Keeping a large pool sparkling clean can feel like a daunting task. You might think of it as a never-ending chore. But what if you could sit back and let a machine handle the dirty work? Enter automatic pool cleaners. These handy devices can save you time and give you the freedom to enjoy your pool, rather than just maintain it. Let’s explore the best options out there.
What is an Automatic Pool Cleaner?
An automatic pool cleaner is a device that does the hard work of cleaning your pool for you. Whether it’s removing leaves, dirt, or debris, these cleaners glide through the water like a fish looking for food. They come in different shapes, sizes, and types, making it easy to find one that fits your pool’s specific needs.
Types of Automatic Pool Cleaners for Large Pools
When searching for the right automatic pool cleaner for a large pool, it’s important to know the different types available.
Suction-Side Cleaners
Suction-side cleaners attach to your pool’s skimmer or dedicated suction line. They work by using the pool’s filtration system to create suction that pulls in debris. These cleaners are generally easy to install and don’t require extra pumps. However, they can sometimes miss the corners and edges, leaving behind some stubborn dirt.
Pressure-Side Cleaners
Pressure-side cleaners use water pressure to push debris into a separate bag or cartridge. This means they don’t rely on the pool’s filter, making them ideal for larger pools. They’re often more efficient at covering ground, but do require extra maintenance due to their bags filling up.
In addition, you need to install and run a separate booster pump to provide extra water pressure for a pressure pool cleaner to operate effectively. For this reason, pressure pool cleaners are usually more expensive to buy and run when compared to suction pool cleaners.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners are the superheroes of pool cleaning. Equipped with their own pumps and filters, they work independently to scrub the walls and floor of the pool. While they might come with a higher price tag, their efficiency and thorough cleaning abilities make them worth every penny. Plus, many models come with smart features for easy operation.
Why Invest in an Automatic Pool Cleaner?
Imagine lounging by your pool, drink in hand, while a robotic cleaner glides through the water, tackling all the dirt and debris. Sounds dreamy, right? Here are some key benefits of investing in an automatic pool cleaner:
- Time-saving: no more spending hours scrubbing the pool. An automatic cleaner frees up your time.
- Consistency: these machines work tirelessly, ensuring your pool stays clean day in and day out.
- Economical: less time spent on maintenance means more time enjoying your pool.
- Improved hygiene: regular cleaning reduces algae growth and other bacteria, making for a safer swimming environment.
- Plus, a cleaner pool can help extend the life of your pool’s equipment.
Questions to Ask Before Buying an Automatic Pool Cleaner
Before you hit the “buy” button, consider these questions:
- What’s the size of your pool? Make sure the cleaner you choose is designed for larger pools to ensure effectiveness.
- What’s your budget? Automatic pool cleaners range widely in price, so set a budget beforehand.
- What type of debris do you often find? Some cleaners excel with larger debris, while others handle fine dirt better.
Top Picks for Automatic Pool Cleaners for Large Pools
In my humble opinion, the following automatic pool cleaners should perform well in large swimming pools.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is a best-selling robotic cleaner that can clean large in-ground pool sizes up to 50 feet in length. It can clean both the floor and the walls, although it does not clean the waterline.
The Nautilus CC Plus operates on a basic two-hour cleaning time, but it can also be programmed with a weekly schedule. It’s efficient and has top-loading filter panels instead of bags, making it a solid choice for busy pool owners. Click here to view the Nautilus CC Plus on Amazon (paid link).
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 is a pressure-side cleaner that’s known for its reliability. It’s great for handling large leaves and debris, ensuring your pool stays pristine.
However, I see in the product description that the Vac-Sweep 280 is shipped with only 31-feet of feed hose. In that case, you might have to buy and add more feed hoses for pools that are larger than 30 feet in length. Click here to read more on Amazon (paid link).
Hayward AquaNaut 400
If you were looking for a suction-side pool cleaner that will work in a large in-ground pool, then I am going to recommend the Hayward AquaNaut 400. Here’s why.
The Hayward AquaNaut 400 Suction Cleaner stands out with its exclusive 4-wheel drive capability for comprehensive cleaning in various pool types. The AquaNaut 400 adeptly navigates across surfaces like concrete, gunite, vinyl, tile, fiberglass, and pebble, thanks to its rugged tire treads that enhance climbing and maneuverability.
Furthermore, its advanced water flow design ensures compatibility with variable-speed pumps, making it highly efficient. It maximizes suction while significantly reducing clogging issues.
Suitable for larger in-ground pools up to 20 x 40 feet, the AquaNaut 400 should be able to clean most pools without getting stuck, even when faced with large debris and challenging obstacles (check price on Amazon – paid link).
Beatbot AquaSense Pro
Lastly, I do not know if I should recommend a cordless robotic pool cleaner for large pools, for the reason that a cordless pool robot might run out of power before completely cleaning a large pool. Be that as it may, I will provide an example of a cordless robotic pool cleaner that might work for large swimming pools.
The Beatbot AquaSense Pro is a cordless robotic pool cleaner that effectively cleans walls, floors, and waterlines. Here are its main features:
- Its dual propeller design allows it to collect floating debris while cleaning different surfaces at the same time.
- The smart return system makes it easy for the robot to rise to the surface and park itself when it finishes cleaning or when the battery is running low.
- With multiple motors, it achieves strong water flow rates, making it easy to navigate and climb walls.
- This cordless pool robot is equipped with smart sensors that help it optimize cleaning paths for complete coverage.
- The powerful 10,400 mAh battery should last for a few hours worth of cleaning action in pools as large as 3,299 square feet (that’s about 57 x 57 feet).
So, what’s the catch? Click here to check its price on Amazon (paid link). If my eyes are watering, then it is not because of too much chlorine in the pool.
Conclusion
Automatic pool cleaners are like an extra pair of hands that take over the labor of maintaining a swimming pool, whether large or small. By investing in one, you’re not only getting a cleaner pool, but also reclaiming your precious time. With options like robotic, suction-side, and pressure-side cleaners available, there’s a practical solution out there just waiting for you.
Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash.