Cleaning pools is usually touted as one of the least desirable household chores. Between balancing chemicals, scrubbing surfaces, and maintaining equipment, it can quickly become a headache for pool owners.
So when I first heard about AquaKleen automatic pool cleaners, I was definitely intrigued. Could these products really make my life easier while keeping my pool sparkling clean?
I decided to take the plunge and try out an AquaKleen pool cleaner for myself. After months of use, here is my honest review on whether AquaKleen is worth the cost or not.
How AquaKleen Pool Cleaners Work?
Before diving into the pros and cons, let’s first take a look at how AquaKleen cleaners function. There are a few different models – some that run off your existing filter pump and pressure-side versions that have their own booster pump.
But they all work in generally the same way.
The cleaners connect to your filtration system via hoses that are outfitted with a floating swivel.
This allows the unit to move freely around your pool’s surfaces.
Inside the body is a drive mechanism that powers the cleaners forward, using angled turbine blades to provide thrust.
As AquaKleen glides around, it uses scrubbing brushes and vacuum power to dislodge debris and suck it into an internal filter bag or basket. The filtration system constantly circulates water through the unit, trapping leaves, dirt, and other gunk for later removal.
Some AquaKleen models also feature built-in surface skimmers that help remove oils and biofilms from the water’s surface. Once cleaning is finished, you simply disconnect the hoses and clean out the filter basket – no need to manually vacuum or scrub the surfaces.
Weighing the Pros of AquaKleen Pool Cleaners
Now that we’ve looked at the technology behind these robotic pool vacuums, let’s examine some of the benefits they provide:
- Excellent Cleaning Capabilities
First and foremost, I was impressed with AquaKleen’s cleaning prowess. It handled all sorts of debris that typically collects in my pool, including leaves, dirt, bugs, and assorted gunk.
The scrubbing brushes and powerful vacuum suction dislodge even stuck-on debris from surfaces. And the filtration bags easily contain all these particles so they don’t float freely in the water.
AquaKleen picked up all the detritus other cleaners tended to miss, resulting in dramatically clearer water and visibly cleaner surfaces.
- Reduced Pool Maintenance
One of the biggest perks of using AquaKleen is the reduction in time spent on manual cleaning and maintenance.
I no longer need to hassle with vacuuming, scrubbing, or skimming the pool myself. The robotic cleaner handles all these tasks on its own, freeing up my schedule significantly.
I also spend far less time balancing chemicals since AquaKleen removes debris and biofilms that tend to consume sanitizers rapidly. The water circulation helps spread chemicals evenly too.
- Energy Efficient Operation
A common concern with robotic cleaners is their operating costs, especially for booster pump models. However, I found AquaKleen’s energy usage to be quite modest.
The pressure-side version sips electricity by leveraging your existing filtration system. And even the booster pump models are designed for efficient operation, providing thorough cleaning without excessive energy needs.
AquaKleen offers timers to run during off-peak hours too. Overall, the costs were lower than I expected given the cleaning performance.
- Customizable Cleaning Routines
One convenience feature I appreciated was the ability to customize AquaKleen’s cleaning schedules. This let me adapt its routine to my pool’s specific needs.
Some days, it may only need a quick touch up. Other times, like after heavy storms, I can run longer heavy-duty cleaning cycles.
The programmable timer and selective run times allow me to strike the right balance for my pool’s conditions.
- Automated Operation
One of my favorite things about AquaKleen is the ability to “set it and forget it.”
Aside from periodically emptying the filter bag, it runs fully automated cleaning cycles without any input needed from me.
I simply ensure the pumps are on, connect the hoses, and let AquaKleen loose to handle the scrubbing and vacuuming.
It’s like having a robotic pool boy!
The convenience and hands-off operation are huge advantages over manual cleaning methods.
- Safety Features for Peace of Mind
As a pool owner, I also appreciate the multiple safety features built into AquaKleen’s systems. This includes mechanisms to prevent tangling in hoses and cables as well as overload protection.
The swiveling hoses eliminate tripping hazards and minimize risks of damage. There are also automatic shut-offs if the pump exceeds safe pressure levels.
These measures grant peace of mind knowing my family and equipment stay protected.
Factoring In The Potential Cons
However, as with any product, AquaKleen isn’t without some downsides. Here are a few potential cons I encountered:
- High Upfront Cost
The most obvious drawback is AquaKleen’s steep purchase price, especially for the booster pump models. With costs ranging from $1,000 to over $2,000, they represent a significant upfront investment.
Of course, you do get what you pay for in terms of automated convenience. But the pricing can be prohibitive for some budgets.
- Installation Requirements
While convenient once set up, AquaKleen does require proper installation, including new plumbing to your filtration system.
If your pool isn’t already plumbed for an automatic cleaner, factor in potential costs to reroute pipes and hoses. You may also need a licensed electrician for the booster pump wiring.
Ideally, pools should be built AquaKleen-ready to avoid major retrofitting.
