Choose a Pool Cleaner
If you own a pool, you probably want that pool to maintain its clean, sparkling blue water. Some people choose to hire a person or a company to keep their pools clean. However, there are many products on the market that can help you keep a clean pool on your own. There are manual pool cleaners that you will need to operate, or automatic models that can be left to clean the pool on their own. Choose a pool cleaner that is reliable and affordable, and works well for your lifestyle.
Steps
- Assess the cleaning needs of your pool. Notice if your pool collects a lot of leaves or other debris and determine what kind of dirt gets on the pool walls. This will help you choose a cleaner.
- Consider the size of your pool. If you have a larger pool, a manual cleaner will take you a longer time to clean it.
- Consider a manual pool cleaner. This type of pool cleaner looks like a vacuum. You will run the vacuum over the pool floor, walls and steps, pulling in dirt, leaves and other debris.
- Choose a manual cleaner if you do not mind spending your own time keeping the pool clean. This option might work well if you have an above-ground pool or a smaller in-ground pool.
- Buy a manual pool cleaner if you are on a budget. Most manual pool cleaners cost between $100 and $200. They are more affordable than automatic models.
- Use a manual pool cleaner if you are a perfectionist. The manual option will give you the ability to oversee the cleaning of your pool. You will likely see any missed spots while you clean.
- Choose a suction side automatic cleaner if you have fine dirt particles in your pool, such as sand. This type of cleaner connects to your skimmer and uses your pool's filter to move around.
- Expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a suction cleaner.
- Consider a pressure-side pool cleaner if you have a lot of large debris, such as leaves or acorns. This type of cleaner uses the water pressure to roll over the pool's surface and suck dirt into a bag.
- Expect to pay between $400 and $900 for a pressure-side pool cleaner. They are more expensive because they come with a motor and a dedicated water pressure line.
- Look for environmentally friendly models of pressure-side pool cleaners. They do not use a motor. They rely on the pool's water pump for their power.
- Choose the pressure-side pool cleaner if you want your investment to last. With the proper care, this type of cleaner should last at least 10 years.
- Choose a robotic pool cleaner if you want a pool cleaner that works on its own. These self-contained machines move around the pool on their own and scrub the floor and walls.
- Prepare to pay more for a robotic pool cleaner. The most basic models start at around $600, and with additional features they can cost over $3,000.
- If your only concern is leaves and debris on the surface of the water, consider a solar powered pool cleaner. These new pool cleaners consume energy from the sun during the day and run along the surface of the pool to collect leaves and debris. This type of cleaner will not clean the bottom of your pool. They cost around $500.
- Talk to a sales associate in a pool supply store about your pool. A professional can help you decide between the pool cleaners available, and make a recommendation on how often you need to clean your pool.
- Ask about specialty cleaners for above-ground pools. Most automatic pool cleaners can be used for either above ground or in-ground pools, but some cleaners are sold specifically for above ground pools and use the existing pool filter and pump.
Tips
- Read reviews online. Many consumer websites rank and review different models and brands of pool cleaners. Find out what users like and dislike about the different products.
- Talk to other pool owners. Find out how your friends and neighbors keep their pools clean, and ask for recommendations.
