One of the best water features you can put in your home’s yard is a swimming pool. It is an amazing addition to any landscaping that also offers comfort, especially on warm days. But pool ownership comes with a few responsibilities, such as pool cleaning, understanding the chemicals, and products to buy for cleaning. When it comes to cleaning the pool, most pool guys will tell you it all depends on the situation. There are three types of automatic pool cleaners: pressure side, suction side, and robotic. With such options, you are likely to ask what pool cleaner should I buy? Below, we cover the three with their pros and cons.
Suction Side Pool Cleaners
Suction side pool cleaners use suction created by the pool’s main circulation pump to collect debris from the floor.
Pros:
- They are effective at keeping the pool floor clean.
- They are less costly compared to robotic and pressure side cleaners.
- It is easy to repair, and parts are also not that costly.
- Considering that you only remove it once in a while to rinse off the chemical water and remove debris, there is a reduced chance of you messing with the cleaner.
Cons:
- They use the suction from the main pump to run. That means you take suction away from the main drain and pool skimmers, which is necessary for keeping the pool water clean.
- Require a lot of suction to perform effectively.
- You need a leaf canister to catch debris before it sinks and enters the underground plumbing. Without the leaf canister, you might clog the underground line. And because the canisters are purchased separately, it increases your cost.
Pressure Side Cleaners
There are two types of these cleaners. One runs off the pool’s main circulation pump, while the other one needs a booster pump to work.
Pros:
- They are not that expensive to repair in case of damage.
- Repair parts are widely available.
- Some manufacturers offer extended warranties.
- The cost of a pressure side cleaner is lower than a robotic cleaner.
Cons:
- Pressure side cleaners that need a booster pump will increase your electricity bill.
- They do not scrub the pool surface, which means they are not that effective in cleaning.
- Slightly higher cost of maintenance.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
These are the best pool cleaners in terms of keeping your pool clean. Are robot pool cleaners worth it? Here are the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Longer manufacturer warranty.
- Clean the walls, floor, and tile lines.
- Some models feature Bluetooth, allowing you to set the cycle time.
- Most come with a caddy for you to coil the power on, hold the power supply and mount the cleaner, making your storage work easier.
- As long as your house has power, you can use it even if the pool system is down.
- Saves on energy.
Cons:
- Higher price tag.
- Repair parts are costly and can be unavailable at times.
- More effort from the user.
Choosing The Right Pool Cleaner
Your choice of an automatic pool cleaner depends on your needs. Here at Arizona Pool & Pond Company, we recommend going with quality products that will last you a long time. If you are on the market for cleaning tools, supplies, or parts, get in touch with us today. We help ensure that your pool stays clean.