Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies

Where’s The Jellyfish Cleaner?!

Published

5 months ago

June 21, 2026

The evolution of automatic pool cleaners over the last forty years has been remarkable. Many professionals who have been in the industry long enough remember the Arneson Pool Sweep — the “jellyfish cleaner,” as I called it when I was a child — pulsing its way across the pool floor. Others recall the Ray-Vac, which, to my young imagination, looked exactly like a stingray gliding along the bottom. These early hydraulic cleaners were simple, mechanical, and surprisingly effective for their time, even if most of us didn’t fully understand how they worked.

Today’s Pool Cleaning Landscape

Today, modern pools may rely on in-floor cleaning systems, robotic cleaners, suction-side units, or pressure-side cleaners. Each of these technologies has a legitimate place in the industry, but none of them is universally appropriate. Cleaner selection must be based on hydraulics, debris load, regional environment, and overall system design. It cannot be reduced to brand familiarity or homeowner preference alone.

When a client contacts me about replacing a pool sweep, the evaluation begins long before I recommend a product. I start by examining the filtration system, pump type, plumbing layout, and overall equipment condition. I walk the property and assess the surrounding landscape — not just the client’s trees, but the neighbors’ as well. My mother, who serviced pools long before I did, taught me that anything within a five-mile radius can eventually end up in a pool. She wasn’t exaggerating. That principle still guides my assessments today. Cleaner selection is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It is a hydraulic engineering decision.

Pressure-Side Cleaners Have Their Place

Pressure-side cleaners rely on return-side pressure to move throughout the pool and collect debris. They excel in high-foliage environments because they capture medium-to-large debris in an onboard bag, keeping it out of the pool’s suction plumbing. Booster pump models provide consistent performance and maintain cleaning efficiency regardless of filter condition, though they require dedicated plumbing and increase energy consumption. Non-booster models depend heavily on system hydraulics and can quickly lose effectiveness when filters are dirty, cartridges are failing, or plumbing is undersized. Tires, belts, bearings, and debris bags are the most common wear items. Pressure-side cleaners are particularly effective in heavily landscaped yards, where their wide intake and debris bag help prevent clogging and maintain reliable performance.

Suction-Side Cleaners and System Load

Suction-side cleaners operate using the pool’s existing filtration system and are well-suited for fine debris, dust, and small leaves. They perform especially well in desert environments or pools with minimal foliage, provided the filter is properly sized and well-maintained. Because suction cleaners increase filter load, they require more frequent filter cleanings to maintain performance. Their effectiveness is directly tied to filter condition and pump speed, and they benefit significantly from the addition of an inline leaf canister to help prevent plumbing blockages.

One of the most important lessons I learned early in my career came from trying to help a budget-conscious homeowner. Her older pool lacked a dedicated cleaner line, so I installed a suction cleaner through the skimmer. The cartridges were failing, the hydraulics were weak, and a massive oak tree overshadowed the pool. The cleaner simply could not keep up. It underperformed, I refunded her money, and ultimately lost the client. That experience reinforced a critical truth: cleaner selection must be based on system capability, not just cost.

In-Floor Cleaning Systems

In-floor cleaning systems are engineered directly into the pool structure and rely on pop-up heads to push debris toward the main drain. When properly designed, they provide excellent circulation and a clean aesthetic with no visible cleaner in the pool. However, they require strong pump performance and regular head maintenance, and they can be expensive to repair or retrofit. When the hydraulics are correct, they are highly effective. When they are not, they can become a long-term liability.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic cleaners operate independently from the pool’s circulation system and offer some of the highest filtration capabilities available today. Many models filter down to 2–5 microns, significantly reducing the workload placed on the pool’s primary filtration system. They excel at wall climbing, tile-line scrubbing, and energy efficiency. Because they operate on low voltage, they must be plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet, and the transformer must be positioned at least ten feet away from the water. Robots should never be operated while swimmers are in the pool.

Despite their advantages, robotic cleaners do have limitations. Motor blocks typically last three to five years, and some units struggle with complex baja shelves, irregular steps, or pools with heavy dog use. Still, for many modern pools, they provide the best overall cleaning performance available today.

Variable-Speed Pumps Changed Everything

Cleaner performance is inseparable from hydraulic conditions. A mismatch between cleaner type and system capability can lead to cavitation, low-flow alarms, heater shutdowns, poor debris removal, excessive filter pressure, and premature equipment wear.

Variable-speed pumps add another layer of complexity. If a pump is programmed too low, suction cleaners stall, pressure cleaners lose drive pressure, in-floor systems fail to pop properly, and heaters or flow switches may shut down.

