Pool Features

Pool Cleaning Systems

Efficient solutions for maintaining a pristine pool

Pool cleaning systems offer easy, efficient solutions for maintaining a pristine pool. Choose from robotic, pressure cleaners, or in-floor cleaning systems depending on your needs.

Robotic cleaners offer automated, energy-efficient cleaning and systematic cleaning, however for pools with lots of exposure to leaves, a pressure cleaner might be a better choice.

Mechanically very simple, they are long lasting and set and forget cleaners, designed to live in the pool and run a cycle every day. In-floor cleaning systems offer a built-in solution that provides consistent cleaning coverage. These options ensure that you can keep your pool spotless with a minimum of effort, no visible cleaning machine, and the added benefit of great circulation.

Pool Cleaning Systems Explained

The three main options, gas, electric heat pumps and solar, each work differently and suit different households depending on how often you swim, whether you have a spa, and how much you want to spend on running costs.

In this guide, we walk through how each heating system works, the pros and cons of each, and which option is the best fit for your pool and your budget.

Suction Pool Cleaners (Run From the Skimmer)

How they work: A suction cleaner connects to the skimmer box and uses the pool pump’s suction to move around and vacuum the floor.

Pros:

Cheapest automatic cleaner option
No extra power needed
Easy to install
Good for general debris

Cons:

Ties up the skimmer, reducing surface cleaning
Relies heavily on pump strength and filtration
Not great for fine dust or steps
Can get stuck more often
Limited lifespan without regular repairs

Best for: Simple, budget-friendly pools where basic floor cleaning is enough.

Corded Robotic Pool Cleaners

How they work: Fully independent cleaners powered by a low-voltage cable. They contain their own motor, brushes and filters, and don’t rely on the pool’s pump.

Pros:

Best overall cleaning performance
Cleans floor, walls and waterline
Saves wear on the pool pump
Excellent for fine dust
Energy-efficient

Cons:

Must be physically placed in and taken out of the pool
Cable can tangle if not managed
Higher upfront cost
Reduced lifespan when left in the pool
The cord and often a trolley are visible on the paving next to the pool

Best for: Owners who want the cleanest pool with the least effort.

Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaners

How they work: Similar to corded robots, but run on internal rechargeable batteries with no power cord.

Pros:

No cable tangling
Easiest to use, just drop in the pool
Great for smaller or simpler pools
Still independent of the pool system

Cons:

Battery life limits runtime
Usually less powerful than corded models
Smaller debris capacity
Need regular charging
Extra time required to take in and out for charging

Best for: People who want robotic cleaning but without the hassle of cables.

Pressure-Side Water-Powered Pool Cleaners (Jet-Vac, Polaris, etc.)

How they work: These cleaners run off a dedicated booster pump that pushes high-pressure water to drive the cleaner around the pool. They collect debris in a bag.

Pros:

Excellent for heavy leaves and large debris
Doesn’t rely on the pool pump or skimmer
Very reliable and long-lasting
Great for large or leafy pools

Cons:

Requires installation of a booster pump and dedicated line
More running cost than robots
Doesn’t scrub walls or the waterline
Not ideal for fine dust

Best for: Pools with lots of leaves, twigs or larger debris, especially outdoor or acreage pools.

In-Floor Pool Cleaning Systems

How they work: A network of pop-up nozzles built into the pool floor and steps pushes debris toward a central drain, where it is filtered. Controlled by a specialised valve system.

Pros:

Completely automatic and built-in
No robots, hoses or equipment to handle
Helps circulate heat and chemicals evenly
Great for high-end or difficult shapes

Cons:

Highest installation cost
Must be installed during pool construction
System performance depends heavily on pump sizing
Doesn’t remove 100% of debris, such as sand or dust, often supplemented by a bi-annual robot or manual vacuum

Best for: Premium pools where owners want a clean look with no visible cleaners and low daily effort.