If you’ve got a pool, you already know that keeping it clean is a job in itself. Between leaves blowing in, algae building up along the walls, and fine debris settling on the floor, a pool that isn’t regularly vacuumed turns from a backyard oasis into a maintenance headache fast. The good news is you don’t have to do it manually — and if you’re building a new pool with Pinnacle or upgrading your current setup, we can set you up with the right automatic cleaner from day one.
Here’s a breakdown of your options and why we recommend Polaris robotic cleaners to our customers.
The Three Types of Automatic Pool Cleaners
Suction-Side Cleaners — These connect directly to your pool’s skimmer or a dedicated suction port and use the pool pump to move around and collect debris. They’re the most affordable entry point but put extra wear on your pump and filter, and they’re not as thorough on walls or steps. Fine for light-duty maintenance on smaller pools.
Pressure-Side Cleaners — These connect to a return jet and use water pressure to push debris into their own filter bag, which keeps it out of your main filter. Polaris invented the pressure-side cleaner over 50 years ago and their lineup — including the classic Polaris 280 — is still one of the most reliable options on the market for pools that deal with heavy leaf and debris loads. Here in South Louisiana, where you’re often dealing with oak leaves, Spanish moss, and pine needles, a pressure-side cleaner can be a solid choice.
Robotic Cleaners — This is the top of the line, and it’s what we install and recommend most often. Robotic cleaners run completely independently from your pool’s pump and filtration system — you just plug them into a GFCI outlet and press start. They scrub the floor, walls, and waterline, collect debris in their own canister, and use smart navigation to cover the entire pool efficiently. They use less energy than running your pump for manual vacuuming, and the results are noticeably better.
Why We Recommend Polaris
As a Jandy dealer, Pinnacle works with the Polaris lineup — and for good reason. Polaris has been the gold standard in automatic pool cleaners for decades, and their robotic models have gotten significantly smarter in recent years. Models like the Polaris 9550 Sport include 4-wheel drive, Vortex Vacuum technology, a large debris canister, and a handheld remote. Higher-end options like the P965iQ connect to WiFi and can be controlled through a smartphone app or Amazon Alexa — which pairs seamlessly with Jandy’s iAquaLink smart pool control system if you have that set up.
For pools up to 60 feet, the tangle-reducing swivel cable and wall-climbing capability means you get a complete clean every time without having to move the cleaner yourself or fish debris out of corners.
What to Consider When Choosing
A few things that actually affect which cleaner makes sense for your pool:
- Pool size and shape — Larger pools and freeform shapes need a cleaner with smart navigation and good wall coverage
- Debris type — Heavy leaf loads call for larger canisters and stronger suction; fine sand or silt needs finer filtration
- Budget — Robotic cleaners cost more upfront but save money long-term by reducing pump run time and keeping your main filter cleaner
- Smart home integration — If you have or plan to add Jandy iAquaLink automation, a WiFi-connected Polaris robotic cleaner fits right into that ecosystem
Ask Us What We’d Put in Our Own Pool
When Pinnacle builds your pool, we don’t just hand you the keys and walk away — we make sure you have everything you need to maintain it easily. If you’re not sure which cleaner fits your pool, give us a call at (225) 757-6138 or contact us here. We’ll give you a straight answer based on your actual setup, not just whatever’s easiest to sell.