There are a lot of pool cleaners on the market, and picking the wrong one is an easy mistake to make. Get it right and your pool basically looks after itself. Get it wrong and you're either fishing debris out by hand or watching your electricity bill climb. Here's what to actually look for.
Which Type of Pool Cleaner Is Right for You?
Three main types, and each one suits a different setup.
| Type | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Robotic | Self-contained, plugs into power, runs independently | Most pool types, low effort |
| Pressure | Uses return water pressure, may need a booster pump | Pools with heavy debris |
| Suction | Connects to your skimmer or suction port | Smaller pools, tighter budgets |
Robotic cleaners are a popular choice. They run independently of your filtration system, use less energy, and cover floors, walls and waterlines without you having to think about it. Brands like Zodiac and Polaris both make solid options. If you're leaning towards a robotic cleaner, we've put together a full guide on choosing the right one that's worth a read before you decide.
What to Think About Before You Buy
Pool Size and Shape
A cleaner that handles a small rectangular pool can really struggle in a larger design. Always check the manufacturer's maximum pool size before you commit.
How Pool Surface Affects Pool Cleaner Performance
Fibreglass, concrete and tiled pools each need something a bit different. Soft brushes work well on fibreglass, while concrete usually benefits from more scrubbing action. Check the spec before you buy.
How Much Debris Are You Dealing With?
If you've got trees hanging over the fence, you'll want a cleaner with a large filter basket and strong suction. If your pool is sheltered and stays pretty clean, you don't need to overcomplicate it.
Ease of Use
Think about how hands-on you actually want to be. Some robotic cleaners have app control and scheduling so you can set a time and forget about it. Others are basic plug-and-go.
Mistakes Worth Avoiding
- Buying on price alone. A cheap cleaner that can't keep up with your pool ends up costing more in time and hassle. Look at value over the long run.
- Forgetting about running costs. Robotic cleaners are generally cheaper to run than pressure-side setups, which can need a booster pump on top. Worth factoring in before you decide.
- Not checking the warranty. A pool cleaner is a decent investment. Polaris and Zodiac both back their products well, but terms vary by model, so read the fine print.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pool cleaner for an Australian backyard pool?
For most Aussie pools, a robotic cleaner is hard to beat. Good energy efficiency, thorough cleaning, and minimal effort from you. Zodiac and Polaris are both popular choices with strong local support.
How often should I run my pool cleaner?
Two to three times a week is enough for most pools. In summer or after heavy use, bump it up a bit.
Do I need a booster pump for a pressure cleaner?
Some pressure cleaners need one, some don't. Check the product specs, or just ask us and we'll point you in the right direction.