How do Automatic Pool Cleaners Work and Which
are the Best?
There are a
variety of Automatic Pool Cleaners and they all need a motive
(moving) force which varies and they use in different ways.
However generally they can be put into two main
categories:-
1. Suction side
bottom and surface cleaners these are connected into the
suction of the pool pump and come on when the suction starts
and,
2. Pressure side
cleaners which work by utilizing a venturi system for trapping
larger particles like leaves seeds blowing the fine dust back
up into the water to be sucked into the static
skimmer.
In the second
category there is also the pressure side cleaner that has it
own dedicated pump in it.
Never doubt that
automatic pool cleaners are an essential part of your pool
enjoyment. Sparkling clear water is the result of keeping up
with pool maintenance.
If you are
reading this before you buy a pool cleaner, let me suggest that
the automatic pool cleaner you choose to purchase should not
only be able to remove leaves and other large pieces of debris
from your pool, but it should also remove the algae and
bacteria that can build up.
You also need to
have a large collection bag so that it can hold all the debris
that the cleaner sucks up during the cleaning process over a
long time, so that you can let the cleaner just get on with the
job without too many visits daily while it is
working.
Pressure Side Pool
Cleaners
This cleaner type
uses the pressure from the return pump or it may have it's own
separate pump. The pressure of the water through the cleaner
head generates a vacuum to gather all the dirt and debris in
the pool into the collection bag. Usually there is a tail
attached to stir up the smaller particles on the bottom. The
water filters in the pool circulation system will remove the
smaller pieces that the cleaner leaves behind.
Most Automatic
Pool Cleaners are of the "pressure-side" type. Using pressure
technology allows these pool cleaners to trap debris in their
own filter bag for easy emptying rather then clogging up the
filtration system. Skimmers are also left to perform their
normal function of skimming action.
High Performance
automatic cleaners have been available for swimming pools of
all types and sizes for many years but recently the range of
manufacturers and designs has increased substantially.
The speed of cleaning has also improved with some of these
robots able to clean a whole pool in only 2-3 hours.
Just for
a moment considering the Polaris range:
The original
single-jet Polaris is still popular. Powered by a separate
booster pump, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 180 is suitable for all
in-ground pools.
The Polaris 360
is also available which easily connects to a dedicated pressure
line and is suitable for all in-ground pools. It sweeps,
scrubs, and vacuums the bottom, walls, and steps of all pool
surfaces.
And with so many
above ground pools now in people's gardens the manufactures
have developed models specifically for those which within the
same range is the Polaris Turbo Turtle, designed to be a quick
and easy way to clean your above ground pool.
Watch our
video review at top right of this page of Robot Pool
Cleaners
The bottom line
is that your automatic pool cleaner will allow you to spend
more time enjoying your pool, removing the need for the owner
to sweep and scrub. The best pool cleaners are durable,
dependable, energy efficient and operate at close to 100%
efficiency for many years without wearing out.
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