What is the best automatic pool cleaner?

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N.

I have a below ground pool and am trying to find reviews on automatic pool cleaners. Consumer Reports doesn't seem to have anything on the subject :( Can anyone lend some insight and perspective on automatic pool cleaners and make a recommendation? Much thanks in advance.

Answer
Suction-Side Automatic Pool Cleaners

In researching suction-side cleaners, weâve found that the Stanley PoolTec DLX In-Ground Automatic Pool Vacuum Cleaner is the newest and most innovative way to keep your pool clean. The trusted brand of Stanley, with its master craftsmanship and innovative design provides a cleaner that is easy to install and operate and provides continuous cleaning of most in-ground pools. Operating with your poolâs filter, this suction cleaning mechanism maintains a proper angle for optimal performance while cleaning pools with depths of 9 ft.

Pressure-Side Automatic Pool Cleaners

If you are looking for a pressure-side cleaner and you want your pool cleaned quickly and completely, we recommend the Kreepy Krauly Legend cleaner from Pentair. A host of design features combine to keep the Legend cleaner on the move, thoroughly cleaning most pools in just 1 to 3 hours. The debris channel and large intake throat handles leaves, twigs and other large debris with ease. The Front-wheel drive generates maximum traction on inclined surfaces for total coverage of pool bottom and walls. The independent booster pump helps provide optimum cleaning power and unimpeded surface skimming. Another great feature is that disposable cleaner bags are also availableâno need to empty or touch debris again.



Robotic / Electronic Automatic Pool Cleaners

Many consumers are now selecting incredibly efficient robotic units as their cleaners of choice. These are great at cleaning small debris and sand as well as one of the only types that clean and scrub the walls and tile line. The Dolphin Supreme M3 and M4 from Maytronics are great options for robotic cleaners. These award-winning models have features that are designed for customers and are backed by the Maytronics name which has provided 25 years of technological leadership. Not only are Dolphin M3 and M4 energy efficient (average cost of less than $0.15 to clean the pool), but they have weekly timers where a user can preset cleanings throughout the week.

Here are some more links to more information. I hope this helps.

Which pool cleaner should I get?

Jake S.

My pool is about 18 x 45 and I need an automatic pool cleaner, the inside is concrete and I am wondering which one is the best. There are just way to many to find out which one to get. Please help, thanks in advance.

Answer
depends on wether you get mostly dirt or mostly leaves and large debris.

for dirt,suction type cleaners are the best:kreepy krauly is my favorite not many parts....some people like hayward navigator and sta rite pool shark

for leaves and large debris,a pressure type cleaner such as polaris or viper is good...they have bags which trap debris

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What is the best manual pool vacuum around?

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Capt. Morg

I am currently using a really horrible pool vacuum, just attached to a telepole.

Where can I find a more powerful and effecient pool vacuum? I don't mind if it's automatic, but I prefer to make sure the pool is clean myself.


It's an in-ground pool.

Thanks!

-Capt.

Answer
i own a pool company.you can do that two ways.do it like you have been doing or a good pool sweep like a polaris or creepy crawly

How do I rid of the dirt at the bottom of my pool if all the automatic vacuum does is mix it?

coldmv

I am unsure if it's dirt, old DE, or algae. I am attempting to push all of it down the drain, but this also just mixes in with the water making clouds. Any advice?

Answer
First off i would use a regular pool vac and put your filter on waste and just get rid of it once and for all by slowly sucking it up (take your time as clouds happen when you go to fast). If your still using an old DE filter then personally id give it the old heave ho and get a sand filter as they are not that expensive and are much safer and easier to maintain then the DE filters especially since the dust they use to re coat them is considered a carcinogen.

If your making clouds chances are it isnt algae as it usually acts like super glue to the walls of your pool until you super chlorinate it into oblivion. Might be dirt but if it doesnt come up with the manual vacuuming i highly doubt it. If you do have a DE filter it might be junk that made it from the DE filter into the pool and thus always makes it way back in. If its a cartridge filter it could be your filter is clogged up and is thus missing material and just reshooting it out into the pool. Simply hose down a cartridge filter until clean with a pressure washer and reinstall.

Short Form Answer
1.) If you have a DE toss it and get a sand filter, much easier to maintain and safer to use
2.) If your not sure what it is in the bottom check your chlorine levels if they are non existent or low super chlorinate and see what happens to it then (whether it vacs up or not)
3.) Use a manual vac for cleanups and the auto vac for basic weekly maintenance when your not using the pool.

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What is the best automatic pool cleaner (sweeper)?

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Terry N

I have an inground pool and hate to vacuum the pool. What is the best one out there?

Answer
The absolute best would be a booster pump powered Polaris, any model. If your budget doesn't allow spending 1800 bucks then my vote is for both the Kreepy Krauly and the Hayward Navigator. Both have their strengths and weaknesses and a lot will depend if this is a concrete or vinyl pool. Kreepy's have a tendency to plow through just about anything, but they also tend to get stuck on many pool shapes unless you purchase the optional back up device for them. The Navigators don't tend to get stuck, but they are also not as adept at climbing walls or powering through heavy debris.

I'm looking to buy an automatic pool cleaner for an in-ground pool. Any suggestions on best brand and type?

Lynn

Answer
You didn't mention your budget. If you're looking to spend 300 dollars or under, then from a service guy's point of view on effectiveness, cost, ease of repair, least things that go wrong with them, it's a Kreepy Krauly, hands down.
Sure Baracudda markets itself as having no moving parts, but the one part that does all the action also wears out on a yearly basis. If you ask me, it's also a moving part, so their literature is pretty misleading.
If you're budget allows spending over a grand, then the Polaris vac sweep 360 or 380 is most certainly the way to go. The only issue here is if your pool currently has a plumbing line going to the pool it can use. Without one, you'll have to go the over deck route, which then is a hose to trip over, lying on the deck. That's the only drawback.
These two cleaners are totally different in their collection and operation. The Kreepy uses suction side plumbing (debris to the pump basket and filter), the Polaris uses pressure side, with it's own booster pump and it's collection is a bag attached to the Polaris head.

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best swimming pool cleaner?

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Jim L

Answer
when you say Cleaner do you mean sanitizer for your water, such as Chlorine, Bromine, or Softswim/Baquacil (essentially the same product) Or do you mean Automatic cleaner for your pool for leaves and sand etc etc?

You need to be a little more specific......


Either way... Any of the above chemicals is proven and tested to be effective in cleaning your water and keeping it safe, in coordination with your pool pump and filter naturally..

As for a automatic cleaner.... there are many of them on the market, some are really busts, while some are effective, and actually do a good job. If you have an inground pool, i would say without a doubt that the best cleaner would be the Polaris automatic pool cleaner. IT only takes 1-2 hours a day to effectively clean your pool, and keep it clear of everything. There were many pools i would never have to vac out when i serviced them because of this cleaner.

As for an above ground pool, you are pretty much limited to different types of cleaners that are usually electric in nature, and are just thrown into the pool and when you plug them in, they go around and around and clean the pool...

If you are asking for a cleaner in regards to tile, Most of the major chemical suppliers for swimming pools make chemical cleaners for the tile, and the pool in general that will not harm the water or the balance of the water.

Again... without your question being more specific, i dont know if there is anything else i can help you with.

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Can anyone make water spiral threw an automatic swimming pool cleaner's pipes?

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pooltornad

My question is can you make the water in your automatic swimming pool cleaner's pipes spiral. Speeding up water flow, greater suction power, faster automatic swimming pool cleaner, a turning force is created on the swimming pool pipes.
The automatic swimming pool cleaner will be able to turn itself out of tight spots.

Answer
Try a Hayward Navigator, it turns itself out of steps and ledges and spends more time cleaning the pool!

You're welcome!!

How do I keep my automatic pool cleaner from getting caught on the steps?

Matthew

we have an in ground pool with a kreepy krauly automatic cleaner. It works great, but it is continually getting caught at the corner of the steps. How can I keep this from happening? does it have something to do with the weights? The type of Kreepy that we have is the Pentair K70406 Kreepy Krauly Classic Inground Automatic Suction Pool cleaner.
Thanks

Answer
the weight probably pulls it down

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sea princess cruise info!?

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bamabel

My boyfriend and I are planning to take this cruise next summer to the Western Caribbean. Could anyone tell me what is included with this cruise, how you would rate the ship and anything else that's useful to know? I would really appreciate it!!!

thanks so much
Oh also, my boyfriend is 23 I am 19, if that changes anything and please suggest some other cruises I'm looking mostly for an all inclusive.. and spa!!!

Answer
Your ages does not change anything, both of you are over 18 and that is the legal drinking age.

This ship is very beautiful and clean and the staff is very friendly.

All meals are included except the Steak House. That charge is $15-25. The only time that you will get free juice is at breakfast, any other time you have to pay for it.You will have to pay for all sodas but there is a special where you pay about $59 where you can drink all the coke you want for the cruise.

There is lots to eat-breakfast- corned beef hash, scrambled eggs made with asparagus, salmon, cheese, ham or tomatoes or just plain. Cream of wheat, grits, oatmeal, apple or orange juice, all types of teas, croissants, muffins, biscuits, all types of cereals, toast, English muffins, different types of sausages, fruits include pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, mush melon, canned peaches, pears and plums, pears apples, different types of teas, decaf coffee or regular and rice pudding with raisins. There is also lots of cold cuts.

Lunch is cream potato, fried rice, pelaf, roast beef, baked lamb, roast, pork, sweet and sour pork, roast potatoes, lots of salads including different types with sea food, cucumber and tomato-you name it it is there.

Afternoon tea as well as AA meeting, solo tea for singles travelling alone.

Dinner is a variety of dishes ans salads and all served with tea or hot beverage and all free. The theme varies at night. It can be Indian or seafood among others. If you order wine or soda you have to pay. There is a wide variety of desserts and when I say wide I mean wide.

There is an automatic gratuity charge which is $10.50 a day which goes towards all the staff. If you do not want to pay it you can go to the Purser Desk on deck 5 and tell them to cancel it. Your ship pass is linked to your credit card which you will use for entering the ship, your room, restaurant on formal night (you have to really dress up for this), buying on the ship and entering the ports on return to ship.

Men will NOT be allowed in the dining area without a jacket on formal night so be prepared.

No spa on any ship is free but there are specials especially for people who stay on board when the ship is in port. You can also get a 20-20-20 for maybe about $79 or so. The gym is free but does not open until 7:00 am.

There is a theater where there shows at 8:30 or 10:30pm nightly or it might be a film. There is also Movies Under the Stars. That is by the bar and pool. Waiters always walk around and ask if you want anything from the bar, even in the theater.

You will be asked to get your picture taken in every port, on entering the ship for the first time, on formal night and with locals. You can take them but if you choose to pay for them there cost about $25-35 for 1 in a jacket with a photo of the ship free. You will be tempted to as they look very nice on display in the ship.

Every night you will be given a Princess Patter with all the info for the day's activity, things to do, places to go, specials on internet services, time to return to the ship or any general info. You will also get a detailed map with recommended places to shop every night.

There are organized tours with the ship which are more expensive that the ones than the ones outside. You can go and bargain with the taxi driver but it will be best to join up with others. It is about $20 or so for the tour and if he has a load of passengers it will be about 3 hours.

There are swimming pools so do not forget to bring your swim wear. There is also live music on deck 12 every night- sailaway melodies, piano music, singing, karaoke, quizzes etc. Princess tv usually tells you everything that is going on as well as any info from about 6-8 and is repeated.

Any other info you need just e-mail me. You do not have to pay for ice cream from the buffet restaurant (Lido deck on deck 14) or the other dining room but there is a special area for ice cream that you might have to pay for it. I do not know because I never used it. I ate all mine in the dining room.

It is the same on Carnival Destiny, you have to pay for the juices except at breakfast. The juice on the Princess is of a better quality than destiny. It is like cool aid. All cruise cards are the same colour (blue) except for if you are not a first time cruise on Princess. My granddaughter had one and she is less than 5 years.

What are the approximate costs for upkeep of an above ground pool?

Charmian O

My wife and I are looking at buying a house, and it comes with an above ground pool (Looks like about 15' x 30'. I've heard from a lot of people that the maintenance and upkeep of a pool is more expensive and time consuming than it's worth... but not one of the people I've heard that from has a pool. I know the insurance will be higher (Don't know how much, but I know it'll be higher)... but I don't know anything else. How much /month or /year is the cost of the chemicals and maintenance? How much time is involved in keeping it up? Thanks!

Answer
Total chemicals for an above ground pool in the snow belt should top $250 for the season. If you stay on top of the pool and test frequently this should really be $150. Testing takes 30 seconds and will tell you what to do if the water is not balanced. the more often you test and balance the cheaper the annual bill will be. If you attempt do maintain your pool once/ week you will have a few weeks when the water turns green. This will cost you $30-$50 and 2-4 hours of time to clean up the mess. If you and your wife are very busy people and cannot dedicate the time to test and balance you will have a nightmare. I tell my customers to test and balance chems every other day. If they have a party or itâs 100 degrees out then you want to do this daily. Cleaning the pool and filter will take you 1 hour per week (if you have many trees in your yard you may need to do this twice per week). Opening and closing a pool is very easy, however if you havenât done this pay somebody and watch!!!! We have hints about removing the cover without allowing the muck water to fall into the clean pool water. (roughly $175-$250)

I look at it two ways:

If you like the house but donât like the pool, tear it down; around Chicago the rate is $300- $700 for removal.

If you like it but cannot dedicate the time hire a svc company again

What is the best automatic inground pool cleaner? What brand and price?

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Francaise

Its a vinyl inground pool. Rectangular 18x36. Also budget is an issue, I am looking at spending $500 or less.

Answer
After 25 years of hearing how great floor head systems are, I have come to a conclusion. If your pool would have stayed looking nice with any cleaning system in your pool, it will stay nice with a floor head system.
If you plan on owning a pool for 5-6 years, or longer, in my opinion the best cleaning system(Dollar for Dollar) is a Polaris 280 with a booster pump and a separate time clock. The reasons are as follows:
1.)Low cost of repairs. I have clients with Polaris 180âs that are 25 years old. (The 280 has the same drive system.) Total repair costs in 25 years are less than $300.00 total (Not counting bag replacements.) I Personally, have owned a Polaris 280 for almost 5 years and have not spent a dime. (other than on 2 bags, and one of them was torn by my kids, and the other by a big pine cone. )

2.)It will clean most pools spotless in 10-20 minutes per day. You have seen our (5) 40â plus Ponderosa pines that overhang our pool area. Not counting steps and love seat, if we keep the bag cleaned, the floor stays spotless.

3.)Initial installation costs should be in the $1400.00-1600.00 range. Floor head systems are usually about double the initial expense. Also, the motor for the cleaning system is usually a 2 H.P. or larger, and the pool needs to run for substantially greater times to even get close to what a Polaris will do in ½ hour or less. Also, if you are not the initial purchaser of the system, you will not get a lifetime warrantee. Replacement gear systems, floor heads, ⦠can average more than $200.00 per year after the first 2 year, not to mention if the cleaner is not working correctly, i.e. heads jammed in the up position, actuator gears jammed, ⦠you are running that large motor with absolutely no cleaning going on. Any way you look at it, running a ¾ H.P. booster motor for 20-30 minutes is going to be a lot cheaper than running a 2 H.P. for 3-4 hours. Add into this that most motors run for more than 2 hours per day seem to have a life span in the 5-6 year range, and that a 2 H.P. motor is about double the cost, I cannot see spending the money.

4.)Suction side cleaners have a lower initial cost, but are annoying because either they will not pick up sticks, twigs, small rocks, ⦠or they will, and then they will completely stop working until you spend 10 minutes pulling them out and cleaning the debris out of them. Some of these will end up needing replacement parts just because of punctured diaphragms, ⦠This is in addition to an average annual repair cost of about $200-250, after the first year or two. In less than 5 years(More likely 3 years), if you add in electricity savings, pool cleanliness and thus chemical costs savings, and electrical savings, you have more than paid for the Polaris. If you add to this the fact that, if you have a suction side cleaner, you will have had to bring it in to the shop at least 4-5 times, having a non-functional cleaning system, thus a horridly dirty pool at least 4-5 times, the fact that often it dies a slow death each time so your pool doesnât look right for months prior to each rebuilding, and the repeated hassles of needing to unplug the system when ever any ârealâ debris ends up in the pool, and I wonât have anything else in my pool, or my families pools. To summarize, If you are buying a cleaner and are selling the home quickly, I would probably go with a pool Vac(if there are no rocks, sticks, big leaves, ⦠In other words, dirt only, but your annual repair costs will be high) or a Kreepy Krauley if you have anything else(Or want 40% less repair costs than the Pool Vac).

