I need a new pool cleaner. What do I need?

1.Determine pool equipment setup

          1.1     Does the pool have a cleaner presently?

                     1.1.1  If yes, what?

                     1.1.2  Did it do a good job?

          1.2     Is a booster pump with a timer, present?

                     1.2.1  Yes, simple choice, for truly automatic operation, least wear and tear on the unit, and the best cleaning ability, without the filter getting all of the debris.. Booster pump driven, with a timer

                     1.2.2  No, adding a timer and booster pump is possible, but expensive. Depending upon the circumstances, it can add to the cost of installation, between $600 to $800.00

          1.3     Does the pool have a dedicated vac line? The pool was designed for a suction cleaner.

          1.4     Does the pool have an unfiltered, dedicated line, with a valve, usually, between the pump and filter? Designed for an ‘economy cleaner’, three choices.

                     1.4.1  Replace with ‘economy cleaner’ with same connection, continue with directing most of the water UNFILTERED back to the pool, by continuously valving off more water from the filter to actually filter.

                     1.4.2  Replace with an ‘economy cleaner’, move the pressure line for the cleaner to the FILTERED water side of the filter. Highly recommended by manufacturer.

                     1.4.3  Move pressure line for cleaner to the suction side of the pump. Replace with suction type cleaner, will pick up dirt better. Very high customer satisfaction, highly recommended.

                     1.4.4  Replace with a booster pump / timer cleaner. Incredible difference. Very high customer satisfaction, highly recommended.

          1.5     Is a floor based cleaning system already installed? Unless return lines were also installed in the walls, the only choice is a suction cleaner through the skimmer. And in some cases, the floor mounted heads need removal or the suction cleaner will not work. It is usually better in most cases to repair the existing floor system, when possible.

          1.6     Are trees to be dealt with? During leaf fall or blossom time, most cleaners are out classed to the point that damage can occur if they are left to operate during these periods. However, during the remainder of the year, they still need to be dealt with reliably.

                     1.6.1  Replace with booster pump / timer system. The most able cleaners to deal with foliage are the most powerful.

                     1.6.2  If a suction cleaner, an inline leaf cannister is a must. One with a plastic or metal basket, the larger the better. Cleaner manufacturers offer them as options, after market versions are just as good.

2.       Recommended choices: (All have passed the Pools Etc Automatic Cleaner Test, successfully, many other have not achieved recommended status)

          2.1     Booster pump driven, with timer. Top & Best Cleaner Status! Polaris 280, superior to all other cleaners. Head & Hoses, $449.00 (Retail $799.00), with booster pump and timer, installed, between $1000.00 and $14000.00. Must have dedicated 1.5'’ line. Timer operation allows cleaner to operate for hour or so, daily, reducing wear of expensive repair parts by up to 90%. Lasts years longer between rebuilds, gear driven, largest throat of any cleaner, largest bag of any Polaris, allowing it to deal with leaves far better than any other automatic cleaner. Best pool cleaner ever built!

          2.2     Dedicated Vac line Champion - Kreepy Krauly - Best Warranty - superior to all other vac cleaners, optional leaf cannister available for leafy areas. Can be added to a pool by simply hooking up through a skimmer, by plugging a hose into a special vac plate for the skimmer (free from Kreepy)

          2.3     Economy Non-booster pump cleaner can be replaced as a direct replacement by Polaris 360. Unscrew the previous wall fitting, install the Polaris UWF, and start cleaning. Manufacturer does recommend using the water pressure from the clean side of the filter.