Figuring out which pool cleaner is best can feel a bit tricky when you’re new to pool care. There are so many types, and each seems to promise a sparkling clean pool. Don’t worry, we’ll make it simple.
This guide will walk you through the options step-by-step so you can pick the perfect cleaner for your backyard oasis. Let’s find the right one for you.
Finding The Best Pool Cleaner For Your Needs
Keeping your pool clean is important for enjoying a refreshing swim. A clean pool looks good and is healthier. But how do you get it clean?
That’s where pool cleaners come in. They do the hard work for you, scrubbing away dirt, debris, and algae. The big question many pool owners ask is, which pool cleaner is best?
The answer isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on your pool type, how much cleaning you want to do, and your budget.
We’ll explore the main types of pool cleaners. You’ll learn what makes each one good and who it’s best for. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the right cleaner for your pool.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Explained
Automatic pool cleaners are popular because they take the manual labor out of cleaning. You just plug them in or connect them, and they get to work. They move around your pool on their own, sucking up debris and scrubbing surfaces.
This saves you a lot of time and effort.
Suction Side Pool Cleaners
Suction side cleaners are one of the most common types. They connect to your pool’s skimmer. The pool pump sucks water through the cleaner, and this suction also pulls debris from the pool floor and walls into the cleaner’s bag or filter.
They are usually the least expensive option.
How They Work
Imagine a small vacuum that lives in your pool. Your pool’s pump creates suction. This suction pulls water from the skimmer, through a hose, and into the cleaner.
The cleaner has a mouth that sweeps across the pool floor. It sucks up leaves, dirt, and small debris. This debris then gets trapped in a filter bag that you need to empty regularly.
Some models can also climb walls and scrub the waterline.
Pros
- Affordable to buy.
- Simple to set up and use.
- Works with your existing pool pump.
Cons
- Can clog if there’s too much debris.
- May reduce your pool pump’s efficiency.
- Don’t always clean walls or stairs well.
- Require frequent emptying of the debris bag.
Best For
Suction side cleaners are great for smaller pools or for owners on a tighter budget who don’t mind doing a bit of extra maintenance. They are good for regular cleaning of moderate debris.
Pressure Side Pool Cleaners
Pressure side cleaners work a bit differently. Instead of using your pool’s main pump for suction, they use a separate booster pump or the return jet pressure from your pool’s existing pump. They use this pressure to create a jet stream that vacuums debris and pushes it into a filter bag attached to the cleaner.
How They Work
These cleaners are powered by the force of water being pushed back into the pool. A hose connects them to a return jet. Water is forced through the cleaner, creating a vacuum effect.
This vacuum pulls dirt and debris into a large filter bag. Many pressure cleaners also have a sweep hose that kicks up debris from the pool floor, making it easier for them to be vacuumed up. They are often good at cleaning larger debris like leaves.
Pros
- Handle larger debris well.
- Can clean most pool surfaces.
- Don’t put extra strain on your pool pump.
- Some models include a sweep hose for better cleaning.
Cons
- Usually more expensive than suction cleaners.
- May require a booster pump, adding to electricity costs and complexity.
- The filter bag needs to be emptied.
Best For
Pool owners who have a lot of trees around their pool and deal with larger debris, or those who want a cleaner that is a bit more powerful than a basic suction cleaner.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners are the most advanced and generally considered the top tier of automatic cleaners. They are self-contained units with their own internal motor and filter. They don’t rely on your pool’s pump or skimmer at all.
You just put them in the pool, plug them in, and they do all the cleaning.
How They Work
These smart cleaners have their own internal motor that powers both their scrubbing brushes and their suction. They use advanced programming to map out your pool and clean it systematically. They collect debris in their own internal filter baskets, which are easy to remove and clean.
Many robotic cleaners can scrub floors, walls, and even the waterline. They offer the most thorough clean with the least amount of effort from you.
Pros
- Most thorough cleaning of all types.
- Clean floors, walls, and waterlines.
- Energy efficient as they don’t use your pool pump.
- Easy to use with minimal setup.
- Internal filters capture fine debris and algae.
Cons
- Highest initial cost.
- Require their own power source.
- Heavier to lift out of the pool.
Best For
Pool owners who want the ultimate convenience and the cleanest pool possible with minimal effort. They are ideal for those who want to reduce chemical use by removing debris that algae feeds on.
Manual Pool Cleaning Tools
While automatic cleaners are fantastic, sometimes you just need a few basic tools to keep things tidy. Manual cleaning is about direct control and tackling specific spots.
Pool Skimmers
A pool skimmer net is a must-have for every pool owner. It’s a simple net on a pole that you use to scoop out floating debris like leaves, bugs, and twigs from the surface of your pool.
How They Work
You simply drag the skimmer net across the surface of the water. The net catches anything floating on top. It’s a quick way to maintain the surface appearance of your pool and prevent debris from sinking and becoming harder to remove.
Pros
- Very inexpensive.
- Easy to use for surface debris.
- Requires no power or setup.
Cons
- Only cleans the surface.
- Requires manual effort.
