A Beginner Guide to Swimming Pool Cleaners
Why You Need to Keep Your Swimming Pool Clean? (Intro)
For many of us who own a swimming pool in our backyard, we understand the joy it brings to us and our loved ones. It’s our go-to spot to unwind and de-stress after a long day at work, a place for our kids to exercise and have fun, and it’s also an excellent entertainment spot for family and friends. However, if you don’t maintain a clean swimming pool, it won’t be as enjoyable to use.
An added reason why you need to constantly keep your pool clean is that it promotes public health and safety. Pools that are neglected and are breeding grounds for bacteria and algae can be hazardous to your health. Also, a clean pool is aesthetically pleasing and eliminates an eyesore that is created by floating debris and algae. Frequent cleaning also removes dirt and prevents the accumulation of bugs, insects, and critters that can live in the muck and gloom.
Types of Debris That Tend to Collect in Swimming Pools
When it comes to keeping your swimming pool clean, understanding the types of debris that can accumulate is a crucial first step. Let’s break it down:
Leaves and Twigs: Especially if your pool is near trees, leaves, and twigs often find their way into the water. While they might seem harmless, over time they can sink and deteriorate, creating an unsightly mess and potentially clogging your pool filter.
Insects: Unfortunately, pools attract a variety of bugs. Everything from mosquitoes and beetles to wasps and flies can end up floating on the surface, making for a less-than-pleasant swimming experience.
Dirt and Sand: Whether it’s brought in by wind, rain, or simply carried in on the feet of swimmers, dirt and sand can settle on the bottom of your pool. This not only looks dirty but can also make the pool floor slippery and uncomfortable to walk on.
Algae: If your pool isn’t properly chlorinated or the filtration system isn’t working well, algae can start to grow. Algae not only gives the pool water a greenish hue but also creates a slippery surface that can be dangerous for swimmers.
Human Debris: Hair, skin cells, lotions, and oils from swimmers are often overlooked, but they can accumulate and create a film on the water’s surface, making it look murky and uninviting.
By staying on top of these common types of debris, you can ensure your pool stays clean and inviting all season long.
Types of Swimming Pool Cleaners: Manual vs. Automatic
When it comes to keeping your swimming pool clean, there are two main categories of pool cleaners to consider: manual and automatic.
Manual Pool Cleaners
Manual pool cleaners include handheld vacuums and brushes that require human effort to operate. These are ideal for small pools, like an above ground pool, or spot cleaning but can be labor-intensive for larger pools. To help you keep your pool sparkling clean, here are the top 5 manual pool cleaners that are widely recommended:
1. Intex Handheld Rechargeable Vacuum: This versatile and easy-to-use vacuum is perfect for spot cleaning. Its rechargeable battery provides strong suction to pick up dirt, leaves, and insects with minimal effort.
2. Poolmaster Deluxe Heavy Duty Pool Leaf Vacuum: Equipped with powerful jets that create a venturi action, this leaf vacuum is effective at cleaning up debris like leaves and twigs. It also features a large-capacity leaf bag to minimize the frequency of emptying.
3. Milliard Pool and Spa Vacuum Head: Designed with a triangular shape for easy maneuverability, this vacuum head efficiently reaches corners and tight spots in your pool. It attaches to a standard telescopic pole and uses standard garden hoses for suction.
4. Swimline Weighted Flex Vacuum Head: This weighted vacuum head stays submerged and makes it easier to clean the bottom of your pool. The flexible design conforms to the pool floor for better coverage and more effective cleaning.
5. U.S. Pool Supply Professional 14″ Pool Vacuum Head: With a wide 14-inch cleaning path and a weighted design, this vacuum head ensures optimal cleaning performance. It features durable nylon bristles and a swivel hose connection for easy use.
By choosing one of these top manual pool cleaners, you’ll be well-equipped to maintain a clean and inviting swimming pool.
Automatic Pool Cleaners
Automatic pool cleaners, on the other hand, take the hassle out of pool maintenance. These devices can operate independently, saving you time and effort. There are three main types of automatic pool cleaners:
Robotic Cleaners: These are autonomous machines that scrub, vacuum, and filter the pool’s water.
