The Ultimate Guide To Buying A Pool Cleaner

Keeping Your Pool Crystal Clear With Automatic Pool Cleaners

As a swimming pool owner, you want sparkling, clean water that’s always ready when you are. But how do you achieve that crystal-clear look—without spending all your free time scooping leaves and vacuuming the pool?

One option is to hire a pool maintenance company for regular service. But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly, hands-off solution, an automatic pool cleaner could be the answer.

What Is an Automatic Pool Cleaner?

Automatic pool cleaners are devices designed to reduce the workload of pool maintenance. There are three main types, categorized by their drive mechanism and power source:

• Suction-side cleaners

• Pressure-side cleaners

• Robotic (electric) cleaners

Each type has its own advantages, but they all share the same goal: keeping your swimming pool clean while taking some of the burden off you.

Let’s take a closer look at each option and see which one is most recommended by Vital Pool Solutions LLC.

1. Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners

Pressure-side pool cleaners connect to your pool’s return line and use water pressure from the pump to move around the pool and vacuum debris.

The pressurized water creates turbulence, which stirs up debris from the floor and walls, sending some to the surface, where it gets pulled into the main filter through the skimmer. The cleaner itself also collects dirt and debris in its own attached filter bag. Pressure-side cleaners are especially good for handling large debris.

However, these cleaners move randomly and require a booster pump, making them the highest energy users of the three types. Because they depend on your pool’s filter system, they can’t remove particles smaller than the filter element’s pore size.

Pros:

• Handles large amounts and large-sized debris

• Affordable initial purchase

Cons:

• Relies on the pool filter, adding wear and tear

• Moves randomly (less efficient)

• Can’t remove fine particles

• Consumes more electricity due to the booster pump

2. Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic pool cleaners are completely independent of your pool’s main pump and filter system. Instead, they run on electricity from a separate power source.

These cleaners typically have two motors: one that vacuums water through a built-in filter and returns it to the pool, and another that drives the unit across the pool using rubber tracks similar to tractor treads.

With advanced microchips and sensors, robotic cleaners can navigate your pool’s floor, walls, steps, and tile line. They’re highly effective at picking up both large debris and fine particles.

Pros:

• Cleans large debris and fine dust

• Energy-efficient and inexpensive to run

• Scrubs walls, floors, steps, and tile lines

• Can be programmed with timers

• Smart navigation covers the entire pool

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost

Examples:

• Aiper Robotic Pool Cleaners are a great example; they are fully automated, cordless pool vacuums designed to keep pools clean without relying on your pump or filter system. Powered by rechargeable batteries and smart navigation, they efficiently scrub floors and walls while capturing dirt and debris in a built-in filter.

3. Suction-Side Pool Cleaners

Suction-side pool cleaners are the most affordable of the three types and work by connecting to your skimmer, using suction from the pool pump to move around and vacuum up debris. The suction action powers the cleaner as it moves randomly across the pool floor and walls, drawing debris into the filter system.

These cleaners are powered entirely by the pool’s main pump and rely on the existing filtration system to capture dirt and debris.

Pros:

• Low cost

• Minimal maintenance and inexpensive part replacement

• Effective for fine debris such as sand

Cons:

• Not effective for large debris; prone to clogging

• Can block the pump basket

• Reduces the suction power of the main pump

• Moves randomly, less efficient cleaning

• Increases wear and tear on the pool pump and filter system

Examples:

• Rebel 2 Automatic Vacuum Pool Cleaner, compact yet powerful, the Rebel 2 delivers outstanding performance with preprogrammed steering and a two-wheel design that lets it reach tight corners and hidden debris.

What Type of Automatic Pool Cleaner Do We Recommend in Ocala and Marion County?

It really comes down to your budget. If you want the best investment for long-term value, a robotic pool cleaner is our top choice, as it takes the strain off your pool’s pump and filter while delivering the most thorough clean.

Finding the right pool cleaner for your Ocala or Marion County pool doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance, you can choose a cleaner that fits both your pool’s needs and your budget. Have questions about automatic pool cleaners? Contact Vital Pool Solutions—we’re here to help!

And remember, we also offer a full-service option! Our scheduled and one-off pool cleaning, chemical treatments, and maintenance services take the hassle out of pool care, keeping your water crystal clear and swim-ready year-round—so you don’t have to lift a finger.

📞 Call (352) 779-8304

📧 Email service@vitalpoolsolutions.com

📍 Proudly Serving Ocala & Marion County, FL

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