Automatic pool cleaners

Automatic Pool Cleaners: How to Guide Your Customer

Prepared for:Ms. Owens, Class

InstructorPrepared by:

Michael Gross, Student

Automatic Pool Cleaners 2

OverviewIntroduction Short History of Automatic Pool CleanersDifferent Types of Systems

Low Pressure or SuctionReturn or High PressureAugmented High PressureElectric or Robot

Pool SurfacePool ShapeDebrisSafetyConclusion 6/2/2010


Introduction •Pools are great but must be cleaned often•Manual cleaning - tedious and time consuming

6/2/2010

•Automatic pool cleaners = “set it and forget it”•Many cleaners available•Customers ask for recommendations•To make a valid recommendation, must know • How different systems work • Specifics of pool customer owns


Introduction Short History of Automatic Pool CleanersDifferent Types of Systems


Pool SurfacePool ShapeDebris TypesSafetyConclusion

6/2/2010


A Short History

•Automatic pool cleaners invented in South Africa•1971 - “Pool Bug” invented by John Raubenheimer

• Later patented a different device called “Pool Ranger.”

•1974 - different cleaner made by Ferdinand Chauvier• Began Kreepy Krauly brand

•1976 - Helmut Hofmann patented Baracuda

6/2/2010


A Short History•1981 - Andrew Pansini patented a high pressure device

• Floated on the top of the pool• Spun and scrubbed the edge of the pool• Had dangling whip-like water jets.

•1982 - Andrew Pansini invented a second cleaner• Randomly moving bottom and wall pool cleaner• Again using the high pressure side of the pool pump.

•1995 - Ken Berman developed concept of a self contained, battery powered, and submersible pool cleaner

6/2/2010




Pool SurfacePool ShapeDebrisSafetyConclusion

6/2/2010


Different Types of SystemsLow Pressure or Suction•Connects to the pool’s existing filtration system•Acts like a vacuum cleaner•Cleans both the bottom and walls of the pool•Debris deposited directly into main filtration system, can cause overloading and clogging •Known for low cost and high reliability

6/2/2010


Examples of low pressure (suction)

automatic pool cleaners

6/2/2010


Different Types of SystemsReturn or High Pressure•Also known as boosterless pressure system•Uses built in water return on pool instead of requiring additional pump•Uses the Venturi Effect •Pressure in system is limited by existing pump •Not as effective as pressure systems with booster pumps.

6/2/2010


Different Types of SystemsAugmented High Pressure/Booster•Two variations• Sweep head type• Floats on pool surface• Stirs up smaller debris for built in system to pick up• Not useful for large debris or bottom of pool

• Vacuum head type• Water driven like boosterless• Uses Venturi Effect• Requires additional pump• Not easily added after initial install

6/2/2010


Examples of augmented high pressure (booster pump) automatic pool cleaners (below) and high pressure pump (right)

6/2/2010


Different Types of SystemsElectric or Robot•Completely independent of existing pool system•Can be used in any type of pool•Plug in or battery powered•Have their own filtration system•Expensive

6/2/2010


Example of electric pool cleaner

6/2/2010






Pool SurfacePool surface does not affect cleaner needed

6/2/2010

VinylGunite

TexturedAcrylic

Rubberized Paint






Pool Shape•Rectangular pools have few obstacles (steps and ladders) •Pools with complex shape have additional curves and corners that cleaner has to navigate around•Additional obstacles = more chances to get stuck•Even with random movement of the pool cleaner it is unlikely to reach obstructed areas6/2/2010


Pool Shape

6/2/2010

Problem SpotsLadder

Stair cut-out





6/2/2010


Debris

6/2/2010

• May be floating or on bottom.• May be picked up in pre-pump

basket in suction system.• If too big, will require manual

removal with net.

Pre-pump basket


Debris

6/2/2010

Suction High Pressure Robotic

Small, heavyRocks ✔ X ✔Small, lightweightSeeds

✔ ✔ ✔

IntermediateLeaves, ✔ ✔ ✔LargeTwigs, large insects

X ✔ ✔

Very largeBranches, pinecones, sweet gum balls

X X X






Safety•Do NOT get into pool when any type of automatic cleaner is in use•Electric robot model has the potential to give off lethal doses of electricity• Routinely check system for frayed wiring

•With all systems there is risk of getting tangled in hoses and being injured or held underwater•Make sure all parts are in working order•Follow manufacturer’s instructions

6/2/2010





6/2/2010


Conclusion

6/2/2010

•Many pool cleaning systems are available. •Each has its own unique application based on the operational principles, and pool’s existing pump and filtration system.•Customers need help to make informed decision on best type of cleaner within their budget. •Sales representative must have good understanding of this information to make sound recommendation.


Conclusion

6/2/2010

•No automatic pool cleaner keeps pool spotless.

•Some places must be cleaned by hand or the cleaner guided to a specific area.

•With good understanding and wise purchase, pool owners can then spend more time enjoying their pool instead of cleaning it.

Automatic Pool Cleaners 286/2/2010

Education

Automatic pool cleaners