Top 15 Best Economic Swimming Pool Vacuum Cleaners In 2024
McLaughlin Apr 20, 2024 10:05 AM
On a hot summer day, few things are more appealing than plunging into a refreshing swimming pool. But the cool sensation is rapidly lost if you leap into a puddle of leaves. Luckily, pool cleaners make it simple to keep the water clean, so you can throw parties and enjoy relaxing dips in the pool without worrying about the health of your guests or yourself.
Automatic pool cleaners, often known as pool vacuums, are used to clean the floor and walls of swimming pools. Newer robotic cleaners don't put any more load on your pool's plumbing or pump by coming equipped with their own power source and storage container, but older cleaners rely on suction or water pressure. Some manual cleaners come with their own containers, while others will make use of your pool's current filtering system.
There are many different kinds of pool covers, and it might be hard to choose the one that's right for your pool. For your benefit, we've compiled a list of the top-rated pool cleaners on the market, taking into account the various pool materials and filtration systems used by each option.
A collection of the top pool maintenance products.
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![Dolphin E10 Robotic Pool [Vacuum] Cleaner - Ideal for Above Ground Swimming Pools up to 30 Feet - Powerful Suction to Pick up Small Debris - Easy to Clean Top Load Filter Basket](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41rX9qNpgnL._SL500_.jpg "Dolphin E10 Robotic Pool [Vacuum] Cleaner - Ideal for Above Ground Swimming Pools up to 30 Feet - Powerful Suction to Pick up Small Debris - Easy to Clean Top Load Filter Basket")
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Pool Size
Keep in mind that many models of pool vacuum cleaners exist to cater to the needs of various pool sizes. For instance, larger pools necessitate more robust vacuum pool cleaners with larger dirt chambers to accommodate the massive amounts of debris that must be collected throughout the cleaning process. However, a lightweight pool vacuum cleaner can be a more economical choice for smaller pools.
Pool Type
Regardless of the dimensions or construction of your in-ground pool, you can rest assured that your automatic pool cleaner will do a fine job of keeping it clean. If the interior of your pool is made of vinyl, please exercise caution. The pool cleaner can cause even more damage if the liner already has bubbles, tears, or rocks, and the warranty for many cleaners doesn't cover damage caused by bubbles, tears, or rocks. Robotic, suction-side, and pressure-side pool cleaners are all available and optimized for use with vinyl-lined pools.
Pool Surface Type
A few examples of swimming pool surfaces are concrete, vinyl, fiberglass, and plaster. In terms of upkeep and cleanliness, these various surfaces require distinct approaches. Pool vacuums made specifically for use on concrete floors, for instance, may not be up to the task of removing grime and stains off vinyl or tile floors. Moreover, vinyl and fiberglass surfaces have a propensity to collect dirt and debris, which might be an issue if your pool vacuum isn't made for such surfaces.
Type
Robotic cleaners, suction cleaners, and pressure cleaners are the three most common automatic pool cleaners. In order to clean your pool, a robotic cleaner relies on electricity, which means it does not use the filtration system. They may be set to clean for a certain period of time or in a certain area of the pool, and they use GPS navigation to get there.
Both suction- and pressure-type pool cleaners use the current pump motor to operate. Cleaners with suction on one side attach to the pool's skimmer or have their own vacuum system. Pool cleaner is sucked around the pool at random by the suction. To further randomize the cleaning process, a pressure-side cleaner is linked to the water return jet and is propelled around the pool by the pressure. Both of these pool cleaners need the pump motor to be on in order to function, and they can take up to six hours to completely clean the ordinary 16' by 32' in-ground pool.
Mark Thompson, proprietor of Absolute Pool & Spa Care in Atlanta, Georgia, believes that a suction-side pool cleaner is better for finer debris, while a pressure-side pool cleaner is better for the bigger material.
Filtration Method
Cartridges or baskets, depending on the type of robotic cleaner, can be reused after being emptied and cleaned. Cleaning trash from your pool's skimmer or filter basket is the job of suction-side pool cleaners. If they become blocked, your motor will have to work harder than necessary, which could cause it to overheat and fail. A leaf canister added to the hose of the suction-side pool cleaner will divert the larger debris away from the preexisting filter basket, protecting the motor.
The waste collecting bags used by pressure-side pool cleaners are washable and reusable. Keep a spare on hand so you can swap out the dirty one during the cleaning cycle instead of waiting for it to finish. There are more moving components in pressure-side pool cleaners than in suction-side cleaners, which can lead to additional repair and maintenance needs, as Thompson points out.
