🧽 Best Practice Guide to Pressure & Suction Pool Cleaners
What Are Pressure and Suction Cleaners?
Pressure and suction cleaners are automatic pool cleaners that connect to your pool’s plumbing and vacuum debris off the pool floor and walls. They’re a reliable, cost-effective way to keep your pool clean without manual vacuuming.
🌀 Pressure vs Suction Cleaners: What’s the Difference?
1. Suction Pool Cleaners
- Connect to the skimmer box or suction port
- Use the pool pump’s suction to move and vacuum debris
- Collect debris through the pool’s filtration system
✅ Pros:
- Lower upfront cost
- Easy to install and use
- Great for dust, sand, and fine particles
❌ Cons:
- Reduces skimming effectiveness
- Increases load on your filter
- Can clog if you get lots of leaves or twigs
Best for: Pools in dry, open areas with minimal tree cover.
2. Pressure Pool Cleaners
- Connect to a return line and are powered by water pressure
- Often require a booster pump
- Store debris in a dedicated bag, not your filter
✅ Pros:
- Handles heavy debris like leaves and gum nuts
- Frees up your pool filter
- More effective for large or leafy pools
❌ Cons:
- More expensive overall
- Booster pump may need electrical/plumbing work
Best for: Pools surrounded by trees or large debris.
🤖 Suction Cleaners We Recommend
🌀 AstralPool RPX Robotic Suction Cleaner
- Drive Type: Mechanical turbine with geared steering
- Debris Handling: Small to medium debris
- Surface Compatibility: All pool surfaces
- Features:
- Random movement for better coverage
- Quiet operation
- Easy setup and maintenance
✅ Best for: Reliable everyday cleaning with low maintenance in average debris environments.
🌀 Zodiac MX6 Advanced Suction Cleaner
- Drive Type: Cyclonic turbine + X-Drive navigation
- Debris Handling: Fine to medium
- Surface Compatibility: Concrete, tile, fiberglass
- Features:
- Compact and powerful
- Low-flow compatible (works with variable-speed pumps)
- Scrubs and vacuums simultaneously
✅ Best for: Smaller pools or pools with energy-efficient pumps.
🌀 Zodiac T5 Duo Disc Suction Cleaner
- Drive Type: Diaphragm + dual-disc system
- Debris Handling: Dust, sand, leaves
- Surface Compatibility: Most pool surfaces
- Features:
- Duralife diaphragm = quieter & more durable
- Adjustable deflector wheel for tighter corners
- Simple, classic reliability
✅ Best for: Quiet, consistent cleaning in residential pools with curved walls and minimal obstacles.
📋 Cleaner Comparison Table
| Cleaner Model | Type | Debris Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astral RPX | Suction | Fine to medium | All-rounder residential pools |
| Zodiac MX6 | Suction | Fine to medium | Compact pools, low-flow pumps |
| Zodiac T5 Duo | Suction | Fine + light leaves | Simple, quiet, low-maintenance |
🔧 Installation & Maintenance Tips
Suction Cleaners:
- Use a leaf canister if you have occasional leaves
- Clean skimmer basket weekly
- Check for wear on foot pads, hoses, and diaphragms every 3–6 months
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can suction cleaners climb walls?
Yes — models like the Zodiac MX6 and Astral RPX are designed to climb walls and clean waterlines.
Are suction cleaners compatible with variable-speed pumps?
Yes — the MX6 is specifically designed for low-flow operation. Other models may need valves adjusted.
Do they need a booster pump?
No — suction cleaners use your existing pump and don’t require a booster.
Will they damage my pool surface?
No — all our recommended cleaners are designed for safe use on common pool finishes.
What if I get a lot of leaves?
You may be better off with a pressure cleaner or a robotic model — suction cleaners can clog with heavy debris.
📞 Need Help Picking a Cleaner?
We’ll help you find the perfect pool cleaner based on your pool shape, pump type, and how much debris you’re dealing with. Contact us for expert advice or to book installation with your cleaner purchase.