Picking out a pool cleaner can feel a little confusing sometimes. There are so many types, and they all do different things! It’s easy to wonder which pool cleaner will work best for your backyard oasis.
But don’t worry, we’ll make this super simple. We’ll walk through it step by step so you can get a sparkling clean pool without any fuss. Let’s figure out the best option together.
Choosing the Right Pool Cleaner
Keeping your pool clean is a big job, and the right pool cleaner makes it so much easier. Lots of people ask, “Which pool cleaner should I get?” because they want a sparkling pool without spending all their free time scrubbing. The good news is, with a little bit of know-how, you can find a pool cleaner that’s just right for your needs.
We’ll look at the different kinds and what makes each one special. This will help you make a smart choice for your pool.
Types of Pool Cleaners
There are a few main kinds of pool cleaners. Each one has its own way of working and what it’s good at. Knowing the difference helps you decide which pool cleaner fits your pool best.
Suction Side Pool Cleaners
These are a popular choice because they are often the most affordable. A suction side pool cleaner connects to your pool’s skimmer. It uses the suction from your pool’s pump to move around the bottom of your pool.
As it moves, it sucks up dirt, leaves, and debris. It then sends this debris to your pool’s filter.
These cleaners are good for general cleaning and are quite simple to set up. You just plug them into your skimmer. However, they do rely on your existing pool pump.
This means they can put extra strain on your pump and filter. You’ll also need to clean your pool’s filter more often because it catches all the debris.
Pros:
- Affordable to buy.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Good for regular, light cleaning.
Cons:
- Relies on your pool’s pump.
- Can clog your filter faster.
- May not clean walls or stairs well.
Pressure Side Pool Cleaners
Pressure side pool cleaners work a bit differently. Instead of using suction, they hook up to a return line that pushes water back into the pool. This water pressure powers the cleaner.
They often have a special bag or filter to catch larger debris like leaves and acorns.
One cool thing about these cleaners is that they can actually help filter your pool water. The water being pushed through them can add extra circulation. This can help your main pool filter work better.
They are generally good at cleaning the pool floor. Some models can also climb walls and stairs. They are usually a bit more expensive than suction cleaners.
They might also need a booster pump to work at their best.
Pros:
- Helps with water circulation.
- Collects larger debris in a separate bag.
- Some models can clean walls and steps.
Cons:
- May need a booster pump, adding cost and complexity.
- Can be more expensive upfront.
- Less common than suction or robotic cleaners.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners are the high-tech option. They are self-contained units. This means they have their own motor and filter.
You just plug them into a power source and drop them in the pool. They don’t use your pool’s pump or filter at all.
These cleaners are fantastic because they clean thoroughly. They can scrub the pool floor, walls, and even the waterline. They have internal filters that capture dirt, sand, and algae.
This means less work for your main pool filter. They are great for all types of pools and can handle most debris. While they are the most expensive type, many people find they are worth the cost.
They save a lot of time and effort.
Pros:
- Cleans floor, walls, and waterline.
- Has its own filter, reducing strain on pool filter.
- Saves you a lot of time and effort.
- Energy efficient.
Cons:
- Highest upfront cost.
- Requires a power outlet near the pool.
- Can be heavier to lift out of the water.
Manual Pool Cleaning Tools
While not automatic cleaners, manual tools are essential. These include pool brushes, skimmer nets, and vacuum heads. A pool brush is used to scrub dirt off the pool walls and floor.
A skimmer net is perfect for scooping out leaves and other floating debris. A manual vacuum head connects to your skimmer or a separate pump and hose. You then push it around the pool floor to vacuum dirt.
These tools are the most basic and usually the cheapest. They require you to do all the work. However, they are great for spot cleaning.
They can reach areas that automatic cleaners might miss. Many people use these tools in addition to an automatic cleaner. This ensures their pool is always spotless.
Pros:
- Very affordable.
- Good for detailed cleaning and spot treatment.
- Simple to use.
Cons:
- Requires significant physical effort.
- Time-consuming.
- Not suitable for full automatic cleaning.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
When you’re trying to decide which pool cleaner is best, think about a few key things. These will help you narrow down your choices and pick the one that makes the most sense for you.
