The Top 10 Mistakes Pool Owners Make When Choosing a Pool Cleaner

1. What Pool Cleaner Should I Buy?

Choosing the right pool cleaner might seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 mistakes pool owners often make when picking a pool cleaner. From forgetting crucial features to believing common myths, we'll help you make a smart choice that keeps your pool sparkling without the stress.

2. Don’t Make These Common Mistakes!

Mistake #1: Choosing the cheapest option

With some basic pool cleaners costing as little as a couple hundred dollars, it may be tempting to go for the inexpensive pick. However, choosing the cheapest pool cleaner probably won’t be the best idea in the end.

Every pool is unique, with different sizes, shapes, and surface types. The cheapest pool cleaners will not offer a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, it won’t be the best fit for your pool's specific needs unless you just happen to have a pool with characteristics that match up to the pool cleaner’s specs and features.

Also, cheaper pool cleaners often lack the advanced features and technologies found in higher-quality models, such as powerful suction, efficient filtration systems, and smart navigation. Without them, the pool cleaner may struggle to remove debris effectively, leaving your pool less clean than desired. Don’t miss out on the long-term value and convenience of newer technology like robotic cleaners just to save a little money upfront!

Finally, cheap pool cleaners are also typically made with lower-quality materials and components, which can lead to quicker wear and tear. So though you may pay less upfront, you'll probably have to replace it much sooner than you would have had to replace a higher-quality unit.

Mistake #2: Not considering the type of pool you have - Its size, shape, and type of surface all matter!

When choosing a pool cleaner, factors like the size, shape, and surface of your pool matter a lot. The size of your pool determines how much reach and cleaning power your cleaner needs to effectively cover the entire area. A larger pool might require a pool cleaner with a stronger motor, a larger capacity to handle the job efficiently, and a longer cable for corded pool vacuums.

You'll also want to check whether the pool cleaner is made for inground or above-ground pools. Since above ground pools usually have a flat bottom, those cleaners usually don’t have the power to handle the slope that an in-ground pool can have.

The shape of your pool also plays a role because different pool cleaners are better suited to certain shapes. For example, a pool cleaning robot might navigate better in a pool with curves and corners, while a suction-side automatic pool cleaner might struggle.

Additionally, the surface of your pool affects the type of pool cleaner you should choose. Rough surfaces like concrete or stone might benefit from a cleaner with more active brushes to scrub away dirt and algae, while smoother surfaces like vinyl or fiberglass may be able to utilize a cleaner with fewer active brushes.

Mistake #3: Not considering how often you use your pool

If you're someone who spends a lot of time in your pool, you'll want an automatic pool cleaner that can keep up with all the activity. Look for a powerful pool cleaner with strong suction and scrubbing capabilities that will ensure that your pool stays clean and inviting, even with frequent use. Also, consider a pool cleaner with a larger debris bag or storage tank to handle larger volumes of debris and dirt, as your pool will likely accumulate more of it with regular use. Battery-powered cordless pool robot cleaners are a great pick since you can easily take them in and out of the pool and set them on a charging dock when you’re ready to enjoy the water.

If you only use your pool occasionally, you’ll want an automatic pool cleaner that is able to work for as long as possible without your intervention, so you’ll want to opt for the convenience of a programmable pool cleaning robot that is corded. These pool cleaners allow you to schedule cleaning sessions in advance to automatically clean your pool even when you're not around and will have the power to continue to run indefinitely.

Mistake #4: Not considering what type of debris your pool typically has

That beautiful maple tree by your pool offers the perfect amount of shade, but a not-so-perfect amount of debris. Whether it’s sand, leaves, or bugs, you’ll want to choose the pool cleaner that best suits your needs.

If you're constantly fishing out big leaves and bugs from your pool, you'll need a pool cleaner with strong suction power and a large debris bag or basket. If they mostly stay floating on the top of the pool, you could also opt for a robotic pool skimmer instead of a robotic cleaner.

If you mostly have to deal with tiny particles like dirt and sand, you'll want a pool cleaner that has a filter with the lowest micron value to trap these particles and prevent them from clouding up your pool water.

Understanding the type of debris in your pool can also help you select a pool cleaner that is equipped with the right features and attachments. For instance, if you have a lot of algae buildup on your pool walls or floor, a pool cleaner with scrubbing brushes or a high-pressure water jet feature will help to dislodge and remove the algae effectively.

Finally, depending on where you see the most need, consider whether you want an automatic pool cleaner that cleans the floor only, or if you’d like a unit that will clean walls or even the water line.

Mistake #5: Not understanding the difference between “filter fineness” and micron value

Filter fineness is a very general term and doesn't actually tell you much about how effective a pool cleaner filter is. This is because filter fineness doesn't provide specific information about the size of particles the filter can capture. In other words, different filter fineness ratings are relative and can usually help you compare models within one brand, but if you really want to compare between different brands and models it's best to look for this specific measurement.

To determine which model might provide the best filtration, look at its micron value. Micron value represents the smallest size of particle, measured in microns, that an automatic pool cleaner filter can effectively remove from the water. A lower micron value means that the filter can capture smaller particles, while a higher micron value means it only captures larger particles.

