Shopping for an inground pool cleaner? Here’s what you need to know about your best options for keeping your pool sparkling clean.
Two boys relaxing on floaties in a pool on a sunny day
Shopping for an inground pool cleaner can feel like an overwhelming experience. There are many options with a variety of different features. Even if you have a general idea of what you want and need, you may still be faced with a plethora of choices that make it challenging to narrow your purchase down to a single option.
What makes for a top-rated inground pool cleaner, and once you understand what to prioritize, which option should you choose?
Here’s what you need to know.
Rating Inground Pool Cleaners
Inground pool cleaners are an essential tool for pool maintenance. They make keeping your pool clean as easy and convenient as possible. But not all inground pool cleaners are created equally.
Finding the right one for you means considering efficiency, power, ease of use, price, and other factors. You’ll also want to think about:
-
Durability
-
User experience
-
Overall performance
-
Value
Thankfully, you have a variety of tools available to make your decision easier. There are numerous consumer reviews and expert tests to help you make an informed decision. The best pool cleaners help you save time and money, making it easy to keep up with pool maintenance. When your pool is clean and well-maintained, it functions better and lasts longer, saving you money and frustration over the life of your pool.
Key Features to Consider When Shopping for an Inground Pool Cleaner
Now that you understand the benefits of owning an inground pool cleaner, what should you consider when shopping for your pool cleaner?
Cleaning Power
One of the most important factors in choosing an inground pool cleaner is its power and efficiency. You want a cleaner that can handle your entire pool and be strong enough to remove the debris that your pool commonly accumulates. When considering cleaning power, you'll want to look at:
-
Suction and pressure capabilities: Your cleaner’s PSI or suction rating must match your pool’s size and filtration system. For example, most medium-sized inground pools do best with a cleaner with at least 30 to 35 PSI of water pressure.
-
Motor strength and efficiency: It’s possible for energy-efficient motors to still deliver strong performance. A 1 to 1.5 HP motor is usually ideal for most residential pools and gives you plenty of power without draining energy.
-
Debris handling: Consider your specific type or types of debris when choosing a cleaner. For example, a cleaner that’s perfect for leaves might not work as well for sand or ash.
Efficiency
It’s also important to balance power with efficiency. You want a cleaner that is powerful enough to handle your needs without wasting power. Look for a cleaner with an energy-efficient motor and/or smart programming that means your cleaner only runs when needed. Many modern-day pool cleaners feature intelligent mapping and navigation, which means there will be fewer missed areas and less backtracking.
Ease of Maintenance
You don’t want to trade time you save cleaning your pool for time spent cleaning your pool cleaner. The easier an inground pool cleaner is to maintain, the better. Also, look for features that reduce the attention your pool cleaner will need, such as tangle-free cords and easy-access filters.
Durability
Finally, you’ll want a pool cleaner with a long lifespan and solid warranty. Hopefully, your cleaner won’t need repairs, but when it does, you’ll be happy you’ve chosen a product with a solid warranty.
Top-Rated Pool Cleaners
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed by your pool cleaner options, we have two favourites that we think you’ll love.
Polaris Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Polaris P945 4WD Robotic Pool Cleaner (F945) is great for large pools and heavy-duty cleaning. It’s a four-wheel drive robot with heavy-duty cleaning power, efficient navigation, and energy savings. It offers:
-
Vortex vacuum and robust debris intake
-
Rear water-jet stream to blow debris off stairs or in corners
-
Programmable scheduling, efficient filtering
This cleaner strikes a balance between power, smart navigation, and energy efficiency.
Dolphin Explorer Robotic Pool Vacuum
If you want a more energy-efficient option, the Dolphin Explorer E70 Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner (99996712-XP) is a great option. It offers:
-
Wi-Fi connectivity and app control
-
Floor, walls, and waterline coverage
-
CleverClean mapping, anti-tangle cable, and strong scrubbing brushes
The Dolphin emphasizes smart navigation and ease of use.
Shopping for an Inground Pool Cleaner?
If you’ve decided it’s time to invest in an inground pool cleaner, we can help. Finding the right cleaner can save you time, money, and frustration. It’s one of the best investments you can make as a pool owner, and many report that it has made owning a pool a far more enjoyable experience.
Take some time to think about the features that matter the most to you. Do you want something that’s as energy-efficient as possible? Do you need something affordable but high-quality? Would you love to have the most powerful pool cleaner available so your pool stays sparkling clean?
We can help you find what you’re looking for. Our experts are ready to help.