Automated pool cleaner

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An automated pool cleaner is a device that cleans pool floors, walls, and steps with little effort from you. It moves around the pool, gathers dirt and debris, and returns clean water to the pool through its own system or the pool’s pump.

A short history
- Early cleaners evolved from cistern cleaners used to keep water storage vessels clean.
- The first swimming pool cleaner was invented in 1912 by John M. Davison.
- Suction-side cleaners appeared in 1937, followed by other early automatic models in the 1950s.
- The first true automatic cleaner came in the mid-1950s, designed to remove dirt from both the pool bottom and walls.
- The first electric robotic cleaner came along in 1967, and the modern, popular robotic cleaners emerged in the following decades.
- A famous automatic mobile cleaner from the 1970s is the Kreepy Krauly, developed in South Africa.

The three main types
1) Suction-side cleaners
- How they work: Attach to the pool’s skimmer or a dedicated suction line. The pool pump creates suction that pulls debris into a hose and a filter bag.
- Pros: Usually the cheapest option; simple and widely used.
- Cons: Uses power from the pool pump, which can reduce suction for other tasks; may clog with large debris; not as strong for very dirty pools.

2) Pressure-side cleaners
- How they work: Use a booster pump to push water through the cleaner and into a separate filter bag or canister. They often propel themselves around the pool using the flow.
- Pros: Good for heavy debris like leaves; can collect debris in an external bag, keeping the pool’s main filter from clogging as quickly.
- Cons: Higher upfront and operating costs due to the booster pump; needs more plumbing and power.

3) Robotic (electric) cleaners
- How they work: Completely independent of the pool’s pump. They have their own motors, filters, and a drive system (tracks or wheels). They navigate using sensors and built-in programming.
- Pros: Very thorough cleaning; efficient use of energy; easy on the pool’s pump and filter; often feature advanced navigation and programmable cycles.
- Cons: Higher purchase price; require their own electrical supply and regular maintenance.

How they move and clean
- Suction and gravity pull water and debris through the cleaner into its bag, with the pool’s pump or a booster pump providing the force.
- Robotic cleaners run on their own power and use internal motors, brushes, and filters to scrub and scoop debris.
- Some models have hoses, brushes, and smart sensors to help them climb walls, cover the floor, and avoid getting stuck.
- A delay timer can help by letting the pool sit to let suspended particles settle before cleaning starts, saving energy.

Costs and maintenance
- Suction-side cleaners: typically around $250 to $650, plus ongoing pump and filter use.
- Pressure-side cleaners: usually $200 to $700, plus potential booster pump and higher energy use.
- Robotic cleaners: widely vary from about $500 to $1,500 for residential models; commercial robots can cost much more (often $1,000 to $15,000) depending on features and durability.
- Maintenance: emptying and cleaning filter bags or canisters, checking hoses or drive belts, and occasional parts replacement. Robotic cleaners may require occasional software updates and more specialized parts.

What to consider when choosing
- Pool size and debris: Smaller pools with light debris are fine with suction-side cleaners; larger pools or pools with lots of leaves may benefit from pressure-side or robotic cleaners.
- Pool type: In-ground vs. above-ground, screen enclosures, and water chemistry can affect which cleaner works best.
- Energy use: Suction-side and pressure-side cleaners rely on the pool pump and can add to energy costs; robotic cleaners are more energy-efficient per cleaning cycle but have their own power needs.
- Maintenance and costs: Consider initial price, ongoing energy use, and how much maintenance you’re willing to handle.

Regulatory notes
- Over the years, health and safety standards for pools have evolved. Some regions require specific cleaning systems or detailed maintenance practices for public pools. Modern guidelines and codes aim to reduce the risk of waterborne illness, partly by encouraging proper cleaning practices and reliable equipment.

In short, automated pool cleaners save time and effort by cleaning pool surfaces with minimal manual work. Your choice—suction-side, pressure-side, or robotic—depends on your pool size, debris level, energy considerations, and budget.