These Automatic Pool Cleaners are your Best Options for Above Ground Pools
Above-ground pools may not be a part of your long-term backyard solution, but that doesn’t mean you can leave them unattended with no upkeep. You probably thought you could handle manual cleaning yourself when you bought your above-ground pool. But hey, sometimes the spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak. Don’t be surprised if you’re in a complaining mood after using skimmers, brushes, rakes, and vacuums by hand several times.
But here’s the deal: You don’t have to inflict damage on yourself just so the kids can take their daily swim. There are automatic pool cleaners designed for above-ground pools available in the market that could help you out with pool-cleaning duty.
What are Automatic Pool Cleaners?
As the name suggests, automatic pool cleaners are machines that remove debris without breaking a sweat on your part. Even though a bit of exercise isn’t too bad, cleaning above-ground pools can eat huge chunks of time you could otherwise use relaxing and being with your family.
There are three main types of automatic pool cleaners: pressure-side, suction-side, and robotic. Pressure cleaners produce a whirling motion using the pressure from your pool’s pump. This is how they pick up particles from the water into the cleaner. The dirt, leaves, and other undesirable things are collected and kept in a built-in filter container.
Suction cleaners also need the help of your pool’s existing filtration system by using the pool pump to power their movement underwater. Suction-side cleaners are the cheapest automatic. However, these cleaner types use your pool’s filter to remove debris, so you must also spend time cleaning your pool filter.
Lastly, robotic pool cleaners are the best pool cleaners money can buy. They have the benefit of being autonomous machines, which means they do not need to be connected to your pool’s pump or filter. Other valuable features of this type of automatic cleaner are the support for cleaning from the app, cleaning schedules, and pool mapping. Robotic cleaners use electricity to power themselves and filter the water as they move about.
Best Automatic Cleaners For Above-Ground Pools
Any outdoor water buildup is vulnerable to a range of elements and is a potential host for microorganisms and algae. Proper and frequent care is essential for preventing these accumulations in your above-ground pool, which can strain your filtration system or turn into more persistent sludge that calls for more rigorous and time-consuming cleaning.
Here are the top above-ground pool automatic cleaners that you must check out.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
The Nautilus CC Plus is the cheapest of the Nautilus CC series, but when we’re talking about robotic cleaners, it’s not really that “cheap.” That said, it has enough bells and whistles to take the pool-cleaning burden off your shoulders with scheduling features, powerful suction, and a 50-foot anti-tangle cable.
More Pros:
- Up to two hours of run time
- Climbs and cleans walls
- Equipped with an inbuilt scanner that identifies the most effective travel course based on your pool shape
Cons:
- Heavy at 19 pounds
- High upfront cost
Dolphin Escape
The Escape is designed exclusively for above-ground pools, so that’s how you know it works. Its “wheels” or “tracks” looked like that of a battle tank, so it doesn’t slip and conserves energy. The Escape’s Smart Navigation system also ensures that the days of aimless wandering are over and that your machine will always function efficiently.
More Pros:
- Massive filter that can handle big or small debris
- Filters ultra fine materials
- Equipped with an active scrubbing brush that delivers a new degree of cleanliness
Cons:
- A bit bulky
- Short hose length with no anti-swivel technology
- Does not come with a remote control
Zodiac Ranger
The Ranger is a suction-side automatic designed specifically for above-ground pools. It does not skid and can easily clean above-ground pools with dished-out bottoms that are six feet at most. It has one moving element, which explains why it’s so quiet and doesn’t make any thumping noises as it works. The Ranger is truly one of the benchmarks of suction cleaners!
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Has a deflector wheel which keeps it from getting stuck on steps and corners
- Easy to use and set up
Cons:
- Not designed for pools deeper than 6 feet
- Some noticed that it tends to miss portions of the pool
Polaris Vac-Sweep 65
The only pressure-side automatic cleaner on the list, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 65, is specially designed for vinyl above-ground pools. It operates on the return jet rather than the skimmers, so you won’t have to worry about compromising your pool’s skimming capabilities. Because of this function, it can be kept in the pool for as long as you like, except when swimming.
Pros:
- Easy to install and use because it doesn’t have a lot of moving parts
- Requires no electricity to run
- Best at picking up larger debris
Cons:
- Only works in shallow pools up to 5 feet deep
- Not the best at picking up fine debris
AIPER Cordless Automatic Pool Cleaner
The usual complaint about robotic pool cleaners is that their cords are a hassle and an electrocution hazard. The AIPER Cordless addresses these issues masterfully. It runs on rechargeable batteries, and the unit has an LED indicator, which turns red when it needs to be charged and green if it’s done.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Surprisingly powerful suction
Cons:
- Best only for small pools
- Has a propensity to get stuck
More Tips For Above Ground Pool Maintenance
The best thing about above-ground pools is that it’s cheaper and easier to maintain than in-ground pools. Apart from possibly investing in an automatic pool cleaner, here are some things you should do to keep your above-ground pool in excellent shape.
Clean it regularly
It’s as simple as that. Surprisingly, some owners put off daily or weekly upkeep because they’re not using the pool all that much. Even if you’re sparsely using your pool, cleaning it regularly avoids the buildup of harmful bacteria and algae.
Maintain the pool’s chemical balance
A weekly chemical balance test may do the trick here. Using a test strip, you will know if the water’s pH levels are in disarray. Acidic water is corrosive, causing damage to the pool’s metal parts. On the other hand, if the water is too alkaline, it limits the disinfecting effects of chlorine.
Clean the skimmer and pump baskets
Dirt and leaves could build up in baskets, so it’s in the best of your interest to check them out. You don’t need to do this daily, but a weekly or bi-weekly check on the baskets should be enough to maintain them.
Run the pump for optimal pool circulation
Running the pump on a regular basis is an essential aspect of above-ground pool upkeep. The pump is responsible for circulating the pool’s water, which can be an issue with above-ground pools.
The movement of the water in your pool helps to keep it clean, allowing more dirt and debris to enter the skimmer baskets. As a result, the likelihood of algae formation is lessened. Experts recommend running the pump for at least eight hours to ensure optimal circulation.
Take extra care of the pool wall
The walls of an above-ground pool are less durable than the barricade of in-ground pools. Do not let your kids or guests sit on the wall’s edges, as it might cause cracks and creases. Worse, putting weight on top of it could collapse the walls. Also, if you notice rust on the rails, replace them immediately to prevent rust from dropping into the water.
Final Thoughts
Above-ground pools need regular upkeep the same way an in-ground pool does. Regular maintenance reduces the spread of swimming-related illnesses and improves the pool’s longevity. You can simplify the pool cleaning process by investing in an automatic pool cleaner designed for above-ground pools. Using these automatic cleaners and a robust cleaning schedule, you are surely adding years to the lifespan of your above-ground pool.
