What Is an Automatic Pool Cleaner?

The 3 Main Types

1. Suction-Side Cleaners

These connect to your skimmer or a dedicated suction port and are powered by your existing pump. They crawl around the pool floor and walls, sucking debris through your filtration system.

• Pros: Inexpensive, simple, no separate booster pump needed
• Cons: Adds load to your pump and filter, can clog with large debris, less thorough on walls and waterline
• Best for: Budget-conscious owners with moderate debris (leaves, fine dirt)
• Popular brands: Pentair Kreepy Krauly, Hayward Navigator

2. Pressure-Side Cleaners

These connect to a return jet or dedicated pressure line and use water pressure to move around and collect debris into their own onboard bag, so debris bypasses your filter entirely.

• Pros: Collects debris in its own bag (protects your filter), handles larger debris well
• Cons: Many models require a separate booster pump (added cost and installation), more moving parts
• Best for: Pools with heavy leaf and debris loads
• Popular brands: Polaris 280, 380, 3900 Sport

3. Robotic Cleaners

Fully self-contained electric units that plug into a standard outlet. They have their own motor, pump, and filtration system, completely independent of your pool’s plumbing.

• Pros: Most thorough cleaning (floor, walls, and waterline), energy efficient, doesn’t stress your pump or filter, programmable
• Cons: Higher upfront cost, need to be stored out of the pool when not in use, occasional bag/cartridge cleaning required
• Best for: Pool owners who want the best results with the least effort
• Popular brands: Dolphin (Maytronics), Polaris, Hayward AquaVac

Which One Is Right for You?

Choose suction-side if: You’re on a budget, your pool is relatively clean, and you don’t mind your filter doing the work.

Choose pressure-side if: You have a lot of leaf debris, already have a booster pump, or want debris collected separately from your main filter.

Choose robotic if: You want the most thorough clean, the lowest long-term operating cost, and the greatest convenience, and you’re willing to pay more upfront.

Key Specs to Match Your Pool

Before buying any cleaner, know these things about your pool:

• Pool shape – Freeform and irregular shapes can challenge some cleaners’ navigation patterns
• Surface type – Vinyl, plaster, fiberglass, and tile all have different compatibility requirements. Check that the cleaner’s brushes and wheels are rated for your surface.
• Pool size – Larger pools need cleaners with longer cord/hose lengths and stronger coverage patterns
• Wall climbing ability – If you want walls and the waterline cleaned, not all models do this. Verify before buying.
• Debris type – Fine sand and dirt vs. large leaves require different filtration approaches

Robotic Cleaner Features Worth Paying For

If you go the robotic route, here are the upgrades that actually matter:

• Dual scrubbing brushes – more thorough than single-brush models
• Top-load filter access – much easier to clean than bottom-load designs
• Weekly scheduling/programming – set it and forget it
• Wall and waterline climbing – not all robots do this; it’s a significant upgrade
• App/remote control – useful for directing the cleaner to problem areas
• Swivel cable – prevents the cord from tangling during operation

Maintenance Tips for Any Automatic Cleaner

Regardless of type, these habits extend the life of your cleaner significantly:

• Remove it from the pool when not in use – UV exposure and constant water submersion degrade plastics and seals over time
• Clean the bag or filter after every use – a clogged collection system makes the cleaner work harder and clean worse
• Inspect wheels and brushes seasonally – these are wear items, and replacements are widely available
• Store it in the shade – heat and direct sun are hard on rubber components
• Check hoses and connections on suction/pressure models for cracks before each season

Common Problems and What They Usually Mean

Problem	Likely Cause
Cleaner not moving	Clogged filter/bag, tangled hose, or pump issue (suction-side)
Only cleaning part of the pool	Hose length wrong, wheel wear, or navigation issue
Floating instead of sinking	Air trapped in the hose/body, let it sink before turning on
Leaving debris behind	Full bag/filter, worn brushes, or wrong speed setting
Robotic cleaner stopping mid-cycle	Overheating, tangled cord, or error code: check the manual

The robotic category has come a long way in the last five years. Today’s mid-range robots do a genuinely impressive job and are far more reliable than early models. If you’re replacing an older suction-side cleaner and your budget allows, it’s worth at least considering the jump to robotic. The difference in thoroughness and convenience is significant.

Want a recommendation narrowed down to your specific pool size, surface type, or budget?