Suction Side, Pressure Side, Robotic and Handheld Cleaners

There are four different types of pool cleaners: suction side, pressure side, robotic, and handheld. All are effective at cleaning your pool, but have their differences. This informational guide highlights their benefits and includes a comparison chart that will help you find the differences between each pool cleaner.

Suction Side Cleaners Suction side cleaners are terrific pool cleaners that attach to the skimmer or suction port of your pool. Requiring no booster pump, suction side cleaners can clean effectively and are powered only by the main pump. Since they are incorporated into your plumbing and driven by your pool's pump, it's important to have the correct horsepower on your pump to ensure proper water and pressure flow. A pump with too much horsepower can create too much suction, potentially damaging your liner or pool floor. With not enough horsepower, debris can be left behind and cause the cleaner to be ineffective.

Because suction side cleaners utilize the skimmer, debris is drawn into the pump basket. Pump baskets need to be monitored and emptied frequently to make sure debris obstruction doesn't occur. You have the option to install a leaf trap to help capture larger debris and put less stress on your pump basket. With their random cleaning patterns, suction side cleaners may take a few hours to complete the cleaning process.

Pressure Side Cleaners Pressure side cleaners are installed in the return line and can be used with or without a booster pump. With its own filter bag, it can effectively clean without the hassle of frequently emptying out the pump basket. Pressure side cleaners are powered by water pressure created from the pool pump. This pressure also creates a small whirlpool that helps transfer dirt into its self-contained debris bag while also assisting in water circulation.

Pressure side cleaners have random cleaning patterns and cover better than suction side cleaners. Obstacles such as steps and slightly inclined areas are easily cleaned. With pressure side cleaners, you have the option to add a booster pump for increased water pressure and enhanced cleaning ability.

Robotic Cleaners Running independently from your pool's filtration system, robotic cleaners plug into a standard 240v outlet. These electrically powered pool cleaners clean floors and walls effectively and quickly. Capturing debris in its own filter bag, little maintenance is required. Robotic cleaners usually have two motors: one for propulsion and the other for suction. Its powerful motors allow it to effortlessly climb walls and maneuver the pool bottom while scouring for dirt and debris.

Many robotic cleaners are fully programmable and can clean your pool without going over the same area twice. With optional remote controls, you can manually drive your robotic cleaner into areas of your pool to spot clean or reduce cleaning time.

Handheld Cleaners Handheld cleaners are great, money-saving solutions to cleaning your pool. They allow you to manually spot clean problem areas in your pool and are typically used for above ground swimming pools. These cleaners usually attach to your skimmer or suction port and contain no wheels or moving parts. Simply attach a handheld cleaner to a telescopic pole and move it manually throughout your pool to pick up dirt and debris.

Suction side, pressure side, robotic, and handheld cleaners can be essential in keeping your pool water clean and can save you time and hassle. All are efficient but work in different ways featuring their own advantages. Depending on your pool type and size, there's a pool cleaner that will fit your needs and help you keep your pool debris-free.

Pool Cleaner Comparison

Suction Side Cleaners - Attach to skimmer or suction port - Cleaning patterns are random - Use existing filtration system - Optional accessories include a leaf trap - Powered by main pump - Easy installation with no additional equipement Pressure Side Cleaners

• Attach to the pool's return line
• Cleaning patterns are random
• Have an attached filtration bag
• Booster pump is optional
• Better coverage than suction side cleaners

• Helps circulate pool water Robotic Cleaners

• Power cord plugs into a dedicated electrical outlet

• Cleaning patterns are programmable
• Have an attached filtration bag
• Some models include a remote control

• Clean up to two times faster than other cleaner types Handheld Cleaners

• Attach to skimmer or suction port

• Manually operated
• Use existing filtration system
• Most affordable pool cleaner available
• Great for spot cleaning
• Ideal for smaller swimming pools