Pool Cleaner Buying Guide

The Short Answer

There are three main types of pool cleaners: suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic. Each works differently and suits different pools and budgets. Robotic cleaners do the most work independently; suction cleaners are the most common entry-level option; pressure cleaners sit somewhere in between. The right choice depends on your pool's size, shape, surface, and how hands-on you want to be.

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Suction-Side Pool Cleaners

Suction cleaners connect to your pool's existing filtration system, usually via the skimmer box or a dedicated suction port. They move around the pool floor and walls using the suction created by your pump, picking up debris as they go.

How They Work

The cleaner draws water and debris through a hose into the pump basket and filter. Because they rely on your existing pump and filter, they add load to that equipment while running.

Pros

• Generally the most affordable option
• Simple to set up and use
• Widely available in New Zealand
• Low maintenance on the cleaner itself

Cons

• Puts additional load on your pump and filter
• Less effective on pools with heavy leaf fall or large debris
• Coverage can be inconsistent on irregular pool shapes
• Doesn't scrub surfaces, mainly vacuums

Best Suited To

Suction cleaners work well for pools with moderate debris loads, straightforward shapes, and owners who want a reliable, low-cost automated option.

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Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners

Pressure cleaners use water pressure, either from your existing return jets or a dedicated booster pump, to propel themselves around the pool. They collect debris into an onboard bag rather than sending it through your filter.

How They Work

Water pressure drives the cleaner forward and agitates debris off surfaces. The debris is captured in a filter bag attached to the unit, which you empty after each clean.

Pros

• Debris goes into the cleaner's own bag, not your filter
• Reduces wear on your main filtration system
• Handles larger debris like leaves reasonably well
• Good coverage on most pool shapes

Cons

• Some models require a dedicated booster pump, which adds cost and installation
• The debris bag needs regular emptying
• Generally more expensive than suction cleaners
• Moving parts can wear over time

Best Suited To

Pressure cleaners suit pools with higher debris loads, particularly those near trees, and owners who want to protect their main filter from heavy use.

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Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic cleaners are self-contained units that run independently of your pool's filtration system. They plug into a standard power outlet and use their own motor, pump, and filter to clean the pool.

How They Work

The robot drives itself around the pool floor, walls, and waterline (depending on the model), scrubbing surfaces and filtering water through its own internal filter. Most models run on a programmed cycle and switch off automatically.

Pros

• Fully independent, no load on your pool pump or filter
• Scrubs surfaces as well as vacuuming
• Many models clean walls and the waterline
• Energy-efficient compared to running your main pump for extended periods
• Programmable cycles on most models
• Filters fine particles including some algae

Cons

• Higher upfront cost than suction or pressure cleaners
• Internal filters need regular cleaning
• Repairs can be more involved if something goes wrong
• Cord management can be a minor inconvenience

Best Suited To

Robotic cleaners are well suited to larger pools, pools with complex shapes, and owners who want the most thorough clean with the least ongoing effort. They're also a good choice where reducing pump run time is a priority.

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Key Factors to Consider Before Buying

Pool Size and Shape

Larger pools benefit from cleaners with longer run times and better navigation. Irregular shapes, kidney, freeform, or L-shaped pools, can cause some suction cleaners to get stuck or miss areas. Robotic cleaners with smart navigation generally handle complex shapes better.

Pool Surface

Different cleaners suit different surfaces. Fibreglass, concrete, and tiled pools each have different requirements. Check that the cleaner you're considering is rated for your pool's surface type, some models with aggressive brushes can mark softer surfaces.

Debris Load

If your pool is surrounded by trees or catches a lot of wind-blown leaves, a cleaner with good debris capacity matters. Pressure cleaners and robotic cleaners with large filter baskets handle heavy debris better than basic suction models.

Your Filtration System

If your pump and filter are already working hard, adding a suction cleaner increases that load further. A robotic cleaner avoids this problem entirely. If your pump is older or undersized, this is worth factoring in.

Budget

Suction cleaners are the most affordable entry point. Pressure cleaners sit in the mid-range, though the cost rises if a booster pump is needed. Robotic cleaners carry a higher upfront cost but can reduce running costs over time by lowering pump hours.

How Much Involvement You Want

If you want to set and forget, a robotic cleaner with a programmed cycle is the most hands-off option. If you're comfortable with a more involved routine, a suction or pressure cleaner can do the job well at lower cost.

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Suction vs Pressure vs Robotic: A Quick Comparison

Suction cleaners

• Lowest upfront cost
• Uses your existing pump and filter
• Best for pools with light to moderate debris
• Vacuums but doesn't scrub

Pressure cleaners

• Mid-range cost (higher if booster pump needed)
• Collects debris in its own bag
• Good for heavier debris loads
• Some scrubbing action

Robotic cleaners

• Highest upfront cost
• Fully independent of pool filtration
• Best all-round clean including walls and waterline
• Most energy-efficient option long-term

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Maintenance and Running Costs

All pool cleaners need some upkeep.

• Suction cleaners: Check and clean the pump basket regularly. Inspect hoses and the cleaner body for wear.
• Pressure cleaners: Empty and rinse the debris bag after each use. Check hose connections and moving parts periodically.
• Robotic cleaners: Clean the internal filter after every use or every few uses depending on debris load. Rinse the unit and store it out of direct sunlight when not in use.

Spare parts availability is worth checking before you buy, particularly for robotic models. A cleaner that can't be repaired locally becomes expensive to own.

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When to Get Advice Before Buying

If you're unsure which type suits your pool, it's worth talking to a pool specialist before committing. Factors like your existing pump size, pool surface, plumbing configuration, and local debris conditions all affect which cleaner will perform well. A pool professional can also check whether your current equipment is in good enough condition to support a suction or pressure cleaner without adding unnecessary strain.

Sparkling Pools has been helping Auckland pool owners with equipment advice and supply since 1992. If you're weighing up options or want a second opinion before buying, get in touch.