What Pool Cleaner Should I Buy? Your Guide

Deciding what pool cleaner should I buy is one of the most common questions we hear from pool owners across Perth. The answer depends on your pool type, pool size, debris load, budget and how much time you want to spend on pool maintenance. We have been recommending, fitting and servicing every category of pool cleaner for over two decades and we know which models suit which setups. The right pool cleaner saves you hours of manual cleaning each week and keeps your swimming pool in better condition between services. The wrong one frustrates you within a month. This guide covers all the types, features and considerations so you can choose the best pool cleaner for your pool with confidence. For our full range of recommendations, see our pool cleaner page.

Types Of Pool Cleaners

Understanding the main categories is the first step toward choosing the right pool cleaner for your setup. Each type connects differently, handles debris differently and suits different budgets and pool shapes. Most pool cleaners on the market fall into one of four categories: robotic, suction, pressure and manual.

1. Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic pool cleaners are the most advanced type of automatic pool cleaners available. They operate independently from your pool pump and pool’s filtration system, running on their own electric motor powered by a low voltage power supply that plugs into a standard outlet. The unit drives itself around the pool floor walls and waterline using onboard navigation that maps the pool intelligently and follows the most efficient path through each cleaning cycle.

Many robotic pool cleaners include smart features like app control, a weekly smart timer for scheduled runs and programmable cleaning sessions that let you set the unit and walk away. The cleaning performance on robotic models is the strongest across all categories because they scrub pool surfaces with active brushes while capturing debris in an onboard filter rather than sending it through the pool’s filtration system. This means less strain on your pool pump and filtration system, less backwashing and lower running costs.

Advanced models in the Maytronics Dolphin range illustrate what robotic cleaners can do. The entire Dolphin lineup covers entry level through to commercial grade units. Standard Dolphin robots clean the pool floor and climb walls with consistent coverage. The Dolphin Premier sits at the top of the range with ultra fine filtration, dual DC motors for stronger drive on curved walls, optional disposable debris bags for quick cleanup and an oversized leaf bag for heavy debris loads. It is the only Dolphin with that combination of features, and the only robot in its class that offers both bag options. We fitted a Dolphin Premier on a pool in Joondalup surrounded by mature jarrah and the oversized leaf bag handled the autumn drop without needing emptying mid cycle.

For pool owners who want the best robotic pool cleaner with minimal effort, robotic cleaners deliver the strongest results. They suit larger pools, complex pool shapes, and anyone who values time over upfront cost. Pool robots have become the fastest growing category in Australian pool care because the results are visible immediately. The only pool robot consideration is the higher purchase price, typically $700 to $2,500 depending on features. But the energy savings from the low voltage motor and reduced filtration system wear offset that cost within a season or two for most pool owners. For more on the Dolphin range specifically, see our best Dolphin pool cleaners guide.

Cordless robotic pool cleaners have entered the market as a newer option. Cordless pool cleaners run on rechargeable batteries rather than continuous power from a transformer, which eliminates cable tangles and makes the unit easier to deploy. You lift it off the charging dock, drop it in and let it run. The trade off is shorter run times per charge and less cleaning power compared to corded models. Most cordless units manage 60 to 90 minutes per charge, which is enough for smaller pools with light debris but falls short on larger pools where a full cycle takes two to three hours. For larger pools or heavy debris loads, a corded robotic cleaner with continuous power still delivers better cleaning performance and more consistent coverage across the entire pool.

2. Suction Pool Cleaners

Suction pool cleaners connect to the skimmer box or a dedicated suction line and use suction power from the pool pump to move around the pool. They vacuum debris off the pool floor and send everything through the pool’s filtration system where the pool filter traps particles. Suction cleaners are the most affordable category of automatic pool cleaners and have the simplest design with few moving parts.

There are two main designs within this category. Geared suction cleaners use internal gears to create a programmed movement pattern that provides more consistent coverage than random wandering. Inertia driven suction cleaners use a diaphragm or disc that pulses to propel the unit forward, changing direction when it contacts a wall. Both designs work well on standard pool shapes. Traditional suction pool cleaners handle small debris like sand, dirt and fine particles effectively but can struggle with larger leaves and sticks.

