When it comes to keeping your pool clean, an automatic pressure pool cleaner should be your best buddy. In essence, they should do all the hard work for you, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your sparkling water. Even though there are not so many options out there, how do you choose the right one?
What Is an Automatic Pressure Pool Cleaner?
Automatic pressure-side pool cleaners are machines designed to scrub and vacuum your pool without you lifting a finger, except for turning it on and off, and cleaning the filter bag. These automatic pool cleaners use the water pressure from your pool’s pump and booster pump system to get the job done. Think of them as underwater vacuums that zoom around your pool, picking up dirt, leaves, and debris.
Why Choose a Pressure Pool Cleaner?
Pressure-side pool cleaners are popular for a reason. They are effective at removing tough debris, especially leaves, from both the pool floor and walls. Plus, they can work for as long as you keep the booster pump running. You can set them up and let them do their thing while you enjoy a drink by the pool. Who wouldn’t want that?
Top Features to Look For in Pressure Pool Cleaners
When searching for the best automatic pressure-side pool cleaner, consider these key features:
Cleaning Power
Look for a cleaner with strong water pressure venturi jet vacuuming abilities, a large debris intake, and large rubber wheels. The more powerful it is, the better it can tackle dirt and leaves.
Ease of Use
You don’t want to spend hours figuring out how to use your cleaner. A straightforward setup and simple controls make cleaning your pool a breeze. Although, pressure-side pool cleaner models do not have handy features, like automatic shut-off or weekly timers.
In contrast to robotic pool cleaners, pressure-side models are very basic machines, without Wi-Fi connectivity and specific cleaning programs.
In addition, pressure-side pool cleaners require the installation and operation of a booster pump to provide extra water pressure. This could increase the overall costs, while making it more difficult to get a pressure-side pool cleaner up and running.
Durability
An automatic pool cleaner is a significant investment, so you want something that lasts. Look for cleaners made of strong materials that can withstand the wear and tear of constant use. Also, get one for which there are lots of parts that are easily available, for the reason that you have to replace some of the parts every few years to keep it running smoothly.
Filter System
A good filter can trap finer particles, ensuring your pool stays crystal clear. Most pressure-side pool cleaners come with large filtration bags, which can be good for trapping leaves, but not so good for catching finer particles.
Unfortunately, almost all the automatic pressure pool cleaners on the market use large filter bags, and not filter cartridges or baskets. This means that they are usually not the best choice for filtering out finer particles.
Some of the Best Options Out There
Generally, there seems to be fewer pressure-side pool cleaners on the market when compared to suction-side and robotic pool cleaners. Nevertheless, here are my top choices for automatic pressure-side pool cleaners.
Polaris Vac-Sweep Models
It probably comes as no surprise that I will start by recommending the Polaris Vac-Sweep pressure pool cleaners.
I think there are four or five models in the Vac-Sweep series. The first model was the Vac-Sweep 180, which was then followed by the 280, the 360, the 380, and the 3900 Sport. While the Polaris 180 is no longer with us, the other versions are still available.
For the most part, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 seems to be the best-selling model of the bunch, so you might want to start there before looking at the newer, but more expensive, Vac-Sweep models. Click here to view Polaris 280 on Amazon (paid link).
Polaris Quattro P40
The next option that I want to mention is the Polaris Quattro P40. I think that the most important difference between this model and the Vac-Sweep models is that the Quattro P40 does not have a filter bag.
Instead, the Quattro P40 has a dual filtration canister, which can collect both large debris and finer particles. This is great, because the filter bag system might be good for leaves, but it has trouble with catching the tiny stuff.
Furthermore, the Quattro P40 actually has scrubbing brushes, which the Vac-Sweep models do not have.
Also, the Quattro P40 has four wheels, which is one more than the Vac-Sweep models have, so it should provide better grip and prevent tipping problems. Click here to view Quattro P40 on Amazon (paid link).
Pentair Pressure Pool Cleaners
If you do not want to get one of the Polaris pressure-side pool cleaners, then the only alternative is to buy a Pentair model, such as the Kreepy Krauly Platinum, Kreepy Krauly Legend, or the Kreepy Krauly Racer.
In general, they are very similar to the Polaris models, except that they all seem to have four wheels instead of three, which will make them more stable and less likely to tip over on rare occasions.
The most popular Pentair pressure pool cleaner model seems to be the Pentair LL505PMG Kreepy Krauly Platinum, so I would suggest you take a look at it first, before you check out the other models. Click here to view Kreepy Krauly Platinum on Amazon (paid link).
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Pressure Pool Cleaner
Finding the best automatic pressure-side pool cleaner doesn’t have to be tough. Focus on what features matter most to you, like cleaning power, ease of use, and durability. With the right cleaner on your side, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your beautiful pool.
For the most part, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 seems to be the most popular choice for most people. Get yours today on Amazon (paid link).
In the final analysis, it looks as if pressure-side pool cleaners are nowhere near as popular as suction-side or robotic pool cleaners. I guess that having to install an extra booster pump and making some adjustments to get it to work properly in your pool might be too much hassle for most people. The best approach is probably to let a pool professional do the installation and maintenance of a pressure pool cleaner to avoid having to tweak it yourself. Otherwise, just get a robotic pool cleaner that is mostly a plug-and-play solution to cleaning your swimming pool.
Photo by john labelette on Unsplash.