Building a new pool is the best time to plan for an automatic cleaner. You can fit any type during construction, and pre-plumbing now saves a lot of money compared to tearing things up later. Here is a plain look at your four choices and what each one really costs.
Why Planning During the Build Saves Money
Pre-plumbing for a cleaner during construction usually runs 800 to 1,500 dollars. Adding it to a finished pool later can cost 3,000 to 5,000 dollars because of jackhammering, deck removal, and patching everything back up. Setting it up now means no torn-up concrete or landscaping down the road.
The Four Types at a Glance
- Suction-side: budget choice that works with your existing filter
- Pressure-side: needs a dedicated return line pre-plumbed during the build
- Robotic: no plumbing needed, can be added any time
- In-floor: most seamless, but must be built in during construction
In-Floor Systems: Built In From Day One
In-floor systems use pop-up heads built into the pool floor and steps. Water pressure activates them in timed cycles, pushing debris toward the main drain while circulating treated water. They cost the most, often 3,000 to 10,000 dollars above standard construction, but they hide all the equipment, improve circulation, and run almost maintenance free for years.
Robotic Cleaners: No Plumbing, Maximum Flexibility
Robotic cleaners run on their own, separate from your pool plumbing. You plug one into an outlet, drop it in, and it scrubs floors, walls, and the waterline by itself. There is nothing to pre-plumb, so you can add one whenever you like. Many have smart navigation, schedules, and remote controls, and they move easily between pools.
Pressure-Side Cleaners: A Middle Ground
Pressure-side cleaners sit between robotic and in-floor. You pre-plumb a dedicated return line during the build to power them. They cost less than in-floor systems, reach floors, walls, and steps well, and only need occasional bag emptying. Some use an optional booster pump for extra power.
Suction-Side Cleaners: The Simplest Option
Suction-side cleaners are the easiest to set up. They connect to your skimmer or a dedicated suction line and run off your existing filter pump, so there is no extra equipment to buy. They are the budget pick and clean well without adding much to the build.
What Each Type Really Costs
- Suction-side: 200 to 500 dollars, minimal upkeep
- Pressure-side: 400 to 800 dollars, plus an optional booster pump (800 to 1,500 dollars)
- Robotic: 800 to 3,000 dollars, low running costs since it is energy efficient
- In-floor: 5,000 to 15,000 dollars, almost no ongoing maintenance
If you are still in the planning stage, our inground pool design and installation team can build the right plumbing into your pool from the start.
Common Questions
Do automatic cleaners work with saltwater pools?
Yes. Most modern cleaners are built with corrosion-resistant parts and handle saltwater without any special changes.
Can I switch cleaner types later if I change my mind?
Often yes. Robotic cleaners are the easiest swap since they are self-contained. Switching between suction and pressure types may need extra plumbing work.
Do they work with infinity-edge pools?
Robotic cleaners are usually the best fit because they will not affect the overflow. Suction and pressure cleaners can work too with careful plumbing.
The Bottom Line
You have four solid options, each with its own trade-offs. If you are building now, pre-plumbing for a pressure-side or in-floor system saves money later. Robotic cleaners give you the most flexibility, and suction-side keeps things simple. Match the choice to your budget and how hands-off you want to be.