Automatic vs. manual
You can choose from automated or manual cleaners for your pool. The first type can clean the pool without any assistance from you, as they can detect and avoid obstacles like the floor and walls. Automatic pressure and suction pool cleaners are available, but the electronic components of robotic cleaners are what really make them shine when it comes to mapping out your pool and cleaning it thoroughly and systematically. Automatic pool cleaners have the disadvantages of taking a long time and getting stuck if they aren't constantly being monitored.
You must physically steer manual pool cleaners as they make their way around the pool. These models are typically significantly more cost effective, but they require more effort on your part.
Cleaning Coverage
Cleaners for swimming pools can be utilized in a variety of settings. Some are made just for the floor, whereas the vast majority may be used on both the floor and the walls. However, if you need it to reach the waterline, clean under covers, or vacuum the stairs, you may need to hunt for a specialized model. Look for a cleaner that can navigate your pool's tight corners and curving edges.
Pump Suitability
Most vacuums for pools require being connected to the pool's pump in order to generate suction. Therefore, before purchasing, check to see if the pump's rating is suitable for the device in question.
Climbing Ability
While others can also clean the pool's walls, some can only clean the pool's floor. You should also look for a vacuum that has the ability to ascend and descend stairs if your pool has any.
Wheel Layout
Drains and filter flaps are just two of the many potential hazards in a swimming pool. Make sure the pool vacuum's wheels or tracks can withstand the harsh conditions of your pool.
Size
Most of the time, these vacuums are made to clean a specific size of pool. As a result, if your pool is 30 feet in length, you'll need a vacuum cleaner that can reach depths of 30 feet or more. It's also important to remember that an additional hose can be attached to a vacuum in order to clean a larger pool. However, because your vacuum is not designed to work with a longer hose, you risk reduced suction and possible tangling.
FAQS
What size pool cleaner do I need?
An average in-ground pool is between 32 and 36 feet in length, making it suitable for use with virtually any pool cleaner. Both automatic and manual pool cleaners benefit from having a hose or wire that is longer than the pool itself. The weight of a robotic pool cleaner can range from 20 to 30 pounds, and the caddy is not always included in the purchase price. To make carrying it around easier, you should try to find one with an ergonomic design.
How long do pool cleaners last?
Both Thompson and Wells agree that the typical lifespan of a pool cleaner is somewhere between five and seven years. Wells advises that after two or three years, you might need to replace things like the wheels and the brushes due to regular wear and tear. The latest features, technology, and productivity settings may also be worth investing in a new pool cleaner. Wells says, "Honestly, with any of these, you can make them last as long as you want, but at some point, it will make sense to get a new one,"
How do pool cleaners work?
Cleaners for swimming pools are made to collect material like dirt and dust as well as pollen and leaves and insects and algae. The hoses of an automatic pool cleaning will attach to the skimmer or, if your pool has one, a vacuum line. The pool vacuum travels around the pool's floor and walls, sucking up dirt and debris and transporting it to the skimmer or vacuum line via the hoses. Some pool cleaners operate on a more haphazard cleaning pattern, while more sophisticated versions adhere to a programmed route.
How do robotic pool cleaners work versus regular pool cleaners?
Robotic pool cleaners have their own filtration and power sources, unlike traditional automatic cleaners that draw their suction from the pool's skimmer or a separate suction line. For pools without a strong pump to drive the pool cleaner, or if you'd rather not backwash your filter system frequently to get rid of the detritus your pool cleaner suctions up, these cleaners are a good option.
What Is the Best Pool Vacuum?
As there are several varieties of pool vacuums, answering this question is difficult. While we won't name names, we will say that Dolphin, Zodiac, Pool Master, and Intex are among the most reliable names in the pool cleaning industry, and that their latest models are the ones we recommend.
Conclusion
Regular daily use of pool vacuums should begin shortly after opening and continue through the end of the swimming season. Without even the most basic level of sanitation, the pool quickly becomes slimy with algae growth. Fortunately, there are a number of solutions available to suit a range of needs and price points. The choice you make should be based on those requirements.
Let us add that, contrary to common belief, you will still be responsible for some cleaning after using a pool cleaner. Keep in mind that regardless of the quality of your swimming pool vacuum, you will still need to conduct some manual brushing of the pool's stairs, ladder, and (potentially) waterline walls. Your cleaning equipment, like anything else, need upkeep.
Whatever materials you decide to use, we hope you'll take care to make your pool functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. Make it somewhere you feel comfortable inviting all your loved ones to spend time together.
