How Long Do Automatic Pool Cleaners Last?

Whether you have an automatic pool cleaner already or you are thinking of getting one, many pool owners wonder about the longevity of their automatic pool cleaners. You might want to know when it is time to replace your current pool cleaner. Or you may simply want more information before you make the big purchase. Automatic pool cleaners don’t come cheap, so deciding if it’s worth it is important.

In this article, I will answer the question: how long do automatic pool cleaners last?

Main Takeaways

• Automatic pool cleaners generally last 4 to 5 years.
• Factors that affect longevity include the brand, the type of pool cleaner, the maintenance, and the warranty.
• Price and longevity are connected, but not always.
• Automatic pool cleaners are worth it as they can save you time and energy.

Quick Answer: Typical Lifespan of an Automatic Pool Cleaner

The actual lifespan of an automatic pool cleaner will generally depend on the brand and model you get. On average, you can expect your automatic pool cleaner to last around 4 to 5 years. But some automatic pool cleaners can last up to 8 years if you take good care of them.

What Factors Go into Longevity?

The lifespan of an automatic pool cleaner is not dependent on just one thing. In fact, there are many factors to consider to determine the product’s longevity. Some factors that go into longevity include the brand, the type of pool cleaner, the maintenance, and the warranty.

Brand

Ideally, you should purchase your automatic pool cleaner from a reputable brand. You must do research beforehand to ensure the brand is tried and trusted. One way of doing this is by reading reviews from other customers and testers of the product. Another way to ensure the brand is trustworthy is simply purchasing from a company you already know.

If you are unsure where to look, ask a professional for recommendations. I recommend Zodiac, Hayward, Polaris, and Dolphin. However, plenty of other great brands have created excellent automatic pool cleaners.

Type of Automatic Pool Cleaner

There are three main types of automatic pool cleaners:

• Pressure-side
• Suction-side
• Robotic

The lifespan will differ slightly depending on the kind of automatic pool cleaner you get. On average, expect a pressure-side pool cleaner to last you somewhere between 5 to 7 years. On the other hand, a suction-side pool cleaner will usually have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. And finally, a robotic pool cleaner should generally last you somewhere between 4 to 5 years, but some may even last up to 8 years if well-maintained

Maintenance

Properly maintaining your automatic pool cleaner is incredibly important for the machine’s longevity. You should be looking after your pool cleaner as a part of your pool maintenance routine. Simply taking care of it well can make a huge difference.

Here are some things you can do to improve the longevity of your automatic pool cleaner:

• Regularly clean it
• Regularly check for wear
• Remove it from the pool after each use
• Remove it from the swimming pool when chemicals are being added
• Lessen sun exposure
• Properly store it over winter

Warranty

One last thing that can affect the longevity of an automatic pool cleaner is the warranty. Protect your investment with a good warranty. Of course, the last thing you’ll want is to use it, but the reality is that parts can break down. For this reason, getting a warranty is always a good idea.

I recommend getting an extended warranty if possible. This way, instead of purchasing an entirely new pool cleaner, you can replace any broken parts, extending your automatic pool cleaner’s lifespan.

Price and Longevity: An Important Comparison

The price is probably one of the most important factors when it comes to longevity. After all, if you’re like most people, the intersection between cost and longevity is how you’ll see the product’s value.

Generally, a more expensive product will indeed be of better quality, therefore having better longevity and durability. After all, you can’t expect a $100 automatic pool cleaner to last as long as a $1,000 one. But the factors listed above and other slight nuances also affect what is otherwise a properly linear line for the connection between price and longevity.

The other thing to consider is that robotic pool cleaners are the most expensive type of automatic pool cleaner. However, this does not necessarily mean that they have the best longevity. In fact, on average, pressure-side pool cleaners will last longer simply because of the ease of replacing any broken or worn-down parts. Alternatively, the cheapest automatic pool cleaner option – the suction-side cleaner – also has the lowest life expectancy.

In short, although price and longevity are connected, other factors must be considered.

Are Automatic Pool Cleaners Worth It?

Automatic pool cleaners are not the cheapest equipment for your pool. Especially if you consider a robotic pool cleaner, a more high-end product. So, are they worth it?

I need to discuss what an automatic pool cleaner can do for you to answer this.

Automatic pool cleaners will clean your pool with minimal effort; you will have a clean pool that will be the envy of all of your neighbors.

Another great advantage of having an automatic pool cleaner is saving time and energy. You will no longer have to painstakingly clean every inch of your pool daily; an automatic pool cleaner will do this job for you. This does not mean you won’t ever have to put in any effort to clean your pool, but it will save you time as the pool cleaner will do most of your job.

And since you can save time and energy, the automatic pool cleaner will allow you to multitask. Simply turn your pool cleaner on, and while it is doing its thing, you can do something else to maintain your pool, such as changing the sand in your filter or cleaning your pool skimmer. Or you can just sit back and relax with a drink in hand.

If saving time and energy sounds like something you need, automatic pool cleaners are an excellent purchase for your pool. The good thing is there is an automatic pool cleaner for every budget, so whatever you decide to get, it will be worth it. For specific recommendations, refer to my best automatic pool cleaners article.

Have questions? Let me know; I’m happy to answer them. You can also read some of my other pool cleaner support articles, which I linked below.

• How does an automatic pool cleaner work?
• Automatic pool cleaner not working? Here’s how to fix it