All the different types of automatic pool cleaners available may be confusing when you are trying to choose one for your pool. Understanding how each type cleaner works will help you decide which type will best suit your needs.There are only three different types of automatic pool cleaners on the market, although there are many different brands of each type.

Automatic Pool Cleaners- suction side

The suction side automatic pool cleaner operates off the suction of the swimming pool pump. The cleaner moves along the bottom of the pool sucking trash and debris through a hose attached to the skimmer of your swimming pool. This type of cleaner does an excellent job of removing small debris as every thing it takes in is filtered through the pool filtration system.

Some of the advantages of a suction side pool cleaner are smaller debris such as sand and silt can be better removed and the pool water can be more efficiently circulated through the filtering system.

Cons of a suction side pool cleaner: Larger debris will fill skimmer basket quickly requiring frequent cleaning. Traps debris removed in pool filtration system. Losses efficiency as filter becomes contaminated, requiring frequent back washing or filter servicing.

Pressure Side Automatic Pool Cleaners

Pressure side pool cleaners. like the suction side cleaners use the pool pump to power them. They use water pressure instead of suction and jets located in the cleaner forces water up and through the cleaner bag. This water flow creates a suction on the bottom of the cleaner to allow it to pick up trash from the pool.

The trash it picks up is not directed through the swimming pool filter. Jets inside the cleaner force water up through the bag creating a vacuum on the bottom of the cleaner. Some pressure side pool cleaners have a booster pump to increase the cleaning ability of the cleaner. In most cases the swimming pool equipment pump still has to be running along with the booster pump. This type cleaner is best if leaves and other larger debris is routinely in the swimming pool.It is not the best choice for removing small debris such as sand and silt as the mesh bag will let this type of debris flow right through and back into the swimming pool.Automatic

Cons of a pressure side cleaner: Small debris can pass through bag and re enter the pool. (note) some pressure side cleaners have sand and silt bags available to aid in removal of small debris, use of this bag greatly diminishes the cleaners ability to pick up larger trash.For pressure side cleaners using a booster pump there is added costs in utilities.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

If you're looking for a self contained cleaning system that doesn't rely on the pools filtration system the robotic cleaner is the way to go. It is powered from household current and has an on board computer to help make it very efficient at cleaning the swimming pool.

This type cleaner may not be the best choice if you need to remove huge amounts of large debris routinely. The robotic cleaner is highly efficient at removing small debris and scrubbing the pool.

Some of the disadvantages are the high cost to purchase and it will probably have to be sent off if it ever needs servicing. You will need a GFCI receptacle in the area to power it.

Clint Walker has been a swimming pool contractor in S.C. since 1998. Today he enjoys writing informative articles to help homeowners better understand proper pool maintenance. We hope this article on automatic swimming pool cleaners will assist you in making a wise decision on your choice of pool equipment.