5.)Floor heads, or suction cleaners destroy the natural water flow around the pool which is responsible for moving the debris around to the skimmer on the surface, and for moving silt, and dirt to the main drain. Therefore, the surface areas of both sides of the pool(If the cleaners are functioning properly) will be an average of 20-40% dirtier than the same pool with a pool vac, return lines properly adjusted, and approximately ¾ of the suction of the pool going to the main drain. Also, since almost all of the suction for a suction side cleaner is directed to the cleaner, and thatâs run through an extra 30 feet or so of corrugated hose, the water flow is greatly reduced, and to get the same water filtration you will need to run that system approximately 25% -30% longer than a system without a suction cleaner. Thatâs 1 ¾ hrs longer running a 1 H.P. motor than is needed to run the ¾ H.P booster. Also, as a suction cleaner picks up debris, assuming it doesnât get plugged up and stop functioning all together, the baskets will fill up and all the suction to the pool will decrease or stop. There are times during the year where about 60% of the repair work I do is related to suction cleaning systems picking up too much debris. Note: This is never covered under any warrantee.

There is more that I could add, but I am too tired to do so now. Installation is as follows:

I'm having trouble vacuuming my pool what should I do?

Amanda

when I attach the tube with full water to the skimmer it won't vaccum. I know that the tube cannot have air in it and I'm sure that it doesn't when I attach it to the skimmer so I don't think that's the problem. I have tried so many times but it won't vacuum!! It might be the tubes problem or the pump I'm not sure. Help? I have an overground pool with an automatic cleaner that attaches to the tube.

Answer
Vacuuming your swimming pool is essential to proper swimming pool maintenance. Most pool owners opt for an automatic swimming pool cleaner, but some also choose to perform this task manually. Below you will find the proper technique to manually vacuum an above ground or inground swimming pool.

1. Start by attaching the vacuum head and pole together. Then attach the vacuum hose to the vacuum head.
2. Lower the vacuum head to the bottom of the pool and use a hand-over-hand method to sink the vacuum hose, working from the part attached to the head towards the free end. This will remove air from the hose. You can tell if you have done it properly when water runs out of the hose.
3. Connect the free end of the hose to the opening at the back of the skimmer, after taking the skimmer basket off.
4. At the filter slab, turn main control valve off, and turn the control valve attached to your skimmer towards the off position until you hear the pump activate. Then open it slightly until the pump can be heard running smoothly again.
5. Now that you have most of the suction concentrated into your vacuuming system, you are ready to vacuum! Move the vacuum like you would a real vacuum on a rug, in slow linear passes.
6. Depending on how dirty the pool is, you may have to empty the pump strainer during this process.
7. When you are finished, do not lift the vacuum head until you have gone back to the filter slab and opened any of the valves you have closed.

Here are some more links with great information on vacuuming your pool. I hope this helps.

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What is the best way to remove leaves and rocks from the deep end of a swimming pool?

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YahooGirl

My swimming poos is surrounded by three palm trees. As the wind blows, I get the long leaves in the pool. Also, the surrounding area is covered by decorative rock. I have tried the net, automatic pool cleaner, manually sucking them out with the pool equipment. Usually I have one of the kids swim to the bottom of the pool to get them out. Is there a better way?

Answer
a pool cover and reel would help with the leaves.a solar cover is fairly reasonable and the reel would make it easier to use.as for the rocks the kid retrieval system seems to work.you may want to see about removing the rocks from around the pool,especially if you have a vinyl liner.good luck

What do I need in order to clean a pool?

The Super

It is a heated gunite chlorine pool. I have no experience with pools.
Need to know everything from proper chemicals to cleaning equipment. The pool is already open and swimmable, I just need to keep it clean and maintain it. Possibly close the pool at the end of the season.
I don't have any equipment except for the automatic filter that is currently running.

What about those automatic pool vacuum things?
Thank you for your help
Also, if you could point me in the direction of cheaper places to buy the supplies, like online vendors. I'm in New York.

Answer
I would start out with a good water test kit, preferably a liquid drop type. I feel they are much more accurate than the test strips.
Secondly, get some pool tools: a pool pole, net, brush, vacuum (either an automatic unit or a manual vacuum head,and vacuum hose).
Then you will want chemicals. I would suggest talking about that with someone from a local pool company / store. Some chemicals work better than others based on your region.
Lastly, you might consider getting a lesson in pool care from a REPUTABLE pool service company. Check out: Yelp.com, angieslist.com or Google maps for reviews.

I personally do something like that for my customers. I call it "pool school". It generally takes about an hour or so, to go over the basics of pool care. Bring a pen and paper for note taking.

