Keeping your above ground swimming pool clean is an important aspect of enjoying your pool. As such, many above ground pool owners have discovered the time saving benefits of automatic above ground pool cleaners. You can get more enjoyment out of your pool by spending less time cleaning it and more time in it, when you invest in an above ground pool cleaner. Manual pool cleaning methods are time consuming and laborious. An automatic above ground pool cleaner essentially operates as a vacuum, sucking debris and sediment from your pool keeping your water clearer and enjoyable for swimmers.

The technology behind above ground pool cleaners has advanced drastically over the last few years. They are more efficient and make pool cleaning a snap. For more sanitary swimming water, that is free of algae and contaminants, automatic above ground pool cleaners are a must have. Hayward and Zodiac manufacture some of the best pool cleaners for above ground pools available. For an economic option that is simple to install and maintain, Zodiac makes a good above ground pool cleaner. When it comes to manufacturing cutting-edge accessories, Hayward is always looking to advance the technology of above ground pool cleaners.

Types of Pool Cleaners

Choosing the right above ground pool cleaner can be an easy task when pool owners have the right information. Doing a little bit of research will help you to find an above ground pool cleaner that works great in your pool and fits your budget. The range of pool cleaners for above ground pools is actually quite impressive. Pool cleaners typically fall into one of three categories: suction-side cleaners, robotic cleaners, and pressure-side cleaners. Not surprisingly, each of these cleaners has some pros and cons which can help you choose the best pool cleaner for your above ground swimming pool.

• Suction-side above ground pool cleaners:

These are the most common type of pool cleaner for above ground pools. Usually, they are relatively inexpensive and therefore represent an excellent value for your money. A suction-side above ground pool cleaner attaches to the suction side of your pool’s plumbing. Water is pulled out of the pool by your pool pump and suction is thereby created on the underside of the cleaner. The movement of most of these cleaners is random and automatic and as the unit travels around your pool, debris and sediment are sucked out of the pool and collected in either the filter pump basket or within the filter. The benefits of this type of above ground pool cleaner are that they are easy to install and operate, reliable, and inexpensive. Debris is pulled into your filter basket so you will need to clean it regularly. This is an easy task that takes a mere fraction of the time that manual pool cleaning normally requires. Also, skimming action may be compromised when your suction-side above ground pool cleaner is operational, depending on the specific model.

Some popular suction-side above ground pool cleaners include: Hayward Aquabug and Diver Dave, Pentair Lil’ Shark, and the Barracuda Ranger.

• Robotic above ground pool cleaners:

These above ground pool cleaners are driven by an internal electric motor. They connect to a transformer that plugs into a standard outdoor electrical outlet. The transformer converts the electricity to low voltage and powers the robotic pool cleaner around your swimming pool. Robotic above ground swimming pool cleaners sometimes have a computer chip so that they can "learn" the shape of your pool. They also have their own filter and pump which is one of the biggest advantages of robotic pool cleaners. These cleaners can easily be cleaned and if they clog, it will not compromise skimmer action. For above ground pool cleaners, they are very efficient and will also move water throughout your pool (helping to reduce algae buildup). Because of their advanced features, robotic above ground pool cleaners tend to be more expensive than other types of automatic pool cleaners.

Our popular models of robotic pool cleaners include The Pool Rover T, the Pool Rover T Junior, and the Dirt Devil Pool Boy.

• Pressure-side above ground pool cleaners:

This type of above ground pool cleaner attaches to the return side of your pool’s circulation system. Essentially, the force of water being returned to your pool drives the locomotion of these above ground pool cleaners and creates a vacuum, to suck up dirt and debris from your pool. This debris is then vacuumed into a dedicated filter bag. This is one of the main benefits of pressure-side automatic above ground swimming pool cleaners. In addition, they are inexpensive and easy to install. Comparatively, pressure-side above ground pool cleaners are less effective at cleaning large debris, such as leaves, but they are still a great option.

The Barracuda Zippy and the Polaris 65 are two of the most popular models of pressure-side above ground pool cleaners.