Types Of Pool Cleaners

Understanding the different types of pool cleaners helps you choose the right pool cleaner for your swimming pool rather than wasting money on something that does not suit your setup. We fit, service and recommend every type across Perth, from basic manual pool vacuum setups to advanced robotic cleaners with smart navigation. Pool owners often ask us which type is best, and the answer depends on your pool’s size, surface, debris load and how much hands on effort you want to put in. This guide covers all the types of pool cleaners on the market so you can make an informed decision.

Automatic Pool Cleaners

Automatic pool cleaners do the work for you. Drop them in, connect or plug them in, and they move around the pool collecting dirt and debris from the pool floor, pool walls and in some cases the waterline. There are three main categories of automatic cleaners: robotic, suction side and pressure side. Each one connects differently, handles different debris loads and comes at a different price point. Most pool cleaners in modern setups fall into one of these three categories.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic pool cleaners operate independently from the pool’s filtration system. They run on a low voltage motor powered by a transformer that plugs into a standard outlet. The unit has its own internal filter system, brushes and drive mechanism that allows it to navigate the pool floor, climb walls and scrub curved walls without relying on the pool pump. Robotic cleaners collect debris in an onboard filter bag or cartridge basket, which means everything the robot picks up stays inside the unit rather than loading your skimmer box or pool filter.

The key advantage of robotic cleaners is cleaning performance. They cover the entire pool including the floor, walls and waterline in a single cycle. They handle finer particles, sand, dust and small debris better than other pool cleaners because the internal filtration captures material that suction and pressure models push past. They also help circulate water through the pool as they move, and they keep pool water cleaner because debris stays in the onboard basket rather than passing through the main filter. Advanced features like remote control, programmable cleaning cycles and smart mapping let you target specific areas or schedule the unit to run at set times. Energy consumption is low because the low voltage motor draws between 100 and 200 watts per cleaning cycle.

The trade off is higher upfront cost. Entry level models start around $700 and mid to high range units from brands like Maytronics Dolphin and Zodiac sit between $1,200 and $2,500. We installed a Dolphin S200 on a pool in Midland and the owner went from vacuuming by hand every weekend to simply lifting the robot out and rinsing the basket. For larger pools and pools with heavy debris, robotic cleaners deliver the most thorough clean with minimal effort.

Suction Side Pool Cleaners

Suction pool cleaners connect to the pool’s skimmer box or a dedicated suction line and use the suction created by the pool pump to move around the pool. Traditional suction pool cleaners have a simple design with few moving parts, which makes them reliable and cheap to maintain. They vacuum dirt and debris off the pool floor and send everything through the pool’s filtration system to the pool filter. Suction side cleaners like the Zodiac G3 and Kreepy Krauly Sprinta move in a random pattern driven by water flow and change direction when they hit a wall or obstacle.

The main advantage of suction cleaners is low cost. Most models sit between $150 and $600. They add no extra energy bills because they run off the existing pool pump. Installation is straightforward and they work on most in ground pools and some above ground pools. The downside is that they rely on the pool’s filtration system to do the filtering, which means larger debris can clog the skimmer basket or pump and create more maintenance. Suction side cleaners also struggle with climbing walls on some pool shapes and can get stuck in tight corners or around steps. For a direct comparison between suction and robotic types, see our guide on robotic pool cleaner vs suction.

Pressure Side Pool Cleaners

Pressure pool cleaners use water pressure from the pool’s return line or a separate pump to drive the unit around the pool. Pressure side pool cleaners have their own filter bag or debris collection bag, so they do not load the pool’s filtration system. The water pressure propels the cleaner and creates a venturi effect that lifts debris off the pool floor and into the bag. Models like the Polaris 280 and 380 are the most common pressure side cleaners in Perth.

Pressure cleaners handle larger debris and heavy debris better than suction or robotic models because the intake is wide and the bag holds volume. They are the preferred option for pools surrounded by trees where leaf load is the main problem. The downside is that many models need a separate pump or booster, which adds to energy costs and pool equipment maintenance. Pressure side cleaners also tend to miss finer particles because the bag mesh is coarser than robotic filter cartridges. For pools with mainly dust and fine sand, a robotic or suction cleaner is a better fit.

Manual Pool Cleaners

Before automatic cleaners existed, every pool owner maintained their pool with manual tools. Manual cleaning still has a place, especially for spot work, steps and areas that automatic units miss.

