Pool ownership comes with one universal truth — the water needs cleaning, and often. Luckily, there are several types of pool cleaners designed to take the work off your hands (and arms).
This guide walks through the four main types:
Robotic pool cleaners
Suction-side pool cleaners
Pressure-side pool cleaners
Manual or battery-powered pool vacuums
You’ll learn how each works, their pros and cons, and which pools they’re best suited for.
The 4 Main Types of Pool Cleaners
Robotic Pool Cleaners 🤖
Fully independent cleaners powered by electricity
Available as corded or cordless models
Use motors and onboard filters to scrub and vacuum the pool
Pros:
No reliance on your pool’s pump or filter
Great for deep cleaning, including walls and waterline
Programmable and often have smart navigation
Cons:
Higher upfront cost
Filters must be cleaned separately
Best For:
All inground pools, especially medium to large
Owners who want hands-off, thorough cleaning
🔗 Related: Cordless vs Corded Robotic Pool Cleaners
Suction-Side Pool Cleaners 💨
Connect to your pool’s skimmer or dedicated suction port
Use the suction power of your pool pump to move and clean
Debris is pulled into the pool’s filter system
Pros:
Budget-friendly
Simple to set up
Great for fine debris
Cons:
Uses pool’s pump and filter (extra wear)
May clog with large debris
Often lacks wall-climbing ability
Best For:
Small inground pools
Pool owners on a tight budget
🔗 Related: Robotic vs Suction Pool Cleaner
Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners 🚿
Attach to a return jet or separate booster pump
Use water pressure to move and collect debris in an onboard bag
Pros:
Great for collecting leaves and larger debris
Keeps debris out of your pool’s filter
Cons:
Booster pump often required
Less effective on fine dirt and silt
Best For:
Leafy backyards or pools with large surface debris
Mid-to-large inground pools
🔗 Related: Robotic vs Pressure Pool Cleaner
Manual or Battery-Powered Pool Vacuums
Require manual operation (pole-mounted or handheld)
Can be battery-powered or connect to a hose/skimmer
Pros:
Very low cost
Great for spot cleaning
No setup or installation required
Cons:
Labor-intensive
Easy to miss spots
Not automated
Best For:
Small above ground pools or spas
Occasional use or touch-up cleaning
Bonus: Robotic Leaf Skimmers 🌿
Float on the surface of your pool
Collect leaves, insects, and floating debris before they sink
Solar or battery powered, operate independently
Pros:
Keeps surface clear throughout the day
Reduces clogging in floor cleaner filters
Cons:
Doesn’t clean floor or walls
Limited to leaf and surface debris
Best For:
Pools near trees or windy areas
Owners using a robotic floor cleaner and want a hands-free combo
🔗 Related: Robotic Leaf Skimmers: What They Do and Do You Really Need One?
Pool Cleaner Comparison Table 📊
| Cleaner Type | Power Source | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robotic | Electricity | Deep clean, programmable, smart nav | Expensive, clean separately | All inground pools |
| Suction-Side | Pool pump | Cheap, simple | Uses filter, clogs with big debris | Small inground pools |
| Pressure-Side | Return jet/booster | Good with leaves, no filter load | May require booster pump | Leafy or large inground |
| Manual/Vacuum | Battery/manual | Cheap, flexible | Manual effort, misses spots | Small above ground, spas |
How to Choose the Right Cleaner for Your Pool 🧠
When deciding which cleaner fits your needs, ask yourself:
Is my pool above ground or inground?
Is it small and flat, or large and deep?
Do I deal with lots of leaves or just dust?
Do I want full automation or spot control?
In general:
Robotic = best all-around choice for convenience and performance
Suction-side = best for budget setups
Pressure-side = best for leaf-heavy pools
Manual = best for very small or temporary pools
🔗 Related: Choosing a Robotic Pool Cleaner Based on Your Pool Layout
Compare Pool Robotic Cleaner Types 🔍
Want to see how robotic pool cleaners stack up? Use our interactive filters to compare:
Pool type compatibility – inground vs above ground
Smart features – programmable cycles, mapping, and navigation
Ease of maintenance – top-access filters, battery runtime, etc.
And more