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What do I need in order to clean a pool?

automatic pool cleaner vacuum image

The Super

It is a heated gunite chlorine pool. I have no experience with pools.
Need to know everything from proper chemicals to cleaning equipment. The pool is already open and swimmable, I just need to keep it clean and maintain it. Possibly close the pool at the end of the season.
I don't have any equipment except for the automatic filter that is currently running.

What about those automatic pool vacuum things?
Thank you for your help
Also, if you could point me in the direction of cheaper places to buy the supplies, like online vendors. I'm in New York.

Answer
I would start out with a good water test kit, preferably a liquid drop type. I feel they are much more accurate than the test strips.
Secondly, get some pool tools: a pool pole, net, brush, vacuum (either an automatic unit or a manual vacuum head,and vacuum hose).
Then you will want chemicals. I would suggest talking about that with someone from a local pool company / store. Some chemicals work better than others based on your region.
Lastly, you might consider getting a lesson in pool care from a REPUTABLE pool service company. Check out: Yelp.com, angieslist.com or Google maps for reviews.

I personally do something like that for my customers. I call it "pool school". It generally takes about an hour or so, to go over the basics of pool care. Bring a pen and paper for note taking.

How many Psi/Atm needed for a low pressure and a high pressure vacuum cleaners such as the Kreepy Krauler ones?

Spida59

I was wondering how mch Psi/Atm needed for the high and low pressure pool vacuumes such as The Surfer Above Ground Automatic pool cleaner.
For A POOL Vacuum Cleaner (Above Ground automatic vacuum cleaner)

Answer
You can never have more than 1 atm in a vacuum system. Obviously the more vacuum you generate, the better it will clean. Most vacuum cleaners probably produce between 50-80 inches of water vacuum.

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What do I need in order to clean a pool?

review pool cleaning equipment image

The Super

It is a heated gunite chlorine pool. I have no experience with pools.
Need to know everything from proper chemicals to cleaning equipment. The pool is already open and swimmable, I just need to keep it clean and maintain it. Possibly close the pool at the end of the season.
I don't have any equipment except for the automatic filter that is currently running.

What about those automatic pool vacuum things?
Thank you for your help
Also, if you could point me in the direction of cheaper places to buy the supplies, like online vendors. I'm in New York.

Answer
I would start out with a good water test kit, preferably a liquid drop type. I feel they are much more accurate than the test strips.
Secondly, get some pool tools: a pool pole, net, brush, vacuum (either an automatic unit or a manual vacuum head,and vacuum hose).
Then you will want chemicals. I would suggest talking about that with someone from a local pool company / store. Some chemicals work better than others based on your region.
Lastly, you might consider getting a lesson in pool care from a REPUTABLE pool service company. Check out: Yelp.com, angieslist.com or Google maps for reviews.

I personally do something like that for my customers. I call it "pool school". It generally takes about an hour or so, to go over the basics of pool care. Bring a pen and paper for note taking.

If You Ran out Of Money What Would You Do?

psychosolo

Assume this:

You are an unemployed video editor who has done stage and prop construction, but can't find a job because NOBODY in Hollywood is hiring.

You have to pay rent and bills, but are totally out of cash. You've even applied at Taco Bell and Walmart, but THEY WON'T HIRE YOU!

Now you're depressed and late on your rent with bills to pay and have almost maxed your credit card.

What would you do to survive?

Answer
Is it possible for you to do some work for a wedding photographer editing videos? If you have equipment can you freelance at some local events? Can do do carpentry- aka prop construction- for someone?
Yard work?Babysitting? Pool Cleaning?
I would assume you have already made all possible cuts in expenditures to your lifestyle, but review it again.
Lastly, start figuring out a backup plan.Can you move in with family for example till you are back on your feet.
Good Luck!

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I have a pool with massive amounts of leaves, twigs, and worms at the bottom. Anyone have any ideas?

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Vince

I have a sand filter with a waste setting that allows me to pump garbage out of the pool but i have no idea if it can handle all those worms, twigs and leaves.

Answer
Try to physically remove the debris (or as much as you can) from the pool first. Scooping around with a leaf net attached to your telepole is the best way. You can lower the water level a bit to help you see down there, but if it's as bad as you say, it very likely will clog the pump basket, pump impeller, etc. Do not add any chemicals until most of the debris is out. (Chlorine, for example, will take a thousand leaves and break them up into a million little pieces, making an even bigger mess to clean up.... it will work ok on the worms, though.)

