What Does a Pool Cleaner Do?

Pool cleaners are essential tools for maintaining a clean and healthy swimming pool. They come in various types, each designed to cater to specific pool needs and setups. This article will explore the workings, benefits, and considerations of different types of pool cleaners.

What is a Pool Cleaner?

A pool cleaner is a device designed to remove debris, dirt, and other contaminants from your pool, ensuring it remains clean, safe, and visually appealing. Pool cleaners come in various types, including robotic, suction-side, and pressure-side models, each tailored to specific cleaning needs and pool setups. These devices are essential for maintaining water quality and reducing the manual effort required for pool maintenance.

How Does a Pool Cleaner Work?

Connection to the Pool System

Pool cleaners integrate into your pool’s circulation system or operate independently, depending on the type. For example:

• Suction-side cleaners connect to the pool’s skimmer or dedicated suction line, using the main pump’s suction to move and collect debris.
• Pressure-side cleaners rely on a booster pump or the main pump’s return line to propel themselves and gather debris into a collection bag.
• Robotic cleaners operate independently, powered by electricity, and do not rely on the pool’s circulation system.

Each type of cleaner has a unique connection method, ensuring compatibility with different pool systems and cleaning requirements.

Mechanism of Operation

The operation of a pool cleaner varies by type:

• Suction-side cleaners use the suction created by the pool pump to move across the pool’s surfaces, vacuuming debris into the pool’s filtration system.
• Pressure-side cleaners utilize water pressure to drive their movement and collect debris in an onboard bag, preventing it from reaching the pool filter.
• Robotic cleaners are equipped with motors, brushes, and advanced navigation systems. They actively scrub surfaces, vacuum debris, and filter water independently, offering superior cleaning performance.

Each cleaner type is designed to target specific debris and pool areas, ensuring comprehensive cleaning.

Power Requirements

The power requirements of pool cleaners depend on their type:

• Suction-side and pressure-side cleaners rely on the pool’s existing pump system, with pressure-side models often requiring a booster pump for optimal performance.
• Robotic cleaners operate on electricity, typically requiring a standard 120V outlet. Many models feature energy-efficient designs and programmable timers for convenient operation.

Proper setup and power management are essential for ensuring the efficiency and longevity of your pool cleaner.

Types of Pool Cleaners

There are several types of pool cleaners available, each with its unique features, advantages, and considerations. Here’s a detailed look at the main types of pool cleaners.

Suction-Side Pool Cleaners

How They Work:
Suction-side pool cleaners use the suction power created by the pool’s circulation system to move around and collect debris. They are connected to one of the suction ports in the pool, typically the skimmer or a dedicated vacuum port. The suction created by the filter pump propels the cleaner around the pool, vacuuming dirt and debris through the hose and sending it to the pump strainer basket and filter.

Advantages:

• Cost-Effective: Suction-side cleaners are generally less expensive than pressure-side and robotic cleaners.
• Easy Installation: They are simple to install and operate.
• Suitable for Small Debris: These cleaners are effective for removing fine dirt and small debris.

Disadvantages:

• Strain on Pool Equipment: They can burden the pool pump and filter if there is a lot of larger debris, which can clog the system.
• Dedicated Line Required: The pool needs to have a dedicated line for the suction cleaner to function properly. Using the skimmer line can eliminate the skimmer’s function and reduce overall pool circulation.

Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners

How They Work:
Pressure-side pool cleaners use the water pressure from the pool’s return jets to propel themselves and collect debris. They are connected to the return lines of the pool, and some models require a separate booster pump to enhance their movement and cleaning action. These cleaners store the collected debris in an onboard filter bag, reducing the load on the pool’s filtration system.

Advantages:

• Handles Large Debris: Pressure-side cleaners are better at handling larger debris such as leaves and branches.
• Distributes Clean Water: They help distribute clean, filtered water throughout the pool.
• Low Maintenance: These cleaners are durable and require less maintenance compared to other types.

Disadvantages:

• Booster Pump Requirement: Some models require a separate booster pump, which can increase energy costs.
• Pool Setup Requirements: A dedicated return line is usually required for installation, which may not be available in all pools.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

How They Work:
Robotic pool cleaners are self-contained, electrically powered devices that operate independently of the pool’s circulation system. They are equipped with their own motor, pump, and filtration system. These cleaners use sensors and a navigation system to map the pool and determine the most efficient cleaning path. They can climb pool walls and clean the entire pool surface, including the floor, walls, and waterline.

Advantages:

• High Efficiency: Robotic cleaners are highly efficient and effective in cleaning the pool.
• Independent Operation: They operate independently, reducing strain on the pool’s filtration system.
• Energy Efficiency: They are powered by low-voltage electricity, which reduces energy costs and extends the life of the pool equipment.
• Customizable Cleaning: Many models come with programmable weekly scheduling and different cleaning modes.

