The basic difference between in ground and above ground pool cleaners mainly refers to range and structure. The technology for both types is actually pretty much the same. Pool cleaners that are set up for in-ground pools are made for easy use in submerged pools, and the above ground models are cheaper and designed to work on the normally smaller area of above ground pools. Don’t cut corners on your above ground pool cleaner, or your cleaning may put too much of a strain on the cleaner, as well as the pool’s filter and pump system. Check your filter and pump system and make sure they are in good shape, before you spend money on a pool cleaner.
A suction side pool cleaner uses the suction created by your pool filter to clean your pool. This type is usually the easiest to use and the cheapest to buy. Be careful when using it that you don’t try to suck in larger debris, or it may cause your skimmer to become clogged. You’ll also want to play with some of the different settings to make sure you can clean the entire pool. If you’ll be cleaning more simple dirt and not much debris, the suction side cleaner will work well for you. These models are usually reliable and inexpensive, and an excellent choice for smaller pools.
Pressure-side above ground pool cleaners use water pressure from your return hose on the filter to make a vacuum and then to drive the cleaner around your pool. The hose attachment will allow the cleaner to distribute water that has been filtered back around your pool. It has its own collection bag, too, which will reduce the strain on your main filter system. This will allow that system to have an increased lifetime. Be sure you empty the bag on the pressure-side cleaner frequently, and it should be able to handle any pool debris. You may need a booster pump if your regular pump doesn’t give it enough pressure.
The dirt that collects on the bottom and sides of your pool will need to be manually removed with a brush. Push the debris toward the main drain, in an effort to increase the vacuuming convenience. This will assist your above ground pool cleaner to keep your pool sparkling clean. The floor and walls of your pool should be brushed down the night before you plan to vacuum, to allow the dirt to settle so it’s easier to pick up. The filters will pick up some of the debris, and the rest will settle at the bottom, ready to be vacuumed up.
An above ground pool cleaner may use one of several various types of filters, which help to remove oil and dirt from the pool. These filters do gather a lot of dirt, and should be cleaned out on a regular basis. Clean the main filter as recommended in your owner’s manual for the main filter system. The circulation system of your pool includes the drains, filter, skimmer, pump strainers and ground pump. This system helps the cleaning system to do its job properly, so make sure that it is cleaned often, and that it is working properly. Turn on the pump every day, to make sure it’s working properly, and use your above ground pool cleaners to keep the pool clean and inviting.