Pressure-side cleaners
Pressure-side cleaners are popular in regions where bigger pools are more common and larger debris is more likely to be in the water. For instance, they are good at picking up leaves, acorns, twigs, and other similar debris. These cleaners work by connecting a hose from the cleaner head to the pool return. Most pressure-side cleaners work off a separate booster pump, which is meant to give them more power to move throughout the pool. Depending on the model, some adjustments can be made to the cleaner head to control how it moves.
Debris is collected in a bag at the cleaner head, making cleanup easier and, as the unit does not use the pool filtration side (suction side), it prevents the potential of a clogged skimmer. It is also important to note that because a pressure-side cleaner is connected to the return or a booster-pump line, it is distributing clean water throughout the pool that has just passed through the filtration system. This distribution of filtered water is helpful, as it mixes pool chemicals more evenly throughout the water.
Robotic pool cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners are at the higher end of the pricing scale when it comes to automatic pool cleaning; however, there are many reasons for pool owners to consider this type of product. These devices are essentially a low-voltage, electric-powered robot that moves through the pool sucking up debris into a self-contained compartment. These cleaners have two types of debris catchers. Depending on the brand/model, some use a bag, while others use a filter element.
A robotic pool cleaner operates independently of the pool system so, unlike suction and pressure-side cleaners, these products are capable of operating while the pool pump is shut off. These cleaners have evolved to include many bells and whistles over the years, such as remote controls for steering, multiple cleaning cycle settings, and handcarts for transportation and storage. This pool cleaner category is popular in Canada, and is continuing to expand, as it is one of the fastest growing maintenance products on the market.
In-floor cleaning systems
An in-floor cleaning system is yet another automatic pool cleaning option. These systems are installed when the pool is being built and do not entail hoses or free-roaming cleaner heads. Instead, these systems comprise a series of sprinkler-like cleaning heads installed in the floor of the pool. They are typically used in concrete pools; however, options do exist for vinyl pool applications as well.
The cleaning heads are programmed to pop up in specific patterns to clean the pool. As this happens, they also help to circulate chemicals throughout the water. Some downfalls may include the inability to remove larger debris and, as a result, manual vacuuming remains necessary. Further, these systems can be costly to repair should a problem arise, not to mention more expensive to install in comparison to the other previously mentioned automatic pool cleaners.
