This article discusses the differences between a pool vacuum and a pool cleaner. Read on if you are curious or want to know which one better suits your pool maintenance needs.
When I am shopping for a pool maintenance device, I always encounter two common types—pool vacuums and pool cleaners. I mistakenly thought that they were the same thing because they are often used interchangeably. But upon further research, I learned that they have a few differences.
Below, I will share how a pool vacuum differs from a pool cleaner and vice versa. I will also provide insight into how each cleaning tool works and how it can benefit you.
Let us dive right into the article to know the differences between these two!
Manual Pool Vacuum
A manual pool vacuum is perhaps the simplest pool cleaning tool out there. It requires you to attach the device to a long pole and hose. Then, it also connects to the suction side of your pool filtration pump.
This connection allows the manual vacuum to draw powerful suction from your pump. In turn, the suction created can pull in dust and debris from the pool, leaving you with clean water.
Manual pool vacuums also have an affordable upfront cost. They would not break your bank, unlike most pool cleaners. However, they can increase your power consumption because they continuously use the pool pump to vacuum debris.
And as their name suggests, manual pool vacuums require manual labor. They need you to push the hose around the swimming pool to suck in different types of debris. They also rely on your pool filter, which puts strain on it when used extensively.
How to Use a Manual Pool Vacuum?
Using a manual pool vacuum is relatively straightforward. However, it requires several steps, which can be confusing for first-time pool owners.
First, you will need to own a pole or rod and connect it to the vacuum head. Make sure that it is long enough to reach the deepest parts of your pool. Generally, you will want it at around five to six feet longer than your pool’s maximum depth. For instance, use a ten to eleven-foot pole if you have a five-foot swimming pool.
Once the pole is attached to the vacuum head, you can connect the hose to the pool vacuum. Then, submerge all of the hose into the water.
After that, you can insert the hose into the pool skimmer. You will notice constant suction coming from the vacuum.
You can now proceed to vacuum your pool. Start cleaning at the shallow end of your pool and slowly work your way towards the deepest parts. Push the vacuum firmly along the pool floor to remove stubborn debris.
You will need to stop for a few minutes when the debris starts floating in the water. Wait for it to settle on the floor and turn on the pool vacuum again. Repeat the steps until the pool is vacuumed completely.
Manually vacuuming a pool is a highly demanding and time-consuming task. That is why some users prefer to use an automatic pool cleaner.
Automatic Pool Cleaner
Pool cleaners usually refer to automatic pool vacuums. Yes, they are also called vacuums because they use suction to pull in debris and remove it from the pool. However, instead of manually pushing them along the pool floor, they work independently to let you focus on other more important tasks.
Automatic pool cleaners are divided into three different types, which I will explain in more detail below.
Different Types of Pool Cleaners
Suction-Side Pool Cleaners
A suction-side pool cleaner has a similar function to a manual vacuum. It requires a connection to your pool pump to create powerful suction power that removes debris from your pool. It also attaches to the water intake valve of your pool skimmer via a long hose.
This automatic pool cleaner is also easy to install. Simply submerge the hose once attached to the suction side of your pump. Then, adjust the valve when necessary to ensure proper water flow.
But unlike a manual vacuum, a suction pool cleaner can roam around the water in a predetermined pattern. Thus, there is no need to vacuum the pool using the hard way.
Furthermore, a suction-side pool cleaner is easy to use and relatively affordable. These make it popular among first-time pool owners.
With that said, suction cleaners still draw power from your water pump, which can increase electric bills and wear and tear. They also require you to clean the skimmer and wash the filters after cleaning the pool.
Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners
A pressure-side pool cleaner uses suction power to pull debris from your pool. It connects to the return or pressurized side of the pump, hence its name.
Pressure cleaners also move along the pool floor and walls without the need for manual operation. Thus, they make pool maintenance easier and more convenient.
Pressure-side pool cleaners also include a filter bag. So while they attach to your pool filter, they can reduce wear and tear. At the same time, they eliminate the need to wash the filter once you are done vacuuming.
However, this type of automatic pool cleaner still depends on your water pump. Hence, it can still add to your electric bill. It also requires you to clean the filter bag occasionally to ensure clog-free and optimal performance.
As for its price, a pressure-side pool cleaner falls in between suction-side cleaners and the next type of automatic pool vacuum.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners are the most convenient among all types of automatic cleaners. They do not rely on your pool’s pump or skimmer. Instead, they feature built-in motors that use advanced algorithms to clean your swimming pool.
Some robotic cleaners also come with scrubbing brushes. They help remove stubborn algae and stains stuck on the pool walls and floors.
Moreover, a robotic pool cleaner is easy to use. All you have to do is plug it into a socket, set the cleaning schedule, and drop it in the water. Then, leave the machine alone to do other more important tasks.
However, there are still a few downsides to robotic cleaners. First, they are very expensive due to their smart features. They also require minimal maintenance to ensure optimal performance for years to come.
Manual Pool Vacuum VS. Automatic Pool Cleaner: Which Is Better?
By now, you already know how each pool cleaning device works and how to operate them. However, you might still be unsure which one best suits your needs.
Fortunately, I will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each pool maintenance device. I will also share some scenarios when manual pool vacuums are better than automatic cleaners and vice versa.
Let us jump right into it!
Reasons to Choose A Manual Pool Vacuum
A manual pool vacuum is a great investment for every pool owner, as this type of cleaner is both affordable and effective. Below are other reasons to use a manual pool vacuum.
- Affordable price – Manual pool vacuums are more affordable than automatic pool cleaners. They are an ideal choice if you are looking for a reliable device that will not break the bank.
- Concentrated power – A manual pool vacuum lets you clean specific areas of your pool with ease. There is no need to wait for an automatic cleaner to make its way towards the leaves or fallen twigs.
- Powerful suction – Some models can produce more powerful suction than automatic pool vacuums. Hence, they can effectively remove fine dirt and dust particles.
- Source of exercise – Manually vacuuming your pool can turn out to be a healthy cardiovascular exercise.
However, a manual pool vacuum requires too much of your time and effort. If you are a busy person or simply too lazy to clean your pool manually, consider looking into automatic pool cleaners.
Reasons to Choose an Automatic Pool Cleaner
Automatic pool cleaners are ideal for those who do not want to spend a lot of time cleaning their pools. The following are more reasons to choose an automatic pool cleaner.
- Automated process – Automatic pool cleaners do all the dirty work for you. They provide suction power to clean your pool with minimal human operation. Robotic cleaners even feature motors and smart software. These can help keep the water clean in under two hours.
- Low maintenance – Automatic pool vacuums do not require regular manual cleaning. They simply need you to empty the filter bag when it gets full.
- Energy efficiency – An automatic cleaner navigates your pool on its own. Thus, it saves time and energy when cleaning.
- Ease of use – Automatic pool cleaners are easy to install on different types of pools. Some models are even plug-and-play to ensure ease of use.
However, the expensive cost of automatic pool cleaners might keep you from trying these devices. With that said, they might be worth investing in, considering their benefits.
Conclusion
That sums up this article about the differences between a pool vacuum and a pool cleaner! Choosing from the two will depend on your needs and preferences.
Manual vacuums work just fine if you are on a tight budget. They also allow you to clean specific parts of your pool. Automatic pool cleaners are a significant upgrade to manual vacuums. They might have a higher upfront cost, but they can save you precious time and effort.
