PoolVacCleanerLogo

Pool Vac Cleaner

Pool Vacuum and Pool Cleaner Information, Reviews & FAQ

Suction Cleaner vs Robotic Cleaner vs Pressure Side Cleaner - Pool Cleaner Comparison

Suction Swimming Pool Cleaners:

Suction pool cleaners attach to your existing filter system either through the skimmer or through a side intake that connects to the pump filter. Dirt and debris are sucked in and large debris is either captured by the skimmer basket or the pump basket, allowing small debris to be captured by the filter. The suction cleaner is the only type that does not have a self-contained filtration device. The suction style cleaner only works when the pool pump is running which may not make it the most environmentally friendly cleaner in some peoples eyes. However, the pool pump should be running and filtering the water for several hours a day, at minimum. So, the suction cleaner is actually cleaning your pool and using the same amount of energy you would be using anyways. Compared to the other two pool cleaners. the suction style cleaner is economically priced.

Pros:

  • Runs when the pump runs
  • Suction cleaners are inexpensive
  • Requires few if any extra parts to connect to your current system, saving you time and money
  • Efficiently cleans as it moves around and scrubs the pool floor and walls

Cons:

  • Only works when pump is running
  • May require increased performance from current pump/filter
  • Increases debris collected in skimmer basket and pump basket
  • May need to clean filter more often

Popular brands:

Hayward, Kreepy Krauly, Polaris, Dirt Devil, Zodiac Baracuda

 

Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaners:

Robotic pool cleaners contain two motors, one for propulsion and the other for vacuuming. The robotic pool cleaner is a fully contained and self sufficient machine. Power comes from either an extension cord, self contained batteries or self contained rechargeable batteries. Unlike the other two cleaners, the robotic pool cleaner should be removed after completing each cleaning. The built-in filter should then be inspected and cleaned to ensure proper operation. The built-in filter, may prolong the life of your current swimming pool filter system by reducing the amount of debris that actually enters the swimming pool filter. Robotic pool cleaners are typically more expensive than the other types of pool cleaners. However, you may be able to recoup some of the cost since the robotic cleaner does not require you to run your swimming pool pump while the pool cleaner is in use.

Pros:

  • Cleans when pool pump is on and off
  • Includes a built-in filter
  • Cleans entire pool: steps, floors and walls
  • Efficient at cleaning small debris and leaves
  • Reduced stress on swimming pool filter system

Cons:

  • Expense - priced higher than suction or pressure-side cleaners
  • Removing cleaner from the pool to remove debris
  • Extension cord varieties may be cumbersome

Popular Brands:

Aquabot, Aqua Vac, Dirt Devil, Dolphin, Polaris, Hayward, Zodiac Baracuda

 

Pressure-Side Swimming Pool Cleaners:

Pressure-side cleaners attach to the pressure side, of your pool pump which is the return side of your pool's circulation system. These units may require a separate booster pump. The pressure from the water being pumped back into the pool is used to propel these cleaners. The system splits the water pressure into three directions; the thrusters, the venturi and the sweeper tail. The thrusters give the unit propulsion. The venturi propels water upwards into a bag, and is used to capture large debris. The sweeper tail is a built in agitator that stirs up debris and small particles to be captured by the filter. Pressure cleaners may not have the same brushing ability as the suction or robotic cleaners, although these cleaners will continue to operate and stir-up debris even with a full bag. Pressure cleaners tend to add less stress on the filter by reducing the amount of debris that makes is to pump basket and fitter. This type is moderately priced compared to the other two cleaners.

Pros:

  • Distributes clean filtered water throughout the pool
  • Includes its own filtration bag, putting less stress on your filter
  • Booster pump takes pressure off of filter
  • Excellent for removing large debris
  • The sweeper tail increases filtration

Cons:

  • Only useful when pool pump is running
  • Separate booster pump may be required, increasing overall cost
  • Pushes dirt around instead of instant removal
  • Limited scrubbing ability of pool floor and walls

Popular Brands:

Hayward, Kreepy Krauly, Polaris

Recent reviews

Coming Soon.

Articles

Suction Cleaner vs Robotic Cleaner vs Pressure Side Cleaner - Pool Cleaner Comparison

Do I Need a Pool Cleaner?

Copyright © 2011 Pool Vac Cleaner