Top Factors to Consider Before Buying Any Pool Cleaner

Skimming leaves every morning. Scrubbing steps before guests arrive. Wondering if the cloudy water is just pollen or something worse. If you’ve ever looked at your pool and thought, “There has to be an easier way,” you’re not alone.

A good pool cleaner can take hours of work off your hands each week. But not all cleaners work the same way, and not all are right for your pool. Before clicking "buy," there are a few important details worth thinking through. The right choice can save you time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.

Assessing Your Pool Type and Size

Looking at your pool’s structure first. The type and size of your pool affect which cleaner will work best.

Common pool shapes and what to consider:

• Rectangle: Easy for most cleaners to navigate.
• Oval or Round: Some models may miss edges without smart pathing.
• Freeform or Irregular: Needs advanced navigation to avoid blind spots.
• L-shaped or Custom Designs: Best matched with a robotic cleaner that maps routes.

Other factors to check:

• Above-ground pools often need lighter, smaller cleaners.
• In-ground pools can handle heavier robotic models with advanced features.
• Surface type (vinyl, tile, fiberglass, concrete) affects grip and brush effectiveness.
• Steps, benches, or ledges may stop low-end cleaners. Look for models with climbing support.
• Deep ends or sloped floors require strong traction and torque control.

The iGarden Pool Cleaner K60 handles all these challenges with wall-climbing, step handling, and adaptive torque—great for large or shaped pools that standard models can’t fully cover.

What Kind of Debris Do You Have?

The kind of dirt or debris in your pool tells you what power and filter type you need. Here’s what to look for.

Common pool debris types:

• Dry leaves and twigs: Fall into pools under trees; require strong suction.
• Sand or fine dust: Common in windy, dry areas; needs fine micron filters.
• Hair and lint: From swimmers or pets, can clog smaller intakes.
• Grass clippings and pollen: Light but frequent; builds up fast in spring.
• Algae (loose or dead): May look like dust, but needs better suction to remove.

A basic suction cleaner may handle dust, but not leaves or clumps. Choose a cleaner that matches your real-world mess. The K60’s Turbo 200% mode handles both dry and wet debris, lifting heavier waste like hair and leaves with ease. For homes near trees, gardens, or pets, that extra power makes a big difference.

Understanding Different Pool Cleaner Technologies

Pool cleaners come in three main types. Each works differently and suits different needs:

Suction-Side Pool Cleaners: These cleaners attach to your pool’s existing suction line (usually the skimmer or dedicated port). They use your pool pump’s suction to move and collect debris. While these are budget-friendly, they rely heavily on the pool’s filtration system and often follow a random cleaning path. They work best in smaller pools with minimal debris.

Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners: These models connect to a return line and use the water pressure from your pool pump—or a booster pump—to move. Many have separate debris bags, so they don’t overload your pool filter. They can handle medium to large debris and are a step up in performance, especially for pools that collect leaves and larger waste.

Robotic Pool Cleaners: Robotic units are self-contained. They run on electricity, have built-in motors and pumps, and come with their own filtration system. They often include smart navigation to scan the pool layout and clean in logical, efficient patterns. These are the most advanced and user-friendly, with models capable of climbing walls, avoiding obstacles, and filtering both fine and large debris.

The iGarden Pool Cleaner K60 is a robotic model. It uses 3D “S” Path navigation to scan and clean your pool precisely. It works independently of your pool’s pump system, reduces energy use, and handles steps, walls, and slopes with adaptive torque control.

Filtration Capabilities and Bag/Canister Size

A cleaner’s job isn’t just to move—it has to collect dirt too. Always check the filter quality and container size. The finer the filter, the more dirt it catches. Look for one that can grab small particles, not just big leaves.

A good cleaner should have a filter with at least 180-micron capability. That lets it trap things like dust, pollen, and sand. The iGarden K60 meets this standard. It leaves the water visibly clear and ready to swim in.

Also, check how much debris the unit can hold. A small canister means you’ll stop and empty it more often. Bigger containers save time, especially for larger pools or messy seasons.

Ease of Use and Maintenance Requirements

Nobody wants a tool that takes forever to set up. Look for a model that’s easy to control, store, and clean after use.

Touch controls can help a lot. A full-screen interface gives you better access to settings without pressing ten buttons. The iGarden K60 includes this kind of interface, so you can start a clean or switch modes with a tap.

You should also be able to rinse or empty the filter without digging through wires or tubes. The design should support quick cleanup and storage. If maintenance takes too long, you might stop using the cleaner altogether.

Budget and Long-Term Costs

The upfront price is just the beginning. A lower-cost pool cleaner, usually priced between $200 and $500, might work for light debris in small above-ground pools. But these models often lack smart features, wear out faster, and may miss areas that still need to be cleaned by hand.

Mid-range cleaners, from $600 to $900, often perform better. They usually cover more ground and may include features like wall-climbing or stronger suction.

High-end models, which often cost over $1,000, tend to offer smarter navigation, better durability, and fewer replacement needs over time. Some also work independently from the pool’s pump, saving energy and reducing system wear.

The iGarden Pool Cleaner K60 is priced at $1,498, with a $649 discount available using code K60. It includes intelligent path planning, Turbo 200% suction, and a touchscreen control panel. For large pools or homes that need frequent cleaning, this type of investment can deliver better long-term value—less hassle, less water waste, and cleaner results.

Warranty and Customer Support

Even the best machines can have problems. That’s why support matters. Always check the warranty length and what it covers. Is it just the motor, or the full unit? Are replacement parts available?

Also, see if customer service is easy to reach. If there’s an app, is it reliable? If you send an email, do they respond within a day?

The iGarden K60 comes with a 3-year full machine replacement protection plan. That means the whole unit is covered, not just certain parts. That kind of guarantee adds peace of mind, especially when spending over a thousand dollars.

Making the Right Choice for Your Pool

Buying a pool cleaner can feel like a big decision, but it gets easier once you focus on the right details. Look at your pool’s size, shape, and type of mess. Then match those needs with the right cleaner. A good model should be strong, smart, and easy to manage. That way, you get clean water without doing the hard work yourself.

If you’re looking for a feature-rich robotic cleaner, the iGarden Pool Cleaner K60 (see its features below) offers powerful suction, intelligent path planning, and easy touch controls—all packed into a sleek design that’s built to handle steps, slopes, and wall surfaces. For large or complex pools, it can be a smart investment that saves both time and effort.

Feature	Details
Cleaning Type	Robotic, 3D “S” Path navigation
Runtime	Up to 360 minutes per session
Battery Life per Charge	Up to 10 days of usage
Suction Power	Turbo 200% Mode for heavy debris
Debris Handling	Fine particles, leaves, and pet hair
Filter Rating	180-micron filtration system
Surface Coverage	Steps, slopes, walls
Control Interface	Full-screen smart touch control
Protection	3-Year Full Machine Replacement
MSRP	$1,498 (Save $649 with Code: K60)