There is what's known as a leaf canister that attaches to your vacuum hose that would help if you're looking to vacuum the debris to waste. It will catch the debris in its bag and prevent the pump from clogging up. (It is a special type for use in vacuum hoses - Leslie's should carry it... internet searches turn up the ones for automatic cleaners.) It would just need to be emptied a few times... (or more)... much easier than taking apart the pump.

Pros and cons of getting a backyard pool?

poolgirl22

Inground. I guess I know the pros. Wanting to know if the pros outweigh the cons. I have a 5 & 10 yr old. Is maintaining it overly costly or time consuming. I would be the pool guy.

Answer
Get the pool, but only if you are willing to "feed it" just as you would a pet. DAILY-- even when you can't use it because it's too cold. You must commit to cleaning (made easier by automatic cleaners), checking and adjusting chemicals, emptying bags and baskets, adding water to it. Higher utility bills are a given. Pools don't cost much in repairs UNTIL the warranties expire. Then get ready!
And, most importantly, do NOT buy price! Quality costs money. Remember, this fixture is attached to your property and can add to-- or take away from-- your property value. It will not add as much value as it's cost, however.
Consider a pool as you would a room addition. An outdoor room!

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i need a design of solar power to heat a swimming pool?

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nelly

project on solar power

Answer
Here are some very important things to consider when installing solar heating to a pool:

1) the industry standard is called passive heating - it is when you run the pool water through a lot of piping and the solar radiation and air temps put the heat into the water... just like when you leave the garden hose out in the sun and turn on the water... the first bit comes out warm. Other methods of converting solar energy into things like electricity - and using the electricity to heat the water are just too inefficient.

2) Solar heating can only put so much heat into the water, so make sure your expectations are right. Solar will only give you what mother nature gives you in the form of a daytime high temp. So, for instance if the daytime high is 80 degrees, your pool water will not get past 77 or 78. The swim season where I live (Arizona) is typically May-September. With solar, you will be swimming approximately March-October. November-February will not support comfortable swimming temps.

3) Keep the pool covered at night, or else you will lose any heat you put into the pool during the day.

4) Do not use landscaping/irrigation hose for your tubing! The pool chemicals will de-laminate the inside of the pipes, and you will have a MESS!

5) If your pool has an in-floor cleaning system, you need to make sure the system will work hydraulically when the solar array is added. If your system is too restricted, the back pressure on the pool pump will cause it to labor unnecessarily, and the heat transfer will not be very efficient because the water is going too fast through the pipe.

6) automatic valving and temperature sensors are recommended - they will capture heat when the conditions are right. If you forget to set the valves to divert water to the panels, you lose opportunity to put heat into the pool.

THAT BEING SAID... You will generally want to match at the very least, 80% of the pool's surface area in solar surface area. Ideally you want to hit 100%. Going way past 100% is not going to get you much more heat after that (remember, you only can put the daytime temp into the pool). I have seen many do-it-yourself solar projects, and most of them are poorly designed/constructed and wind up costing the homeowner more in fixes/damage than if they just went through a solar company. This is one project I would at the very least, purchase the panels and equipment from a solar panel manufacturer to make sure your investment isn't wasted.

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Above ground pool vac.?

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Karen M

I have been looking at automatic above ground pool vacuums and i was wondering what one you would say to be the best. I have seen the Zodiac Baracuda Zoom and Ranger and they seem like good machines but i havent been able to find any reviews on either of them and for that hefty a price i would like to know what i am really getting. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Answer
My mom's colleague has a Baracuda Zoom and she said its the best thing she ever bought...she just lets it go and wah-lah, your pool is CLEAN!!! I would recomend it to you.

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Does the baracuda g3 inground pool cleaner work?

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DisneyFrea

I'm looking for an automatic pool cleaner to save time, does this cleaner work? It normally retails for around $400 and it is on sale for $200. Is it worth the money?

Answer
They work. The only thing I'm not fond of on any of the Barracuda's is the diaphragm that is part of it's propulsion system. They tend to wear out and require replacement on a yearly basis. Barracuda used to offer that part as a free warranty one, dunno if they still do.
I'm more of a Kreepy Krauly fan myself, they're a bit more robust and do the same job but if you're getting a G3 for 200 bucks, that's a steal.

What is the best automatic inground pool cleaner? What brand and price?

