If you don’t want to use a robotic pool cleaner or a suction pool cleaner (which we talked about in previous top 5 posts), you may want to examine pressure side coolers as an option for your swimming pool maintenance needs. This version of pool cleaner attaches to a port that returns water to the swimming pool. They work by shooting out a stream of water that forces debris into a collection bag for removal. If that seems to fit your needs, here’s our expert’s choice of top 5 pressure side pool cleaners that we offer at Sunplay.

1. Pentair Kreepy Krauly Racer Pool Cleaner

This pressure side cleaner by Pentair is ideal for all kinds of in-ground pools. It finishes cleaning jobs 30% faster than the average pressure side pool cleaners and the speed is easily regulated through the adjustable flow gauge. It’s well designed and features LED lights for built-in illumination for after dark cleanings. The lights are powered through the course of normal operation and don’t require any batteries.

Not only does the Kreepy Krauly Racer feature venturis tubes—the industry’s largest vacuum tube that allows for greater intake—it has four. It also has a rotating brush on the front end of the unit that ensures the vacuum every dirt particle and bit of debris is cleaned away.

Additional Features:

• One-button debris bag removal

• Large intake to grab debris of all sizes

• Built-in handle for easy carrying and removal

• Wide tires for steady traction

• $200 rebate available from the manufacturer through September 2014

• Video on product page

2. Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pool Cleaner

If you’re looking for a pressure side cleaner that’s popular among owners, check out the Vac-Sweep 280 by Polaris. This unit connects to a dedicated pressure line and is powered by double jets and a separate booster pump. It scrubs, sweeps, and vacuums the sides, bottom, and steps of any in-ground pool. It also does a great job of trapping large debris like pebbles and leaves in its filter bag.

Additional Features:

• Fast cleaning time (3 hours or less)

• Runs off a booster pump so it can work independently from the rest of the pool system

• Unique filter bag removes debris before it reaches the pump basket or filter, helping to extend the life of the filtration system

• 31 feet of feed hose

3. Pentair Kreepy Krauly Platinum

The newly redesigned Kreepy Krauly Platinum offers customers four times more cleaning coverage than it did before. It’s the best option for pool owners with lush landscaping and pools that tend to catch heavy amounts of debris because it can handle the tough workload. It accomplishes this because of the dual-thrust jet design that helps deliver more cleaning power and 20% faster cleaning that it did previously.

This unit has a lightweight frame and improved wheel design that makes it stable and unlikely to tip and interrupt a cleaning cycle. It is excellent at collecting sand, dirt, bugs, leaves, and anything else in its path. Cleans concrete/gunite, vinyl, and fiberglass pools.

Additional Features:

• Cleans most pools in 1-3 hours

• Snap-lock closure for debris containment/easy emptying

• Powered by independent booster pump for maximum performance

• 60% larger debris bag

• One year limited warranty

• Front wheel drive for better maneuverability

• Offered in gray and white

• $100 rebate offered through September of 2014

4. Pentair Kreepy Krauly Legend II Pool Cleaner

Fast. Thorough. Energy efficient. These are the hallmarks of the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Legend pressure side pool cleaner, a unit used by more than a million pool owners worldwide. This newly designed machine includes a host of patented design features that give it exceptional vacuuming performance while still being incredibly energy efficient.

The Legend II attaches to your return line and operates during a normal filtration cycle, delivering the same cleaning power as the previous model without requiring a booster pump and more vacuuming power than ever before. The dual thrust jets ensure optimum speed and great cleaning performance. A built-in backup valve activates every 3.5 minutes to ensure total coverage and avoid hang-ups along corners or pool steps. Works on gunite, vinyl, and fiberglass surfaces.

Additional Features:

• Cleans most pools in 1-3 hours

• Front wheel drive for maximum traction on inclined surfaces

• 4-wheel design to prevent tipping

• 60% larger debris bag

• Installs in minutes to your return line

• One year limited warranty

• Greenest and most efficient piece of equipment, given the mark of “Eco Select Choice”

• $100 rebate available through the manufacturer (expires September 2014)

• Video on product page

 

5. Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport Pool Cleaner

The most technologically advanced pressure side cleaner on the market, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 has a PosiDrive all-wheel drive system that offers 50% more torque than anything else available. It has the most vacuum power of any 3-jet Polaris cleaner and has an additional 40 GPM of pool filtration through the filter bag.

The debris bag has a 5-liter capacity (picks up more debris with less time wasted emptying the bag) and is easily attached with an easy twist-on connection. Made of durable plastics and stainless steel hardware, it works in all in-ground pools. It does require a separate booster pump to run the system.

Additional Features:

• 31 feet of feed hose

• Water is filtered throughout the pool while cleaning

• PosiDrive System makes it more reliable and efficient

• Parts are high quality, less likely to need replacement

• Vacuums, sweeps, and scrubs walls and floor of any size or shape pool

• Excellent in hard to reach areas

• Demo video on product page