The downside of suction cleaners is that they rely on your pool pump running during the entire cleaning session and they load the filtration system with all the debris they collect. This means more maintenance on your filter and pump basket. Suction cleaners also tend to have limited wall climbing ability compared to robotic models and can get stuck in tight corners on irregular pool shapes. If your pool has steps, benches or tight angles, a suction cleaner may need manual help to keep those areas clean. For pools with straightforward rectangular or kidney shapes and moderate debris, suction cleaners remain a solid and affordable choice. For a direct comparison between suction and robotic types, see our guide on robotic pool cleaner vs suction.

3. Pressure Pool Cleaners

Pressure pool cleaners connect to the return line or a dedicated booster pump and use water pressure to drive movement. Pressure side pool cleaners have their own collection bag that captures debris separately from the filtration system, which keeps your pool filter cleaner and reduces backwashing. Pressure cleaners handle larger debris like leaves, bark and twigs better than other pool cleaners because the intake is wider and the bag holds more volume.

The trade off is that many pressure cleaners require a separate booster pump, which adds to energy costs and more maintenance on pool equipment. They also tend to miss finer particles because the bag mesh is coarser than a robotic cleaner’s filter cartridge. Pressure cleaners do not scrub pool surfaces either, so algae buildup on walls still needs a brush or a robotic cleaner to remove debris that clings to the surface rather than sitting loose on the floor. For Perth pools surrounded by heavy tree cover, pressure cleaners are a practical choice for managing leaf loads. We service Polaris 280 and 380 models across the northern suburbs and they handle the eucalyptus and melaleuca leaf fall that buries pools through autumn and winter.

4. Manual Pool Cleaners

Manual pool cleaners include a vacuum head on a telescopic pole, a skimmer net and a pool brush. These tools give you full control over the cleaning process and let you target specific areas that automatic cleaners miss, like steps, bench seats, behind ladders and tight corners. Manual cleaning is the lowest cost option and remains essential even if you run an automatic cleaner.

A skimmer net removes floating debris before it sinks and settles. A pool brush scrubs biofilm and algae off pool walls and steps. A vacuum head connected to the pool pump lets you vacuum specific sections of the pool floor. For smaller pools with minimal debris, manual tools may be enough on their own. For most pool owners, manual cleaning supplements an automatic cleaner rather than replacing one. Even the most advanced robotic cleaners miss the occasional corner behind a ladder or the grout lines on tiled steps, so keeping a brush and net on hand is part of good pool maintenance regardless of what automatic cleaner you run.

Key Pool Cleaner Features To Consider

When comparing automatic cleaners, these features determine how well the unit performs on your pool and how much effort it saves you.

Cleaning cycle time varies by type. Robotic cleaners typically complete a cycle in two to three hours. Suction and pressure cleaners run for the duration of the pump cycle, which can be four to six hours. Shorter cycles with thorough coverage mean less energy use and less wear on the unit. If you want the cleaning process finished before you get home from work, a robotic cleaner set on a timer handles that without any input from you.

The ability to climb walls matters on in ground pools. Most pool cleaners stay on the pool floor only. Robotic cleaners with wall climbing ability clean pool walls, the waterline and curved walls in a single session. This keeps the entire pool clean rather than leaving the walls and waterline untouched. A pool untouched above the waterline develops biofilm and algae faster, which means more chemical use and more manual scrubbing to compensate for what the cleaner misses.

Debris handling should match your environment. If your pool collects fine sand and dust, choose a cleaner with fine filtration. If leaves are the main problem, choose a model with a larger intake or bag. Some robotic models offer ultra fine filtration cartridges for capturing particles that suction and pressure cleaners miss entirely. If you deal with a mix of fine dust and heavy leaves, look for a model that lets you swap between filter cartridges and leaf bags depending on the season.