Disadvantages:

• Higher Upfront Cost: Robotic cleaners are typically more expensive than suction-side and pressure-side cleaners.
• Filter Maintenance: The built-in filter needs to be emptied regularly, which can be a maintenance task.

Considerations for Choosing a Pool Cleaner

When selecting a pool cleaner, several factors come into play to ensure you choose the right one for your pool’s specific needs. Here are some key considerations:

Pool Size and Shape

Suction-Side: Suitable for smaller to medium-sized pools.
Suction-side cleaners are generally more effective in smaller to medium-sized pools. Their movement is powered by the pool’s existing filtration system, which can be limited by the pump’s capacity. These cleaners are ideal for straightforward pool shapes where the cleaner can easily navigate without getting stuck.

Pressure-Side: Effective for larger pools and those with complex shapes.
Pressure-side cleaners are better suited for larger pools and those with more complex shapes. They use the water pressure from the pool’s return jets to move around, which provides more robust propulsion and allows them to cover a larger area more efficiently. These cleaners can navigate around obstacles and reach areas that might be difficult for suction-side cleaners.

Robotic: Can handle various pool sizes and shapes due to their advanced navigation systems.
Robotic cleaners are the most versatile and can handle pools of any size and shape. They come equipped with advanced navigation systems and sensors that allow them to map the pool and determine the most efficient cleaning path. This ensures comprehensive coverage, including hard-to-reach areas such as steps, corners, and walls.

Debris Type

Suction-Side: Best for fine dirt and small debris.
Suction-side cleaners excel at picking up fine dirt and small debris. The suction power from the pool’s filtration system allows them to vacuum up particles like sand, silt, and small leaves efficiently. However, they may struggle with larger debris, which can clog the system and reduce their effectiveness.

Pressure-Side: Ideal for larger debris like leaves and branches.
Pressure-side cleaners are designed to handle larger debris such as leaves, twigs, and acorns. They come with their own filter bags, which collect debris before it reaches the pool’s filtration system, reducing the load on the main filter. This makes them ideal for pools located near trees or in areas with a lot of falling debris.

Robotic: Can handle a wide range of debris sizes and types.
Robotic cleaners are equipped with powerful motors and advanced filtration systems that can handle a wide range of debris sizes and types. From fine particles to large leaves and branches, these cleaners can efficiently collect and store debris in their onboard filter canisters. This versatility makes them suitable for any pool environment.

Energy Efficiency

Suction-Side: Can strain the pool pump and filter.
Suction-side cleaners rely on the pool’s existing pump and filtration system, which can lead to increased wear and tear on these components. The constant demand for suction can strain the pump and filter, potentially leading to higher energy consumption and maintenance costs over time.

Pressure-Side: May require a booster pump, increasing energy costs.
Pressure-side cleaners often require a separate booster pump to operate effectively. While this provides the necessary water pressure for thorough cleaning, it also means additional energy consumption. The booster pump runs alongside the main pool pump, which can lead to higher electricity bills.

Robotic: Generally energy-efficient due to low-voltage operation.
Robotic cleaners are typically the most energy-efficient option. They operate on low-voltage electricity and have their own self-contained motors and filtration systems. This reduces the load on the pool’s main pump and filter, leading to lower energy consumption and extended equipment life. Many models also come with programmable timers, allowing you to schedule cleaning cycles during off-peak energy hours.

Maintenance and Cost

Suction-Side: Lower upfront cost but may require more frequent filter cleaning.
Suction-side cleaners are generally more affordable upfront compared to other types of cleaners. However, they may require more frequent maintenance, such as cleaning the pool’s filter and pump strainer basket. The increased load on the filtration system can lead to more frequent filter replacements and higher long-term maintenance costs.

Pressure-Side: Lower cost than robotic cleaners but may need a booster pump.
Pressure-side cleaners are less expensive than robotic cleaners but may require the installation of a booster pump, which adds to the initial cost. While they are durable and require less maintenance than suction-side cleaners, the booster pump can increase energy costs. Regular maintenance of the cleaner’s filter bag is also necessary to ensure optimal performance.

Robotic: Higher upfront cost but reduces long-term maintenance and energy costs.
Robotic cleaners come with a higher upfront cost but offer significant long-term savings. Their independent operation reduces the strain on the pool’s filtration system, leading to lower maintenance and energy costs. Additionally, robotic cleaners often come with advanced features such as programmable cleaning cycles, remote control operation, and various cleaning modes, providing excellent value for money. Regular maintenance involves emptying the onboard filter canister, which is a straightforward task.

Conclusion