Ensuring that your water is clean and secure for swimming is vital for pool owners, but determining each pool cleaning option may take a lot of work. One of the most common pool cleaning dilemmas that many pool owners face is to choose between a robotic pool vacuum and a standard pool cleaner. While robotic pool vacuums offer automation, better energy efficiency, and a more thorough cleaning, traditional pool cleaners are generally less expensive and more reliable regarding essential maintenance. This guide will compare the two to help you decide which suits your pool maintenance requirements best.
The Rise of Robotic Pool Vacuums
A robotic pool vacuum is automated equipment developed to clean pools with low human involvement. Most pool cleaners plug into the pool filtration system, but robotic vacuums are self-contained and work within their unique filtration systems. Their motors, filters, and technology allow them to easily clean and maneuver around pools.
Advantages of Robotic Pool Vacuums
There is a reason why robotic pool vacuums are now the favorite of many pool owners. So, what are some of their benefits?
Efficiency and Thorough Cleaning
Why robotic pools are perfect scrubbers: These vacuums have strong suction and intelligent navigation systems and can roam every part of the pool, scrubbing walls, floors, and the waterline. This benefits larger or oddly shaped pools where old-style cleaners could leave uncleaned areas.
Energy-Efficient Operation
Robotic vacuums operate on low-voltage electricity, unlike traditional pool cleaners, which draw on the pool pump and filtration system. This allows for more energy-efficient performance and reduces the burden on your pool filtration system. In the long run, a pool cleaner can be more energy-efficient and also extend the life of your pump and filter.
Easy to Use and Convenient
The robotic pool vacuum units are extremely simple to use, so they should really be considered plug-and-play. Most models include programmable schedules and remote controls, and some can even connect to your smartphone, making it set-and-forget simple. That convenience is ideal for pool owners needing an easy-to-use cleaning solution.
Advanced Filtration
Robotic pool vacuums have filters that can catch acceptable debris and waste that Traditional cleaners might overlook. This is known as dual filtration, which helps keep pool water more apparent for longer and decreases pressure on the pool’s primary filter, resulting in a successful and happier swimming environment.
Drawbacks of Robotic Pool Vacuums
While robotic pool vacuums provide many advantages, there are a few disadvantages to keep in mind:
Higher Initial Cost: Robotic cleaners are initially more expensive than traditional cleaners, ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars each. Nonetheless, the investment may be worth the convenience, energy, and maintenance savings for many pool owners.
Maintenance Requirements: While it offers lower hands-on time, a robotic vacuum still requires periodic maintenance. They do require cleaning out their filters and inspecting parts for wear and tear from time to time, but you won’t spend anywhere near as many hours doing so as you would maintaining a standard pool cleaner.
Traditional Pool Cleaners: A Reliable and Affordable Option
Suction, pressure, and even manual vacuums are all considered conventional pool cleaners. They are instantly plumbed into your pool’s filtration system and have been preferred for the past few decades for their ease of use and lower initial cost.
Types of Traditional Pool Cleaners
Suction-Side Cleaners
Suction-side cleaners attach to your pool’s suction line and harness the power of your pool filtration system to clean. They are ideal for minuscule items located on the pool’s ground, but bigger rubbish and access to hard-to-reach places may require a little boost from outside.
Pressure-Side Cleaners
Pressure-side cleaners attach to the pressure side of your pool’s filtration. Although they require some time to perform their function, they are generally faster than suction-side cleaners. Since they come with filter bags, they are also suitable for larger debris in your pool. Still, they depend on the pool pump for movement and are not as efficient as robotic vacuums.
Manual Pool Vacuums
A manual pool vacuum is more hands-on and will take a little more work to do the job right. It is economical for cleaning targeted spots and helps you clean quickly. However, it is a ton of work and best suited for small pools or quick cleaning.
