Difference Between a Suction Cleaner and a Pressure Cleaner

It’s that time again, FACT FRIDAYS! We here at Poolinfloor.com like to make Fridays full of Facts! This Friday, 7-26-2019, we want to hit you with the facts about the difference between a pressure cleaner and a suction cleaner! We strive to provide out customers with as much knowledge as possible with their pool so they can maintain and purchase items wisely. All three major manufacturers have a pressure cleaner line and a suction cleaner line, but each have their own benefit. Please check out our other blogs to find out some more information about the other cleaners available on the market. If you have any other questions or concerns, please check out the link at the end of this article to direct you to that portion of our website!

Pressure Cleaners

First off, we would like to discuss what each cleaner does. Pressure side pool cleaners, also known as Booster pump cleaners or pressure cleaners, are powered by a separate booster pump that sits by your pool pump. These items are purchased separately and are reasonably priced. The booster pumps make this style of pool cleaners nearly fully automatic. This is because the booster pump runs on a time clock, turning the cleaner on and off at specified times. Most other cleaners will run whenever the filter pump is running which increases wear and tear on the pool cleaner parts. Most other cleaners will recommend that you remove them from the pool after each cycle, but pressure-side pool cleaners are powered by your pools water pressure and feature internal vacuum bags. Pressure cleaners attach specifically to the pressure side, or return, of your pool's circulation system. These cleaners have their own internal hydraulic power plant and are propelled by the water that is pumped back to the pool. These styles of cleaner’s have very distinct advantages. One is that they tend to distribute filtered water around the pool. This helps with the circulation of fresh water throughout your entire pool. Another advantage is the fact that they have their own debris bag. This means that they won’t clog-up the filter system and can operate separate from the filter system. This means that even with a dirty pool filter or jammed pump basket, a pressure cleaner still operates. Overall, these cleaners will provide the best possible cleaning experience for your pool but tend to cost much more than the traditional suction cleaner.

Suction Cleaner

Unlike the pressure cleaners discussed above, a suction cleaner uses your main filtration pump to suck up debris. When doing this it returns all debris back to your pump basket. These cleaners tend to have less maintenance required compared to the traditional pressure cleaner as they have fewer moving parts. Suction cleaners tend to be more susceptible to issues of low flow. If you have a pump that is 1HP or less, we would suggest contacting the manufacturer to determine if your system meets the required cleaner flow rate. A suction side cleaner is described as a vacuum cleaner that runs off the suction power of your main pool pump. The cleaner’s hose is connected to either a dedicated suction line or directly to your skimmer line. Suction cleaners are powered by a turbine which is spun by the force of pump’s suction. They operate with a diaphragm located in the middle of the cleaner that helps increase and reduce suction to your cleaner head. Suction cleaners are ideal for pools with little debris. The work optimally with small sand particles or leaves.   In conclusion, your system will dictate which type of cleaner you can use. From here it is up to you, the consumer, to determine which item you would like to purchase. All major manufacturers make multiple styles for each cleaner at all different price ranges. Please note that more money spent normally means a higher quality product. Each have their own advantages and disadvantages for each pool style.

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