How Much Does a Pool Cleaner Cost

Are you trying to figure out how much it would cost to keep your pool clean and safe? Here are the facts and figures.

Keeping a pool clean and safe requires a commitment to maintenance, and that's where pool cleaners come in.

There are several methods of cleaning a pool and each one has its costs. There is the suction-side cleaner, the pressure-side cleaner, robotic cleaners, and of course the brush and skimming net.

Your pool's size, type, and location are the major factors that determine which pool cleaner will be best for you. This post looks at all these possibilities to help you make the right choice.

Types of Pool Cleaners

People are different and have different needs. So, what's best for Jim might not be the same for Tom. Below is a listing of the various types of pool cleaners and their price ranges.

1. Brush, Skimming Net, & Telescopic Pole

As you can imagine, this is the cheapest option and can set you back anywhere from $10 to $30. However, using this option also requires manual labor and a few hours under the sun. It is ideal for small and above-ground pools.

2. Suction Side Cleaners

Suction-side vacuum cleaners are pool cleaners that utilize the pool's filtration system to clean dirt and debris. This means that you need to have your pool's pump turned on before using it, as the suction cleaner utilizes the suction power from your pool's filtration system to move around the pool and clean it.

Two downsides to this type of cleaner include their increased energy usage because you have to run the pool's pump to use them. And the fact that you will have to frequently backwash the pool's filter because it will be getting a lot more dirt than usual. Suction-side pool cleaners usually cost a few hundred dollars between $200 and $600.

3. Pressure Side Cleaners

Pressure-side cleaners are similar to suction-side cleaners, but they come with an integrated filtration system, which means they do not task the pool's filtration system. Otherwise, a pressure side cleaner still utilizes the pool's suction power to work, although some offer a booster external pump feature for increased power.

Pressure-side pool cleaners are usually costlier than suction-side cleaners. They cost anywhere between $250 and $1,100 depending on features and brand. But while they do not strain your pool's filter, they are still relatively heavy electricity consumers compared to manual cleaning and even robotic cleaners. They are great to have when you get lots of debris in your pool.

4. Robotic Cleaners

Robotic pool cleaners are a different breed of pool cleaning machines. As their name suggests, these robots are self-contained units that do not require external power or any connection to the pool's filtration system to work.

An average robotic pool cleaner includes wheels or tracks that enable it to move around the pool on its own. Some can also climb walls and stairs to clean them with their integrated brushes. These particles are then sucked in by the robot's onboard filtration system, making the robotic cleaner truly autonomous.

Furthermore, the average robotic pool cleaner is more energy efficient than suction-side and pressure-side pool cleaners. However, you should note that all pool robots are not equal, as some are more efficient or come with more features than others. The AquaSense Pro, for instance, offers five operation modes, 20 sensors, and up to 9 hours of battery life.

Additional Maintenance Costs

You need to remember that cleaners are not the only expense for your pool maintenance, so you need to consider other potential ones as well. The major considerations are:

• Chemical Treatment: Your pool will need chemical treatment from time to time and pool chemicals cost money, though not usually much.
• Electricity Consumption: Expect to pay anywhere between $50 and a few hundred dollars per month for your pool, depending on the frequency of use and cleaning, as well as on the cleaning method.
• Equipment Repairs: Nearly every cleaner will wear out or break down over time. If your pool cleaner is still under warranty when it breaks down, then great. Otherwise, it will cost some money to repair.

Pool Cleaning Services

Pool cleaning services provide professionals who take care of your pool for a fee. They are great for busy professionals or other pool owners who cannot be bothered about pool maintenance work.

Those who choose to use a pool cleaning service do not need to invest in a pool cleaner, but they can expect an always clean and sparkling pool.

There is no single pricing model for pool cleaning services, so you need to look around for a local business and make some inquiries. Prices, however, can range from $150 to $300 per cleaning session. For those on a plan, this comes down to about $200 - $300 per month or $1,000 - $1,500 per year.

Pool maintenance companies offer a wide range of services, including:

• Skimming debris
• Brushing & vacuuming
• Checking settings
• Testing the water
• Cleaning the skimmer & pump
• Chlorine washing
• Winterization

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about pool cleaners and maintenance costs.

Q: Do I need to clean my pool daily?

A: If you've got an outdoor pool, then you may need to clean it daily. The frequency depends, however, on the pool's location and how much debris or dirt it can attract daily. If it's an indoor pool, on the other hand, then the requirements will be less.

Q: How can I save on pool maintenance costs?

A: You can either clean the pool by yourself using manual tools like a brush and a skimming net or get a robotic cleaner like the AquaSense Pro, Dolphin E50, or Polaris Freedom.

Q: Which is better? DIY or a pool cleaning service?

A: It depends on your personality and what you want. If you are the type that enjoys doing stuff around the house, then you may find fulfillment in cleaning your pool by yourself. Else, if you would rather have someone else do the job for you, then a cleaning service might be your answer – at a cost.

Q: What chemicals do I need for pool maintenance?

A: The essential chemicals that you might need to maintain a healthy pool include chlorine, an algaecide, a pH balancer, and a stabilizer.

Q: Is pool maintenance expensive?

A: Pool maintenance can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 or higher per month. However, whether that is expensive or not, depends on your budget.

Conclusion

You have seen the different methods of pool cleaning and what they cost. From manual scrubbing to suction and pressure cleaners, as well as the robotic variety, you have seen their different advantages and disadvantages.

You will equally agree that your choice of a pool cleaner determines its total cost, with robotic pool cleaners such as the AquaSense Pro or Dolphin E50 offering the best long-term efficiency and cost savings of them all.