Get the robotic cleaner.

Yes, robotic pool cleaners are better than suction-side cleaners. They cost more, but they actually work.

A suction-side cleaner connects to your pool’s skimmer or dedicated suction line, relying on your main pump to pull debris through. That means your pump runs longer, uses more electricity, and the filter gets clogged faster. Plus, suction cleaners can’t climb walls worth a damn and get stuck on corners.

Robotic cleaners are self-contained. They plug into a standard outlet, have their own pump, motor, and filter bag. They scrub walls, steps, and waterline better. They don’t tax your pool’s circulation system at all. They also filter finer particles — good luck with fine silt from a suction-side.

Downside: they cost $500–$1,500 vs. $200–$400 for suction-side. But they last longer, save electricity, and actually clean. If you hate messing with your pool, the robotic is the obvious choice.

You won’t regret the upgrade once you dump out a dry filter bag instead of backwashing.