subject: A Simple Automatic In-ground Pool Cleaners Guide [print this page] When building your own swimming pool, an investment is made. Like any investment, it needs to be maintained and preserved as much as possible. As for swimming pools, regardless if its for residential or commercial use, pool cleaning must be done once in a while. Manual pool cleaning is time consuming and strenuous. But not anymore! Automatic pool cleaners are now available and have been for decades. Like any machine, pool cleaners help you spend less with cleaning and allow safe swimming.
With millions of swimming pools around the country, manufacturers have sprung up and created different types and models of pool cleaners, specifically for in-ground pools. One brand, Hayward, manufactures cleaners that are durable, reliable, and at the forefront of pool cleaning technology. Others brands include Polaris, Pentair, and Zodiac. Polaris has been active with manufacturing in-ground pool cleaners for more than 40 years. Pentair is popular due to its affordability and reliability. Meanwhile, Zodiac is a worldwide company committed in creating better pool cleaners.
Choosing an Automatic In-ground Pool Cleaner
There are 3 basic types of pool cleaners. Each was created to accommodate your pools specific needs and preferences. Budget, ease in operation and installation should be considered as well when selecting your pool cleaner.
Suction-side pool cleaners for in-ground pools:
These cleaners are easy to install and operate. The device would be attached to your existing skimmer port but you can opt to acquire your own vacuum port and operates from it. Suction-side pool cleaners create suction from the underside of the pool, vacuums water and traps debris and sediments through the hose onto the filter pump strainer. Cleaning patterns with can definitely be adjusted to your preference.
Pros: easy to operate and install
Cons: Wont necessarily reach those hard spots if your pool is of unusual shape.
Known brands: Pentair Kreepy Krauly, the Hayward Pool Vac Ultra, and the Hayward King-Ray
Pressure-side pool cleaners for in-ground pools:
Pressure-side pool cleaners operates either when connected to your own pool pump or with your own dedicated cleaner line and booster pump. To make sure that the devices use is at its maximum, a dedicated pump would really help. This type of cleaner is better compared to suction pump since it can vacuum smaller debris and sediments. The cleaner also has its own filter bag.
Pros: better vacuum capability compared to suction-side, wont compromise your existing filtration system
Cons: a bit tricky on the installation, debris bags needs to be checked once in a while
Known brands: Hayward Phantom (with or without booster pump), the Polaris 380
Robotic pool cleaners for in-ground pools:
If you have an unusual shaped pool, this cleaner is the one for you. This cleaner runs indecently with its own internal motor which definitely runs through electricity. Robotic pool cleaners have their own circulation system and internal filter bags as well. With this features, they are capable of reaching those hard to reach spot in your pool.
Pros: quick and efficient
Cons: a bit expensive compared to the other 2 types, device installation
Known brands: Nitro, Hayward Aqua-Vac and the Aqua-Vac Plus
