Automatic pool cleaners are like little robots that keep your swimming pool clean with minimal effort from you. They swim around, sucking up dirt and debris, so you can spend more time enjoying your pool and less time cleaning it. Curious about how they work? Let’s break it down!
The Basics: What is an Automatic Pool Cleaner?
An automatic pool cleaner is a specialized piece of equipment that is created specifically to clean both the bottom and the sides of a swimming pool. This device operates independently, meaning it doesn’t require much assistance from the pool owner or anyone else. To help visualize its function, you can think of it as being similar to a Roomba, which is a popular robot vacuum that cleans floors on its own.
These automatic pool cleaners are powered by the pool’s own filtration system and can move around the water freely. They are designed to efficiently remove dirt, debris, leaves, and other unwanted particles that tend to accumulate in pools over time. By doing this work automatically, they ensure that the water remains clear and inviting for swimming.
While pool maintenance can be a tedious task, having an automatic pool cleaner takes much of the effort out of keeping your pool in great shape.
Types of Automatic Pool Cleaners
There are mainly three types of automatic pool cleaners, and each one has its unique way of working. I will briefly discuss each of the three different types below.
Suction Pool Cleaners
Suction-side pool cleaners attach to your pool’s skimmer or a dedicated suction line. When you turn on the filtration system, these cleaners get their power from the water flow. They move around the pool while sucking up dirt, leaves, and even small bugs. It’s like using a vacuum cleaner that can work under the water, picking up dirt and debris along the way.
Pressure Pool Cleaners
Pressure-side pool cleaners work a bit differently. They use the pressure of the water from your pool’s return line. As the water pressure flows through the pool cleaner, it powers the wheels and helps it move around, while also blowing dirt and debris into the attached filter bag.
Pressure cleaners are great for picking up larger debris, like twigs and leaves, which is captured by its own filtration bag. This means that the debris does not end up in the pool’s filter system. Then again, you will have to empty and rinse the pressure-side cleaner’s attached filter bag after every cleaning session.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners are the smart cookies of the group. These robotic machines have their own power source and can navigate your pool independently. They use brushes to scrub the surfaces and can pick up both small and large debris. These pool robots have internal filter bags or baskets that hold onto dirt so it doesn’t go back into the water.
Most robotic pool cleaners have sensors that help them detect walls and obstacles, allowing them to change direction easily. This means that pool robots can clean most of the surfaces in your pool without getting stuck. It’s as if they have an internal GPS guiding them through every inch of water.
The Benefits of Using Automatic Pool Cleaners
Using an automatic pool cleaner offers numerous benefits that can enhance the overall enjoyment and maintenance of your swimming pool.
One of the most significant advantages is the time savings it provides. With an automatic cleaner, you spend less time manually vacuuming the pool, skimming debris, or scrubbing walls and floors. Instead of dedicating hours to pool maintenance, you can focus on having fun in the water.
In addition to saving time, automatic pool cleaners play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of your pool water. They consistently remove dirt, leaves, and other debris that can accumulate in the pool, ensuring that the water remains clean and clear. A clean pool not only looks inviting, but also contributes to a healthier swimming environment. By regularly cleaning the water, automatic cleaners help prevent the growth of algae and harmful bacteria, which can lead to unpleasant odors and unhealthy swimming conditions.
Moreover, maintaining a cleaner pool can also lead to financial savings in the long run. When a pool is well-maintained, it is less likely to encounter problems that require expensive repairs or the use of chemical treatments. Regular cleaning helps to keep the pool equipment functioning properly and can extend its lifespan, reducing the likelihood of significant repair costs.
By investing in an automatic pool cleaner, you not only enhance your leisure time but also protect your financial investment in your pool.
Maintenance: Keep Your Automatic Pool Cleaner Happy
Like any other device or equipment, automatic pool cleaners require regular care and maintenance to function properly over time. To ensure that your pool cleaner remains efficient and effective in keeping your pool clean, you must pay attention to a couple of essential tasks.
One important step is to clean out the pool filters, which can become clogged with dirt and debris. When the filters are clean, the cleaner can work better and filter out more dirt from the water.
Another simple yet crucial task is to check the brushes on the cleaner. Over time, these brushes can wear down or become tangled with debris, which can hinder their ability to scrub the pool surfaces effectively.
By regularly maintaining these parts, you can help your automatic pool cleaner run smoothly and extend its lifespan. Regular checks on the filters and brushes not only improve the performance of the cleaner, but also contribute to a cleaner and healthier pool environment for swimming.
Conclusion
Automatic pool cleaners simplify pool maintenance, letting you enjoy a clean, sparkling pool without the hard work. Whether you choose a suction cleaner, pressure cleaner, or robotic model, you’re making a smart move for your pool. So, sit back, relax, and let these automatic machines do their magic while you soak up the sun!
Photo by MARIOLA GROBELSKA on Unsplash.