HOW TO CHOOSE AN AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANER FOR YOUR POOL

Owning a pool offers a refreshing escape and a relaxing retreat right in your backyard. However, keeping it clean and inviting requires regular maintenance, with vacuuming being one of the most time-consuming tasks. With a variety of options available, finding the right automatic pool cleaner can seem daunting.

To choose the right pool vacuum cleaner, consider your pool's size, shape, and the type of debris you typically encounter, then select between a robotic, suction-side, or pressure-side cleaner, focusing on features like suction power, filtration, and build quality. 

1. Types of Pool Cleaners:

Robotic Pool Cleaners:

These are self-contained units that use their own motors and filtration systems to clean the pool. 

• Pros: Automatic operation, good for all pool surfaces, and can be used in various pool shapes. 

• Cons: Can be expensive and require more maintenance than suction-side cleaners. 

Suction-Side Pool Cleaners:

These cleaners attach to the pool's skimmer or dedicated suction line and use the pool's pump and filter system to collect debris. 

• Pros: More affordable and energy-efficient than robotic cleaners. 

• Cons: Require more manual labor to operate and may not clean as thoroughly as robotic cleaners. 

2. Factors to Consider:

• Type of Debris:

  • If you deal with leaves, acorns, or larger debris, a pressure-side vacuum or a robotic model with strong suction is best. 

  • If you're mainly dealing with fine dirt or sand, a suction-side cleaner or a robotic vacuum with ultra-fine filtration is a better fit. 

  • For algae or built-up grime, look for a vacuum with scrubbing brushes. 

• Pool Size and Shape:

  • Larger pools may require a robotic cleaner with a longer cleaning cycle or a suction-side cleaner with a longer hose. 

  • Irregularly shaped pools may benefit from a robotic cleaner with a flexible cleaning path. 

• Budget:

  • Robotic cleaners are generally more expensive than suction-side cleaners. 

  • Consider your budget and the features you need before making a purchase. 

• Suction Power:

  • Pay attention to the suction power, which is usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM). 

  • For good suction, anything above 70 GPM is what you want. 

• Filtration:

  • Consider the micron value of the filter, which indicates the size of particles the filter can remove. 

  • For filtration, you want a low micron value. 

3. Popular Pool Vacuum Cleaner Brands:

• Hayward: Known for their reliable suction-side and robotic cleaners.

• Polaris: Specializes in pressure-side cleaners.

• Dolphin: Offers a range of robotic cleaners for various pool types.

• Zodiac: Known for their suction-side cleaners and robotic cleaners.

• Pentair: Offers a variety of suction-side and robotic cleaners.

• Aiper: Known for their robotic cleaners, especially for above-ground pools.