For many pool owners, the automatic pool cleaner is an indispensable part of the backyard.
Those who work full time, for example, and bounce from the office to soccer practice to the dinner table, simply don't have time to worry about manually vacuuming the pool. At the same time, there's much to be said for the convenience of an APC — just toss it in for a few hours and come back to a sparkling pool, all without lifting a finger.{bglink 3831}
It's unsurprising, then, that APCs are growing in popularly among consumers. And aside from the pool itself, it's a product a customer is likely to research extensively before purchase. From speed to agility to lifespan, every customer has a different set of needs for their pool cleaner.
Luckily, manufacturers are meeting demand with new models and features each year. Here, we take a look at just some of the new and bestselling models out there.
Zodiac Pool Products
The Zodiac MX8 Elite is the first suction pool cleaner with cyclonic scrubbing brushes that continually spin, scrub and stay in constant contact with pool surfaces to agitate and remove stuck-on debris, the company says. In addition, the MX8 Elite features aggressive wall climbing to scrub at the tile line and maX-Drive Navigation for better pool coverage with nimble programmed maneuverability.
zodiacpoolsystems.com | (800) 822-7933
Hayward Pool Products
The TriVac 700 pressure cleaner is the only cleaner with top and bottom modes capable of skimming debris from the surface of the water in addition to vacuuming the pool floor, walls and coves, the company says. Both TriVac models are equipped with patented AquaDrive technology — powerful jets that propel the cleaners around the pool. A wide vacuum inlet, powerful sweep hose and patented extra-large debris bag allow for exceptional cleaning performance.
hayward.com | (908) 351-5400
Pentair Aquatic Systems
The Dorado suction-side cleaner delivers simple, powerful cleaning you can see and feel. Its unique Bristle-Drive Technology combines with an oversized vacuum inlet to scrub and devour tough dirt and debris from the pool's floor and walls, providing complete, trouble-free cleaning. The cleaner's 15-inch-wide bristle scrubbers cover more pool in a single pass for fast cleaning. And Dorado's SmartTrac Programmed Steering easily navigates around obstacles for uninterrupted vacuuming of large and small debris.
pentairpool.com | (800) 831-7133
Water Tech
The new Blue Diamond Pro robotic cleaner cleans pools up to 25 by 75 feet in four hours or less thanks to its Aqua Smart system, which automatically changes cleaning directions to systematically clean every centimeter of the pool. This requires less time than other robotic cleaners that use conventional, random patterns. The Blue Diamond Pro operates independently of the filter system, has an air sensor for ramps and can be changed from floor-only mode to floor/wall mode.
watertechcorp.com | (800) 298-8800
Poolvergnuegen
The PoolCleaner is available in both suction (two and four wheel) and pressure cleaners that efficiently clean any type of pool. Patented features such as self-adjusting turbine vanes ensure maximum power at any flow and effortless debris management. Patented robust tire treads and other features work in concert with multiple pre-programmed steering sequences to ensure easy wall-climbing, obstacle management and maximized pool coverage while delivering the best surface clean.
thepoolcleaner.com | (707) 566-0400
Polaris
The Polaris 8050 Sport Robotic Cleaner is a Trade Series Exclusive track-style robot with a new robust design. Key features include cyclonic vacuum technology for superior vacuum efficiency and the Push'N'Go canister access with a transparent lid, which ensures you never touch debris; and the surface control system for optimal wall climbing.
polarispool.com | (800) 822-7933
Aqua Products
The Rapids 1500 is designed for all inground pools. The 1500 features an extra-long 60-foot cable and two top access filter baskets that make emptying between cleaning cycles simple and easy. The Rapids 1500 comes standard with the Aquabot no-tangle swivel to help prevent cable tangling and is equipped with AquaSmart Gyro technology and dual scrubbing brushes for better results. Aquabots have the industry's strongest pumps to deliver unsurpassed suction power, the company says.
aquabot.com | (800) 221-1750
Pentair Commercial
The PRO VAC II utilizes the Eco Select brand, an environmentally friendly composite weight system for optimizing commercial pool cleanings. Its superior suction chamber concentrates vacuum velocity for fast, thorough cleaning, and the ultra-smooth ball-bearing wheels allow for effortless movement while the vacuum head's flexible body hugs pool contours. Its convertible wheel system locks for straight cleaning patterns or pivots 360 degrees for additional coverage.
pentaircommercial.com | (800) 831-7133
Maytronics
The Active 30i is the latest generation of Dolphin Technology. It features an active brush that spins two times faster for more scrubbing power, and cleans everything from the pool floor and cove to the walls and waterline. Like other members of the Active family, the Active 30i features an easy-to-clean two-level net canister with top access. The model also features a weekly timer, delayed start and multiple cycle options. The Dolphin Active 30i can be manually controlled through any Bluetooth-enabled device — users can maneuver the Dolphin with the touch of their fingers or switch to tilt mode for a more playful experience.
maytronicsus.com | (888)-DOLPHIN
Red Leopard
Red Leopard's Orbit suction pool cleaner is a one-piece, diaphragm-powered pool cleaner that has no clips, nuts, bolts or hinges to corrode, split, wear or break. The strength and simplicity of the Orbit cleaner makes it effective, durable and economical to maintain. The unit's 18-inch cleaning-path includes a "ski-jump" ramp and an upturned edge to move easily over drains, lights, stairs and ladders. The flexible diaphragm and four suction ports ensure debris is collected both in the direction of travel and also on the side.
red-leopard.net | (800) 753-1233
Splash-A-Round Pools
The new Leisure Vac Supreme is the latest automatic pool cleaner by Splash-A-Round Pools. With its new diaphragm design, the Leisure Vac Supreme is the inground or aboveground cleaner that every pool company should add to their offerings. Call today and save.
splasharoundpools.com | (909) 980-7709
SmartPool
The BigFoot robotic pool cleaner is an advanced, heavy-duty cleaner with oversized scrubbing brushes for serious traction and surface coverage powered by strong drive motors. The cleaner features two extra-large, top-loading, easy-to-clean filter baskets that can handle both large debris and fine particles. The BigFoot comes with SmartPool's patented Quick-Drain system for easy removal from the pool and three-hour auto shut-off. The cleaner is hard on dirt, but gentle on the pool's surface. Comes with a 60-foot cable and floating swivel.
smartpool.com | (732) 730-9880
Skimdevil
The Skimdevil Camio SX15 is a unique, solar-powered robot that saves energy and reduces chemical usage by efficiently collecting leaves, pollen, oils and other debris particles from the water's surface before they have a chance to clog filters or sink to the bottom. Complete with Bluetooth capability, Skimdevil combines design ingenuity with ease of use. It is fully customizable and can be programmed or guided using remote control via any smartphone. There are no hoses or cables and it navigates well in any pool type, shape or size.
skimdevil.com | (941) 681-6575