Pressure Pool Cleaners

A pressure pool cleaner or pressure side pool cleaner or pressure driven pool cleaner is an automatic cleaning device that uses water pressure from the pool's return line to move around and clean large debris from the pool bottom. Many models require a dedicated pressure line with a booster pump, although some can operate using the pool's existing circulation system. It's important to confirm your pool's plumbing setup, pump capacity and compatibility with the specific cleaner. 

One of the biggest advantages of a pressure pool cleaner is its ability to handle larger debris like leaves, pebbles, and twigs. It's ideal for outdoor pools surrounded by trees or exposed to debris blown into the pool area. The cleaner's attached filter bag collects debris, reducing the stress, maintenance and even backwashing required to keep your filtration system operating effectively. Pressure side cleaners are known for being durable, and relatively low maintenance compared to robotic pool cleaners, and even suction side cleaners. 

On the flip side, a pressure driven cleaner typically uses more energy than other cleaners, including robot units, especially if a separate booster pump is required. Cleaning performance on fine debris or algae may not be as good as alternative cleaners as well. They can be a long lasting and effective solution for routine pool maintenance, but keep in mind that energy usage, fine particulate cleaning and pool compatibility may be a challenge. 

3 Best Pressure Pool Cleaners

The best pressure pool cleaners all have a few things in common and that's their ability to get the pool surfaces clean, eliminate debris by collecting it in an onboard debris bag and doing it in as little as 2 or 3 hours. A separate booster pump guarantees that the cleaner will have enough pressure power to get the dirtiest pools clean and keep them that way so you can enjoy a clean pool all season long. 

Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Cleaner

The Polaris 280 Pressure Pool Cleaner is an affordable option that's part of the very successful vac-sweep line of cleaners by the industry leading in underwater vacuums. It's ideal for just about any inground pool and is ready to connect to a dedicated 1.5" dedicated pressure cleaning line or booster pump. It includes 31 feet of flexible feed hose. The 3-wheel design allows for optimal sweeping and scrubbing of different shapes and designs of pools. 

Makhoon Pressure Side Sweeper

The Makhoon pressure side sweeper is an efficient cleaner that utilizes a separate booster pump to operate very effectively. The sturdy 4-wheel structure and quality craftsmanship means that you will enjoy a clean salt water pool for many years to come. Features include a debris bag, collection bag and a sweep hose for tight corners and steps, where other cleaners can't reach. The 31 foot feed hose fits to a 2 1/4 inch vacuum outlet and lasts for up to 4 hours which should get even the largest pool sparkling clean. 

Zodiac Black Max Vac-Sweep 280

The Zodiac Black Max Vac-Sweep 280 is one of the sleekest looking pressure side cleaners on the market and delivers top north performance to go along with the modern design. It works with a Polaris boost pump for unmatched cleaning in almost any inground pool. It will have your pool looking sparkling clean in as little as a few hours with the patented floor and wall scrubbing brushes. It comes with 31 feet of flexible connecting feed hose.

---

---

---

How a Pressure Pool Cleaner Works

A pressure pool pump utilizes the pressure created from your existing pool pump or a separate pool booster pump. A certain portion of the pressure is diverted and used to propel the cleaner and create the vacuum that ultimately collects the debris it tracks over. This is carried out in a random pattern and stir debris up from your pool bottom. The dirt and debris is vacuumed into the attached collection bag that can be emptied like a regular vacuum cleaner after the cleaning cycle is completed. 

It’s important to consider the required pressure for different models of cleaners. While some suction cleaners will operate effectively using the pressure from your pool system, others require added pressure that can only be produced by a separate pool booster pump. Ultimately, if there isn’t enough pressure, the effectiveness of the cleaner will be compromised.

An added advantage of a pressure or return pool cleaner is that while they clean they also distribute clean, filtered, water around your pool which increases circulation and improves the overall health of your pool. Another advantage is they are equipped with their own vacuum bag that collects dirt and debris which improves cleanliness and also lightens the load on your pool filter system.

Pressure Pool Cleaner FAQs

---

---

---

---

---

---

Disclaimer