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Pressure Side Pool Cleaners vs. Suction Pool Cleaners

September, 22 2017

Pressure side pool cleaners clean pools more efficiently when compared to suction pool cleaners. Though they are more expensive, they are well worth the money spent. We will describe the fundamental differences between these two types of pool cleaners.

Pressure Side Pool Cleaners Defined

There are two types of pressure side pool pumps: high pressure (booster pump cleaners) and low pressure. Pressure cleaners (also known as pool sweeps) attach to the pressure side of your pool’s circulation system. These pool cleaners have their own hydraulic power inside, allowing them to pump the water back into the pool after it’s been filtered. Pressure pool cleaners has its advantages because it depends on pressure and not suction. Pressure pool cleaners are able to distribute clean filtered water around the pool better than suction pool cleaners. They even have their own debris bag which needs to be cleared after each use. Even when the debris bag is full, the pressure cleaner still works by agitating the debris and causing it to float the the top of the pool for easy screening.

Suction Pool Cleaners Defined

There are two types of suction pool cleaners: flat/ or round disk cleaners and pulse type cleaners. Suction pool cleaners (also known as a pool vacuums) earned its name because it attaches to the ‘suction side’ of your plumbing inside the pool. The filter pump sucks the water out of the pool, then releases the water back into the pool. The debris that the suction cleaner collects is released into the pump basket. Some pools have its own suction cleaner line which attaches directly to the fitting on the pool wall. Suction is created under the pool cleaner because the hose is attached while the filter pump is running. The suction cleaner automatically begins to move in random directions inside the pool once the water begins to pass through the device. Debris is then sucked into the vacuum and hose, passes through the pipes, and is then released into the strainer basket.

What Is The Difference?

Pressure cleaners pushes the pool water through the cleaner, which propels it along the floor and the pool walls. There is a tail behind the pressure cleaner that sweeps back and forth, scrubbing the pool floor. This keeps the dirt from resting on the pool floor and moves it to the main drain to be sucked up by the filter pump. Suction cleaners do just that! They suck the water into the pump. The water then passes through a long tube, which can sometimes get clogged, causing the pool vacuum to be inoperable. These types of vacuums perform very poorly if there are leafs in the pool. Unlike pool vacuums, pressure cleaners have the ability to break down leafs before removing them from the pool.

How Much Does It Cost?

On average, pressure cleaners cost twice as much as suction cleaners. For example, a pressure cleaner can cost around $600. This does not include the cost of labor to install the cleaner and wire the pump. Though it is more expensive initially, it will save you money in the long run. Purchasing a suction cleaner will save you a few dollars, but you will constantly have to monitor your automatic pool cleaner. Be prepared to clear the suction tubes, the basket and the actual cleaner itself. These cleaners are more affordable, but may have to pay out of pocket to keep the machine operating.

Pros and Cons

Pressure Cleaners

Pros:

• Longevity
• Rarely clogs
• Collects leaves in removable bag
• Very effective

Cons:

• Price
• Suction Cleaners

Pros:

• Less expensive

Cons:

• No scrubbing, dull finish
• Recurring cost
• Takes flow away from main pump
• Clogs easily
• Constant maintenance and monitoring