Best Inground Automatic Pool Cleaners : Review And Buying Guide
Gretchen Rubin Apr 20, 2024 2:14 AM
An automatic pool cleaner makes quick work of a once-dreaded task. Nobody likes swimming in a dirty pool, yet pools rarely clean themselves. You need to be diligent about pool maintenance. In the heat of the summer, a refreshing dip in the pool can feel like a luxury thanks to robotic pool cleaners that reduce the amount of time spent on maintenance. Cleansing the pool by hand is still the best option, but pressure and suction pool cleaners do an excellent job of making it easy to do so.
The upkeep of your pool doesn't have to be labor-intensive thanks to the abundance of technological advancements that let you do more with less effort. Here's when an automatic pool cleaning system from a robotic pool cleaner comes in help. The problem is that not all of them are created equal. Products that use suction or pressure to clean from one side are also suitable. Using them to clean your pool will require more labor from your pool pump.
Our guide to the top inground automatic pool cleaners of 2022 will educate you on the best robotic pool cleaners, as well as the best suction and pressure cleaners on the market. In order to help you decide whether or not to get one, we also list the disadvantages you should be aware of.
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Weight
It's important to keep in mind the weight of the device while shopping for a robotic pool cleaner, which can vary from about 6 to 30 pounds. Once you add water and debris, getting the robot out of the water can become quite a chore. Look for one with wheels so you can easily transport your robot to and from its storage spot, and look for one with solid handles. The robotic pool cleaner may be programmed to climb the pool wall when it is finished cleaning, making it much simpler to remove it from the water.
Run Time
Depending on the size of your pool, a fully automated robotic vacuum can take as little as 1.5 hours to do a thorough job of cleaning. You should never let your robot run indefinitely, as this can damage the motor and the filter.
Filter Canister
Your pool cleaner robot uses a bag or cartridge to collect trash while it cleans the floor of your pool. Disposable filter bags are used by certain models, whereas reusable filter bags or cartridges can be easily cleaned with a simple spray from a garden hose. If your pool collects a lot of dirt, you should choose a model with a bigger capacity to avoid constantly emptying the bag. Some newer models contain more than one filter to better handle various dust and dirt particles.
Track or Wheel Layout
There are pool cleaners available with a wide variety of movement options. Disc-shaped scrubbers stick to the pool floor, while others roll on wheels or use tank-like tracks. It's important to think about the pool's dimensions, the materials used, and any barriers like steps while deciding on a layout.
Suction-based pool vacuums might encounter obstructions, such as drains and ladders, when they remain attached to the floor or wall. Wheeled robotic pool cleaners, on the other hand, could not be as efficient at sucking up debris as their stationary counterparts.
If you're shopping for a vacuum cleaner, I'd suggest one with rubber wheels rather than plastic ones. You'll have an easier time getting about the pool because the rubber will stick to the surface. To improve traction, you should also search for wide tires. The wider, the better.
Reach and Pool Size
Nearly all cleaners for swimming pools are sold within a range of sizes, as defined by the manufacturer. A cleaner rated for a 30-foot pool may work in a 40-foot pool, but its effectiveness may be diminished.
Similarly, some manufacturers offer hoses of varying lengths, limiting the pool sizes to which they can be used. Most people who own pools already have hoses, so getting one that's a little longer shouldn't be difficult. However, if a robot vacuum relies on navigation algorithms, it may become stuck or wander aimlessly if the pool is significantly larger than the one envisioned by the manufacturer. In the same vein as wandering aimlessly, modern pool cleaners benefit from deflecting sensors that allow them to effortlessly navigate around walls and other obstacles.
In addition, the likelihood of tangles in your vacuum increases as more hoses are connected together. Giving your cleaner an insufficient quantity of hose length will require constant supervision. Consider purchasing a vacuum with a swivel cord to avoid frustrating tangles.
Pump Compatibility
A pool cleaner requires connection to the pool's pump in order to function. Debris is drawn into the vacuum by the suction created by the pump's tubing. Therefore, the horsepower and gallon-per-minute rate of your pool pump can affect the efficiency of your vacuum cleaner.
You can eliminate vacuum cleaners that won't work with your pump by looking at their ratings. The alternative is to purchase an additional pump to run the vacuum cleaner.
Hose lenght
Make sure the hose that comes with the automated pool cleaner is long enough to allow the cleaner to reach all areas of the pool, whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool.
Climb Walls
Only if you're planning on purchasing a robotic vacuum cleaner should you give this any thought. From our perspective, this is an essential addition to any inground pool. A robot cleaner that can navigate stairs and walls is preferable.
Build and Durability
You wouldn't want to invest in an automatic pool cleaner if it kept malfunctioning. You should look for a product with a solid guarantee and a solid manufacturer.
FAQS
How do robotic pool cleaners work?
The sophisticated motors inside these gadgets allow them to function without a hitch and with minimal power consumption. Similar to a standard vacuum, robotic pool cleaners collect dirt and debris in a filter bag or canister that must be regularly emptied. The best robotic pool cleaners are extremely nimble and can navigate ramps, turns, and other obstacles with ease.
Software in robotic pool cleaners typically uses on-board sensors to identify the best course of action for cleaning your pool, taking into account factors like the pool's size, shape, and the presence or absence of debris. Additional capabilities, such as the ability to schedule pool cleanings through a remote control or smartphone app, are available on some models.
Can you swim in your pool while using the cleaner?
Cleaning devices for swimming pools require some caution when being used, but are otherwise risk-free. You and the robot could be in the pool at the same time, but the robot's cleaning performance could be diminished.
You can technically swim while your vacuum is running, but Vernon advises against it. The debris should fall to the bottom of the pool so that the vacuum may easily pick it up.
Vernon explains that while swimming, the churning water will make it more difficult for your vacuum to achieve the same results.
Is It Safe To Swim With A Robotic Cleaner In The Pool?
Many people wonder if you can leave a robotic cleaner in the pool with you while you swim due to the fact that it must be plugged into an electrical outlet to operate. The 24 volts required to power a pool cleaning robot are safe for use around humans.
The GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet used by a robotic pool cleaning is safer than the regular outlet. Any time there is a mismatch between the currents entering and leaving a GFCI outlet, the outlet will automatically shut off.
The risk of fire, shock, and other accidents is considerably reduced by the GFCI, and it also protects electrical wire from overheating. The outlet should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure it is not damaged, just like any other part of an automatic pool cleaner.
Can I Leave My Robotic Pool Cleaner In The Pool?
It's safe to leave a robotic cleaner in the pool while you're not using it, but you should remove it before adding chemicals. A robot should not be left in a pool for extended periods of time, either. When you're not using it, keep it in a cold, dry place.
Conclusion
The characteristics of a robot pool cleaner you're considering should be checked to ensure it will work with your pool design. If you have an inground pool, you won't need a cleaner designed for an above-ground pool, and vice versa. When shopping for a cleaner for your inground pool, it is important to get one that is made for pools like yours. For example, certain cleaners work best on vinyl liners while others are better suited for gunite or plaster pools. Furthermore, you should make sure the cleaner can handle the size and volume of your pool.
