It's a steaming hot day and you're about to cool off with a quick dip. A long, tall glass of your favourite tipple is waiting poolside. Only one problem: the pool is filthy. Are you going to spend the next hour laboriously cleaning the slime, grime and leaves? Or will you hightail it to the nearest pool shop for a pool cleaner? I think we all know the answer to that. We've not tested pool cleaners, but you can see our pool fence reviews here. Do your research before diving in Pool cleaners sit in sun and chlorine for most of their working life (which does sound a little like a good holiday…) and can clock up more than 1000 km a year. Some cheaper models may not last the distance. When CHOICE tested pool cleaners in the past, we found several were prone to getting blocked and others neglected some areas of the pool. Pool cleaners can't clean a very dirty pool, so you won't get out of this task altogether. Give the pool a good manual clean at the start of each swimming season or when you haven't run the pool cleaner for a while.

Suction, pressure or robotic? There are three types of pool cleaner out in the market: suction, pressure and robotic. Suction cleaners attach with a hose to your skimmer box and use the suction created by your filtration system to suck up grime. Most pool cleaners you'll come across are suction models. There are two kinds of suction cleaners: Inertia driven suction cleaners clean in a random pattern. While they will cover every inch of your pool, it may take some time. They work well in pools with curved walls and no sharp corners. The popular Zodiac and Kreepy Krawler models are this type. Geared suction cleaners, such as The Pool Cleaner model, move in a pre-determined pattern and will clean your pool surface in the shortest time possible. They can easily get into tight corners which makes them suitable for smaller pools with lots of steps and sharp ledges. Geared cleaners have more moving parts than the random pattern models, so they will probably need more maintenance.

Cheaper than other types of pool cleaners. If you leave them permanently in the pool, they fill up the skimmer box, meaning extra effort for the pump (and potentially damaging). When they are attached, the skimmer box isn't taking in anything from the surface of the pool - which means everything goes to the bottom, making more work for the suction cleaner. Pressure cleaners are more powerful than suction cleaners. steam mop reviews best buyMost models operate with an additional booster pump which needs a separate hose connection in the pool wall. auto carpet cleaning chicagoThese can be expensive to retrofit so look at another model if your pool doesn't already have one. vinegar mixture to clean carpets

Pressure cleaners that connect directly into your existing pool pump may put strain on the filtration system. Can reach into tight corners. Collect everything from fine sand to rocks and leaves. Can be faster than suction cleaners. More expensive than suction cleaners. Probably need more maintenance. Robotic or electric self-propelled cleaners Robotic pool cleaners run on electricity so you'll need a power point close to the pool.vacuum cleaners cheap melbourne Good for large pools.swimming pool vacuum uk Can be inconvenient – you need to place them into the pool for a cleaning session and then remove them.automatic pool cleaner reviews Don't tend to filter water while cleaning.

Probably the most expensive of the automatic pool cleaners. Other features to look for when buying a pool cleaner Your pool cleaner should be able to cope with different pool shapes and sizes by adjusting hose buoyancy and main flow. Some have a deflector so the cleaner is less likely to get stuck in one place. Make sure the hose reaches from one end of your pool to the other, plus a metre or two. Ability to navigate steps Some cleaners can climb steps if needed. Some cleaners can be used while there is a cover on your pool. Between $400 and $1200.MX8 - Goes everywhere. The MX8 is an intelligent suction cleaner! Unlike disc suction cleaners, which operate in a totally random manner and have no reversing mechanism, the MX8 has been designed to get in and out of tight spots. The X-Trax tyres provide extreme manoeuvrability and climbing performance, even on vertical walls. MX8 - GOES EVERYWHERE. Intelligent dual-navigation controls ensure total cleaning of the entire pool floor and walls with 32 cleaning paths.

Ultra-efficient and powerful engine provides extreme cleaning. Exceptional manoeuvrability means the cleaner doesn’t get stuck All shapes: rectangular, oval, technical and free form Cleans walls and floors Connection Point : Weir Pool Size : Recommended for max. Installation Guide: Refer to your instruction manual. Technology : maX-Drive (Mechanical) Cleaning Cycle : 12h filtering cycle(Summer); 8h filtering cycle (Winter) Hose Type & Length : Long-Life Pearl Blue Twist Lock Hose. 8 x 1.2m = 9.6m Minimum required filter pump : 0.6kW Accessories included in the pack: Automatic Weir Valve, 90° Twist Lock Elbow, 8 x 1.2m Twist Lock Hose Lengths, Flow Regulator Valve, Hose Float,  Hose Protector, Warranty Card. Accessories sold separately: Extra hose lengths, Cyclonic Leaf Catcher, EasySet™ by Intex is the easiest pool to set up on the market! The simple assembly takes all the guesswork out of putting up your pool. Simply inflate the top ring and fill the pool with water.

Great for transforming your home into a summer fun zone, Intex Metal Frame Pools can make your backyard the place to entertain family and friends. Frame pools are ideal for families that use their backyards for multiple purposes such as exercise, relaxing or playing a water game. These pools have a sturdy frame structure with PVC side walls, and are designed to be easily installed and ready for water in an hour or less. Metal Frame Pools can be used for many years. For many consumers, a standard rectangular pool is their preferred choice. Intex oval shaped pools are a great bridge between Easy Set® and Rectangular Metal Frame pools, combining the benefits of both. It is quick and easy to assemble, with additional support from the frame, as well as a rectangular shape to maximize swimming area! Inspired by INTEX’ top-of-the-line Ultra Frame™ Rectangular pools, new Prism Frame™ Pools offer many of the same benefits, with smaller dimensions and more affordable pricing.

Not just smaller, but the “right” fit for many backyards. In addition, the unique cool blue/gray color with white trim provides a fresh look to compliment modern backyard patio décor and furniture. Intex Ultra Frame® Pools are made with reinforced 3-ply material and are stronger and easier to assemble. The Ultra Frame™ Pool has a unique shape to the frame allowing the pieces to fit together so smoothly and securely that separate locking pins are not needed. The premium of all pools with a soft gray laminated pool liner, brilliant white copings, and blue tile interior pattern, make any backyard an incredible oasis. Cool your kids off with Intex kids pools. Made in many styles and colors, with fun characters, spray features, and much more! Krystal Clear™ Filtration & Sanitation Intex’s line of above ground pool cleaning systems are the most innovative and broadest in the market. It keeps pool water clean and fresh all summer long.Find plunger valves, threaded strainer connectors, hose adaptors, pool hooks, hoses, pins and more all in one place.