Types of Pool Cleaners
There are four basic types of pool cleaners:
- Automatic (suction): ie. Powered by water pressure (eg. from the pool pump) to drive the cleaner & ‘pull’ debris into a filter
(eg. The filter box) - Automatic (pressure): ie. Powered by water pressure (eg. from a separate pump) to drive the cleaner & ‘push’ debris into a filter
(eg. a bag) - Robotic: ie. Independently powered (by mains or battery) to collect debris into an on-board cartridge.
- In-pool : ie. These are built in as part of the pool design.
Which Cleaner Best Suits Your Pool
Not every type of cleaner is good for every type of surface. Some general guidelines are:
- For smooth surfaces (eg, Tiles, Concrete, Fibreglass), use a pool cleaner that has a ‘roller’ for best results.
- For acrylic surfaces (ie. Vinyl), avoid using a pool cleaner with rollers, as these could potentially abrade the vinyl, or worse, create a leak.
- For rough surfaces (eg Pebblecrete), even having a roller won’t eliminate the need of having to brush the surface to dislodge algae.
Automatic (Suction):
ie. Powered by the suction from a pump (eg. The pool pump), to collect debris into a filter (eg. The filter box)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Usually the least expensive option | Requires the most intervention & attention |
| Technically/mechanically the simplest option | May not give the best results |
| Easy to get spares | Dependent on other equipment working |
| Light to get in/out of pool | Fills up the filter basket |
| Noisiest option (pump must be on) | |
| More backwashing of filter – water waste |
Automatic (Pressure):
ie. Rather than using suction pressure, these will ‘blow’ water through the cleaner to power the wheels/tractors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Usually the least expensive option | Requires the most intervention & attention |
| Technically/mechanically the simplest option | May not give the best results |
| Easy to get spares | Dependent on other equipment working |
| Light to get in/out of pool | Fills up the filter basket |
| Noisiest option (pump must be on) | |
| More backwashing of filter – water waste |
Robotic:
ie. Independently powered (by mains or battery) to collect debris into an on-board cartridge.
Robotic cleaners come in two types, ie those with wheels, and those with rollers. The differences are as follows:
- Wheels. Their function is to pick up debris off the floor, not scrub the surface. And they won’t clean to the waterline.
- Rollers. These types will clean the pool surface as they go, usually all the way to the waterline.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Doesn’t impact on pump/filtration system | More expensive than automatic option |
| Usually very quiet | No swimming if it is plugged in to wall |
| No clogging of the filter basket | Can be heavy to lift in/out of pool (up to 15kg) |
| Good at picking up larger leaves | Technically the most complex (electronics) |
| Conserve water – less need to backwash |
In-Pool Systems:
ie. In-built and immovable, as part of the infrastructure of the pool.
In-pool systems usually ‘sweep’ whatever has settled at the bottom of the pool into a catchment where it is collected for disposal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Doesn’t impact on pump/filtration system (has a separate circuit) | More expensive to install (needs a separate circuit) |
| Hardly noticeable – no observable equipment | Pool may require extra cleaning – to get areas missed. |
| No clogging of the filter basket – uses a separate receptacle | Needs to be serviced regularly |
| Regular operation so the pool always looks clean | Doesn’t scrub the walls of the pool |
| Conserve water – less need to backwash |
robotzoo offers the best pool robotic cleaners Australia can get.
We ensure that you will get crystal-clear results from your pool robot.
Whether you have been looking at the Dolphin M400, Zodiac CX35,
Hayward SharkVac, or the Poolbot b150, you can compare our models.
Hayward SharkVac, or the Poolbot b150, you can compare our models.
If you are looking for user guides for some of these models, try here.
And have a look at the challenges they can overcome.
We’re sure that you will find that our cleaners compare very favourably.
If you’re not sure if robot cleaners are ideal for you, shoot us a question.
We’d love to chat.
Do You Want To Find Out More?
Would you like to discuss the suitability of our devices to your situation?
please just fill out the enquiry form.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to us first,
please call us on 1 3000 ROBOT. (1 3000 76268)
please just fill out the enquiry form.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to us first,
please call us on 1 3000 ROBOT. (1 3000 76268)