Picking the Perfect Automatic Pool Cleaner for Your Pool

Ah, the beauty of a gleaming clean pool, calling your name! But let’s be honest, keeping it that way without an automatic pool cleaner can take a lot of effort. That’s where these automatic gadgets come in, making pool upkeep easier and less annoying. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the one that’s just right for your pool?

First Things First: Know Your Pool

Before you go shopping for a pool cleaner, you’ve got to get to know your swimming pool like the back of your hand. Different pools have different cleaning needs, so it’s important to consider a few things:

  • In-ground vs. Above-ground: in-ground pools are generally larger and deeper, which means they’ll need a beefier cleaner. Above-ground pools are usually smaller and shallower, so they can get by with something simpler.
  • Size and shape: large pools need an automatic cleaner that can handle more area, obviously. And if your pool has more twists and turns than a soap opera, you might need a pool robot with a fancy navigation system to make sure it doesn’t miss a spot.
  • Surface material: you’ll want a pool cleaner that’s gentle on vinyl to avoid any tears, but if you’ve got tiles, you can go for something with a bit more brushing power.

Choosing Between Automatic Pool Cleaner Types

There’s a whole pool party of automatic pool cleaners to choose from, each with their own tricks up their sleeves.

Suction-side pool cleaners are the wallet-friendly cleaners that attach to your pool’s skimmer. They’re like the reliable old friends that get the job done without breaking the bank. They might take a bit longer and struggle with big bits of debris, but they’re great for smaller messes.

Pressure-side pool cleaners are the powerhouses, using a separate booster pump to really suck up the grime. If your pool is the hangout for the neighborhood leaf party, these are your go-to guys. Just be prepared to spend a little extra and make sure you’ve got the room for that booster pump.

Robotic pool cleaners are the badass robots that do it all, moving around on their own and often with smart tech that lets you schedule cleanings or choose between different cleaning modes. They’re a bit pricier, but so worth it if you’re after that extra sparkle.

When you’re picking out a pool cleaner, think about what’s most important to you. Do you want something cheap and cheerful, or are you willing to invest in a top-of-the-line gizmo that’ll make your pool look like a five-star resort?

While each pool cleaner type has its pros and cons, a robotic pool cleaner should work well in most pools.

The Core Features of Automatic Pool Cleaners

Some features are like the cherry on top of your pool cleaning sundae, while others are more like the scoop of ice cream you can’t live without.

  • Navigation: you want a pool cleaner that won’t miss a spot, so smart navigation could be an essential feature.
  • Filtration and debris storage: a cleaner with a big bag for the leaves and other junk means you have to spend less time fishing it out, which is always a win.
  • Durability: you’re going to want something that can handle the pool chemicals and weather without losing its head.
  • Ease of use: because who wants to read a novel-sized manual just to get the thing going?

Setting Up Your New Pool Cleaning Sidekick

Once you’ve picked the best (or most affordable) automatic pool cleaner, it’s time to get it ready for action. It should be like assembling a piece of furniture, but hopefully with less swear words and fewer missing screws.

  • Suction-side installation: fill the cleaner head and hoses with water, attach it to your skimmer, and you’re good to go.
  • Pressure-side setup: add that booster pump and attach the pool cleaner. It’s a lot more work, but the results are sometimes worth it.
  • Robotic cleaner preparation: literally just plug it in (or charge its battery), press a button to turn it on, then drop it in the swimming pool. Could it be any easier?

Automatic Pool Cleaner Troubleshooting 101

If your automatic pool cleaner starts acting up, don’t panic! It’s usually just a small problem.

  • Check the hose connections to make sure that there are no leaks.
  • Make sure the filter isn’t full of debris.
  • Double-check the power source, floating power cord, or battery level, because sometimes there might be an electrical issue.

If it is not a quick fix, then you might need to call a local pool professional to help you out. Good luck with getting a problem fixed by contacting the company that made the pool cleaner, for the reason that the customer service is usually either pretty good, or annoyingly bad.

Choosing Your Cleaner Based on Your Wallet and Wishlist

Let’s talk money and what you want from your automatic pool cleaner.

  • Budget-friendly: suction-side cleaners are your first choice here. They’re affordable and still get the job done.
  • The high pressure option: pressure-side cleaners hit that middle ground between cost and performance.
  • High rollers: if you’re all about that futuristic life, then robotic pool cleaners, especially cordless pool robots, should be on your wishlist.

Conclusion: Your Pool’s New Best Friend

Once you’ve got your automatic pool cleaner, it’s all about keeping it in good nick. Cleaning the various filters should be high on your list of regular pool maintenance tasks. And remember, a balanced pool chemistry will keep the automatic pool cleaner, hoses, and power cords from being prematurely damaged by harsh chemicals.

To conclude, choosing the right automatic pool cleaner is sometimes a process of trial and error. So, assess your swimming pool, understand your options, and pick the automatic cleaner that ticks all your boxes.

Photo by João Pedro Schmitz on Unsplash.