Below I will go over the 3 types of automatic pool vacuums: suction side pool cleaner, pressure side pool cleaner and robotic pool cleaner.
Suction side pool cleaner
Suction side cleaners are the first automatic cleaners. They work with the dedicated suction line in your pool. Suction side pool cleaners attach to the suction line and utilize the suction to propel the cleaner throughout the pool while scrubbing the pool surface, eliminating dirt and debris from your pool.
Pros: Cons:
Lower cost Increased pressure on the filter
Fewer moving parts Requires pool pump to run
Easy maintenance
Pressure side cleaners utilize an existing pressure side line to propel the cleaner throughout your pool. The water returned back into your pool fuels the cleaner, but it can require an additional booster pump to run. Unlike suction side cleaners, pressure side cleaners do not use your pool’s filtration system to filter out debris. Pressure side cleaners use a filtration bag to contain dirt and debris, relieving pressure and wear on your filtration system.
Pros: Cons:
Lower cost Can require an extra booster pump
Easy maintenance Requires pool pump to run
Relieves pressure on the filter
Robotic pool cleaner
Robotic pool cleaners do not use your existing pool equipment and run off the power from your house. They free up pressure on your pool equipment and reduce overall power costs and consumption while providing superior cleaning power. Robotic pool cleaners support simple “plug and play” operation and pick up large and small debris in the built-in filtration system. Often times, robotic pool cleaners clean and scrub the pool floor, steps and even the waterline, eliminating the need to clean your pool walls with a brush. The reduced maintenance and wear on pool equipment make robotic pool cleaners ideal for most pools.
Pros: Cons:
Superior cleaning Higher upfront cost
Energy efficient Requires the need to empty filter
Eliminates wear on pool equipment