The best practice is to program a dedicated cleaner speed directly into the automation or pump schedule. For suction cleaners, installing an actuator to isolate the cleaner line during non-cleaning cycles can help preserve skimmer efficiency and extend the cleaner’s lifespan.

Why Geography Matters

Cleaner selection must also account for regional differences. Fine dust in desert climates requires different filtration capabilities than large leaves in wooded environments. Coastal regions introduce sand and silt. High-pollen areas demand stronger micron filtration.

Surface type, pool geometry, and local energy regulations — especially Title 20 and Title 24 requirements in California — all influence cleaner performance and overall system compatibility. A cleaner that performs flawlessly in Northern California may struggle in North Carolina or Southern California simply because of environmental differences.

The Real Lesson Behind the “Jellyfish Cleaner”

The Arneson “jellyfish cleaner” may now be a nostalgic memory, but it still represents an enduring truth: a cleaner only works when it matches the pool’s hydraulics, environment, and system design. Modern cleaners are more advanced, more specialized, and more capable than ever before, but they are also more dependent on proper selection and configuration.

As professionals, our responsibility is to evaluate every pool as a unique hydraulic system and recommend the cleaner that will perform reliably within that environment. Cleaner selection is not a sales decision. It is a technical decision. When done correctly, it leads to cleaner pools, happier clients, and fewer callbacks — a win for both the homeowner and the professional.

Observations From The Field

JR Ramos, Popas’ Pools — Placerville, CA

“We service more than 500 pools each week using a wide variety of cleaners, including pressure-side, return-side, suction-side, and robotic units.

In my experience, the Polaris 280 pressure-side cleaner stands out as one of the sleekest and most durable cleaners on the market, with one of the largest debris bags available.

While replacement parts are affordable, it does require a booster pump, so it may not be the most energy-efficient option. That said, it remains incredibly reliable.”

Dan Lenz — Manhattan, IL

“Before robotics, I was a pressure-side guy. I think it stemmed from the days of the Arneson Pool Sweep and later expanded into Polaris pressure-side cleaners. I was never a fan of suction-side cleaners. In the Midwest, they would clog skimmer or pump baskets too quickly with debris and put major strain on the pump. Cavitation and shaft seal failures were common.

My own pool, which I built in 2006 in the shape of a famous rodent, proved to be a challenge for pressure-side cleaners because, at the time, most had a maximum hose length of only 30 feet. The pool was 48 feet wide and 36 feet tall, and the head alone was a 30-foot-diameter circle. The pressure-side cleaner could barely cover it.

To compensate, I installed in-floor cleaning in the ears. What I didn’t anticipate was that every time the pressure-side cleaner headed toward an ear, the hose would pull tight, causing the cleaner to do a wheelie and fall onto its side, wasting valuable cycle time before righting itself. The ears were always spotless thanks to the in-floor system, and I eventually wished I had installed it throughout the entire pool.

Years later, my pressure cleaner finally died. While waiting for parts, I brought home a demo robotic cleaner from Maytronics. The thing had a 60-foot cord. It rolled over my in-floor heads like roadkill, scooping up debris before the heads even had a chance to rotate. For the first time, I was no longer limited by hose length.

In the twenty years since building that pool, it has basically become a crash-test dummy for everything in the swimming pool industry — pumps, salt systems, ORP and pH metering systems, automation systems from just about every manufacturer you can think of. I’ve probably tested nearly every pool cleaner on the market, and none of them compare to robotics.”

5/5 - (11 votes)

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Kelli Clancy

Kelli Clancy is a seasoned pool industry professional and owner of Legacy Pool & Spa in Sacramento, CA. Aside from being a frequent contributor to Pool Magazine, she is one of the founders of PGP - Pool Girl Pro Industry Training Group.

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Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies

Pool Equipment Theft Is Becoming a Bigger Problem Than Most Homeowners Realize

Pool equipment theft is on the rise. Learn why thieves target pool pads and how to protect your pool equipment.

Published

2 weeks ago

October 21, 2026

Pool News

Pool Equipment Theft Is Becoming a Bigger Problem Than Most Homeowners Realize

Pool equipment theft isn’t something most homeowners bother to think about until it happens to them.

That was the case recently in Bakersfield, California, where police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man accused of stealing pool equipment from a residential property and causing thousands of dollars in repair damage. According to investigators, the theft took place over a two-day period, and surveillance images of the suspect have been released in hopes that someone will recognize him. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department.

While the incident may seem like an isolated theft, it shines a light on a growing concern for homeowners, pool service companies, and builders alike. As the cost of pool equipment continues to rise, so does the financial impact when it ends up in the wrong hands.