Best For
Quick daily cleanups of floating debris. It’s the first line of defense before debris sinks.
Pool Brushes
A good pool brush is essential for scrubbing the surfaces of your pool, including the walls, floor, and steps. Brushing helps to loosen dirt, algae, and other grime that might be stuck to the pool surfaces. This makes it easier for your pool cleaner or filter to remove them.
How They Work
You attach a pool brush to a telescopic pole. Then, you manually scrub the pool surfaces. For stubborn algae, you might need to brush more vigorously.
Regular brushing prevents algae from taking hold and keeps your pool looking clear.
Pros
- Effective for removing stuck-on grime and algae.
- Helps prevent algae growth.
- Can reach corners and tight spots.
Cons
- Requires manual effort.
- Can be tiring for large pools.
Best For
Preventing and removing algae and stubborn dirt from pool surfaces, especially in areas that automatic cleaners might miss.
Pool Vacuum Heads
A pool vacuum head is another manual tool. It connects to a telescopic pole and a vacuum hose. The other end of the hose connects to your pool’s skimmer or a dedicated vacuum port.
You manually move the vacuum head around the pool floor to suck up debris.
How They Work
You assemble the vacuum head, pole, and hose. You then prime the hose by filling it with water and connecting it to your skimmer. The suction from your pool pump pulls water and debris through the hose and into your pool’s filter system.
This is good for targeted cleaning of the pool floor.
Pros
- Effective for cleaning the pool floor.
- Can remove heavier debris from the bottom.
- Works with your existing pool pump.
Cons
- Requires manual effort to move.
- Can be time-consuming for large pools.
- Requires a functional pool pump and filter.
Best For
Deep cleaning the pool floor and removing settled debris when you notice specific areas that need attention.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Pool Cleaner
When you’re trying to decide which pool cleaner is best, think about these important things:
- Pool Size and Shape: Some cleaners are better suited for different pool sizes and shapes. A small, simple pool might not need a high-end robotic cleaner, while a large, complex pool might benefit greatly from one.
- Type of Debris: Do you have lots of leaves from nearby trees? Or is it mostly fine dust? Suction cleaners might struggle with large leaves, while robotic cleaners can handle a mix.
- Pool Surfaces: Is your pool vinyl, fiberglass, plaster, or tile? Some brushes and cleaners are designed for specific surfaces to avoid damage.
- Budget: Pool cleaners range from under $100 to over $1,000. Decide how much you’re willing to spend upfront and for ongoing costs (like electricity or replacement parts).
- Maintenance Effort: How much time do you want to spend cleaning? Robotic cleaners offer the most convenience, while manual tools require the most hands-on work.
- Power Source: Do you want a cleaner that uses your pool pump, needs a separate booster pump, or has its own power source?
Comparison Table
Here’s a quick look at how the main types of automatic pool cleaners compare:
| Feature | Suction Side Cleaner | Pressure Side Cleaner | Robotic Cleaner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Power | Good for light to moderate debris | Good for moderate to heavy debris | Excellent for all types of debris |
| Surface Cleaning | Primarily floor, some wall climbing | Floor, some wall climbing | Floor, walls, waterline |
| Debris Collection | Pool skimmer or filter bag | Filter bag attached to cleaner | Internal filter basket |
| Ease of Use | Simple setup | Moderate setup, may need booster pump | Very easy setup |
| Cost | Low to moderate | Moderate to high | High |
| Energy Usage | Uses pool pump | Uses pool pump or booster pump | Own power source, energy efficient |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How often should I use my pool cleaner?
Answer: For automatic cleaners, it’s best to run them regularly, perhaps 2-3 times a week, or even daily if your pool gets a lot of debris. Manual cleaning should be done as needed, but skimming daily can make a big difference.
Question: Can a robotic cleaner clean my entire pool?
Answer: Yes, most modern robotic cleaners are designed to clean the entire pool, including the floor, walls, and waterline. Their internal programming helps them cover all areas systematically.
Question: Do I need a special pump for a pressure side cleaner?
Answer: Some pressure side cleaners can work with your existing pool pump’s return jet pressure. However, many perform better and are designed to work with a separate booster pump, which will increase your setup cost and energy use.
Question: What if my pool cleaner gets stuck or doesn’t move?
Answer: Check for blockages in the cleaner’s intake or filter bag. Ensure the hose is properly connected and not kinked. For robotic cleaners, make sure the power cord is not tangled and the unit is receiving power.
Question: Which pool cleaner is best for a vinyl liner pool?
Answer: Robotic cleaners are generally the safest and most effective for vinyl liner pools. Their brushes are typically made of softer materials and they don’t rely on harsh suction that could potentially damage the liner over time.
Final Thoughts
Choosing which pool cleaner is best depends on your specific needs. For budget-friendly, basic cleaning, suction cleaners are a good start. Pressure cleaners offer more power for heavier debris.
Robotic cleaners provide the most thorough and convenient cleaning experience. Consider your pool type, debris load, and how much effort you want to put in. With the right cleaner, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, more inviting pool with less hassle.