Depending on the type of debris your pool typically has, you'll want to choose a filter with a higher or lower micron value, and by using this measurement instead of relying on a "fine filter" label, you can ensure you'll have a clean, sparkling pool.

Mistake #6: Not researching the speed and suction rate of the pool cleaner

When choosing a pool cleaner, be sure to consider its speed and suction rate or power. The cleaner’s speed determines how long it takes to travel across the pool, and its suction rate indicates its gripping power and climbing ability, as well as how much water it is filtering.

Pool cleaning robots are usually the fastest of the bunch, covering more ground and ensuring efficient pool cleaning in less time. Their onboard motors also usually allow them to have high suction rates. Other types of automatic pool cleaners may take longer to clean larger pools or navigate around obstacles.

But speed isn't everything! When it comes to suction power, a pool cleaning robot with a higher suction power will better capture a wide range of debris, including fine particles like dirt and algae, as well as larger debris like leaves and twigs. Insufficient suction power may result in incomplete cleaning and leave your pool looking less than perfect. Strong suction power also helps the pool cleaner to navigate more efficiently across different surfaces and obstacles in the pool, ensuring comprehensive cleaning coverage.

Mistake #7: Not considering long-term costs

When buying a pool cleaner, don't forget to consider long-term expenses.

Maintenance is a regular part of keeping your pool cleaner in top shape, like cleaning the filter and replacing worn-out parts. Sometimes, you might need to replace components like brushes, filters, or hoses, so be sure to choose a pool cleaner with a quality build.

Most importantly, you'll want to consider what it might cost to operate the pool cleaner. While pool cleaning robots are often the more expensive choice up front, they offer long-term savings over other types of units. Because they use onboard electric motors and can simply be plugged into an outlet rather than relying on the operation of an energy-intensive pool pump, or even two pumps, since pressure-side cleaners require booster pumps, they are more energy-efficient and put less strain on other pool components. There are also cordless pool robot cleaners that run on a rechargeable battery. Since robotic pool cleaners can cost only cents a day to operate, their long-term costs can often be much lower than other cleaner types.

Finally, warranty coverage is another consideration, as it can save you money should unplanned repairs or replacements be needed, so be sure to choose a unit with at least as long of a warranty as possible.

Mistake #8: Not researching how user-friendly a unit is

No matter how fast, cheap, or pretty a pool cleaner is, if it's not user-friendly, you’ll probably just end up frustrated. Unlike tangled-up pressure side pool cleaners, or inefficient suction side pool cleaners, pool cleaning robots top the list when it comes to user-friendliness. Not only do robotic cleaners work dependably, but they offer the most control and functionality - just a few more reasons why your next pool cleaner should be a robotic pool cleaner.

For maximum user-friendliness, choose a pool cleaning robot model that allows you to set up cleaning schedules, get notifications, and keep an eye on the cleaning progress right from your lounge chair. These cleaners can come with remotes or even connect to wifi and Bluetooth, able to be controlled right from your phone. Pool cleaning robots are also usually the least likely type of pool cleaner to get tangled or stuck during operation.

Mistake #9: Assuming all pool cleaners will clean the whole pool

It’s natural enough to assume that any pool cleaner will clean your whole pool. However, there is a big difference in pool cleaner types and what their coverage will be.

Traditional cleaners such as pressure-side and suction-side models, operate randomly - they go wherever their momentum takes them. Whether a pool has a unique shape, or if the pool cleaner hits an obstacle, areas can easily get missed.

Alternatively, robotic cleaners use intelligent mapping to navigate the entire swimming pool. Robotic cleaners can use algorithms to ensure coverage, with some models even tracking and analyzing their path to help prevent gaps. The best robotic cleaners learn from their operation to fully map your pool, allowing them to most efficiently and quickly clean the pool without missing any spots.

Additionally, while all pool cleaners will clean the pool floor, some models utilize suction to climb up and clean the pool’s walls. The best pool cleaners have enough power and go high enough to clean the waterline, where debris and grime often accumulate.

Mistake #10: Buying without being sure it’s the right fit. Instead, ask the experts for help!

In the end, whether you decide to go with a cordless pool robot cleaner or a more traditional automatic pool cleaner, we at Discount Salt Pool are happy to be a resource for you. If you’ve decided a pool cleaner is right for your swimming pool, call or chat with our team of experts and let us know about the size, type, shape, and surface type of your pool, and let us know any other considerations that are most important to you.

Do you want a pool cleaner that you can control through a smartphone app? Do you want the pool cleaner to do walls and waterline or is the floor just enough? Is the cleaner a good fit for your pool size? Depending on your needs, there can be a number of options, and we want to make sure you get the best pool cleaner to do the job. Additionally, our team is happy to give you advice on maintenance and any common issues that it could be helpful to know about before you buy a pool cleaner.

Armed with the information in this article, and the support from your experts at Discount Salt Pool, you'll be more than ready to choose the best pool cleaner for your pool.

3. Read More About pool cleaners

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when selecting a new pool cleaner. If you’re interested in reading more, check out our other articles to learn about: