Pool Vacuum
Cleaners
If you have a pool, you know the importance of pool vacuum
cleaners. Maintaining a pool can require a lot of work, and
vacuum cleaners are essential. There are so many different
types and brands, how do you know what to buy? It helps to
understand the different types of pool vacuums available.
Much will depend on the type of pool you own, specifically
whether you have an above-ground pool or in-ground pool, as
well as your budget and needs. Different types of pools might
require different maintainance, and there are a variety of
types of pool cleaners to choose. For instance, a self-powered
crawler is ideal for those who don't want to put in any extra
time cleaning, and simply want a clean pool available whenever
they want to dive in. These can usually just be placed in the
pool, turned on, and within a few hours, or by morning if left
overnight, the swimming pool will be clean and free of
debris.
The 3 general types are Automatic pool vacuums which will
work directly off the suction of your existing pool pump
through a vacuum hose.
Then come the pressure operated automatic swimming pool
vacuum cleaners which will connect to the return or pressure
side of your equipment plumbing, either connecting directly or
through their own pump and plumbing line.
Lastly are the robotic self contained cleaners, with a tread
for 'crawling, and are powered by their own extension cord or a
rechargeable battery. Robotic systems will usually have their
own filtering system and run either by a computer controled
program or a remote control.
Popular above-ground pool cleaners, such as the Barracuda
and Polaris, will automatically remove debris, leaves and
twigs, bugs, and the like. They are simple to operate, and are
generally pretty low-cost to maintain.
Many of these same manufacturers make models for in-ground
pools as well, some of which can connect to and operate off
your existing filtration system.
Keep in mind that some of these devices require you to "mop"
your pool, essentially guiding it along the surface and along
the bottom, however these require the most work. Robotic, or
self-guided devices will do that for you, sometimes using
suction to "crawl" along the pool surfaces.
Obviously, a robotic or self-guided pool vacuum will be more
expensive, but the cost is often more than offset by the
freedom and peace of mind - allowing you to spend more time
swimming or bathing, than working up a sweat making your pool
ready for fun. Whatever swimming pool vacuum cleaner you opt
for, don't forget why you bought a swimming pool in the first
place. Many swimming pool owners make a poor choice, opting
initially to save some money without realizing how tiresome it
can get to have to put in some hard work and sweat every time
they want to enjoy their pool. Too many pool owners end up not
taking advantage of their investment because the pool isn't
clean, and the thought of having to do a cleaning before taking
a dive takes all the fun and spontaneity out of using their
pool far too often!
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