Pool Cleaners ~ Expert Pool & Spa, Inc.

Expert Pool & Spa, Inc.
"ASK THE EXPERTS!"
Omaha Nebraska

Automatic pool cleaning equipment has become increasingly popular because automation reduces the owner's work load. Your choice of installing automatic cleaning equipment should be based on suitability to the location and operators, efficiency, and impact on the circulation system.

For brand specific information, please select from the list at the left.

Some of the major advantages to using automatic cleaning equipment are:

	Cleaning is continuous.
	Foreign matter is kept in suspension so that the filter can remove it.
	It is available at all times.
	It saves labor costs over the long run.
	Less time working, more time swimming.
	Ease of use.
	Supervision of equipment not usually required.

The disadvantages include:

	The equipment may cause cavitation on some systems and blow air back to the pool
	Some suction cleaners cause excessive strain on pool pump components.
	Some cleaners may damage pool plumbing, lights and pool finishes.
	Suction cleaners will congest pool pump and skimmer baskets. Also increases debris load in pool filters.
	Routine maintenance is usually required for efficient operation.
	Suction cleaners reduce circulation flow of pool water.

There are several different types of cleaners available. Cleaners are categorized by the way in which the cleaner is propelled and how the debris is collected.

Vacuum-Type Automatic Cleaners:

Automatic pool cleaners that operate on a vacuum principle are available in several designs. They roam the pool bottom, vacuuming up dirt and debris, climb steps and side walls, or float and collect dirt through hoses hanging from the vacuum body. The cleaning is accomplished by sucking the water and suspended debris into the filter bag or main pool filtration system. Automatic vacuums can maintain an average pool by operating several hours a day. They are usually turned on and off manually. They are most commonly powered by the pool recirculation/filtration system which is also where the dirt and debris is collected. Suction type cleaners require the hoses to be fully filled with water before being connected to the pool circulation system otherwise air can enter the system and cause the pump to loose prime. Most suction type cleaners do not require an additional pump to be installed resulting in higher electricity bills.

Pool Vacuums -

The first type of automatic pool vacuum operates off the main pool filtration pump system and is attached to the pool skimmer or dedicated suction cleaner plumbing line (if equipped).

Robots -

The other type, the robot vacuum, is a self contained and self propelled unit with filter and bag on board, operating independently of the pool filtration pump system, plugged into its own GFCI protected, 115 volt AC power supply.

Pressure-Type Automatic Cleaners:

Pressure-type automatic cleaners use water pressure from the circulation return line to "pressure wash" pool walls and floor. The pressurized stream of water dislodges and stirs settled dirt and debris up into the water so that it is removed through the regular pool filtration system through the main drain and skimmers. Expert Pool & Spa, Inc. recommends Polaris Pool Cleaners!

Three types of pressure-type cleaners are common:

Sweepers (Agitators) -

The pool sweep type uses a floating head, attached to the pool's return inlet or dedicated pool cleaner line, with two or more floating hoses. Some models have jet heads to remove dirt above the water line. The force of the pressurized water forces debris from the side walls and floor into the skimmers and main drain.

In-Floor Cleaner/Agitator -

This type of pressure cleaner is made in several designs. The first uses floor jets or wall jets which are installed and plumbed when the pool is built, sometimes requiring a separate pump to overcome the additional pressure required for operation. The jest are usually but not always retractable.
Return water is directed over the pool bottom by projecting jets, with one or two parts per head, to move dirt toward the main drain. The force of the water pushes dirt into suspension so it can pass through the pool filtration system. In-floor jet cleaners also redistribute heated water and chemicals very quickly.

Vacuum Sweepers -

In this system, pressurized water from the return side of the pool circulation system is either sent to an auxiliary booster pump or directly to the cleaner. The high pressure drives the head unit over the walls and floor of the pool picking up debris and placing it in a bag contained on the cleaner itself.
The unit sweeps the pool surface with a short tail on the end of the unit. The high water pressure causes a venturi (suction) effect which vacuums up debris into an attached containment bag.

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Omaha Nebraska
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This website was last updated on
Friday February 22, 2008