Baracuda Pool Cleaner

Pool Cleaner 101: The Facts

• Pool cleaner - today commonly known as automated pool cleaner - is a vacuum cleaner intended to collect debris and sediment from swimming pools with minimum human intervention.
• The first swimming pool cleaner was created by Ferdinand Chauvier in 1974. He is a hydraulics engineer who came to South Africa from the Belgian Congo in 1951. Chauvier continued to tinker with machine, eventually creating one that would do the job automatically, powered by the operation of the pool's filter. In 1974 his job is done; he invented the first automatic pool cleaner.
• There are four main types of pool cleaners, separated by the drive mechanism used: return-side driven, pressure driven, suction-side driven, and electronic & Robotic.
• In return-side driven pool cleaner type, water outflow being returned to the pool is used for locomotion and debris suction, via the venturi effect.
• In pressure driven pool cleaner type, a minor variation of return-side driven, water outflow is pressurized using a secondary "booster" pump. This high pressure water is used for locomotion and debris suction, via the venturi effect.
  This pool cleaner uses the water pressure from the return hose of your filter to create its vacuum and to drive the pool cleaner around the pool. This hose attachment allows a pressure-side cleaner to distribute filtered throughout your pool. Its own collection bag also reduces the strain on your filter system, increasing its functionality and lifetime.
  
  Making sure you empty this bag on a regular basis should allow this pool cleaner to take care of any the usual pool debris. Keep in mind you may need a booster pump to create adequate pressure.
• In suction-side driven pool cleaner type, water being pumped out of the pool via its skimmer or drains is used for locomotion and debris suction.
  
  This pool cleaner uses the natural suction of your pool filter to create a vacuum for your pool cleaner. It is usually the cheapest and easiest to operate. Adversely, larger debris may cause the skimmer to clog. You may also need to play with different settings and set-ups to make sure your entire pool area is covered.
  
  If your pool cleaning needs have mostly to do with dirt and not debris, a suction-side cleaner is the way to go. Cheap and reliable, this is also the best option for the casual or smaller pool owner.
• In electronic & robotic pool cleaner type, an external electrical power cord is used to drive motors used for locomotion and suction.
  This pool cleaner has a self-contained filtration system and operates completely independently of your pool pump and filter. These devices can clean your pool faster and more effectively than other cleaners. It can be programmed or operated by remote control to customize their cleaning for your specific pool.
  
  If you have a larger pool or areas that can be difficult to clean, the extra expense of this pool cleaner can be easily justified.
• The Venturi effect is named after Giovanni Battista Venturi (1746-1822), an Italian physicist. The Venturi effect is the reduction in fluid pressure that results when a fluid flows through a constricted section of pipe.
• >A good pool filter is vital to creating good quality pool water that reduces the incidence of algae and helps maintain pH levels, calcium hardness, and alkalinity . Yet even the best pool filters will leave extra dirt and debris scattered about your pool.
• An additional pool cleaner should be used once a week. This can be a time-consuming process unless you're willing to invest in an automatic above ground or inground pool cleaner. These pool cleaners will allow you to enjoy your pool with minimal maintenance, making their investment and your investment in the pool itself worthwhile.
• The difference between inground and above ground pool cleaners is mostly about structure and range. The basic technology for each is essentially the same.
• Inground pool cleaners are built to facilitate the submerged nature of the pool and are often designed to work in depths up to eight feet.
• For deeper inground pools, a higher-end, specifically designed inground pool cleaner may be needed.
• Above ground pool cleaners are cheaper than their inground counterparts.
• Above ground pool cleaners should work just as efficiently but, keep in mind, above ground pools often skimp on initial installation costs. Cutting these corners can put additional strain on both your pool filter and pump system and your pool cleaner. Before you invest in an above ground pool cleaner make sure your filter and pump system are up to par.