Not every pool cleaner is built the same. Some clean just the pool floor. Others scrub walls and waterlines. And a few only skim the surface. Knowing what each cleaner actually does can help you choose the right one for your pool.
This guide breaks down each type of pool cleaner and which areas of your pool they cover.
The 4 Pool Zones That May Need Cleaning
Most pools have four common areas that collect dirt, leaves, and grime:
Floor – where heavy debris and sediment settle
Walls – where algae and grime cling
Waterline – where sunscreen and oils build up
Steps and slopes – tricky to reach, but often neglected
Some cleaners handle all of these. Others don’t.
Robotic Pool Cleaners – Best All-Around Coverage 🤖
Robotic cleaners are the most advanced and independent option.
Floor: ✅ Always covered
Walls: ✅ Most tracked and premium models handle walls well
Waterline: ✅ Some high-end models scrub the waterline
Steps: ⚠️ Limited — depends on shape and nav system
🔗 Related: Cordless vs Corded Robotic Pool Cleaners
🔗 Related: Tracked vs Wheeled Robotic Pool Cleaners
Suction-Side Cleaners – Mostly Floor, Maybe a Bit More 💨
Suction-side cleaners are powered by your pool’s pump system.
Floor: ✅ Reliable with fine debris
Walls: ⚠️ Some climb, but coverage is inconsistent
Waterline: ❌ Rare
Steps: ❌ Typically not handled
🔗 Related: Robotic vs Suction Pool Cleaner
Pressure-Side Cleaners – Strong Floor Cleaning, Little Else 🚿
These cleaners use water pressure to move around and capture debris in a filter bag.
Floor: ✅ Great for leaves and debris
Walls: ⚠️ Some movement, but no scrubbing
Waterline: ❌ Not targeted
Steps: ⚠️ May catch depending on layout, but not consistently
🔗 Related: Robotic vs Pressure Pool Cleaner
Manual or Battery Vacuums – Floor Only
Manual pool vacuums or handheld battery-powered cleaners require user control.
Floor: ✅ Wherever you guide it
Walls: ❌ Needs separate brushing
Waterline: ❌ Not handled
Steps: ❌ Difficult to reach
Best for small spot cleans or very small pools.
What About Surface Cleaning? 🌿
If your pool collects leaves, insects, or pollen on the surface, don’t expect robotic, suction, or pressure cleaners to help — they stay on the floor.
That’s where robotic leaf skimmers come in.
Float on the surface all day
Collect debris before it sinks
Run on solar or battery power
Great for pools under trees or in windy areas
🔗 Related: Robotic Leaf Skimmers: What They Do and Do You Really Need One?
Choosing Based on Your Pool Layout
To choose the right cleaner, consider:
Inground vs above ground — deeper walls benefit from climbing ability
Pool shape — curved or freeform pools do better with smart navigation
Debris type — sand vs leaves vs oils may affect what’s needed
Hands-off vs hands-on — how much automation do you want?
🔗 Related: Choosing a Robotic Pool Cleaner Based on Your Pool Layout
Compare Cleaners by Cleaning Zones 🔍
Wondering which cleaner actually tackles the floor, walls, or waterline? Use our filterable comparison to see:
Cleaning coverage – floor-only vs full wall + waterline
Surface compatibility – above ground vs inground pools
Traction type – wheel vs track for slopes and steps
Leaf skimmer support – pair with surface robots for floating debris
Filter access and micron level – how much debris they hold and trap