If you want to enjoy a beautiful, clean pool without spending an exorbitant amount of time keeping it that way, an in-floor pool cleaning system might be just the ticket. These built-in systems work on their own to keep the walls and floor of your pool clean and bacteria free. These cleaners use jets that are built into the floor of the pool and pop up at your command to loosen debris and direct it toward your pool's filtration system. We've got the basics on an in-floor pool cleaning system to help you decide if this is the right choice for your backyard swimming pool.

Where Do You Find In-Floor Pool Cleaning Systems?

In-floor pool cleaning systems are typically found in many commercial pools today because they alleviate much of the labor necessary for properly maintaining the pool. However, homeowners are also tuning into the benefits of in-floor pool cleaning systems and are installing them in their backyard pools as well. The system must be installed when the pool is constructed and is generally only used in concrete or gunite swimming pools. However, some models are also specifically designed for use with fiberglass or vinyl liners as well.

How Do In-Floor Pool Cleaning Systems Work?

In-floor pool cleaning systems use high-powered water jets to keep the pool clean. These jets originate from nozzles on the floor of the pool that pop up on command and rotate a stream of water around the pool floor. There are usually a number of nozzles spaced evenly across the pool to ensure the entire area gets cleaned. The nozzles typically work in sequential order so the water pressure is focused on a single nozzle at a time. This ensures the water pressure is sufficient to produce the kind of cleaning the pool owner wants. Dirt and debris are loosened from the surface of the pool and the jet streams either direct the dirt into the main drain of the pool or toward the filter where it will be cleaned out of the water.

Who Sells the Cleaners and How Much Do They Cost?

In-floor pool cleaners are sold by some swimming pool suppliers. If you are interested in an in-floor cleaning system, you will want to find a pool contractor who is experienced in installing these devices at the time of pool construction. The price of an in-floor pool cleaner is pretty high, costing up to a few thousand dollars a pop, depending on the size of your pool and the number of zones your system requires. However, many homeowners find the cost to be well worth it when they spend much less time cleaning their pool and more time enjoying it.

A pool cleaner is a necessary evil if you want your pool to remain clean and healthy for swimming. The good news is that there are many options to choose from, depending on your personal preference and your budget. The addition of an in-floor pool cleaning system will cost more, but it will also keep your swimming pool spic and span and allow you to spend more time enjoying family time around the pool rather than worrying about keeping it clean.