Why You Should Invest in an Automatic Pool Cleaner
If
you follow any of my sites from YouTube to my Website and of course this Blog,
you will have noted that I am a big fan of automatic cleaners. I spend a good
portion of my content reviewing cleaners and filming repair videos of automatic
cleaners. So, if you don’t already have some type of automatic cleaner you need
to get with the program and get one for your pool.
There
are several benefits of having an automatic cleaner. The first is that it
will save you a lot of time with your pool care. Look at it like having your
manual vacuum and hose in your pool all week long and you are vacuuming the
pool 8 hours a day. You wouldn’t stand there vacuuming for 8 hours each day and
that is why they call them automatic cleaners. Depending on the type depends on
how it is connected or not connected to your pool. But essentially that is what
it will do for your week in and week out.
It
also will leave your pool swim-ready each week which is great if you find
yourself using your pool throughout the season. Again, get the image of you
vacuuming your pool all day and you can see why your pool will be good to go at
any given time. No more rushing out to your pool to vacuum it before the pool
party. This will allow you to focus on more important things and with the
automatic cleaner running in the pool you won’t need to waste time and energy
on cleaning it each time you use your pool.
Having
a cleaner running can also prevent staining on the pool surface. Sometimes dirt
will have metal ions in it and leaves will certainly stain the pool bottom if
left there for a long period of time. A staple or other small metal piece can
also fall into the pool and I have seen pools saved from a rust stain by an
automatic cleaner picking up the small metal item. This is just one side
benefit of a cleaner and I think the first two are enough to justify the
expense.
Here
is a rundown on the three types of cleaners available for your pool.
Suction
Side Cleaners:
This
is the most familiar type of cleaner for most consumers and the most popular
type. A suction cleaner works off your pool's existing pump and attached to the
skimmer or a side/ vacuum port in your pool. Depending on the pool and type of
debris this can be the most effective and cost-effective cleaner type for you.
Most suction side cleaners retail for $400 or less.
The
Suction side cleaner is the one most popular on my pool route as they are
affordable, effective and there are a lot of different models to choose from.
In most cases, I will suggest a good suction side cleaner since they are also
easy to set up and easy to repair when something breaks.
Pressure
Side and Return Side Cleaners:
Pressure
Side cleaners are extremely effective. They have a large debris opening and a
large bag on top for debris. They can clean a large pool in 2- 3 hours or less.
The drawbacks are that they need a separate booster pump installed and a
dedicated return line. So usually Pressure Cleaners are installed when the pool
is constructed or remodeled.
Return
Side Cleaner (Polaris 360):
The
Return Side cleaner is a great option if you have a newer pool with 1 1/2"
threaded return lines. This cleaner connects right into your existing return
lines and works much like a Pressure cleaner with the exception that no booster
pump is needed. I have these on several accounts and love them.
The the only major drawback is that since you need to restrict one or more return jets
to generate enough pressure the skimming action of the pool is reduced. It is
not a deal-breaker but something to be aware of. So, if you have lots of large
debris in your pool and think a Pressure Side cleaner would work, try a
non-booster pump Return side cleaner as an alternative to remodeling your pool.
ROBOTIC
POOL CLEANERS:
My opinion of Robotic Cleaners has changed over the recent years and now I would
suggest them along with Suction Cleaners and Pressure Cleaners. One reason is
that robotic cleaners are more reliable, and the manufacturers signify this by
offering up to a three-year limited warranty, some offer a two-year bumper to
bumper warranty if purchased from a retail pool store. The overall design of
robotic cleaners have improved so the motors, belts, and drives all are longer
lasting.
Another great benefit is that running a robotic cleaner in your pool cost less than
$1.00 a day as it converts the 120 volts power down to 12 volts, so they are
the most affordable cleaner to operate. Since they also pump anywhere from 60
to 80 gallons of water per minute, you can run your filter less as the robotic
cleaner circulates your pool water. For a larger pool, this is a great bonus.
Do
your research and you will be glad you invested in a good automatic pool
cleaner and will only wish you had purchased one sooner.
YouTube Video Index: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-to-video.html – A list of all of my videos.
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