There are several types of pool cleaners available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the best pool cleaners for small pools in 2023 include:
1. Robotic Pool Cleaner
Robotic pool cleaners are a type of automatic pool cleaners that uses electricity and advanced technology to move around the pool and collect debris. They are self-contained units that do not require a separate booster pump or connection to the pool’s circulation system. They use a combination of filtration, brushes, and suction to clean the pool’s floor, walls, and waterline.
Robotic cleaners are considered the most advanced and efficient type of pool cleaner, but they are also the most expensive and complex to install and maintain. Some popular robotic pool cleaners include the Dolphin Nautilus and the Aquabot Turbo.
Robotic cleaners have their own built-in pump and filter, making them independent from the pool’s main filtration system. They are programmable and have advanced features such as remote control, scheduling, and mapping capabilities to scan the pool for optimal cleaning coverage.
They are suitable for all types of pool surfaces, including vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass. They are considered the most energy-efficient of all pool cleaners, as they use less energy than pressure-side or suction-side cleaners.
Pros of Robotic pool cleaners:
- They are the most advanced and efficient type of pool cleaner, able to clean the entire pool, including the floor, walls, and waterline.
- They are self-contained units, with their own built-in pump and filter, making them independent from the pool’s main filtration system.
- They are programmable and have advanced features such as remote control, scheduling, and mapping capabilities for optimal cleaning coverage.
- They are suitable for all types of pool surfaces, including vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass.
- They are considered the most energy-efficient of all pool cleaners, as they use less energy than pressure-side or suction-side cleaners.
Cons of Robotic pool cleaners:
- They are the most expensive and complex to install and maintain for all pool cleaners.
- They require more maintenance and cleaning of the filter and debris canister.
- They may not be as effective in cleaning very large or complex pools.
- They require a power source and may not be suitable for remote or hard-to-reach pools.
2. Suction-side cleaners
Suction-side pool cleaners are a type of automatic pool cleaners that use the suction created by the pool’s pump and filter to move around the pool and collect debris. They attach to the skimmer or a dedicated suction line and do not require a separate booster pump.
Suction-side cleaners are generally less expensive and simpler to install and maintain than pressure-side cleaners and are considered a budget-friendly option for pool cleaning. They are suitable for cleaning debris such as leaves, twigs, and small pebbles. They may not be as efficient at cleaning the entire pool or picking up small particles as pressure-side cleaners. Popular models include the Kreepy Krauly and the Baracuda G3.
Pros of suction-side pool cleaners:
- They are relatively inexpensive and simple to install and maintain.
- They do not require a separate booster pump.
- They are suitable for cleaning debris such as leaves, twigs, and small pebbles.
- They are generally easier to troubleshoot and repair.
Cons of suction-side pool cleaners:
- They may not be as efficient at cleaning the entire pool or picking up small particles as pressure-side cleaners.
- They are dependent on the suction of the pool pump, which can limit their cleaning power.
- They may not be as effective in larger or more complex pools.
- They may not be able to climb walls, which can result in missed spots.
3. Pressure-side cleaners
Pressure-side pool cleaners are a type of automatic pool cleaners that uses the pressure created by a separate booster pump to move around the pool and collect debris. They attach to the return side of the circulation system, use the pressure generated by the pump to propel themselves through the pool, and collect debris into a filter bag or canister.
Pressure-side cleaners are generally considered more efficient at cleaning the entire pool, including small particles and debris, but they tend to be more expensive and complex to install and maintain than suction-side cleaners. Some popular pressure-side cleaners include the Polaris 360 and the Hayward Navigator.
Pros of pressure-side pool cleaners:
- They are more efficient at cleaning the entire pool, including small particles and debris.
- They can climb walls and clean waterlines more effectively than suction-side cleaners.
- They can handle larger pools and pools with complex layouts.
- They have a separate filter bag or canister, which can make it easier to clean and dispose of debris.
Cons of pressure-side cleaners:
- They require a separate booster pump, which can be more expensive to install and maintain.
