In the U.S., millions of people get their yards and pools ready for summer every year. Whether you're a new pool owner or just want to improve your cleaning routine, picking the right pool vacuum can make a big difference in how easy it is to keep your pool clean and the water clear.

There are three main types of pool vacuums: robotic, suction side, and pressure-side. This will help people who own pools pick the best one. Each one has its pros and cons. We want to help you pick the best one for your pool, your budget, and your lifestyle.

Types of Pool Vacuums

Pool cleaning tools have come a long way in the last few years. In the U.S. right now, there are three main types of automatic pool cleaners that you can buy:

1. Robots Pool Cleaner

Robotic pool cleaners are machines that clean the pool without needing to be hooked up to the plumbing or the filter system. These machines work on low-voltage electricity and can be plugged into a power source or have a battery that can be charged. Most models have smart navigation systems, filters that keep dirt and debris out, and brushes that spin to clean surfaces. They can clean the pool's walls, floor, and waterline. More advanced versions of the software let users set up cleanings.

Looking to take your pool cleaning to the next level? Beabot is packed with advanced features and smart navigation, making it a leader in the robotic cleaner market. The Beabot 2 Ultra automatic cleaner pool goes even further, incorporating AI technology for smarter, more efficient cleaning. While it’s on the pricier side, it’s a worthwhile investment for a perfectly clean pool, with cutting-edge performance that saves you time and effort.

Some older brands like Dolphin, Polaris, and Hayward continue to dominate the market. Newer brands such as Aiper and Beabot are gaining popularity.

2. Suction Side Cleaner

The suction side cleaner is the most common type, and it's usually the least expensive. They connect directly to your pool's skimmer or a special suction line, and the suction from your filter system helps them move around and pick up trash. These cleaners usually move around in random ways, and they work best on pools that aren't too dirty.

3. Pressure Side Cleaner

Pressure side cleaners attach to the return line of your pool and use the water pressure from your pump (and sometimes a booster pump) to move around on the surface of the pool. These cleaners' bags pick up trash. They usually do a good job with medium to large trash, and they are known for taking some of the work off of your pool's main filter.

In addition to these three, some pool owners still use manual tools like leaf rakes, pool brushes, and battery-powered handheld vacuums. But for most home pools, the best way to keep them clean without having to do it yourself is to use a cleaner that does the work for you.

The Good and Bad Things About Robotic, Suction, and Pressure Pool Cleaners

It can be hard to pick the best pool cleaner because there are so many to choose from. Let's look more closely at what each type has to offer and what it doesn't so you can pick the one that fits your pool, your schedule, and your budget the best.

Robotic Cleaners: Great for deep cleaning, but pricey and heavy

If you want something that is easy to use, robotic pool cleaners are hard to beat. These machines don't need the pool pump and filter to work. Instead, they use filters and low-voltage power that are already there. Most models can climb walls, clean the waterline, and even follow smart cleaning paths. You can set timers or use controls with a phone app on some of them.

Press start, put one in, and let it do its thing. They also use less energy than other types because they don't run the pump in your pool. That said, this level of performance costs more up front, usually between $700 and $2500. When you take it out of the pool after a cleaning cycle, you'll feel how heavy it is because it's full of water and junk. It won't hurt your back, but it's not as light as a feather.  

Suction-Side Cleaners: Budget-friendly, but less powerful

People who are new to cleaning often choose suction-side cleaners because they are cheap and do a good job. They fit perfectly into your pool's skimmer or suction port, and the pump's suction moves them through the water. These cleaners do a great job of getting rid of dirt and sand, and they can keep working as long as the pool pump is on.

A vacuum with a suction side is a good choice for your pool if you don't have a lot of money. They are cheaper than robotic cleaners and have fewer electronic parts that could break. It's easy to fix because the parts are easy to get.

There are good and bad things about it, though. They use the pool's main filter system, which can make your pump and filter wear out faster. They also have trouble with big things like leaves and acorns, and most of the time they only clean the bottom of the pool. You can't scrub the walls. It can be hard to set up the hose, and if you don't take care of it, it can get clogged quickly.

Pressure Side Cleaners: Good for leaves, may need extra setup

Pressure side cleaners are a good mix of robotic and suction-side cleaners. These things move because of the pressure from the return jet in your pool. Many of them also have their own trash bags. This means they don't need your main filter and can handle bigger pieces of trash better.

These cleaners work best on pools that are near trees or in places where the wind blows a lot and trash tends to build up. They don't put as much strain on the filter system in your pool and are less likely to get clogged than vacuums that suck up water.

But not all of the cleaners that work on the pressure side are easy to use. Some of them need a separate booster pump, which makes installation and energy use more expensive. They also clean in random ways and don't clean the walls or stairs of the pool very often. They have long hoses that need to be checked for knots or damage, just like models with suction sides.

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