The automatic pool cleaner is a device that leapt right into the hearts of pool owners. In a genesis similar to that of human air flight, engineers and inventors have produced gadgets of fancy in the hopes of finding one that will fly. Several have achieved wide-spread use and acceptance by consumers and the service industry.
Suction Side Cleaners: All Pool Types
These are cleaners that attach to the weir – that water which is being “sucked” out of the pool by the filter pump The hose from the cleaner fits into the hole in the skimmer.
Suction pool cleaners include the Kreepy Krauly and Baracuda.
With the hose attached and the filter pump running, suction is created on the underside of the cleaner. The cleaner moves randomly, or automatically around the pool with motion created by a device that gives a stop/ start pulsing of water. As the unit travels, debris is sucked up through the neck and then the hose, past the suction port, through the pipe, and stops at the filter pump strainer basket, while smaller debris passes through to the filter. Adjustments on the hose, the unit itself, and flow volume will create different cleaning patterns, so as to maximize pool coverage. The more flow is generally better for speed and vacuum ability, however too much suction can cause the cleaner to move too fast or possibly get stuck on uneven areas of the pool floor.
Suction Cleaner moving slowly?
Start by checking the pump basket for debris and making sure the filter is clean and water is flowing properly. Holding the cleaner head underwater, so as to not suck air into the pump, check out the throat of the cleaner for any obstructions. Check both ends of the hose for obstructions or clogging. Check hose connections and each hose section for splits, obstructions or holes. If your pool has lots of leaves (trees), you’ll want to have an in-line leaf trap to use with your suction cleaner. Very heavy leaf volume may overwhelm a suction cleaner. In this case, use a leaf net first to scoop large debris off of the pool bottom.
Some of the top reasons for this include: The hoses could be too short. Another real common cause is the cleaner could be following the flow pattern of the water in the pool, in other words, strong flow from aimflows will push the cleaner into a pattern. To fix this, adjust the aimflows. It helps to point the aimflows down or at a downward angle.
Most suction cleaners are the cheapest cleaners to own in terms of needed replacement parts. Many have only 1 moving part, and need very few replacement parts. Always rotate the wearable parts on the cleaners and replace those wearable parts when needed.
Most skimming action is lost while your cleaner is hooked up. Secondly, unless the cleaner has an in-line strainer basket somewhere on its hose, the filter pump basket can get clogged up rather quickly. That, or if the strainer basket becomes full, reduces filtration and puts more front pressure on the system by restricting the flow into the filter. My opinion is that having a suction cleaner would be much better than having none at all, but less than what is possible.
