Thinking about upgrading your pool cleaning game? Here’s what to know!
Keeping your pool clean shouldn’t feel like a full-time job, and thankfully, it doesn’t have to. With today’s pool vacuums and robotic cleaners, you can spend more time *enjoying* your pool and less time scrubbing it. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is best for **your** pool?
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right cleaner:
1. Know the Three Main Types
Manual vacuums. Budget-friendly, but require you to do the work. Great if you don’t mind a workout!
Suction-side cleaners. Connect to your pool’s skimmer or suction line. Affordable and simple, but may miss corners or walls.
Pressure-side cleaners. Use your pool’s return pressure to move around. Good for large debris like leaves.
Robotic cleaners. The ultimate hands-off solution. Plug them in, drop them in, and let them do their thing. Some even climb walls and connect to your phone!
2. Consider Your Pool Type and Size
Got a big pool or lots of trees nearby? You’ll want something more powerful with a large filter capacity.
For smaller or screened pools, a lighter suction cleaner or basic robot may be enough.
3. What Surface Does Your Pool Have?
Vinyl, fiberglass, gunite, or tile—some cleaners are better suited to certain surfaces. For example, some robotic models have soft rollers for vinyl, while others are better at scrubbing tile or plaster.
4. Energy Use & Ease of Maintenance
Robotic cleaners are energy efficient and don’t rely on your pool’s pump system. They’re also easy to clean—just pop out the filter tray, rinse, and you’re good. Suction and pressure cleaners, on the other hand, may need more frequent upkeep and use more electricity.
5. Set a Realistic Budget
You don’t need to break the bank to get a good cleaner. Manual vacs start under $100, while high-end robots can go over $1,000. But you *do* get what you pay for in terms of performance, coverage, and convenience.
Our Recommendation?
If you want max convenience with minimal effort, go for a robotic cleaner. They’re smart, efficient, and can scrub floors, walls, and even waterlines. Brands like Dolphin, Polaris, and Hayward are trusted by many pool owners (and pros like us 
).
