Automatic swimming Pool cleaners are practical and allow you to save time but it is important to choose the right machine for your type of pool. A pool cleaner that suits a cement or gunite pool wouldn’t be the best option for a pool with a vinyl line and you would also need to choose different cleaners for above ground and in-ground pools. We will take a look at some of the best automatic robot cleaners to help you find the most suitable option for your pool.
Types of Pool Cleaners
Before we list the best devices available, it is important to mention the different types of automatic Pool Cleaners that are available. It is worth to note that these pools cleaners are intended as maintenance solutions. In order to clean a neglected swimming pool that is covered with leaves, debris and algae, you would probably need to hire professional services with heavy-duty equipment. The main types of pool cleaners for maintenance are:
- Independent Robotic Cleaners
- Suction Side Cleaners
- Pressure Side Cleaners
Independent Robotic Cleaners
These models tend to be more expensive than other types of pool cleaners and the prices would generally start at $450 and can go as high as $1,500. The main downside of these robots is that they are heavy and it is not easy to get them out of the water. Due to their weight, it is advisable to use them only in cement or gunite pools as they can damage vinyl liner while you are trying to get it out of the pool. Something else that you need to consider is that they require electricity to work, unlike other units, which use the suction or pressure that is already being created by the pool pimp. One of the main benefits of independent robotic cleaners is that you don’t need to disable the skimmer to use them. This makes them an ideal solution if you have a large pool with a small skimmer.
Best Independent Robot Cleaner for In-ground Pools – Aquabot Turbo T-Jet
Aquabot are industry pioneers and their products offer affordability and solid performance. The The Turbo T-Jet is a fully automatic robotic cleaner that can wash, vacuum and filter in-ground gunite pools in just a couple of hours without poles or hoses. Its two-micron mesh filter removes debris and helps to reduce the use of the pool’s built-in filtration system. The Aquabot ABTTJET Turbo T -Jet is available for $420, which makes it one of the less expensive options. The parts are also cheaper to buy.
Best Independent Robot Cleaner for Above Ground Pools – Aquabot Pool Rover Junior
Once again, Aquabot makes it to the list with a product that combines quality, ease of use and great price. The Aquabot Pool Rover Junior is ideal for cleaning above ground pools and would also work well for small in-ground pools. It features a built-in 2-micron fine reusable filter bag and a power supply transformer. It can vacuum any oval, round or rectangular flat-surface above-ground pool in less than one hour without hoses. It is available for less $280.
Suction Side Pool Cleaners
There is a limited number of models of suction side pool cleaners, but they are a practical solution powered by suction as the name indicates. You just need to hook up the cleaner to the pool skimmer to operate it, which means that pool surface cleaning is not available while the device is in use. Some of the suction type models that you will find in the market have amusing names and they include Lady Bug, Lil Shark, Diver Dave, Kreepy Krawly and Wanda the Whale. These vacuum style pool cleaners move across the bottom of the pool similarly to a mobile main drain. One of the main advantages of suction pool cleaners is that they are light weight. They can catch smaller debris than other type of cleaners and since they use the suction created by the pool’s pump, they are more energy efficient. They are also more affordable than other cleaners.
Best Suction Side Cleaner for In-Ground Pools – Hayward Aquanaut 200/400
For pools with a size of up to 16 x 32, the best option is the Hayward Aquanaut 200 but if you need to clean a larger pool, the Aquanaut 400 is the right choice. The Aquanaut 200 has two wheels and it features V-Flex technology, which provides maximum power at any flow and can take on any kind of debris without getting clogged. The Aquanaut 400 offers the same technology but it has four wheels. The patented adjustable roller skirt can keep constant suction on uneven surfaces and obstacles. The multiple pre-programmed steering sequences ensure that the whole pool is cleaned. You can get the Aquanaut 200 for $550 and the Aquanaut 400 for around $540.
Best Pick for Suction Side Above Ground Pool Cleaners – Hayward Above-Ground Automatic Pool Cleaner
The Lady Bug, Lil Shark, Diver Dave or Kreepy Krawly are designed to clean above ground pools effectively and the process for these models start at just $140. They include a hose and everything that is needed to start cleaning your pool straight away. The patented SmartDrive programmed steering system ensures complete pool coverage. These pool cleaners are quick and fast.
Pressure Side Pool Cleaners
Pressure side pool cleaners are mainly aimed at in-ground pools and the best option in this category is Polaris. This manufacturer offers models that need a booster pump and others that run with a regular circulation pump such as the Polaris Vac-Seep 280. The downside is that the set up and equipment for this type of pool cleaner can be quite expensive. Additionally, they require a pressure line specifically dedicated to them. The benefit of pressure side pool cleaners is that they are lightweight, can climb walls easily and they feature a whip that helps to clean the pool effectively.
Best Pressure Side Pool Cleaner – Polaris Vac-Sweep 280/ Pentair Kreepy Krauly Racer
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 pressure side pool cleaner runs in all in-ground pools but needs a Polaris booster pump. It can be connected to 1.5 inch dedicated pressure cleaner line and it comes with a 31 ft of feed hose. You can get it from $435.
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly is another great option that features a solid design and that allows you to enjoy top performance. It can clean up to 30% faster than other units and its large intake can capture small and large debris. It is available for less than $700.