Pool Skimmers

A skimmer net on a telescopic pole is the most basic piece of pool equipment and the fastest way to remove debris from the surface before it sinks. Skimming after storms, wind events or heavy leaf fall prevents material from breaking down and feeding algae. It takes two minutes and saves your automatic cleaner from fighting through a surface layer of debris. We recommend skimming as a habit alongside any automatic setup because it keeps the cleaner focused on floor and wall cleaning rather than surface cleanup.

Pool Brushes

A pool brush on a telescopic pole scrubs biofilm, algae and calcium deposits off pool walls, steps, ledges and the deep end floor. Brushing loosens material that the cleaner then picks up on its next cleaning session. Without brushing, biofilm builds up in areas where your cleaner does not scrub aggressively enough, especially in tight corners and behind ladders. Use a stiff nylon brush on pebblecrete and concrete and a softer brush on fibreglass and vinyl to protect the surface.

Pool Vacuum Heads

A vacuum head on a telescopic pole and hose lets you manually vacuum specific areas of the pool floor. This is useful for cleaning up after parties, removing sand deposits and vacuuming to waste after storms. For pools with an in floor cleaning system, the in floor cleaners handle floor sweeping but a manual vacuum head supplements them by handling spots the nozzles do not reach. Even pool owners who run the best robotic or suction cleaner keep a manual pool vacuum as a backup for targeted cleaning. The vacuum head picks up leaves, other debris and sediment that automatic cleaners may miss on steps, bench seats and behind fittings. For more on choosing the right head for your surface, see our guide on vacuum heads for pool cleaning.

How To Choose The Right Type For Your Pool

Start with your pool type and size. For smaller pools under 40,000 litres with light debris, a suction cleaner or entry level robotic handles the job. For larger pools or complex pool shapes, a robotic cleaner with wall climbing and mapping provides the most coverage. For pools with extreme leaf loads, a pressure side cleaner or a suction model with a leaf canister is the practical choice. Above ground pools suit compact robotic or suction models designed for shallower depths.

Consider your pool ownership goals. If you want to spend minimal time on pool maintenance and let the cleaner handle everything, invest in a robotic. If budget is the priority and you do not mind emptying baskets more often, a suction side setup works well. If you already have a booster pump and deal with heavy debris, a pressure side cleaner makes sense. Some pool owners start with a suction cleaner and upgrade to a robotic after a couple of seasons once they see how other models perform. There is no single type that suits every pool, which is why we stock and service all categories.

In Floor Cleaning Systems

An in floor cleaning system is built into the pool shell during construction. Pop up nozzles in the floor rise on a timed cycle and sweep debris toward a central drain. These systems improve water circulation and reduce the need for a separate cleaner on the floor, but they do not scrub walls or the waterline. Most pool owners with in floor systems pair them with a robotic cleaner for complete coverage. For a full breakdown, see our guide on self cleaning pools.

For more guidance on matching a cleaner to your specific pool, see our guides on what pool cleaner should you buy and our full range of pool cleaners.

Perth Conditions And Cleaner Choice

Perth pools face specific challenges that affect which cleaner type works best. Bore water carries minerals and phosphates that feed algae and leave calcium deposits on cleaner parts. Coastal sand from the Fremantle Doctor settles on pool floors daily during summer. Eucalyptus and melaleuca drop oily leaves and bark that clog intakes on smaller units. For bore water properties, a robotic cleaner with its own filter system keeps mineral laden debris out of the main pool filter and reduces backwashing frequency. For coastal areas, any cleaner that handles fine sand works well. For heavily treed suburbs, a pressure cleaner or suction model with a leaf canister manages the volume.

We serviced a pool in Forrestfield where the owner had been running a basic suction cleaner on a heavily treed block. The skimmer basket filled every few hours and the pump basket was always under pressure. Switching to a Dolphin S300 with a large top loading basket meant the debris stayed in the robot and the filtration system ran clean. The improvement in pool water clarity was noticeable within a week.

Summary

Every pool benefits from the right cleaner matched to its size, surface and debris load. Robotic pool cleaners deliver the strongest performance with the lowest effort. Suction pool cleaners offer affordable, reliable floor cleaning for straightforward setups. Pressure pool cleaners handle heavy leaf loads and larger debris. Manual tools like skimmers, brushes and a vacuum head remain essential for targeted cleaning that automatic units miss. The cleaners on the market today cover every pool type and budget, and choosing correctly saves time, energy bills and money on repairs.

If you need help deciding which type suits your pool, get in touch with our team. We recommend, fit and service all types of pool cleaners across Perth and can match the right setup to your pool so it stays clean with the least effort from you.