Francaise

Its a vinyl inground pool. Rectangular 18x36. Also budget is an issue, I am looking at spending $500 or less.

Answer
After 25 years of hearing how great floor head systems are, I have come to a conclusion. If your pool would have stayed looking nice with any cleaning system in your pool, it will stay nice with a floor head system.
If you plan on owning a pool for 5-6 years, or longer, in my opinion the best cleaning system(Dollar for Dollar) is a Polaris 280 with a booster pump and a separate time clock. The reasons are as follows:
1.)Low cost of repairs. I have clients with Polaris 180âs that are 25 years old. (The 280 has the same drive system.) Total repair costs in 25 years are less than $300.00 total (Not counting bag replacements.) I Personally, have owned a Polaris 280 for almost 5 years and have not spent a dime. (other than on 2 bags, and one of them was torn by my kids, and the other by a big pine cone. )

2.)It will clean most pools spotless in 10-20 minutes per day. You have seen our (5) 40â plus Ponderosa pines that overhang our pool area. Not counting steps and love seat, if we keep the bag cleaned, the floor stays spotless.

3.)Initial installation costs should be in the $1400.00-1600.00 range. Floor head systems are usually about double the initial expense. Also, the motor for the cleaning system is usually a 2 H.P. or larger, and the pool needs to run for substantially greater times to even get close to what a Polaris will do in ½ hour or less. Also, if you are not the initial purchaser of the system, you will not get a lifetime warrantee. Replacement gear systems, floor heads, ⦠can average more than $200.00 per year after the first 2 year, not to mention if the cleaner is not working correctly, i.e. heads jammed in the up position, actuator gears jammed, ⦠you are running that large motor with absolutely no cleaning going on. Any way you look at it, running a ¾ H.P. booster motor for 20-30 minutes is going to be a lot cheaper than running a 2 H.P. for 3-4 hours. Add into this that most motors run for more than 2 hours per day seem to have a life span in the 5-6 year range, and that a 2 H.P. motor is about double the cost, I cannot see spending the money.

4.)Suction side cleaners have a lower initial cost, but are annoying because either they will not pick up sticks, twigs, small rocks, ⦠or they will, and then they will completely stop working until you spend 10 minutes pulling them out and cleaning the debris out of them. Some of these will end up needing replacement parts just because of punctured diaphragms, ⦠This is in addition to an average annual repair cost of about $200-250, after the first year or two. In less than 5 years(More likely 3 years), if you add in electricity savings, pool cleanliness and thus chemical costs savings, and electrical savings, you have more than paid for the Polaris. If you add to this the fact that, if you have a suction side cleaner, you will have had to bring it in to the shop at least 4-5 times, having a non-functional cleaning system, thus a horridly dirty pool at least 4-5 times, the fact that often it dies a slow death each time so your pool doesnât look right for months prior to each rebuilding, and the repeated hassles of needing to unplug the system when ever any ârealâ debris ends up in the pool, and I wonât have anything else in my pool, or my families pools. To summarize, If you are buying a cleaner and are selling the home quickly, I would probably go with a pool Vac(if there are no rocks, sticks, big leaves, ⦠In other words, dirt only, but your annual repair costs will be high) or a Kreepy Krauley if you have anything else(Or want 40% less repair costs than the Pool Vac).

5.)Floor heads, or suction cleaners destroy the natural water flow around the pool which is responsible for moving the debris around to the skimmer on the surface, and for moving silt, and dirt to the main drain. Therefore, the surface areas of both sides of the pool(If the cleaners are functioning properly) will be an average of 20-40% dirtier than the same pool with a pool vac, return lines properly adjusted, and approximately ¾ of the suction of the pool going to the main drain. Also, since almost all of the suction for a suction side cleaner is directed to the cleaner, and thatâs run through an extra 30 feet or so of corrugated hose, the water flow is greatly reduced, and to get the same water filtration you will need to run that system approximately 25% -30% longer than a system without a suction cleaner. Thatâs 1 ¾ hrs longer running a 1 H.P. motor than is needed to run the ¾ H.P booster. Also, as a suction cleaner picks up debris, assuming it doesnât get plugged up and stop functioning all together, the baskets will fill up and all the suction to the pool will decrease or stop. There are times during the year where about 60% of the repair work I do is related to suction cleaning systems picking up too much debris. Note: This is never covered under any warrantee.

There is more that I could add, but I am too tired to do so now. Installation is as follows:

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