Suction-Side vs Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners: How to Choose

What the listing words mean

When you read a pool cleaner listing, the type is usually the first word: "suction-side" or "pressure-side." These words describe how the cleaner gets its power and where the debris goes. A suction-side cleaner is powered by the pool's main pump, which pulls water through the cleaner and into the pool's filter. A pressure-side cleaner is powered by water pressure from a return jet, often with a booster pump, and it collects debris in its own bag or canister.

The listing may not always spell out the type. Look for phrases like "connects to skimmer" for suction-side or "requires booster pump" for pressure-side. If the title only says "automatic pool cleaner," check the bullet list for these clues. The type determines what plumbing you need, so it is the first thing to identify. For a deeper look at how each type uses the pool pump, see this guide on suction vs. pressure flow.

• Suction-side: uses the pool pump's suction, sends debris to the filter.
• Pressure-side: uses return water pressure, collects debris in a bag.
• Booster pump: a separate pump that some pressure-side cleaners need.

Plumbing requirements

The biggest difference between the two types is the plumbing they need. A suction-side cleaner connects to the pool's skimmer or a dedicated suction line. If your pool has a skimmer, you can often plug the cleaner into it, but this may reduce the skimmer's ability to catch surface debris while the cleaner runs. Some pools have a dedicated suction line, which is a separate opening in the pool wall that connects directly to the pump.

A pressure-side cleaner connects to a return jet, which is the fitting where water flows back into the pool. Many pressure-side cleaners require a booster pump, which is an additional pump installed near the main pump. The booster pump provides the higher pressure the cleaner needs to move and to power its debris bag. Not all pressure-side cleaners need a booster pump, so read the listing and the maker's page for the specific requirement.

If you are not sure what plumbing your pool has, the maker's manual and a pool professional can tell you. This article does not cover installation steps; the manual is the source for connecting hoses or fittings. For more on how the pump interacts with each type, see this article on pump requirements.

Debris handling

Suction-side and pressure-side cleaners handle debris differently. A suction-side cleaner sends everything it picks up through the hose and into the pool's filter. This means the filter basket or cartridge catches the debris, and you clean the filter as part of your normal pool maintenance. For large debris like leaves, you may need to empty the filter basket more often.

A pressure-side cleaner collects debris in its own bag or canister. This bag is separate from the pool's filter, so you empty it after each cleaning cycle. The bag can hold leaves, twigs, and other debris without clogging the pool's filter. Some pressure-side cleaners have a fine mesh bag for smaller particles, while others have a larger bag for bigger debris.

When you read a listing, look for words like "debris bag," "leaf canister," or "filter basket." These tell you where the debris goes. The bag or canister size is a maker figure, so check the maker's page for the capacity. For a comparison of bag and canister filters, see this article on debris bag vs filter basket.

Pool pump and booster pump

The pool pump is the heart of the circulation system. It moves water through the filter and back to the pool. Suction-side cleaners rely on this pump's suction, so the pump must have enough flow to power the cleaner. Pressure-side cleaners often need a booster pump because the main pump's pressure alone is not enough to drive the cleaner and fill the debris bag.

The ENERGY STAR page on pool pumps explains that pool pumps re-circulate water through a filter to maintain water clarity and hygiene. It also notes that filtration only requires half the flow rate of running a pool cleaner. This means a cleaner adds a demand on the pump. The listing may state a minimum pump flow rate or horsepower, but that figure is the maker's claim, so read it on the listing and the maker's page.

A booster pump is a separate piece of equipment. It is not the same as the main pool pump. If a pressure-side cleaner requires a booster pump, the listing will say so. The booster pump is an additional cost and an additional part to maintain. The ENERGY STAR page includes pressure cleaner booster pumps in its list of certified pool pumps, so you can look for an energy-efficient model if you need one. For more on how the pump affects suction cleaners, see this article on required flow rate.

Pros and cons in listing terms

Each type has trade-offs that show up in listings. A suction-side cleaner is often simpler because it uses the existing pump and filter. You do not need a separate booster pump, and the cleaner is usually less expensive. The downside is that the debris goes to the pool's filter, so you may need to clean the filter more often, especially with leaves.

A pressure-side cleaner collects debris in its own bag, which can be easier on the pool's filter. It may also have a longer hose and a separate booster pump, which adds to the setup. The booster pump is an extra piece of equipment that uses energy, but the ENERGY STAR page notes that certified booster pumps can save energy.

The listing may mention features like "wall climbing" or "waterline cleaning" for either type. These are the maker's claims, so read them as listing terms, not as promises. The type alone does not guarantee a cleaning result. For a comparison of wall-climbing claims, see this article on wall climbing.

How to choose

Start by looking at your pool's plumbing. If you have a skimmer or a dedicated suction line, a suction-side cleaner is a direct fit. If you have a return jet and are willing to add a booster pump, a pressure-side cleaner may suit you. If you are not sure, the maker's manual and a pool professional can help.

Then think about debris. If your pool is under trees and collects leaves, a pressure-side cleaner with a large debris bag might keep the filter cleaner. If you prefer to let the pool's filter handle everything, a suction-side cleaner is simpler.

Finally, consider your budget in tiers, not exact prices. Suction-side cleaners are often in the lower price tiers, while pressure-side cleaners with a booster pump may be in a higher tier. The guides below group cleaners by type and price band, so you can compare listings on stated details. For a broader look at all types, see the best pool cleaner guide.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What is the difference between suction-side and pressure-side pool cleaners?

A suction-side cleaner uses the pool pump's suction to move and sends debris to the pool's filter. A pressure-side cleaner uses water pressure from a return jet, often with a booster pump, and collects debris in its own bag.

Do pressure-side cleaners always need a booster pump?

Not always. Some pressure-side cleaners work with the main pump's pressure alone, but many require a booster pump. Read the listing and the maker's page for the specific requirement.

Which type is better for leaves?

A pressure-side cleaner with a large debris bag can collect leaves without clogging the pool's filter. A suction-side cleaner sends leaves to the filter, so you may need to empty the filter basket more often.

Can you use a suction-side cleaner with any pool pump?

The cleaner needs enough flow from the pump to move. The listing or maker's page may state a minimum pump flow rate. Check the maker's figures before buying.

What is a booster pump?

A booster pump is a separate pump that provides higher pressure for some pressure-side cleaners. It is installed near the main pump and is an additional piece of equipment.