Which Type of Automatic Pool Vacuum is Best?

Having the right automatic pool vacuum is very important, especially when you want to keep your pool clean and inviting. Until recently, conversation about pool vacuums was limited to one of three categories: suction-side, pressure-side or robotic. They all have some features that differ from one another and everything is intended for a different pool size, type of debris, and how you want to handle maintenance. In this guide, we aim to outline the features of every type of dozens so that you can pick the best one for yourself suited to your needs.

Suction-side pool cleaners are the most popular and least expensive type of pool cleaner on the market. These devices attach to your pool’s filtration system and use the power of your main pump to propel themselves through the pool while sucking up debris. Pool vacuum cleaners are most effective for small pools or pools with limited debris.

Suction-side cleaners help you sort out one of the biggest hassles of pool maintenance with their simplicity and convenience. They're a great option for a pool owner who wants an easy method of cleaning, requiring little in the way of setup and maintenance. But they can be hit-or-miss; they can also work poorly with larger debris. As an added bonus, if the main pump is weak or low-flow, suction-side cleaner will also not function as well.

Pressure-side cleaners are designed for larger pools or those with heavy debris accumulation. These vacuums operate using a booster pump to generate water pressure, which propels the cleaner around the pool and collects debris. They are particularly effective at handling larger debris like leaves and twigs.

The main advantage of pressure-side cleaners is their powerful cleaning capabilities. They can cover large areas quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for commercial pools or larger residential pools. However, the need for a booster pump means higher initial costs and potential maintenance issues. Additionally, pressure-side cleaners can be more wear-intensive on the pool’s circulation system.

Robotic cleaners are the latest in pool vacuum technology. They're all-in-one, stand-alone units, utilizing their own motors and their own filters. They basically clean the entire pool including the floors, walls and water lines, with little human involvement.

This brings us to some of the main benefits of using robotic cleaners. They are very effective and efficient, covering a large area in a relatively short time span. Most of these models are pretty advanced with features like smart navigation, programmable cleaning schedules, and large capacity filters that can contain fine debris. Robotic cleaners are also one of the energy-efficient appliances that need low power as compared to other types of vacuum. A downside is that these are typically more costly to purchase, plus you will need to occasionally clean their internal filter and brushes.

Choosing the best automatic pool vacuum depends on several factors, including the size of your pool, the type of debris you typically deal with, and your budget. Let’s dive into the strengths and weaknesses of each type—suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic cleaners—with specific scenarios to help you make an informed decision.

A suction-side installer is best for small pools that do not gather a lot of debris. They attach to your pool skimmer and use the suction power of your main pump to suck debris out of the pool as they travel around. They can be economical and accessible, but also low-maintenance.

To use an example, an occasional-use above-ground pool that collects little debris can be an ideal target for a suction-side cleaner. They are mainly efficient in pools with flat bottoms and vinyl liners. But they can struggle with debris of larger sizes and primarily depend on the main pump for efficiency. If a suction-side cleaner doesn't seem suited for your pool (that is, if your pump is weak or your pool usage is heavy), then the selection process becomes the subject of an entirely new discussion.

Pressure-side cleaners are effective for larger pools where heavy debris collects. This kind of vacuum employs a booster pump to create a water pressure that drives the cleaner throughout the pool and collects debris. They work brilliantly with bigger debris such as leaves and twigs, so they are ideal for trees surrounding an in-ground pool.

For instance, if you live in a region with frequent winds or heavy foliage, a pressure-side cleaner can handle the increased debris load. These cleaners are powerful and can cover large areas quickly. However, the need for a booster pump means higher initial costs and potential maintenance issues. Additionally, pressure-side cleaners can be more wear-intensive on the pool’s circulation system.

Robotic cleaners are on the forefront of pool vacuum technology. They are independent devices that do not require anything extra to work, as these use their own motors and filtration. Built to cover the entire pool, including the floors, walls and waterlines with little human involvement.

That said, robotic cleaners do have some very, very crucial advantages. They are very efficient and control large areas at a time. For instance, a pool cleaner robot takes around two hours to clean, while it would take a manual vacuum much longer than that. On a related note, robotic cleaners are energy-efficient devices that often consume 15 to 40 percent less energy than other cleaning alternatives. They offer sustainability in lower maintenance and fewer chemicals for long-term savings.

However, robotic cleaners come with a higher upfront cost, typically ranging from $300 to over $1,500. They also require regular maintenance of their internal filters and brushes to ensure optimal performance. Despite these drawbacks, the convenience and efficiency of robotic cleaners make them a worthwhile investment for many pool owners.

Your perfect automatic pool vacuum will depend on your own specific and unique needs and preferences. If you own a small pool or are on a budget, then a suction-side cleaner is the right choice, while larger pools with heavy debris benefit more from the powerful performance of a pressure-side cleaner. These robotic cleaners are the highest level of convenience and efficiency, and they are something to invest in if you want to avoid cleaning hassles.

Knowing the distinguishing features and advantages of each enables you to choose wisely and keep your pool clean and ready for swimming all year long.

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