an in-floor cleaning system, you’ll also need to factor in the running costs in addition to the up-front costs. In-floor cleaning systems use a lot of energy which means your monthly electricity bill is going to be considerably higher than if you choose other models.

Feature image source: avenzzi.com