Automatic Pool Cleaner Types

An automatic pool cleaner is convenient if you don't have a lot of time to spend cleaning your pool manually. Here's an overview of 3 types of automatic pool cleaners.

1. Pressure Pool Cleaners

These pool cleaners use water pressure from a pump to clean the pool. The pump can either be the main circulation pump or a booster pump designed just for the cleaning device. This type of cleaner uses the water pressure to move the cleaner around the pool and push debris into the bag on the device.  

The best thing about this type of pool cleaner is that it doesn't move debris into the pool filter or pump basket. This means the pool doesn't have to be cleaned as often. If your pool has a lot of trees surrounding it, or if it gets dirty very easily, this is probably the best pool cleaner to purchase.

This type of automatic cleaner has many advantages. It cleans the pool very well and lasts a long time. The disadvantage is that it can't filter small particles through the bag, and it doesn't scrub the pool's walls.  

2. Suction Cleaners

This type uses suction to move the device and vacuum debris off the floor of the pool. This cleaner has many advantages. One is that the cleaning device acts like a moving drain. When the cleaner removing debris, it also moves water through the filtration system. This means the pool turns more water over in a shorter period of time.

Some of these cleaners can even scrub the pool walls. As the cleaner moves around the pool, it agitates and scrubs the walls. This means you don't have to brush your pool as often. Because this cleaner sucks material right into the filter, it has the ability to remove finer particles.

You don't have to install additional pumps, and this type of cleaner is usually less expensive to buy. If you don't get a lot of large debris in your pool, this is a good choice.

It can be a hassle, however, to have the filter and basket constantly filling with debris, especially if you have a lot of trees in your backyard. One solution is to buy a leaf trap to catch larger pieces of debris. Make sure your filter is clean so that the main pump continues to work efficiently.

3. Robotic Cleaners

This type of cleaner is driven by an electric motor inside the device. The unit is powered by electricity from a transformer plugged into an outdoor GFCI outlet. The transformer converts electricity through a low voltage wire that connects to the cleaner through a cord.  

The cleaner moves debris into its own filters through a separate pump inside the unit. This device also typically has a computer chip that watches the cleaner as it cleans, and teaches it to clean more efficiently. Some models let you control the device using a remote control.

These cleaners are good for cleaning up small debris and sand. They also scrub the walls and the tile line, and circulate the water around your pool. Robotic cleaners are expensive, but worth the added cost.