A pool vacuum sucks up dirt, sand, leaves and algae residue from the floor and walls of your swimming pool. There are three main types: the manual vacuum (via telescopic pole and suction hose), the automatic suction cleaner (such as a Kreepy Krauly) and the robotic pool cleaner (fully independent). Which type you need depends on your pool size, budget and how much time you want to spend on cleaning.
Why is vacuuming your pool essential?
Your filtration system catches suspended particles through the skimmer and return jets. But debris that has already settled on the floor is out of the skimmer’s reach. Leaves, sand, insects and dead algae sink to the bottom and stay there.
Without regular vacuuming, a layer of organic material builds up. This consumes chlorine, feeds algae growth and turns the water cloudy. A 30,000-litre pool can accumulate up to 500 grams of floor debris in a single week, especially if there are trees nearby.
Vacuuming is therefore just as important as filtering and sanitising. It is the third pillar of a properly functioning pool system .
How does a manual pool vacuum work?
A manual vacuum consists of three parts: a vacuum head, a telescopic pole (usually 2.4 to 4.8 metres) and a suction hose. You move the vacuum head across the floor while the filter pump draws dirty water through the hose.
Connecting via the skimmer
The most common method is connection through the skimmer. Remove the skimmer basket and place a vacuum plate over the skimmer opening. Attach the suction hose to this plate. The pump draws water through the hose, through the filter and back into the pool.
Before you start, you must purge the hose of air. Hold the hose underwater and fill it completely. Air in the hose causes the pump to lose prime. For a pool measuring 8 x 4 metres, you need a hose of at least 10 metres.
Connecting via a dedicated suction port
Some in-ground pools have a separate suction port in the wall, apart from the skimmer. This is more convenient because the skimmer continues to operate while you vacuum. The port is typically located 20 to 30 cm below the waterline.
When to vacuum on “waste” versus “filter”
The multiport valve on your sand filter has two relevant settings for vacuuming:
| Setting | How it works | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Filter | Water passes through the filter media and returns to the pool | Light debris, routine vacuuming |
| Waste | Water goes straight to the drain, bypassing the filter | Heavy debris, algae, fine sand, post-storm cleanup |
On the “waste” setting you lose water. Expect 200 to 500 litres per vacuuming session. Top up the pool afterwards with a garden hose.
Tip
Move the vacuum head slowly across the floor in overlapping passes. Fast movements stir up debris and cloud the water. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for a pool measuring 8 x 4 metres.
How does an automatic suction cleaner work?
A suction cleaner (also called a suction-side cleaner or Kreepy Krauly) is a device you connect to the skimmer or suction port. It uses the suction power of your filter pump to move randomly across the pool floor.
The operating principle of a suction cleaner
The suction cleaner has a diaphragm or membrane that pulsates with the water flow. This pulsating motion propels the device in random directions across the floor. Debris is transported through the suction hose to your filtration system.
Most suction cleaners cost between 80 and 250 euros. They have few moving parts and last 3 to 5 years. The diaphragm is the only wear part and costs around 15 to 30 euros to replace.
Advantages and disadvantages of a suction cleaner
| Aspect | Suction cleaner | Manual vacuuming |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 80 to 250 euros | 30 to 80 euros (set) |
| Labour | Automatic but random | Fully manual |
| Filter load | High—all debris goes through your filter | Same, unless on waste |
| Wall cleaning | Floor only | Floor and walls possible |
| Best for | Pools up to 30 m2 | All sizes |
A suction cleaner saves you manual effort but puts extra load on your filter pump. The pump needs to run at least 6 to 8 hours while the cleaner is operating. In pools larger than 40 m2, a suction cleaner often lacks sufficient reach.
How does a robotic pool cleaner work?
A robotic pool cleaner is a fully independent device. It has its own electric motor, its own pump and its own filter cartridge. You place it in the water, plug the power cable into a mains outlet and the robot does the rest.
Technical operation of a robotic cleaner
The robot drives on rubber tracks or wheels across the floor and walls. An internal pump draws water through the filter cartridge (usually PVA or microfibre, filtering down to 2 microns). Clean water is expelled at the rear, providing additional propulsion.
Modern robots contain a gyroscope and sometimes mapping sensors for a systematic cleaning pattern. An average cycle takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a pool measuring 10 x 5 metres. Robots from 2024 onwards often have app control and programmable schedules.
What does a robotic pool cleaner cost?
The price range is wide:
| Category | Price range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | 300 to 600 euros | Floor only, simple pattern |
| Mid-range | 600 to 1,200 euros | Floor and walls, finer filtration |
| Premium | 1,200 to 2,500 euros | Floor, walls, waterline, app control, programmable |
Want to know which robot suits your pool best? Check out the buying guide for the best pool robot .
Tip
The cable length of a robotic cleaner determines its maximum reach. A 15-metre cable is sufficient for pools up to 10 x 5 metres. Measure your pool diagonally to check whether the cable is long enough.
When should you choose which type of pool vacuum?
The choice depends on four factors: pool size, budget, available time and how clean you want it to be.
Small pools up to 15 m2
For above-ground pools and small in-ground pools, a manual vacuum is sufficient. The investment is low (30 to 80 euros) and vacuuming takes 10 to 15 minutes per session. A suction cleaner is also an option, but in small pools the time savings are marginal.
Medium pools from 15 to 40 m2
Here a suction cleaner or entry-level robotic cleaner pays off. With a suction cleaner (100 to 200 euros) you save 20 to 30 minutes every week. A robot (from 300 euros) is more thorough and also cleans the walls.
Large pools above 40 m2
For large pools a robotic cleaner is virtually indispensable. Manual vacuuming takes more than 45 minutes per session. A robot with sufficient cable length (18 to 21 metres) and a systematic cleaning pattern is the smartest choice here.
Summary: vacuum versus suction cleaner versus robot
This is the core question most pool owners ask. The difference boils down to three points:
Connection: a vacuum (manual or suction cleaner) uses your existing filter pump. A robot runs independently on mains power.
Filtration: with a vacuum, all debris passes through your sand filter or cartridge filter. A robot has its own filter cartridge that you rinse separately.
Thoroughness: a robot filters down to 2 microns; a sand filter filters down to 20 microns. The robot captures particles 10 times finer.
For a complete cleaning plan including brushing and water treatment, read the pool cleaning guide .
Maintaining your pool vacuum
Regardless of type, proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your cleaning equipment.
Manual vacuum and suction cleaner
Rinse the suction hose with clean water after every session. Check the suction cleaner’s diaphragm every 3 months for cracks. Store the vacuum head bristle-side up so the bristles do not deform.
Robotic cleaner
Empty the filter cartridge after every cleaning cycle. Rinse the cartridge with a garden hose until the water runs clear. Inspect the tracks or wheels for wear every 6 months. Store the robot outside the pool, away from direct sunlight. Replace the filter cartridge on average every 2 years at a cost of around 30 to 60 euros.
Common mistakes when vacuuming a pool
Avoid these three mistakes that beginners often make:
- Not purging the hose: air bubbles in the suction hose cause the pump to run dry. This can damage the pump seals.
- Moving too fast: rapid movements stir up debris instead of sucking it in. The water ends up cloudier than before.
- Forgetting to reset the valve: after vacuuming on “waste”, set the multiport valve back to “filter”. Otherwise you continuously pump water out of the pool.
Tip
- Check the water level (at least halfway up the skimmer). 2. Purge the hose completely. 3. Set the multiport valve to the correct position. 4. Vacuum slowly in overlapping passes. 5. Reset the valve to “filter” and check the pump basket.