Suction-Side Cleaners: These attach to your pool’s existing filtration system and use the suction power to move around and clean the pool.
Pressure-Side Cleaners: These connect to your pool’s return line, using water pressure to navigate and clean the pool.
Top 3 Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners are designed to provide thorough cleaning with minimal effort on your part. Here are three highly recommended robotic pool cleaner options:
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus: Known for its exceptional cleaning capabilities, this robotic cleaner features dual scrubbing brushes and advanced filtration to capture fine debris. It’s suitable for pools up to 50 feet and offers an easy-to-use weekly scheduler.
Polaris F9550 Sport: This premium robotic cleaner boasts a 4-wheel drive system, allowing it to navigate any pool surface with ease. It includes a large debris canister, reducing the need for frequent emptying, and a remote control for added convenience.
Hayward TigerShark QC: With its powerful scrubbing brushes and efficient cleaning cycle, the TigerShark QC is perfect for maintaining a pristine pool. Its quick clean mode completes the job in just 90 minutes, making it ideal for busy pool owners.
Top 3 Suction-Side Pool Cleaners
Suction-side pool cleaners utilize your existing pool pump’s suction power to clean the entire pool.. Here are three top-rated choices:
Zodiac MX6: This compact yet powerful cleaner is designed for maximum efficiency. It features cyclonic suction for optimal debris pickup and an articulating turbine blade for enhanced maneuverability, making it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized pools.
Hayward Poolvergnuegen (The PoolCleaner): Known for its robust performance, this cleaner comes with patented self-adjusting turbine vanes and tire treads, allowing it to handle obstacles and varying pool surfaces effortlessly. It’s ideal for both in-ground and above-ground pools.
Baracuda G3 W03000: This highly efficient suction-side cleaner is renowned for its quiet operation and powerful cleaning capability. It’s designed to clean the floor, walls, and steps of your pool, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Top 3 Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners
Pressure-side pool cleaners use the pressure from your pool’s return line to move around and clean. Here are three top recommendations:
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360: This pressure-side cleaner operates without a booster pump and is suitable for all pool types. It features three jet nozzles for powerful suction and a large filter bag to capture debris before it reaches your pool’s filter, extending its lifespan.
Pentair Kreepy Krauly Racer: Featuring four venturi jets and a 40% larger intake, the Racer efficiently picks up large and small debris. It also comes with a built-in LED light for night-time cleaning and better visibility.
Hayward TriVac 700: This cleaner uses triple jets to enhance vacuuming power and speed. It has a wide suction inlet and unique debris bag, making it effective in capturing both large debris and fine particles. Plus, its low-profile design allows it to access tight areas.
By selecting from these top-rated cleaners in each pool type category, you can ensure your pool remains clean and inviting with minimal effort.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Swimming Pool Cleaner
Pool Size and Shape
The size and shape of your pool are significant factors in determining the best cleaner. Larger pools may benefit more from robotic cleaners due to their efficiency and comprehensive cleaning coverage.
Type of Debris Common in the Pool
Different pools gather different types of debris. For example, pools near trees may frequently have leaves, while others may struggle more with sand or fine particles. An effective pool cleaner should match the type of debris and size of the pool. Understanding your specific needs will help you choose the most effective cleaner.
Budget Considerations
While robotic cleaners tend to be the most efficient, they can also be the most expensive. Suction-side and pressure-side cleaners offer a balance of performance and cost, while manual options are generally the most budget-friendly.
In-depth Review of Top Swimming Pool Cleaners in the Market
Robotic Cleaners
Robotic cleaners like the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus are highly popular. They offer smart navigation and deep cleaning capabilities and can often be controlled via smartphone apps. These cleaners are perfect for those looking for a hands-off approach to pool maintenance.
Suction-Side Cleaners
Products like the Hayward Poolvergnuegen are examples of efficient suction-side cleaners. They connect to your pool’s skimmer or dedicated suction port and are excellent for picking up small and medium-sized debris.