- Potential Clogs and Jamming
Though rare in my experience, it’s possible for larger debris to occasionally clog or jam the AquaKleen systems. Things like sticks, leaves, and toys can sometimes impede the brushes or turbines.
When this happened, I had to manually remove and clean out the unit, which eliminates some of the hands-off convenience. Proper ongoing maintenance helps minimize issues.
- Filter Cleaning Required
While extremely convenient overall, you still need to periodically clean out AquaKleen’s filter bags and baskets when full of debris.
It only takes a few minutes, but it’s an extra step you don’t have with built-in pool filters that backwash automatically. So the robotic cleaners aren’t entirely maintenance-free.
- Potential for Damage
There’s also some risk of the AquaKleen inadvertently causing damage while operating unattended. This could include scraping surfaces or tangling in pool covers.
Careful installation and routine supervision are required to make sure the robots don’t go rogue and lead to expensive issues.
Is AquaKleen Worth the Investment?
After weighing the pros and cons from my experience, is the steep price tag of AquaKleen worth the investment?
In my opinion, yes – AquaKleen is worth the cost for several key reasons:
- The cleaning performance is second-to-none, maintaining my pool in near-sparkling condition.
- The hands-off convenience drastically reduces my maintenance workload.
- Despite some minor occasional hiccups, the overall automated operation saves me considerable time.
- Safety features provide peace of mind and prevent tangled hoses or electrical faults.
- Reasonable energy costs, especially for pressure-side models operated off existing pumps.
The upfront purchase price is high. But in terms of freeing up personal time and keeping my pool pristine without daily effort, AquaKleen delivers on its promise. Proper installation and periodic maintenance prevent most issues.
For homeowners who regularly swim and entertain, the costs are justified by the benefits of a consistently clean pool with minimal hassle required. AquaKleen takes a tedious chore and makes it nearly effortless.
So while not affordable for every budget, these robotic cleaners earn their keep for pool owners who can make the initial investment. Considering the years of use you’ll enjoy, AquaKleen can be a worthwhile splurge for certain buyers.
Just be sure to purchase from authorized dealers to protect your warranty. And work with a pool professional for proper sizing and installation to realize AquaKleen’s full benefits.
How AquaKleen Compares To Other Robotic Pool Cleaners?
The robotic pool cleaner market has exploded in recent years, leaving many brands to choose from. Here’s how AquaKleen stacks up against 5 top competitors after my extensive testing.
- Dolphin Sigma
Dolphin Sigma offers powerful scrubbing and vacuuming at a more budget-friendly price point than AquaKleen. It has some smart navigation features using Vectra software and dual scrubbing brushes for thorough cleaning.
However, I found the debris pickup and filtration somewhat lacking compared to AquaKleen models. Suction power could be better, and the filter bags require frequent cleaning.
Overall, Sigma gets the job done but can’t match AquaKleen’s cleaning standards.
- Polaris F9550
The Polaris F9550 is a booster pump cleaner like AquaKleen. It uses what Polaris calls “Vortex Vacuum” technology for strong water flow and debris removal. Dual-stage filtration helps capture fine particulates.
Performance is solid overall, and Polaris touts extra features like an in-line backflush for the filter bag. However, I encountered more issues with clogs and jamming compared to my reliable AquaKleen. It can’t quite keep up with AquaKleen’s cleaning chops.
- Zodiac MX8
Zodiac’s MX8 system is another alternative with Cyclonic suction for steering around your pool. It scrubbs surfaces thoroughly with Twistex tires that maintain constant contact.
But maneuverability is a weak point – the MX8 tends to get stuck in corners regularly. AquaKleen’s navigation and uninterrupted cleaning paths work much smoother. Zodiac also lacks the programmable convenience of AquaKleen.
- Hayward SharkVac
As a veteran brand, Hayward’s SharkVac line offers time-tested reliability. Dual scrubbing brushes with V-Flex technology provide steady suction. The models are energy efficient too.
However, SharkVac simply can’t keep pace with AquaKleen’s cleaning power and debris pickup. Suction lags considerably, and maneuverability is hit or miss. It’s a budget option but shows in performance.
- Smartpool NC22
At under $600, Smartpool’s NC22 is one of the most affordable robotic cleaners. It efficiently skims the floor, walls and waterline using dual scrubbers and a wide suction path.
But the internal pump is weak compared to AquaKleen’s turbine system. Large debris clogs the NC22 regularly, and filtration is subpar. It’s fine for light maintenance but can’t handle heavy-duty cleaning like AquaKleen.
The Bottom Line
AquaKleen delivers excellent cleaning results and unprecedented convenience for pool owners. While pricey up front and not completely maintenance-free, the overall automation and performance make these robotic vacuum cleaners a wise investment for the right buyer.
I’m fully satisfied after months of hands-on experience. While not cheap, my AquaKleen has absolutely been worth every penny.
