WHAT TYPE OF POOL CLEANER IS RIGHT FOR YOU

MANUAL VS. SUCTION VS. ROBOTIC

When it comes to maintaining a pool, the cleaning system you choose makes all the difference—not just in how clean your pool stays, but how much time, effort, and money you’ll spend doing it. With several types of cleaners on the market, many pool owners are left wondering: what’s actually best for my pool and lifestyle?


From traditional manual vacuums to intelligent, cordless robotic cleaners, this post will break down the pros and cons of each system to help you choose the best solution for your backyard.

1. Manual Pool Cleaning: The Old-Fashioned Way

Manual pool cleaning involves using a telescopic pole, brush, and vacuum head connected to your pool’s skimmer box. It’s labour intensive but still used by some budget-conscious or hands-on pool owners.

PROS:

- Low upfront cost
- Simple to understand
- Full control over where and how you clean

CONS:

- Requires 1–2 hours per session
- Physically demanding and time-consuming
- Easy to miss areas (especially stairs, walls, and corners)
- No water circulation or filtration benefit

2. Suction-Side Pool Cleaners: The Mid-Tier Option

Suction cleaners are powered by your pool’s filtration system. You connect them to the skimmer or a dedicated suction port, and they randomly crawl along the pool floor.

PROS:

- Widely available and moderately priced
- No external power source needed
- Runs automatically when the pump is on

CONS:

- Depends on your pool pump (adds wear and electricity costs)
- Lacks navigation—moves randomly and often misses areas
- Tangles easily and can get stuck
- Doesn’t clean walls or waterline
- Can reduce filter life due to debris load

3. Robotic Pool Cleaners: The Modern Solution

Robotic pool cleaners are completely independent of your pool’s filtration system. They have their own motor, filter, and navigation system—some even connect via app and operate on a cleaning schedule.

Top-of-the-line options like the Beatbot AquaSense Pro offer:

- Cordless operation with 3.5 hours of runtime
- AI-powered navigation with obstacle avoidance
- Waterline and wall scrubbing
- Ultra-fine debris filtration
- Multiple cleaning modes (floor-only, full clean, quick clean)

PROS:

- Most thorough clean available
- Smart path mapping ensures no spot is missed
- Works on all pool shapes and surfaces
- Saves energy by running independently
- Frees up your time, set and forget

CONS:

- Higher upfront investment
- Needs periodic filter cleaning
- Charging required (for cordless models)

4. What Type of Cleaner Is Right for You?
Feature Manual Suction-Side Robotic Cleaner
Setup Effort High Moderate Low
Cleaning Coverage Manual only Floor (random) Floor, walls, waterline
Time Required (weekly) 2–3 hrs 1–2 hrs 0–10 minutes (setup only)
Energy Efficiency N/A High usage Low usage (self-powered)
Maintenance Required Moderate High Low
Smart Features None None Yes (AI mapping, modes)
Initial Cost Low Medium Higher
Long-Term Cost High (labour) Medium (repairs) Low (efficiency savings)

5. The Bottom Line: Think About Lifetime Value

While robotic pool cleaners come with a higher price tag, they offer significant savings over time:

- Lower energy use (no strain on your pool pump)
- Fewer professional cleanings
- Reduced chemical usage thanks to better circulation and debris removal
- Less stress and more time to enjoy your pool

Subtle Upgrade to Smart Cleaning

If you're exploring robotic options, keep an eye out for features that truly make a difference:

Cordless operation (no cables or caddies)

Multi-surface compatibility

Smart mapping and obstacle avoidance

Waterline cleaning

Self-parking when done

Models like the Beatbot AquaSense and AquaSense Pro are specifically designed for Australian pool conditions, making them a smart investment for the modern homeowner.

Automate What You Can, Enjoy What You Want

Your pool should be a source of joy—not another weekend chore. Whether you’re hosting a party or relaxing solo, a reliable cleaning system can free up your time, reduce your costs, and keep your pool looking its best.