Hydraulic pool cleaner

What is a hydraulic pool cleaner?

Hydraulic pool cleaners are equipment designed for pool cleaning that operate by means of hydraulic energy, taking advantage of the force of the water without requiring additional electrical power.  

They are connected to the pool's filtration system through a hose, which is linked to a suction point, such as the skimmer. Once properly connected, hydraulic pool cleaners draw in water along with impurities from the pool, sending them to the pump's pre-filter and then to the filter. It is important that the length of the hose is sufficient to cover the entire pool area and reach the farthest corners of the connection. 

The impulse needed for the cleaner to move comes from the pool pump. The power of the pump must be adequate to ensure effective movement of the cleaner and efficient cleaning. Each pool has a pump of different power, and it is essential that the power be equal to or greater than that indicated by the model of cleaner purchased. 

The hydraulic pool cleaner works with the pool's filtration system, it will work autonomously until the filtration cycle of the filtering system is finished. This eliminates the need to manually guide the cleaner's movements during cleaning.

Types of hydraulic pool cleaners

Depending on how they work, we have the hydraulic suction pool cleaner and the hydraulic pressure pool cleaner.

Hydraulic pressure cleaner 

This type of pool cleaner is connected to the pool pump and uses the water pressure for its operation. To use this cleaner you need a pump with enough power to perform the function of powering the cleaner and pumping water for filtration, which is its main function. Another alternative to not overwork the pump is to have another pump dedicated exclusively to the hydraulic cleaner. 

The hydraulic pressure cleaner has its own filter where the collected garbage accumulates, this is beneficial because you do not saturate the filter of the treatment plant. On the other hand, as it is not connected to the skimmers, these continue to operate when cleaning the surface of the pool. 

This model moves by means of wheels on the bottom of the pool in a random way. It is not suitable for cleaning walls. 

Models of pressure cleaners: 

Polaris 3900 S 

Polaris 280 

Hydraulic suction pool cleaner 

The installation of these cleaners is simple. They are connected by a hose to one of the suction inlets of the pool (or to the skimmer), therefore, they use the suction system of the pool. 

This model does not have its own filtration system, so it uses the pool filter. Thus, if you have this type of pool cleaner, we recommend cleaning the pump's pre-filter every time it is used. 

Suction pool cleaner models: 

Zodiac T3 

Zodiac T5 

Zodiac MX8 

 Where does the cleaner hose connect? 

The pool cleaner hose connects to the specific pool cleaner or to the skimmer. The choice between these two options depends on the type of suction inlet the pool has. 

At the cleaner inlet, an adapter or fitting is generally used that matches the connection at the end of the cleaner hose. This adapter is usually a component that connects securely to the specific pool cleaner inlet. There can be different types of adapters depending on the design of the cleaner inlet, some are threaded, while others may be quick connect. 

On the skimmer, a specialized fitting is used to connect the cleaner hose. This fitting must match the end of the hose and ensure a tight seal to prevent water leakage. 

Which valves must be closed to pass the cleaner? 

As we have already mentioned, the hydraulic pool cleaner works with the pool filtration system so the pump must be on and running. In the case of using the pool cleaner we recommend closing the skimmer and bottom valve to balance the water flow and thus direct more water to the cleaner.