CHOOSING WHICH TYPE OF AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANER IS RIGHT FOR YOU:

When it comes to automatic pool cleaners, there is no "best" choice, simply because different cleaners suit different pools. Depending on the type of debris a pool owner may encounter, one type of cleaner definitely suits the application better than another. Never trust suppliers that market pool cleaners in a "do all" fashion. Instead, know what types of cleaners exist and the types of applications they are designed for. Let's look at the types of pool cleaning units available today based on their features, functions, and corresponding benefits.

Suction-side automatic pool cleaners use the suction from the pool pump to drive the cleaner around the pool. They essentially have a hose that connects to a skimmer box vacuum plate at one end and the pool cleaner at the other. Because suction-side cleaners are hydraulic by design, there is no steering mechanism; rather, they randomly follow the hose like a whip. Suction-side cleaners move along the pool floor, where debris is sucked up and trapped in the swimming pool filter. These types of pool cleaners are best suited, for example, to kidney-shaped pools with gradual corners, very few obstacles, and a rough pool surface like pebble. They are not designed for square pools, or complex-shaped pools.

Suction-side cleaners also are the most popular automatic cleaners in use today. Brands such as Kreepy Krauly, Hayward Navigator, and the Barracuda are all examples of suction-side cleaners. They can hook into the pool's suction system in one of two ways: plugged directly into the skimmer, or into a dedicated suction fitting on the wall of the pool.

What drives the suction-side cleaner to move about the pool and vacuum as it goes is suction itself. This type of cleaner works as a moving filter, the bonus being that as the unit performs the cleaning process, it brings water in through the filtration system for faster water turnover in less time.

The suction side actually refers to the pipes and fittings that bring water out of the pool to be filtered—that water being "sucked" out of the pool by the filter pump. As previously indicated, suction-side cleaners attach to one of the suction ports at the pool. Usually this port is the skimmer, or in some cases, the pool may have a separate vacuum port where the cleaner's hose can attach.

With the hose attached and the filter pump running, suction is created on the underside of the cleaner. The cleaner moves around the pool with motion created by a device that gives a stop/start pulsing of water. As the unit travels, debris is sucked up through the neck and then the hose, past the suction port, through the pipe, and stops at the filter pump strainer basket. Smaller debris passes through to the filter. Adjustments on the hose, the unit itself, and flow volume will create different cleaning patterns that maximize pool coverage.

When it comes to scrubbing pool walls, some of the suction-side pool cleaners will agitate as they maneuver around the pool—creating a scrubbing action. As the cleaner is scrubbing and losing tiny particles, these are sucked down into the filtering system. This method removes much smaller particles than a pressure-side cleaner that deposits debris into a cleaner bag. No installation of additional plumbing or pumps is necessary, making a suction-side cleaner much less expensive to install.

Pressure-side cleaners (also called return-side cleaners) are another common type of automatic pool vacuums. Pressure-side cleaners operate on water pressure either generated by the pool pump, or via a dedicated booster pump. The pump pushes water to a fitting built into the side of the pool. A small hose—measuring about the diameter of a garden hose—is then connected to this wall fitting, with the other end attached to the pool cleaner head.

The water pressure is used to drive the mechanics of the machine, as well as blow dirt and debris into a net debris bag or canister, depending on make and model of the cleaner. The water that is being pumped or "pushed" back to the pool powers these units, which have their own hydraulic power plant inside. Being on the pressure side, these units have distinct advantages. First, they are helpful in distributing clean, filtered water around the pool. Second, having their own debris bag or canister means they won't affect the pool filter system.

Pressure-side cleaners, driven by adequate water pressure, move around the pool collecting trash into the debris bag. However, the down side to a pressure-side cleaner is that the net bag does not catch smaller debris such as sand and silt.

Yet a pressure-side cleaner is said to clean a pool much faster than other cleaners simply because it uses the water pressure from the pool. The better the pressure, the faster it goes. The water pressure powers a couple of small jets that spray up and into the debris bag, creating a vortex that lifts the dirt and debris off the bottom of the swimming pool and into the bag.

Pressure-side cleaners generally go for twice the price of suction cleaners—from $1,000 to $2,000 including pressure pump. They work well for both in-ground and above- ground swimming pools.

Robotic pool cleaners differ from suction-side and pressure-side (return-side) cleaners in that they operate independently of the swimming pool filtration system. Robotic pool cleaners are electronic smart devices with computers and sensors that allow the cleaners to avoid obstacles in the pool. They run off electricity, using standard 240-volt power to drive the electric motors inside the machine head. A power pack is plugged into household current, the voltage is reduced to avoid electrical shock, and the robot is powered by built-in motors.

Likely the most unique feature of robotic cleaners is the ability to mimic human cleaning. By programming an onboard computer to turn the device at intervals, a robotic pool cleaner can "learn" the shape of the pool to more effectively clean all areas. A robotic pool cleaner will maintain the entire pool without revisiting previously cleaned areas—something often seen in random cleaners.

Many users say the true advantage of robotic cleaners is in the scrubbing action, achieved by brushes that actually scrub the pool walls and floor, and the tile lining as well. Pool owners are freed from the chore of walking around the pool, scrubbing away in a time-consuming pursuit.

Robotic cleaners catch all the debris they remove in a self-contained filter. Filter bags capture all the trash, where it is stored for removal. Most robotic cleaners use filters capable of removing particles as small as 2 microns, which is considerably smaller than what swimming pool filters are capable of removing. By trapping debris in its own containment system, a robotic pool cleaner cuts down on the amount of pool filter cleaning or back washing required—ultimately conserving water.

Robotic cleaners are the most efficient of pool cleaners, and also the most expensive—they range in price from $1,500 to more than $12,000.That's why experts say robotic units are most suited to commercial pool situations where the pool needs to be cleaned as fast as possible and the price point is more in line with budgetary concerns.

Making a choice
Clearly, all three types of cleaners will get the job done. Keep in mind that if a suction-side automatic pool cleaner is chosen, it will require backwashing or cleaning the pool filter more often as a result of the debris being sucked into the filter system.

Since a pressure-side automatic pool cleaner works off the return line of the pool's circulation system, it adds clean, filtered water all around the swimming pool. And because a robotic pool cleaner is self-contained—that is, functioning independently of the pool's circulation system—the pool's filtration system may not need to be run as often.

Another important factor in choosing an automatic pool cleaner is budget. As the pool cleaner increases in functionality, one can always expect an increase in price. Suction-side cleaners are generally the least expensive, robotic cleaners the most expensive, and pressure-side pool cleaners falling somewhere in between.

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Editor's note: Reference material sourced from
http://www.poolinfo.com/Automatic-Swimming-Pool-Cleaners.htm
http://www.aboutthehouse.com.au/switch/271-3656-10
http://howtobuildaningroundpool.com/tag/robotic-pool-cleaners
http://www.aoyunzhijia.net/tag/robotic-pool-cleaners
http://swimmingpoolequipment.blogsome.com/2009/10/10/automatic-pool-cleaners/