Before you go out and buy that pool cleaner, take a moment to think about what you really need from it. Do you want it to be low-maintenance? Do you want it to clean the surface of the water? Do you want it to be mobile, or do you want it to stick around one spot? Keep these questions in mind when choosing your pool cleaner so that you can find the one that will work best for your needs. Here are some questions to ask when looking at pool cleaners before you buy them so that you can make sure you get exactly what you need.
What is your pool shape?
If you’re in an L-shaped or rectangular pool, any pool cleaner will do. For pools with special shapes, such as an irregular pentagon shape, certain cleaners are designed for specific body types. You can often find information about your pool’s shape on your local government website (for example, city and county listings) or by calling a local builder or pool company. If you can’t get that information from official sources and are shopping on your own.
What does your pool area look like?
Now that you’ve listed your requirements, it’s time to dive deeper into them. Start with an honest assessment of what your pool area looks like right now and how much physical effort you want to spend cleaning it. Once you know what level of cleanliness is realistic for your situation, it will be easier to narrow down which pool cleaner will work best for you. Take a look at pictures of pools in different stages of cleanliness to get an idea of what you want.
Do you have many trees nearby?
Remember, you need as much sunlight as possible for your solar pool cleaner to work effectively. Make sure that your yard is clear of any overhanging branches. If you have more than one pool, make sure they aren’t too close together, or that trees and other obstructions are not blocking access to one of them. If these problems apply to you, then it’s probably best not to purchase a solar pool cleaner immediately.
Your money is better spent on an above-ground or automatic pool cleaner. Unfortunately, both options will cost more than buying and installing a solar pool cleaner in your situation; however, they’ll save you money in the long run by avoiding having to replace your investment at least once per year due to tree damage from improper installation or performance issues from lack of sunlight.
Does your pool have a waterfall or stream feature?
Some pool cleaners (the Dolphin Premier, for example) are great at handling waterfalls or large-diameter streams. Other pool cleaners, like the Polaris 9550 Sport, struggle with these features. If you have a waterfall or stream feature in your pool (or plan on adding one), it’s important to look for an automated pool cleaner that can handle these features as they often cause clogs and other cleaning issues. Some pool owners also find that their automated swimming products spend more time cleaning these areas than they do other parts of their pools.
Do you have animals?
If you have animals in your backyard, then pet hair and lint can easily end up in your pool. Pet hair will catch on pool filters while lint will clog them up quickly. Make sure you buy an automatic pool cleaner that has a filter bag. If it doesn’t, then make sure to clean out your filter every time you use it as animal debris will cause damage over time if left unaddressed. Look for cleaners with removable bags that are easy to empty and maintain. You should also consider getting an extra bag or two so you can swap them out during cleaning cycles.
Do you swim often?
You’ll want a pool cleaner that can handle lots of use, so if you frequently go for swims, you’ll need one that cleans your pool quickly and efficiently. If you’re not swimming at least once or twice a week, save yourself some money by getting something with fewer features. What kind of pool do you have?: There are two kinds of cleaners: those designed for above-ground pools and those designed for in-ground pools.
Above-ground cleaners generally don’t work on much larger than 15 feet; in-ground cleaners will work on anything bigger than 10 feet, though again, smaller is better here since in-ground models tend to be more expensive. What size do you want?: Size really does matter—the larger your pool, the more powerful your cleaner will need to be.
Are there any outdoor activities in your area?
If so, are they seasonal or year-round? If your answer is yes, you’ll want to make sure that your pool cleaner is compatible with whatever conditions exist in your area. You may also find it beneficial to purchase a pool cleaner that can withstand both scorching hot days and freezing cold nights. While some models come equipped with heater cables for heating up during cooler months, others work without external warming devices (although these types of cleaners tend to be more expensive).
All told, it’s important that you consider where you live before making a purchasing decision. Do you have any kids or pets?: If you’re living with small children or animals, it’s important that you pick out a machine that won’t frighten them when in use.
How much time do you have to maintain the pool cleaner?
Everyone has different schedules and priorities. There are pool cleaners on both ends of the spectrum when it comes to maintenance; some only need a little bit of work every once in a while, while others require daily attention. If you have time for only one thing, make sure that you choose something with low upkeep. Think about how much time you can devote before you buy. You’ll want to make sure your pool cleaner is compatible with your schedule!