Thousands of Dollars Sitting in Plain Sight

Modern pool equipment pads often contain thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars worth of equipment.

Variable-speed pumps, gas heaters, automation systems, salt chlorinators, filters, and control panels are typically installed outdoors, often behind a side gate with little more than a fence separating them from the street.

For homeowners, that equipment represents a significant investment. For thieves, it’s an easy opportunity.

But according to Cole Daasnes, owner of Poseidon Pool Service in Loomis, California, many thieves don’t actually know what they’re stealing.

“It’s not like these thieves have pool knowledge,” Daasnes said. “They don’t know whether they’re looking at a heater, a pump, or a filter. Most of the time, they’re simply after the copper inside the equipment. They’ll destroy a piece of equipment worth several thousand dollars, hoping to recover a relatively small amount of scrap metal.”

While some electronic components and automation systems can be resold, heaters are often targeted simply because thieves assume they’re filled with valuable copper. The damage they leave behind can far exceed whatever they ultimately receive at a scrapyard.

The Real Cost Isn’t What the Thief Walks Away With

The financial consequences don’t end with the theft itself.

Without a functioning circulation system, pools can quickly begin to develop water quality issues, particularly during the summer months. Pumps stop circulating water, sanitizers can’t do their job, and algae can begin taking hold in a matter of days.

Then comes the expense of replacing the stolen equipment.

“It’s really a double whammy for the homeowner,” Daasnes explained. “First, someone destroys or steals equipment they’ve already invested thousands of dollars into. Then they have to hire someone like us to come out, remove what’s left, source replacement equipment, and install everything again. It’s an expense nobody plans for.”

Depending on what was taken, replacing equipment can cost several thousand dollars before labor is even factored into the equation.

Property Crime Carries a Heavy Price Tag

While pool equipment theft represents only a small slice of overall property crime, the financial impact of residential burglaries of this nature remains substantial across the United States.

According to national crime and insurance data, over half a million burglaries occur each year. In recent years, the average financial loss per burglary has ranged from roughly $2,700 to $2,800, with victims collectively losing $5.6 billion annually, according to recent statistics.

Those figures don’t always tell the whole story. Insurance may cover part of the loss, but homeowners are often still responsible for deductibles, depreciation, uncovered property, or upgrades required to replace older equipment with current models. Even when an insurance claim is approved, the inconvenience of replacing damaged equipment, restoring the pool, and waiting for repairs can far exceed the dollar amount on the claim.

For pool owners, the costs can escalate quickly. A thief who strips copper from a heater or damages a pump in the process may only walk away with scrap worth a few hundred dollars, while leaving behind thousands of dollars in replacement costs and labor.

Vacant Homes Are More Vulnerable

Most pool equipment theft happens when homeowners are out of town and the property is visibly unattended. An overflowing mailbox, dark backyard, empty driveway, or a side gate left unlocked can signal that no one is home.

For thieves targeting pool equipment, that window of time works to their advantage. A pool pad is usually located along the side of the home or in the backyard, away from the street and out of direct view. If a homeowner is gone for several days, a thief may have more time to access the property, remove equipment, and leave before anyone notices.

That is why cameras, alarms, motion lighting, and trusted neighbors can make a meaningful difference, especially during vacations or extended trips.

Protecting Your Equipment

No security measure can guarantee that equipment won’t be stolen, but there are practical steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk.

Installing motion-activated lighting around equipment pads can make side yards less attractive to thieves. Locking side gates and maintaining clear sightlines from the home also add layers of protection.

Daasnes believes one of the smartest investments homeowners can make today is electronic surveillance.

“If you’re seeing these kinds of thefts happening in your area, a backyard camera and an alarm system make a lot of sense,” he said. “Most people already have cameras covering their front door, but the equipment pad is usually tucked away on the side of the house where nobody’s watching. A camera back there can be a strong deterrent and may provide law enforcement with valuable evidence if something does happen.”

Recording serial numbers, photographing installed equipment, and registering eligible products with manufacturers can also simplify insurance claims and improve the chances of recovering stolen property.

A Growing Reminder for Pool Owners

This recent case in Bakersfield serves as a reminder that a pool’s equipment pad can represent one of the most valuable collections of mechanical equipment on a residential property.

While most homeowners focus on protecting what’s inside their homes, thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment often sits just outside, largely out of sight and, unfortunately, vulnerable to opportunistic thieves.

As equipment becomes more sophisticated and more expensive, protecting it is becoming an increasingly important part of responsible pool ownership. For homeowners in areas experiencing pool equipment theft, a few proactive security measures today could help prevent a much more expensive problem tomorrow.

