Owning a swimming pool can make you feel very blessed. Be it to enjoy a cool dip in the scorching summer months or host innumerable pool parties with your friends and family. However, maintaining the pool can be an equally daunting task. Protecting your pool from algae and bacteria growth, dirt and debris are necessary to keep your pool in a healthy shape. This is where pool cleaners come in.
With a wide range of pool-cleaning options available today, it is normal to get lost in the sea of choices. But worry not, we are here to demystify the world of pool cleaners for you so you can make a wise choice.
Let’s dive right in!
There are five main types of swimming pool cleaners that you can choose from:
By weighing the pros and cons of each type of swimming pool cleaner, you can decide which one works best for you:
Manual Pool Cleaners
At a very basic level, you have manual cleaners. As the name suggests, manual pool cleaners require you to put in all the effort to clean the pool and do not involve any self-cleaning. Typically, a manual pool cleaner kit consists of a vacuum, water testing kit, pool broom, telescopic pole, pool leaf rake and a hose. This is the least expensive option and ideal for pool owners who have a budget constraint. The out-of-pocket prices for manual pool cleaners fall in the range of $200 and $300.
Manual pool cleaners are great for people who love to work in their backyard and have sufficient time in their hands. The only drawback with this pool cleaner is that it is very labor-intensive and time-consuming. It also means you will have to vacuum the pool during the colder winter months too. Ideally, you must vacuum all the important pool areas once a week. If you don’t have too many trees in your backyard or are not located in a region that experiences frequent sandstorms, manual pool cleaners can be alright.
Suction Pool Cleaners
Suction pool cleaners are the better versions of manual pool cleaners, the differentiating factor being – you don’t have to vacuum the pool. The self-cleaning mechanism takes care of that. A suction pool cleaner connects to the skimmers of your pool and moves across the floor to clean out any debris such as leaves, twigs or dirt. This debris gets collected in the skimmer basket and needs to be cleaned at regular intervals. Suction pool cleaners give you more time to spend in the pool rather than around the pool to clean it.
Suction pool cleaners are well-known among Australian pool owners as they are affordable and convenient to use. They come in a price range of $500 and $1000. Typically, a suction pool cleaning kit includes a suction side cleaning device, a vacuum plate and a pool hose. A minor drawback of this cleaner is it does not allow cleaning of additional pool surfaces and surface skimming. Plus, you need to turn the pump on while the cleaner is working. This can negatively impact your pool filtration system.
Pressure Side Pool Cleaners
Also known as booster pump cleaners, pressure side pool cleaners are ideal for swimming pools that have a lot of larger pieces of dirt and debris. So, if you live in a windy area where your pool accumulates a lot of debris daily, they can be the right choice for you. You can either use a separate booster pump or directly connect it to your pool’s circulation pump to clean it. Regardless of the method you choose, pressure side pool cleaners give you consistent and higher power.
Instead of collecting the debris in your skimmer basket, it gets accumulated in a separate bag. This takes the load off your filtration system and reduces wear and tear, unlike the suction pool cleaners.
Also, pressure side pool cleaners are relatively free-swimming compared to the slower suction cleaners. The price range of these cleaners usually falls between $200 and $1000. So, you don’t have to burn a hole in your pockets to invest in them. Remember to research well and compare the top brands before you finalize one. You can even read the reviews by other previous owners before spending money.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
If just the mere thought of manual labor tires you out, robotic pool cleaners are what you need. Not every one of us finds spending time working on our backyard or pool as therapeutic. Nor do most of us have the time for it in this fast-paced life. Good thing is, we don’t have to. With the advent of innovative technology, the swimming pool industry is progressing at a breakneck speed. Robotic pool cleaners are an excellent example of it.
Robotic pool cleaners are undoubtedly the most energy-efficient and effective pool cleaners that run independently. Depending on the model you choose, they can even brush the walls and waterline of the swimming pool. They won’t give you an exorbitant electricity bill either. You would be surprised to know they use almost the same electricity as a regular household light globe.
A robotic pool cleaner can easily cost between $1200 and $5000 depending on the brand you choose and the warranty offered by the company. While it is true – the initial costs of purchasing a robotic pool cleaner may be high, but it is worth every penny in the long run with lower maintenance costs. They are cheaper to run and not required to be connected to any pool components or your pool filter. This makes it easy to use and highly convenient.
In-Floor Pool Cleaners
In-floor pool cleaners offer the best luxury when it comes to pool cleaning. These self-cleaning pools use the latest technology for delivering supreme cleaning solutions that keep your pool hygienic and healthy at all times. They assist in circulation and heating throughout the pool and are designed to handle a high level of debris. There is no additional equipment needed to clean the pool, which gives your backyard a clutter-free look. The best part is, they sit flush at the pool’s bottom so you don’t experience any obstruction while enjoying a swim.
The price for in-floor pool cleaners starts from around $9500 depending on the brand you choose and also the size of your pool. You can connect it to your smart device and control all the pool components using an app. This means you could be on your way home after a long day at work and during the commute, you can control every component of your pool. A slight negative of built-in pool cleaners is you need to include an in-floor cleaning system while the pool builders construct your pool. It cannot be added at a later point in time.
Let Us Help You Choose
If you are still unsure about which swimming pool cleaner may be best suited to your pool and lifestyle, you can get in touch with us for professional advice. Our friendly team will work with you to understand your pool needs and budget to offer the right pool-cleaning solution for you.