Suction power determines how well the unit picks up debris from pool surfaces. On suction cleaners, this depends entirely on your pool pump output. On robotic cleaners, the onboard motor provides its own suction independently. Stronger suction means better pickup on fine particles, but too much suction on a suction cleaner can cause it to stick to the pool floor rather than moving freely.

A weekly timer or weekly smart timer lets you schedule the cleaner to run at set intervals without manual intervention. App control on premium robotic models lets you start, stop and monitor the cleaning session from your phone. These smart features save time and ensure the pool gets cleaned consistently even when you are busy or away. For pool owners who travel or have holiday homes, scheduled cleaning keeps the pool maintained without anyone needing to be present.

Matching The Right Cleaner To Your Pool

Your pool type and surroundings determine which cleaner category suits best.

For smaller pools under 40,000 litres with light debris, a suction cleaner or entry level robotic handles the job at the lowest cost. Suction cleaners are effective on straightforward pool shapes where wall climbing is not critical. They suit pool owners who want an affordable automatic cleaner without complex setup.

For larger pools over 40,000 litres or pools with complex shapes, a robotic cleaner with mapping and wall climbing delivers the most thorough cleaning. Robotic cleaners navigate curved walls, steps and ledges that suction and pressure models struggle with. The cleaning performance across the entire pool is consistently better because the unit follows a systematic path rather than relying on random movement.

For an above ground pool, choose a lightweight cleaner designed for shallower depths and lower flow rates. Both suction and robotic models are available for above ground pools. Compact robotic cleaners work well on above ground setups and do not rely on the pool pump.

For an inground pool with heavy tree cover, consider a pressure cleaner for the bulk leaf removal paired with a robotic for fine debris and wall cleaning. This combination handles everything from large leaves to fine dust. We set up this pairing on a pool in Rockingham under a row of Norfolk pines and the result was a pool that stayed clear through the worst of the leaf season with minimal manual intervention. The pressure cleaner’s bag captured the heavy leaf load while the robotic cleaner handled the fine sand and dust that settled between leaf falls. Neither cleaner alone would have managed the full debris range on that pool.

Consider your pool surfaces when choosing. Pebblecrete and concrete can handle aggressive brushes. Fibreglass and vinyl lined pools need softer brushes to avoid surface damage. Most pool cleaners come with brush options suited to different surfaces, so check compatibility before purchasing. The wrong brush type can scratch fibreglass or wear down vinyl liner seams, which leads to costly resurfacing down the track.

For Australian pools dealing with bore water, a robotic cleaner with its own filtration keeps mineral laden debris out of the main filter and reduces backwashing frequency. Bore water carries calcium and phosphates that accelerate wear on pool equipment, so keeping those particles contained in the robot’s basket rather than circulating through the filtration system protects your pump and filter. This is particularly relevant across Perth’s northern and southern suburbs where bore water is the primary fill source. The mineral content varies by area but the effect on pool equipment is consistent: more scale, more filter loads and faster wear on seals and fittings. A cleaner that handles this debris independently from the main system reduces all of those issues.

Pool Cleaner Maintenance Tips

Proper pool maintenance extends the life of your cleaner and keeps it performing at its best.

After every cleaning session, remove the cleaner and rinse it with fresh water. On robotic models, pull the filter basket or cartridge and rinse it under a tap to remove debris. On suction cleaners, empty the skimmer box and pump basket. On pressure cleaners, empty the collection bag. Leaving debris sitting in any of these containers restricts flow and reduces cleaning power on the next run.

Inspect brushes, tracks, wheels and hoses monthly. Worn brushes reduce scrubbing on pool surfaces. Worn tracks cause the robotic cleaner to slip and miss sections. Cracked hoses on suction cleaners drop suction power and stall the unit. Replace parts as soon as they show wear rather than waiting for a complete failure.

Store the cleaner and power supply out of direct sun. Perth UV degrades rubber and plastic faster than most pool owners expect. A shaded spot or a simple cover protects the unit between uses. Coil cables and hoses loosely to avoid permanent kinks that affect movement and water flow.

