[ Suction-Side Cleaners - Robotic Cleaners - Pressure-Side Cleaners ]
Suction-Side Automatic Pool Cleaners for your Aboveground Pool
Suction-Side automatic pool cleaners are by far the most common type for aboveground pools, and they are a great value. They attach to the suction side of your pool's plumbing system (meaning the skimmer, pipes and fittings that pull pool water out of the pool to be filtered). The suction is created on the underside of the cleaner by the force of the water being pulled out of the pool by your pool pump.
These cleaners move randomly and automatically around the pool with motion created by a device that gives a stop/start pulsing of water. As the unit travels, debris is vacuumed up through the unit and then the hose, past the suction port / skimmer and through the pipe. Large debris stops at the filter pump strainer basket, while smaller debris passes through to the filter. Adjusting the hose, the unit itself and water flow volume will create different cleaning patterns, so as to maximize pool coverage and minimize cleaning time.
Why to Choose a Suction-Side Pool Cleaner: - Simple to install, easy to operate
- Low cost
- proven record or performance and reliability
Troubleshooting
Cleaner moving slowly? The first place to check is the pump basket- is it free of debris? Next, check that your pool filter is clean, and that water is flowing properly. Then, inspect the throat of the cleaner and the end of the hose (where it attaches to the skimmer or suction line) for any obstructions. Check the entire length of hose for splits, obstructions or holes. If your pool has lots of leaves / yard has lots of trees, you'll want to install an in-line leaf trap to use with your suction-side automatic pool cleaner.
Cleaner not cleaning the entire pool? This is usually caused because the cleaner is following the flow pattern of the water in the pool. In other words, the strong flow from the return jets are pushing the cleaner into a pattern. To correct this, simply adjust the return port wall fittings, or add wall fittings to the return ports, always pointing the fittings at a downward angle. If you pool doesn't have wall fittings at the return ports, check with the manufacturer for alternate wall fittings to direct the flow away from the cleaning path.
Helpful Hints about Suction-Side Automatic Pool Cleaners
- Remember that most skimming action is lost while your cleaner is hooked up, especially if your pool only has one skimmer.
- A good preventative maintenance tip is to always rotate the wearable parts on your automatic pool cleaner, and replace all wearable parts when needed.
- Unless your automatic pool cleaner has an in-line strainer basket, the filter pump basket can get clogged up rather quickly. Be sure to check it often for maximum efficiency and water flow.
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Robotic Automatic Pool Cleaners for your Aboveground Pool
For aboveground swimming pools, we offer the world-famous Pool Rover brand of robotic automatic pool cleaner. Available in both standard and remote control models, these self contained electric cleaners are simply dropped into the pool when it's time for cleaning. There are no cumbersome hoses to deal with! Simply plug the transformer into a wall outlet, and let it go! A long 40 ft cord from the unit plugs into the transformer, receiving low voltage power to operate the cleaner. There are two separate motors within the unit; a pump motor which draws debris into the unit's filter and a drive motor which moves the unit around the pool.
The advantages to owning a robot cleaner include their self contained filter, which is easily cleaned. They also do quite well with their coverage. Some units are computer chip controlled, and some even have remote controls so you can steer the unit from a lounge chair! Being that they are the only cleaners not attached in any way to the pool's circulation system, they produce no resistance or back pressure on the filtering. Their cost can be more than suction or pressure side cleaners.
Why to Choose a Robotic Pool Cleaner:
- Self-contained filter eases wear and tear on your pump & filter system
- Distributes filtered water throughout your pool in addition to cleaning
- Fastest method for cleaning your swimming pool
- Excellent coverage & performance
- Remote control available for maximum ease and convenience
Troubleshooting
Cleaner is Not Moving:
Is the indicator light glowing on the transformer? If not, be sure that transformer is turned on and that the 3 volt fuse is not blown. Be aware that the indicator light can be glowing even though the fuse is blown).
Is the power outlet working? Check the outlet with another electrical appliance to be sure. If the power is available & the fuse is good, try wiggling the power cord plug from the unit to the transformer. Older units may begin to short out at the plug; a new plastic female plug is available from your hardware store.
Is the pump motor receiving power? The best way to check is to inspect the unit itself while it's partially underwater. If there is water gushing out of the top of the unit, this is an indication that power is reaching the unit.
Is the pulley on the drive belt side turning? If the pulley is not moving, this could indicate a that the motor has an electrical short or a corroded drive T, which would also require motor replacement.
Are the drive belts tight and in good repair? Drive belts can become stretched and weaken over time. If your belts are "skipping" and do not lock tightly into the grooves of either the drive pulley or the wheel tubes, they may need to be replaced. Check that the wheel tubes are in proper position with bushings in place on either end. If the tubes are not straight, the drive belts will not be tight.
Unit is Not Pumping:
Does water gush out of the top? If the unit moves but is not picking up any debris, lift the unit up near the surface of the water to check if water is coming out of the top of the cleaner. If not, the pump motor may be shorted. Unplug the unit and pull it out of the water. Remove the vent cap on top of the unit and check that the impeller does not have string wound around the base. Turn the impeller by hand to check spin. Plug in unit and check spin. If there is no spin, the pump is probably shorted. Another indication that the pump motor is not working properly is if the unit won't climb the pool wall very far before falling off. The pump motor provides the suction it needs for climbing.
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Pressure-Side Automatic Pool Cleaners for your Aboveground Pool
Pressure-side automatic pool cleaners attach to the return side of your pool's circulation system, and the force of the water being pumped or "pushed" back to the pool powers these cleaners, creating a vacuum which pulls dirt and debris into a bag or into your pool's internal filter. For aboveground pools, pressure-side cleaners can effectively use your pool's existing pump for power. Simply connect the cleaner to one of your pool's existing return ports. Your circulation system can deliver the proper amount of pressure to operate the unit.
The water that flows into the unit splits into three directions; the sweeper tail, the thrust jet and the venturi. The sweeper tail gets fine debris off the walls and floor and into the pool water where it can then head towards the filter. The thrust jet is a series of ports and gears which motor the unit around the pool in a random pattern. The venturi is the port where leaves are sucked up into a bag (that you empty when full) as the unit rolls over debris. An in-line back-up valve reverses the flow every few minutes to change its pattern and remove it from possible obstacles.
Advantages of Pressure-Side Cleaners
- They distribute clean, filtered water around the pool
- They have their own debris bag so they don't compromise the filter system or clog the skimmer with debris
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