Corded vs Cordless Pool Cleaners: A Practical Guide for Pool Owners

Owning a pool is like having your own little slice of paradise, but let’s be real—it can also come with a lot of work. From leaves and debris to regular dirt buildup, keeping your pool clean is no small task. That’s where a good pool cleaner comes in. But here's the thing: should you go with a corded or cordless cleaner? Both have their benefits, but figuring out which one suits your pool (and your lifestyle) can be tricky. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each to help you choose the best option for making your pool maintenance as easy as possible.

Available Pool Cleaning Options

• Professional Pool Cleaning Services. Regular visits from professional cleaners can be convenient for pool owners who prefer not to handle the cleaning themselves. These services are generally scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, eliminating the need to own or operate any cleaning equipment. However, the ongoing cost can add up, and there’s no flexibility in scheduling—if a pool cleaning session is missed, it may be weeks before the next one occurs.
• Self-Maintained Solutions. A pool vacuum cleaner gives pool owners more autonomy. While the initial cost of purchasing a robotic pool cleaner is higher than paying for professional services, the long-term savings can be significant. Pool owners can clean their pools as often as they need without relying on someone else's schedule.

Living with a Corded Pool Cleaner

A corded pool cleaner requires more setup than its cordless counterpart. Most models need to be plugged into an outlet. Which can be inconvenient sometimes. For smaller pools, the process may be straightforward—simply plug the cleaner in and begin. However, for larger pools, the cord may need to be adjusted or extended to reach all areas of the pool.

Pool owners with larger pools may find themselves spending extra time managing the cord to avoid tangles. This is especially problematic if the pool has complex features like ladders, skimmers, or pool steps, which can cause the cord to get caught. In addition, when the cleaner is in use, the cord can become a trip hazard for anyone near the pool area.

And Using a corded pool cleaner comes with some hidden challenges:

• If the pool is located far from an outlet, extension cords will be needed. This adds to the initial setup time and can create additional problems, such as potential damage to the cord from prolonged use.
• Corded pool cleaners constantly draw power from the electrical grid, which could increase electricity bills, especially during frequent use.
• The long cord and cleaning equipment require adequate storage space when not in use. For some pool owners, this can be a nuisance, especially if there’s limited outdoor storage space.
• The presence of a cord around the pool area can limit how much space is available for lounging, entertaining, or other activities. It can also make it more difficult for children or pets to safely play near the pool.

How About Going With a Cordless One

Well, cordless pool cleaners do simplify the cleaning process. Since these models run on rechargeable batteries, there’s no need to worry about connecting the cleaner to a power source. The cleaner can be dropped into the pool, and it will begin operating automatically, freeing up pool owners from managing cords or worrying about electrical outlets.

For pool owners with irregular schedules or those who don’t want to plan cleaning times around power availability, cordless pool cleaners offer the freedom to clean whenever it’s convenient. Whether it's a quick cleaning session in the morning or a thorough scrub after a pool party, the cleaner is ready when needed.

Though cordless pool cleaners bring significant convenience, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Battery-powered cleaners are ideal for smaller pools, but larger pools may pose a challenge. The cleaner might need to be recharged before finishing the entire job, which can interrupt the cleaning process. Some models offer longer battery life, but pool owners need to assess whether their pool size aligns with the cleaner’s capabilities.
• After each cleaning session, the robotic pool cleaner will need to be recharged. Depending on the model, this could take several hours, which means that the cleaner cannot be used again immediately after it’s been emptied or turned off.
• Over time, the battery will lose its ability to hold a charge, which means it may need to be replaced. Replacing batteries can be expensive, especially for high-end models. Owners should factor in the cost of battery replacement as part of the overall cost of ownership.

Corded or Cordless Pool Cleaner

Before jumping to any purchase decision, think more in a practical sense:

Pool Layout

• If your pool has a lot of tight corners, stairs, or tricky spots, a cordless robotic cleaner might be the way to go. Without a cord, it can move freely around the pool and get into all those hard-to-reach areas without getting stuck.
• Or if your pool is smaller and simpler, a corded cleaner could work just fine. The cord’s easy to manage, and you won’t have to worry about the cleaner getting tangled up or limited in movement.

Usage Patterns

• How often do you use your pool? If your pool gets a lot of action—like regular swim sessions with the family—a robotic cleaner is probably a better fit. These are built for frequent use and can easily tackle a quick clean after each swim.
• If your pool isn’t used as much, say only a few times a week or just during the summer, a corded cleaner might be enough to keep things in check. Or, you could even consider pool cleaning services if you prefer not to deal with it yourself.

Cost

• Corded pool cleaners are generally more affordable upfront but come with higher electricity costs. Additionally, cords can be cumbersome, and replacement parts like extension cords may add to the overall expense.
• Cordless pool cleaners require a higher initial investment but offer the advantage of no ongoing electricity consumption. Over time, the cost savings on energy can offset the higher initial price. However, replacing batteries and other parts should be factored into the long-term cost.

Long-Term Ownership Reality

True Costs Over Time

When evaluating the long-term costs of corded and cordless pool cleaners, consider both maintenance and energy consumption.

• Energy Bills vs. Battery Replacement. Corded pool cleaners increase electricity consumption each time they are used, leading to higher utility bills. Cordless models, while more energy-efficient in terms of electricity usage, will eventually need battery replacements, which can be a significant expense.
• Maintenance. Corded pool cleaners generally require less maintenance than robotic pool cleaners. They are straightforward in design, and issues typically involve wear on the cord or mechanical parts. On the other hand, robotic pool cleaners may require occasional repairs to sensors or parts, but they are generally self-sufficient when it comes to regular use.

Adapt to Your Pool’s Needs

Pool conditions change throughout the year. For example, autumn often brings more debris, while summer can see more frequent pool use. A robotic pool cleaner can be more adaptable to these changes, handling different types of debris without requiring much intervention. However, for owners who have a more stable pool environment, a corded pool cleaner may be sufficient.

Final Words

If you have a small pool or don’t mind managing a cord, a corded cleaner might be the way to go. But, if you’re all about convenience and want something that’s easy to use, a cordless model could save you a lot of time and stress.