Pressure-Side Cleaners
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 is a well-known pressure-side cleaner that uses the return jets to propel itself around the pool. These cleaners are good at handling larger debris and often come with their own debris bags, reducing the load on your pool’s filter.
Manual Pool Vacuums
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, manual vacuums like the Poolmaster 28300 Big Sucker are ideal. These vacuums require you to manually guide them across the pool surface but offer precise control over the cleaning process.
Tips for Proper Maintenance of Swimming Pool Cleaners
To ensure your swimming pool cleaners work effectively and last as long as possible, consider these maintenance tips:
Regularly Clean Filters and Bags: Whether it’s a robotic cleaner or a pressure-side cleaner, keeping the filters and debris bags clean will ensure optimal performance.
Inspect Hoses and Connections: Check for any wear and tear in hoses and connections to prevent leaks and maintain suction power.
Store Properly: When not in use, store your cleaner in a cool, dry place to avoid damage from the elements.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always refer to the user manual for specific maintenance instructions and troubleshooting tips.
Many pool cleaners will profess to work for cleaning pools with any pool system. However an automatic cleaner that is not designed for your pool will struggle to clean the pool floors and the pool walls. Even worse, it could cause the pool system to overwork and lead to an early burnout of the pool pump. This is an expensive problem you do not want to have.
Conclusion – The Value of Investing in a High-Quality Swimming Pool Cleaner
Investing in a high-quality swimming pool cleaner enhances your swimming experience by ensuring crystal-clear water and a hygienic environment. Over time, a good pool cleaner saves you money on professional pool cleaning and services and extends the life of your pool’s filtration system. Moreover, a consistently clean pool promotes better health and safety for all users, reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best type of pool cleaner for large pools?
For a larger pool, robotic pool cleaners or robotic pool vacuums are often the best choice due to their efficiency and comprehensive coverage. They can clean more in a shorter amount of time and often come with advanced smart features, like smart navigation and app control.
How often should I use my pool cleaner?
The frequency of use depends on how often your pool gets dirty. Generally, running a robotic cleaner once or twice a week should keep your pool in great condition. Suction-side and pressure-side cleaners can be used more frequently, especially during peak pool season.
Can I leave my pool cleaner in the pool all the time?
While some cleaners are designed to be left in the pool, it’s usually a good practice to remove and store them properly after each use. This helps prolong their lifespan and ensures they remain in good working condition.
Will a pressure-side cleaner work in any pool?
Pressure-side cleaners like the Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 typically work in most pool types, but you should check compatibility with your pool’s pump system. Some models may require a booster pump, which adds to the installation cost. Some above-ground pools have a side shape that is too sharp for pressure-side pool cleaners to work. Some in ground pools are using a pre fabricated shell which can be very slick and may not allow pressure side pool cleaners to adhere properly to the pool’s floor or the pool’s walls.
How do I know which cleaner to choose based on the type of debris in my pool?
Assess the most common types of debris in your pool. If your pool collects a lot of leaves and large debris, a pressure-side cleaner with its own debris bag might be best. For sand or small particles, a suction-side or robotic pool vacuum would be more effective.
Are robotic pool cleaners worth the investment?
Yes, robotic pool cleaners are worth the investment if you value convenience, efficiency, and thorough cleaning. Though they have a higher upfront cost, they often save you time, energy consumption and effort in pool maintenance and can prolong the life of your pool’s equipment.
How do I maintain my pool cleaner?
Regular maintenance includes cleaning filters and bags, inspecting hoses and connections for wear, and proper storage when not in use. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific maintenance procedures and troubleshooting tips.
Can I use an automatic pool cleaner if my pool has an irregular shape?
Yes, many modern pool cleaners, particularly robotic ones, are designed to handle irregular shapes and varying pool surfaces. Look for models that offer advanced navigation features to ensure they can effectively clean all areas of your pool.
By understanding these common questions and answers, you can make a more informed decision when selecting and maintaining a swimming pool cleaner.
