- An automatic cleaner can help a pool stay sparkling.Swimming pool and pool house image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
Automatic cleaners are a boon to pool owners. They travel around a pool and clean debris, algae and leaves without requiring long hours of vacuuming by the pool owner. The side-pressure pool cleaners use the pressure return on the side of a pool and operate with the water pressure from the pool's circulation pump. Although some side-pressure pool cleaners require booster pumps, there are several good choices that do not. - Although some Polaris models do use a booster pump, the 360 operates without a booster. It does the sweeping, scrubbing and vacuuming for any in-ground pool, including gunite, fiberglass or vinyl. The large opening on the bottom picks up leaves, acorns and rocks and the backup valve allows it to dislodge itself if it gets stuck. It is not recommended for pools with a bottom main drain.
- Using a double jet vortex venturi system, the Legend II has a wide opening to suck up large pieces of debris as well as cleaning the small algae and dirt. It is known for the four-wheel-drive design, large capacity bag and easy-to-remove debris bag.
- The Phantom Turbo Pool Cleaner is made by Hayward, an old name in pool products. The Phantom is a quick-moving cleaner that cleans twigs, acorns and sand from the top to the bottom of the pool. The Phantom features water jets that propel it to the top of the water to skim leaves and insects from the surface.
- The Ray-Vac gets its name from its stingray shape and floating motion. The cleaner glides across the bottom and walls of an in-ground pool quietly. Its water jets disturb dirt and whirl it out of corners while its sleek design is meant to reach steps, seats and corners for a complete clean. The Ray-Vac uses its own compartment to collect debris, saving the filtration system. It uses no gears or wheels that may damage the floor of the pool.
