Your Guide to Automatic Pool Cleaners
What is an Automatic Pool Cleaner?
The automatic pool cleaner is a device that leapt
right into the hearts of pool owners and service technicians alike. In
a genesis similar to that of human air flight, engineers and inventors
have produced gadgets of fancy in the hopes of finding one that will fly.
Several automatic pool cleaners achieved widespread use and acceptance
by consumers and the service industry. These are described below and are
broken into three categories; suction side pool cleaners, pressure
side pool cleaners and robotic pool cleaners. The final section
of this article will discuss factors that should be taken into consideration
when choosing which type is right for your swimming pool application.
Remember, every hyperlink in this article can be used to find more detailed
information.
Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaners
 These
are cleaners that attach to the suction side of your plumbing. The suction
side refers to the pipes and fittings that bring water out of the pool
to be filtered; that water which is being "sucked" out of the
pool by the filter pump. These cleaners attach to one of the suction ports
at the pool. Usually, this port is the skimmer, or your pool may have
a separate vacuum port where the cleaner's hose can attach. With the hose
attached and the filter pump running, suction is created on the underside
of the cleaner. The cleaner moves randomly, or automatically around the
pool with motion created by a device that gives a stop/start pulsing of
water. As the unit travels, debris is sucked up through the neck and then
the hose, past the suction port, through the pipe, and stops at the filter
pump strainer basket, while smaller debris passes through to the filter.
Adjustments on the hose, the unit itself and flow volume will create different
cleaning patterns, so as to maximize pool coverage
Pressure Side Cleaners
These cleaners are those that attach to the pressure side
(return) of your circulation system. The water that is being pumped or
"pushed" back to the pool powers these units which have their
own hydraulic power plant inside. Being on the pressure side, these units
have distinct advantages. They are helpful in distributing clean, filtered
water around the pool and having their own debris bag means that they
don't compromise the filter system. Even with the bag full, a pressure
cleaner still operates, stirring debris up. It just won't suck up any
more debris until the bag is emptied.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
 These
are self contained electric cleaners, which are put into the pool when
there is a need for cleaning. Common brand names include Aquabot, Dolphin
and Aquavac. A transformer is plugged into a wall outlet, and a long (50
ft) cord from the unit plugs into the transformer, receiving low voltage
power to operate the cleaner. This power operates two motors; a pump motor
which draws debris into the unit's filter and a drive motor which moves
the unit around the pool. The advantages to owning a robot cleaner include
their self contained filter, which is easily cleaned. They also do quite
well with their coverage. Some units are computer chip controlled, and
some even have remote controls so you can steer the unit from a lounge
chair! Being that they are the only cleaners not attached in any way to
the pool's circulation system, they produce no resistance or back pressure
on the filtering. Their cost can be more than suction or pressure side
cleaners.
Making The Choice Between Automatic Pool
Cleaners
So which is the right automatic pool cleaner for you? All
three types will get the job done. If you purchase a suction side automatic
pool cleaner you may need to backwash, or clean your filter more often
as a result of the debris being sucked into the filter system. The pressure
side automatic pool cleaners work off the return line of your pool's circulation
system adding clean, filtered water all around your swimming pool. Because
a robotic pool cleaner is self-contained (functions independent from your
pool's circulation system) you may find you do not need to run your pool's
filtration system as often as before. The other factor in choosing the
automatic pool cleaner that is right for you is your budget. As the pool
cleaner increases in functionality you can expect an increase in price.
Suction side cleaners are generally the least expensive, robotic cleaners
the most expensive, and pressure side pool cleaners falling somewhere
in between.
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