- They can be more complex to install and troubleshoot than suction-side cleaners.
- They can be more expensive to purchase than suction-side cleaners.
- They may be less energy-efficient than suction-side cleaners, depending on the model.
4. Manual pool cleaners
Manual pool cleaners are not automatic and rely on the manual operation by the user. They come in different types such as vacuum heads, skimmers, and brushes. They are used to cleaning the pool manually by attaching them to a long pole and manually moving them around the pool, collecting debris as they go.
Manual pool cleaners are the most basic and oldest type of pool cleaners and are considered the most affordable option. They are often used as a complement to automatic pool cleaners or for spot cleaning. They are simple to use and maintain, as they don’t require electricity or a separate booster pump. However, they require a lot of effort and time from the user, and may not be as effective in cleaning the entire pool as automatic cleaners.
Pros of Manual pool cleaners:
- They are the most affordable option among pool cleaners.
- They are simple to use and maintain, as they don’t require electricity or a separate booster pump.
- They can be used for spot cleaning or as a complement to automatic pool cleaners.
- They are suitable for cleaning debris such as leaves, twigs, and small pebbles.
Cons of Manual pool cleaners:
- They require a lot of effort and time from the user to clean the entire pool.
- They may not be as effective in cleaning the entire pool or picking up small particles as automatic cleaners.
- They can be tiring to use and may not be suitable for people with limited mobility or physical limitations.
- They require manual handling and disposal of debris, which may be unpleasant.
It’s worth noting that, as with any pool cleaner, the performance and effectiveness of the pool cleaner can vary depending on the specific model, as well as the pool’s size and shape, and the quantity of debris in the pool.
How much will a pool cleaner cost?
The cost of a pool cleaner can vary widely depending on the type of cleaner and the specific model.
- Suction-side cleaners are generally the most budget-friendly option, with prices starting around $250 and going up to around $500.
- Pressure-side cleaners tend to be more expensive than suction-side cleaners, with prices starting around $300 and going up to around $1000.
- Robotic cleaners are the most advanced and expensive option, with prices starting around $600 and going up to $3000 or more for high-end models.
- Manual pool cleaners tend to be the most basic and affordable option, with prices starting around $125 and going up to around $250 for more advanced models.
It’s worth noting that the cost of a pool cleaner doesn’t include the cost of additional equipment or installation, which can vary depending on the specific needs of the pool. In addition, the cost of maintenance, replacement parts, and repair should also be considered when evaluating the total cost of ownership of a pool cleaner.
How Much Does Pool Service Cost?
The cost of pool service can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the size of the pool, the location, the services provided, and the frequency of service.
Here are some average costs for pool service:
- Basic pool cleaning and maintenance, which includes cleaning the pool, skimming debris, vacuuming, and testing and balancing the chemicals, can cost around $80 to $130 per visit.
- Opening and closing a pool for the season can cost around $250 to $350, depending on the complexity of the pool.
- Additional services such as equipment repair or replacement, algae treatment, or acid washing can cost extra.
- More frequent services such as weekly or bi-weekly cleaning can increase the cost.
- A full-service contract, which includes all necessary cleaning, maintenance, and repairs, can cost anywhere from $1070 to $1450 per year.
It’s important to note that these are just rough estimates and the cost can vary greatly depending on the specific needs of the pool and the services required. It’s recommended to get a quote from a professional pool service company that can provide a more accurate estimate based on the specific needs of the pool.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are different types of pool cleaners available, each with its own pros and cons. Suction-side cleaners are budget-friendly and simple to install and maintain, pressure-side cleaners are more efficient in cleaning the entire pool, robotic cleaners are the most advanced and efficient, and manual pool cleaners are the most basic and affordable option.
The cost of a pool cleaner can vary widely depending on the type of cleaner and the specific model. Additionally, pool service costs can vary depending on factors such as the size of the pool, location, services provided, and frequency of service. It’s important to consider the specific needs of the pool, as well as the budget and personal preferences when choosing a pool cleaner.