A pool’s suction is created by the filter pump sucking water from the pool toward the filtration equipment. This is referred to as the “suction side” rather than the “return side.” Pool cleaners such as the Sta-Rite Great White, Kreepy Krauly, the Polaris 150 and many others attach to the suction ports in the pool. Some pools have a wall mount fitting or a port that a fitting can be attached to while at other pools one of the skimmers may have to be used to attach the cleaner hose. Dirt and debris is sucked out of the pool while the pool cleaner cruises around the floor and climbs the walls of the pool. The debris is taken to the filter pump basket, a separate leaf catcher, or in-line leaf catcher while smaller debris is sent through the filtration system. The pump baskets and any leaf catchers will have to be emptied often because if they get clogged the cleaner will slow down and stop picking up debris.

A suction side cleaner is sometimes a more cost effective option than a pressure side cleaner however if the ability is there to go with a pressure side that would be the better option. If the pool only has one skimmer it might not be a good idea to use the only skimmer for the pool cleaner hose. A robot may be a better choice. The cost of a suction side cleaner is reasonable because there is no need for a booster pump which would double the price for the whole set up.

Pressure Side Cleaners

Some of these units are “low pressure” cleaners such as Polaris 360, Jandy Ray Vac, and Letro Legend II. They attach to return ports that are just powered by the main pool pump. Others such as Polaris 180, 280 and 380 require a booster pump to provide enough pressure to the cleaner.