Keep the pool’s filtration system maintained alongside the cleaner. A dirty filter reduces suction on suction cleaners and means dirtier water for robotic cleaners to process. Backwash sand filters when pressure rises, hose cartridge filters regularly and maintain water chemistry within range. For a full maintenance routine, see our pool cleaner maintenance and care tips.

Cost Considerations

The price range across categories gives you options at every budget.

Manual vacuums and brushes start under $100 and have no ongoing costs beyond replacement heads.

Suction pool cleaners sit between $150 and $600. They add no extra energy costs because they run off the existing pool pump. Replacement parts like diaphragms and hose sections keep annual maintenance costs under $100. Suction cleaners suit pool owners who want an automatic option without a large spend.

Pressure cleaners range from $400 to $800 for the unit, plus the cost of a booster pump if your pool does not already have one. The bag and wheel replacements add to ongoing costs. Pressure cleaners make sense on pools with extreme leaf loads where the bag capacity justifies the investment.

Robotic pool cleaners range from $700 for entry level models to $2,500 or more for premium units with app control and advanced features. The best robotic pool cleaner for your pool depends on whether you need wall climbing, fine filtration, cordless operation or extended run times. While the upfront cost is higher, robotic cleaners draw less energy than running the pool pump for suction cleaning. The pool stats on energy use show robotic models use up to 80 percent less electricity per cleaning session than suction setups running the pump at high speed. That saving, combined with reduced filter maintenance and longer equipment life, offsets the purchase price within a season or two for most pool owners. When you factor in the time saved on manual cleaning and the reduced chemical costs from consistently cleaner water, the return on investment is clear for most setups above 30,000 litres.

Why The Right Cleaner Matters

Choosing the right cleaner is not just about convenience. It directly affects water quality, chemical costs, equipment life and the overall condition of your pool.

A cleaner matched to your pool removes debris before it breaks down and consumes chlorine. That means more stable water chemistry, clearer water and fewer chemical adjustments through the season. It also means less strain on your pool pump and filtration system because the organic load stays low. Pool equipment lasts longer when the water stays clean because pumps and filters process less debris and run under less strain.

The wrong cleaner leaves sections of the pool untouched, misses fine particles or clogs constantly on debris it was not designed to handle. That leads to algae growth in neglected areas, cloudy water, rising chemical costs and frustration. We see this regularly on service calls where a pool owner bought the cheapest cleaner without considering their pool’s actual needs.

A client in Clarkson had been running a basic suction cleaner on a large freeform pool with heavy sand and leaf debris. The unit got stuck daily in tight corners, the filter clogged weekly and the pool never looked clean. Switching to a robotic cleaner with wall climbing solved every issue within the first week. The only robot that would have handled that particular combination of pool size, shape and debris was a mid range Dolphin with the larger basket. The difference in water clarity was obvious within days because the robot’s onboard filter captured fine particles that the suction cleaner had been pushing past the skimmer box and recirculating through the pool.

Choosing well the first time also saves money on replacements. Pool owners who buy a cleaner that does not suit their pool often replace it within a year or two. Spending more upfront on the right model for your setup costs less over five years than buying two cheaper units that each underperform.

Final Thoughts

The best pool cleaner for your pool is the one that matches your pool type, pool size, debris load and budget. Robotic pool cleaners deliver the strongest cleaning performance with the least ongoing effort and they protect pool equipment by keeping debris out of the filtration system. Suction pool cleaners offer reliable, affordable cleaning for straightforward setups where budget is the priority. Pressure cleaners handle heavy leaf loads better than any other category. Manual tools remain essential for targeted work that automatic cleaners miss, particularly on steps, behind fittings and in tight corners.

Start by assessing your pool. Measure the size, note the shape, identify the main debris types and consider how much time you want to spend on pool maintenance each week. Then match those factors to the cleaner type that fits. For a broader look at all the models we recommend across every category, see our guide to the best pool cleaner options. If you are still unsure or want advice specific to your pool and your budget, get in touch with our team. We recommend, fit and service every type of pool cleaner across Perth and can match the right model to your pool so it stays clean through every season with the least effort from you.

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