6 Different Types Pool-Cleaning Systems and How to Choose One

Manual Brushing

Best for: Small above-ground pools and spas; spot cleaning of any pool.

Provided your pool or spa has a good filtration system, it is possible to remove debris, stains, and even green and yellowish algae the old-fashioned way—with brushes and skimming nets attached to a telescoping pole. You can reach the deepest parts of the pool to scrape and brush off stains and algae from the sides and bottom, then use a skimming net to remove floating debris. Brush cleaning is also a good way to do a deep, thorough cleaning even when a pool has another cleaning system.

It's a great upper-body workout and also fairly time-consuming but doable and inexpensive. It takes a lot of work to clean a pool this way, and you may find your filtration system needs to work extra hard to filter out the debris you miss with skimming.

This is by far the most affordable option. For less than $50, you can buy a perfectly serviceable brush and net kit with a telescoping pole.

Handheld Pool Vaccum

Best for: Any type of pool.

Handheld pool vacuums work much like a household floor vacuum. They are self-contained appliances with bristle/suction heads, a built-in filter, a debris-trapping compartment, and a long handle. There are both plug-in and battery-operated types available. The operator maneuvers the suction head, which is fitted with bristles, across the pool's side and bottom surfaces, much the way you vacuum the floor of your home. A handheld vacuum has no mechanical parts (there is no roller brush, as is found on an indoor vacuum) and it offers an inexpensive way to relieve the load on your pool's filtration system.

These systems are affordable and easy to use, will work with any type of pool, and offer a good way to spot-clean areas that get especially dirty. Of the powered options, this is the most affordable. Handheld pool vacuums start at about $50 for a unit suitable for cleaning a spa, running up to about $300 for a powerful rechargeable unit suitable for larger pools.

Automatic Suction (Suction-Side) Vacuums

Best for: In-ground pools.

Another type of pool vacuum goes by the name "automatic suction" or "suction side" vacuum, depending on the manufacturer. It operates much the same way as a whole-house central vacuum system does. The unit is connected to the filtration system's water intake with a flexible hose, usually at a fitting found at the skimmer basket.

With the pool circulation pump turned on, the vacuum then utilizes the pool pump's suction power to move the vacuum head around the pool automatically, collecting debris as it goes. Suction-side pool cleaners require that the pool pump is running during operation, which means they'll be using more electricity than other types of pool cleaners.

To use this type of vacuum, the filtration pump needs to be in good condition and large enough for the task. Be prepared to clean and backwash your filters frequently since more than the normal amount of dirt will run through the system.

Prices for automatic suction side pool cleaners start at about $300, but can easily run up to $700 or more for units that can climb walls to clean them.

Pressure Pool Vacuum

Best for: Pools that experience a lot of debris.

Also known as pressure-side cleaners, these cleaners operate much like suction-side vacuums, also using the pool's filtration pump to provide the power. But this type is equipped with its own filter bag, so it doesn't place any added load on the pool's filter. If you add a booster pump, this type of cleaner can become more powerful. This is a good system for pools that collect a lot of leaves and other large debris that can overtax the pool's circulating filtration system.

Pressure pool vacuums move under their own power, independent of the pool's circulation system. Mounted on wheels to easily move around, pressure cleaners don't scrub the pool surfaces as thoroughly as contact-type cleaners do. 

Automatic pressure pool vacuums start at about $500 in price but can run up to $1,000 or more for a unit powerful enough to climb and clean walls.

Robotic Pool Cleaner

Best for: Any pool type.

Some of the most popular types of automatic pool vacuums are robots, which are powered independently of the swimming pool circulation system and place no extra load on the pool's filter. They have their own motors that both propel the unit around the pool and pump water through the unit to filter it. Most of these units are powerful enough to clean walls by climbing them.

Of all the different types of pool cleaners and vacuums, a robot is considered the most energy-efficient. As self-contained units with a built-in filter and motor, robotic cleaners are able to grab the smallest particles from all types of pool surfaces. Some models come equipped with fun features like remote controls for spot cleaning and four-wheel drive movement.

Robotic cleaners, like the Dolphin Nautilus CC or the Aiper Seagull SE, have the widest price range, depending on the features they include. Basic robotic cleaners suitable for small pools start at about $500, but $700 to $900 is more typical. And for robust robots that can clean large pools and have wall-climbing ability, don't be surprised to see prices in the $1,200 to $1,400 range.

In-Floor Vacuum System

Many of the more luxurious in-ground swimming pools have in-floor automatic vacuum systems, which are installed during the construction process. Jets are built into the bottom of the pool and connected to the filter system's return line. When the whole system is turned on, heads pop up and a booster pump generates a high-pressure swirl of water through the pool. A strong current is produced as the water moves along the pool's floor, and dirt and debris are forced toward the main drains. The main pump siphons the debris out of the pool as the water circulates through the filtering system.

Such systems require that the pool filters be cleaned more frequently—but, if you can afford an in-floor vacuum, it's likely that a hired pool service is also doing the routine filter maintenance. Such a system will add several thousand dollars to the price of pool construction.