Pool Size and Shape
The size of your pool matters. A small above-ground pool might do well with a simple suction cleaner. A large in-ground pool might need a more powerful robotic cleaner to cover the entire area efficiently.
The shape of your pool is also important. Some cleaners can handle steps and curves better than others. If you have a complex shape or lots of steps, look for a cleaner designed for that.
Type of Debris
What kind of stuff usually ends up in your pool? If it’s mostly small sand and dirt, most cleaners can handle it. If you get a lot of big leaves and twigs, you might need a cleaner with a larger debris bag or one that can be paired with a good pre-filter.
Robotic cleaners with their own internal filters are often best for catching fine debris.
Your Pool Pump and Filter System
If you have a strong pool pump, a suction or pressure side cleaner might work well. If your pump is older or weaker, a robotic cleaner is a better bet because it doesn’t rely on your pool’s system. Also, consider how often you want to clean your pool’s main filter.
Robotic cleaners help reduce the need for frequent filter cleanings.
Your Budget
Pool cleaners range in price. Suction cleaners are typically the least expensive. Pressure cleaners fall in the middle.
Robotic cleaners are the priciest upfront. Think about what you can afford now and in the long run. Consider how much time and effort you want to save.
Sometimes paying more upfront for a robotic cleaner saves you money on electricity and filter replacements later.
Maintenance and Ease of Use
How much effort do you want to put into maintaining the cleaner itself? Some cleaners are very simple to set up and use. Others might require more attention.
For example, cleaning out a suction cleaner’s bag (which goes into your pool filter) happens when you clean your filter. Robotic cleaner filters are usually easy to remove and rinse.
Comparing Pool Cleaners
Let’s look at a simple comparison to help you see the differences clearly. This can make deciding which pool cleaner to get a bit easier.
| Feature | Suction Side Cleaner | Pressure Side Cleaner | Robotic Cleaner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | Medium | High |
| Power Source | Pool Pump Suction | Pool Return Pressure (sometimes booster pump) | Electric Outlet |
| Cleaning Area | Mostly Floor | Floor, some wall/stair climbing possible | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Debris Collection | Pool Filter | Onboard Bag/Filter | Onboard Filter |
| Filter Strain | High | Medium | Low |
| Ease of Use | Simple | Moderate | Very Simple |
Making the Final Decision
After looking at the types and factors, you can start to see which pool cleaner might be the best fit. For someone on a tight budget who just needs basic cleaning, a suction cleaner is a good start. If you want something that helps circulate water and capture larger debris, a pressure cleaner could be a good option, especially if you don’t mind potentially adding a booster pump.
However, if you want the most thorough clean with the least amount of your own effort, a robotic pool cleaner is usually the top choice. They are independent, efficient, and do a fantastic job on all parts of your pool. Think about your daily routine and how much time you want to spend cleaning.
This will guide you to the right decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the cheapest pool cleaner?
Answer: Generally, suction side pool cleaners are the most affordable option to purchase upfront. Manual cleaning tools are also very cheap but require your effort.
Question: Which pool cleaner is best for algae?
Answer: Robotic pool cleaners are often the best for dealing with algae because they have powerful scrubbing brushes and fine filters that can capture small particles like algae spores.
Question: Do I need a special pump for a pressure side pool cleaner?
Answer: Some pressure side pool cleaners work with your existing pool pump, but many perform better and require a dedicated booster pump for optimal cleaning performance.
Question: How often should I clean my robotic pool cleaner’s filter?
Answer: You should usually clean the filter basket or cartridges of your robotic pool cleaner after each use or at least once a week, depending on how much debris your pool collects.
Question: Can a pool cleaner climb stairs?
Answer: Some robotic pool cleaners are designed with advanced features that allow them to climb walls and even go up steps. Suction and pressure cleaners are less likely to do this effectively.
Final Thoughts
Choosing which pool cleaner works best for you comes down to your pool and your budget. Robotic cleaners offer the most convenience and a deep clean. Suction cleaners are simple and affordable for basic needs.
Pressure cleaners can offer good circulation. Pick the one that fits your pool and your lifestyle for a cleaner, more enjoyable pool.