Clean is the key
Maintaining a clean pool is essential for both aesthetics and health. You want your pool looking great for decades to come and you want to protect swimmers from germs and other nasties.
Various cleaning systems are available, each with their own advantages and considerations. On this page, we're going to explore the pros and cons of suction cleaners, pressure cleaners, robotic pool cleaners, and automated in-floor pool cleaning systems.
Suction pool cleaners
Suction cleaners attach with a hose to your skimmer box and use the suction created by your filtration system to suck up grime.
There are two kinds of suction cleaners:
Inertia driven pool suction cleaners clean in a random pattern. While they will cover every inch of your pool, it may take some time. They work well in pools with curved walls and no sharp corners. The popular Zodiac and Kreepy Krawler models are this type of cleaner.
Geared suction pool cleaners move in a pre-determined pattern and will clean your pool surface in the shortest time possible. They can easily get into tight corners which makes them suitable for smaller pools with lots of steps and sharp ledges. Geared cleaners have more moving parts than the random pattern models, so they may need more maintenance.
Suction Cleaners: Pros & Cons
PROS
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Cheaper than other types of pool cleaners
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Easy to install
CONS
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If you leave them permanently in the pool, they fill up the skimmer box, meaning extra effort for the pump.
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With the suction hose attached, your skimmer box isn't catching any debris from the pool surface. This means all debris goes to the bottom and makes more work for the suction cleaner.
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All debris and dirt ends up in the filter which means backwashing is required more often, which increases water consumption.
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Costs more to run because your filter pump must be set to a higher speed to operate the suction.
Pressure cleaners
Pressure cleaners are generally more powerful than suction cleaners. Most operate with an additional booster pump which needs a separate hose connection in the pool wall. These can be expensive to retrofit, so not suitable if your pool isn't already plumbed for it. Pressure cleaners that connect directly into your existing pool pump may put strain on the filtration system.
Pressure Cleaners: Pros & Cons
PROS
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Good at reaching into tight corners
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Collect everything, from fine sand to rocks and leaves
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Can be faster than suction cleaners
CONS
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More expensive than most suction cleaners
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May need more maintenance than a suction cleaner
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Additional installation costs due to a separate booster pump being required
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Separate booster pump means higher electricity costs
Robotic pool cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners have rapidly gained popularity as a convenient, efficient pool cleaning method. Unlike traditional cleaning systems, these automated devices work independently from a pool’s filtration system. This reduces wear on the pool’s equipment and lowers energy consumption.
Current models come with advanced features, such as cordless operation, making them easier to maneuver and more versatile, especially in larger or uniquely shaped pools. Many intelligently learn the shape of the pool to ensure thorough coverage.
Due to powerful suction, a good robotic cleaner can tackle difficult debris, including long, strappy leaves. Their ease of use and effectiveness make them an increasingly common choice for homeowners looking for hassle-free pool maintenance.
Robotic Cleaners: Pros & Cons
PROS
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Independent operation saves on energy and reduces strain on the pool's filtration system
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Effective at removing nearly all types of debris with powerful suction and smart navigation
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Cordless models offer greater convenience and ease of use
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Suitable for pools of various shapes and sizes, including larger and irregularly shaped pools
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Minimal setup and maintenance effort required
CONS
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Higher upfront cost compared to traditional pool cleaning systems
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Regular maintenance and occasional repairs may be required
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Limited battery life on cordless models may require frequent recharging
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Heavier models can be cumbersome to lift in and out of the pool
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Cartridge filters must be emptied by hand
Automated in-floor cleaning
If you are about to build a pool, you will be excited to know that there is a fourth option. Automated in-floor cleaning systems are considered almost standard in the United States and Europe, and are quickly growing in popularity in Australia.
With an in-floor automated pool cleaning system, you no longer need to worry about using a robotic or suction cleaner. A system of retractable jets circulates the pool water towards a drain where debris is removed from the pool automatically. Increased circulation not only means less debris in your pool, it means that your pool remains in better chemical balance.
