Are Automatic Pool Cleaners Worth the Money?

Now that you’re a pool owner, you want that sparkling clean water that the neighbors envy. Yet how do you achieve this crystal clear water when you don’t have the time to vacuum it? Hiring a pool maintenance service is one idea, but a more budget-friendly option is purchasing an automatic pool cleaner.

What is an Automatic Pool Cleaner?

There are three types of pool cleaners: pressure-side pool cleaners, robotic pool cleaners and suction-side pool cleaners. Each one has unique benefits, but all have the same goal: to keep your swimming pool clean while taking some of the burden off you.

Let’s take a closer look at the three automatic pool cleaners and which one is recommended by Paradise Pools.

Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners

Pressure-side pool cleaners tend to be the most popular because they can clean large debris, they are durable and easy to take care of and they don’t push the debris into the filter or pump basket.

To work, pressure-side pool cleaners use pressure from your pool’s pump and filter. The water pressure moves the wheels around to push out the cleaner, and the jets create a water vortex. Dirt and debris are lifted into the filter bag.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic pool cleaners are the best by our standards. However, they are also the most expensive. Robotic cleaners are effective at cleaning large and small debris. They also circulate the pool water when your filter isn’t running and scrub your tile lines and pool wall.

Powered by an electric motor and pump, robotic cleaners connect to a low-voltage transformer that plugs into one of your outdoor outlets. The cleaner lifts up debris into the filter bag through its pump, so it doesn’t rely on your filter system.

Some newer robotic pool cleaners contain a computer chip that tracks activity and helps you to be more efficient with cleaning your pool. It’s a great way to save time and money.

Suction-Side Pool Cleaners

One last automatic pool cleaner is a suction-side pool cleaner. This cleaner uses suction from your skimmer to move around your pool and clean up debris. It’s essentially a vacuum that moves on its own, and it needs your pool system for power and filtration. If you are on a low budget, a suction-side pool cleaner can work. However, they are not our first recommendation.

What Does Paradise Pools Recommend?

If your budget allows, we highly recommend a robotic pool cleaner. Specifically, the Hayward TigerShark Series that uses less energy, doesn’t require an extra pump and includes Quick Clean Technology. Some models even clean in between the tile lines for you!

If you’re on a budget, we suggest a pressure-side cleaner from Pentair. This cleaner is highly efficient and can handle both small and large debris. It’s also more affordable compared to the robotic pool cleaners.

If you have any questions about automatic pool cleaners and how they can help you, call Paradise Pools. Also inquire about our simple, affordable pool maintenance services that will keep your pool sparkling clean for you!