5/5 - (8 votes)

Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies

Darlly Filtration Partners With The Grit Game on Private Label Pool Filters

Published

1 month ago

October 1, 2026

Susie Cuebas

Darlly Filtration and The Grit Game logos for private label pool filter partnership

DAVENPORT, Fla., Darlly Filtration, one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world and a private label supplier to well-known names in pool and spa, has partnered with The Grit Game (TGG) to represent its pool and spa filtration line across seven states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

A filter program with the dealer’s name on it

For most pool stores, the replacement cartridge is the most shoppable item on the shelf. A customer brings in a dirty filter, the counter team identifies it, and the customer finds the same part number online before reaching the parking lot.

Darlly’s private label program is built to close that gap:

Private label at no upcharge. The dealer’s logo goes on the cartridge label for the same price as a Darlly labeled filter.

Custom part numbers. Dealers can assign their own part numbers, so the filter on their shelf is not a line-for-line price comparison online.

No order minimums. No minimums on orders or on private label, so a dealer can start with their two or three highest-volume SKUs.

Same ship timeline. Product is labeled when the order is picked, so private label ships as fast as stocked product.

“Every pool store we walk into has the same story. Their team does the work of identifying a filter, and the sale walks out the door to an online seller. Darlly gives dealers a real answer to that: their own name and their own part number on a cartridge built to the original spec, with no upcharge and no minimums. That is the kind of line we want to put in front of pool professionals, because it helps them run a better business,” Laci Davis, Co-Founder and CEO, The Grit Game.

Built to the spec of the original cartridge

Every Darlly pleated cartridge is built to the specification of the original equipment cartridge, with:

Single-layer tri-lobal spun bonded polyester media that resists chlorine and bromine
An ABS injection molded center core made with NSF certified material
Reinforced end caps with screen mesh molded in during production
Pleat bands for pleat stability
A screw thread guaranteed for life

What the partnership means across the seven states

TGG’s reps will work with pool professionals market by market, starting with the filters each account moves most.

Florida. A cartridge-heavy market where price pressure is constant. The focus is private label and custom part numbers that take the price comparison off the table.

Texas and Louisiana. Larger filters are the norm. Reps will cross-reference the large Hayward, Pentair, Jandy and Waterway cartridge sets that dominate the region.

Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi. Wide-open ground where D.E. filtration is still common, making universal grid kits a simple, single-line-item add alongside cartridges.

“Darlly Filtration is excited to partner with The Grit Game. The professionalism, integrity and high standards of The Grit Game Team embody what Darlly stands for,” Brad Schneider, Director of U.S. Sales Pool & Spa Division.

Pool builders, service route companies and retail store owners interested in a Darlly private label program can contact their The Grit Game rep here.

About Darlly Filtration
Hangzhou Darlly Filtration has manufactured filter cartridges for more than 25 years and is one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world, producing more than 35 million filters a year for customers in over 100 countries. Beyond pool and spa, Darlly serves the biopharmaceutical, microelectronics, medical, food and beverage, petrochemical and drinking water industries. Darlly is an OEM and private label supplier to established brands in the pool and spa industry and offers more than 600 replacement cartridge part numbers, universal D.E. grids and filtration systems. US operations run from warehouses in Ontario, California and Loveland, Colorado. Learn more at darllyfilter.com.

About The Grit Game
The Grit Game is an award-winning manufacturer rep firm and marketing agency serving the pool, spa and backyard industry across the United States and Canada. Founded in 2023 by Laci Davis and Johnny Davis, TGG works on an “education before transaction” model, connecting a vetted line of manufacturer partners with the pool professionals who build, service and sell to backyard owners. TGG was named Pool Nation Sales Rep Group of the Year in 2024. Learn more at thegritgame.com.

5/5 - (2 votes)

Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies

JED Pool Tools Offers New 14-Inch Pro Vacuum Head

Published

1 month ago

September 23, 2026

Susie Cuebas

JED Pool Tools 14-inch Pro Pool Vacuum Head with 360-degree swivel connector

JED Pool Tools, US manufacturer and distributor of swimming pool and spa maintenance equipment, offers a new Pro 14” Pool Vacuum with a swivel-plastic handle for cleaning both residential and commercial swimming pools. This vac head is heavy weight and designed to make it easy to clean corners and steps. Made to handle the cleaning of any size swimming pool with durable construction. Easily maneuverable vacuum head has 360-degree swivel connector that ends aggravating hose tangling. Adapted for both 1-1/2” and 1-1/4” hose sizes. Proudly made by JED in Pennsylvania, USA.
www.JEDPoolTools.com
570-344-4137
Old Forge, PA