Side Brushes on Pool Cleaners: Do You Need Them?

What side brushes do on a pool cleaner

A side brush is a small rotating brush mounted on the side of a pool cleaner, usually near the bottom. Its job is to sweep debris from areas the main brush or suction path cannot reach directly, such as wall edges, corners, and the transition where the wall meets the floor. As the cleaner moves along a wall, the side brush flicks dirt and leaves into the cleaner's path so they can be collected.

On a listing, side brushes may appear as "side brushes," "corner brushes," or "edge brushes." Some titles mention them as a feature, while others list them in the bullet points. If a listing does not mention side brushes, it does not mean the cleaner lacks them; it may simply not be a detail the seller chose to highlight. Check the maker's page for the full brush configuration. For example, a robotic cleaner from AIPER or Maytronics may list side brushes as part of its wall-climbing features, but the exact brush setup is on the maker's page.

• Side brushes help clean wall edges and corners by sweeping debris into the cleaner's main path.
• They are most useful in pools with steps, corners, or a distinct wall-floor transition.
• Not all pool cleaners include side brushes; robotic models are more likely to list them.

Which pool cleaner types include side brushes

Side brushes are most commonly found on robotic pool cleaners. Many robotic models, such as those from AIPER or Maytronics, list side brushes as a feature because they are designed to scrub walls and waterlines. Suction-side and pressure-side cleaners may also have brushes, but they are often described differently, such as "brush heads" or "scrubbing brushes," and may not be called side brushes.

When comparing listings, look for the brush configuration in the title or bullet list. A robotic cleaner that says "wall climbing" or "waterline cleaning" may include side brushes to help with those tasks, but the listing will usually state it explicitly. If the listing does not mention side brushes, check the maker's page for the full brush setup. For example, a wall climbing pool cleaner may list side brushes as part of its edge cleaning capability.

For suction-side cleaners, the brush is often part of the cleaner head rather than a separate side brush. Pressure-side cleaners may use a sweep hose or a brush head instead. The term "side brush" is most specific to robotic cleaners, so it is a useful keyword when searching for a cleaner that can handle edges and corners. If you are comparing suction-side options, see the best suction pool cleaners guide for brush head details.

• Robotic cleaners: often list side brushes as a feature, especially wall-climbing models.
• Suction-side cleaners: may have brushes on the head, but not always called side brushes.
• Pressure-side cleaners: may use a sweep hose or brush head instead of side brushes.

Do you need side brushes on your pool cleaner?

Whether you need side brushes depends on your pool's shape and where debris collects. If your pool has many corners, steps, or a sharp wall-floor transition, side brushes can help keep those areas clean. If your pool is mostly open with few edges, the main brush may be enough. For a pool with steps, consider a cleaner that lists side brushes as a feature; the pool cleaner for pools with steps article explains what to look for.

Side brushes are not a substitute for a cleaner that climbs walls or cleans the waterline. They are an aid for edges and corners, not a promise of wall cleaning. A cleaner with side brushes may still be floor-only, so read the listing for wall climbing and waterline features separately. The waterline cleaning article covers that feature in detail.

For a first-time buyer, side brushes are a nice-to-have feature rather than a necessity. Focus on the cleaner type that fits your pool, such as a robotic cleaner for an inground pool or a suction-side cleaner for an above ground pool. Then consider side brushes as an extra that helps with edges and corners. The best pool cleaner for inground pools guide can help you compare models with and without side brushes.

• Consider side brushes if your pool has many corners, steps, or a distinct wall-floor transition.
• Side brushes do not replace wall climbing or waterline cleaning features.
• For a simple pool shape, side brushes may be less important.

How to compare side brush features on listings

When comparing pool cleaners, look for the brush configuration in the listing title and bullet points. Terms like "side brush," "corner brush," or "edge brush" indicate that the cleaner has brushes designed for edges. If the listing does not mention them, check the maker's page for the full brush setup. The pool cleaner brush types by surface material article explains how brush materials differ.

Also consider the number of brushes. Some cleaners list "dual side brushes" or "twin brushes," which may indicate more coverage. However, the number of brushes is not a promise of cleaning performance; it is a feature to note. The single brush vs twin brush robot article discusses this comparison in more depth.

Remember that the site compares cleaners on stated details only. The presence of side brushes is a stated detail, but how well they work in a specific pool is not something the site can verify. Read the maker's page for the brush material and design, and consider your pool's needs. For a general overview of what to look for, the best pool cleaner guide is a good starting point.

• Look for "side brush," "corner brush," or "edge brush" in the listing.
• Check the bullet list for the number of brushes, such as "dual side brushes."
• Read the maker's page for brush material and design details.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What does a side brush do on a pool cleaner?

A side brush sweeps debris from wall edges, corners, and the floor-wall transition into the cleaner's main path, helping to clean areas the main brush cannot reach directly.

Do all pool cleaners have side brushes?

No. Side brushes are more common on robotic cleaners, especially wall-climbing models. Suction-side and pressure-side cleaners may use other brush configurations.

Are side brushes necessary for cleaning corners?

Side brushes help with corners and edges, but some cleaners use other designs, such as a brush head that reaches into corners. Check the listing for corner or edge cleaning features.

How do you know if a pool cleaner has side brushes?

Look for "side brush," "corner brush," or "edge brush" in the listing title or bullet points. If not listed, check the maker's page for the full brush configuration.