In addition to hiring a professional pool cleaning service, a pool vacuum cleaner helps to keep your pool debris free in between scheduled maintenance visits. So you get that some type of pool cleaning system will be one of your next major purchases. But how do you determine which one is the right one for your particular pool? Sit back and relax on that lounge chair as we demystify the world of pool cleaners for you.

Manual Cleaning with a Telescoping Pole

At the very basic level are manual cleaners, like handheld vacuums, brushes, and skimmers, and scrub brushes, which attach to a telescoping pole for accessing the deepest reaches of the pool. This method allows you to scrape the sides and bottom of a deep pool and sweep off all that green and yellowish algae. It’s a great upper-body workout, and also fairly time consuming, but doable and inexpensive.

Good for: Old-fashioned purists, those who find it therapeutic, or toned gods and goddesses.

Handheld Pool Vacuums

With manual vacuums, the operator maneuvers it across the pool’s surface, similar to vacuuming the floor of your home. A handheld vacuum has no mechanical parts and is an inexpensive way to improve your pool’s filtration system. A warning: the bigger the pool, the longer it will take to clean the pool—possibly a few hours. Count on backwashing the filter after vacuuming to add more time to the chore.

Good for: The aforementioned reasons, including those who want or need to save money.

Suction Pool Cleaners

These are also referred to as suction-side cleaners connect to the filtration system’s water intake and utilize the pool pump suction power to collect debris. Suction-side pool cleaners require that the pool pump should be running during operation, which means they’ll be using more electricity than other types of pool cleaners. Because they require more-frequent filter cleaning, more DE will need to be used.

Good for: Pools with existing pumps and filters that are in good condition and are the right size for the task. However, be prepared to clean and backwash your filters frequently since more than the normal amount of dirt is being added to the unit.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

One of the most popular types of automatic pool vacuums, robotics power independently of the swimming pool circulation system.

Of all the different types of pool cleaners and vacuums, robotics are considered the most energy efficient. Self-contained units with a built-in filter and motor, robotic cleaners are able to grab the smallest particles from all types of pool surfaces. Some models come equipped with fun features like remote controls for spot cleaning and, four-wheel drives.

Good for: An above-ground pool that isn’t equipped with a skimmer basket, because it will clean the pool automatically.

Pressure Pool Cleaners

Also known as pressure-side cleaners, cleaners use the pump’s power to accelerate their movement along the surfaces of the pool.operate under their own power, independent of the swimming pool circulation system. Mounted on wheels to easily move around, pressure cleaners don’t scrub the pool surfaces in the same manner that contact-type cleaners are able to.

No stress is added to the pool filter because pressure pool cleaners come equipped with their own filter bags. If you add a booster pump, this type of cleaner can become more powerful.

Good for: Pools that have lots or larger pieces or amounts of debris and dirt.