Automated pool cleaner
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An automated pool cleaner is a robotic vacuum cleaner intended to collect debris and sediment from swimming pools. They use a random motion pattern to ensure that the entire floor surface is eventually covered.
The first swimming pool vacuum cleaner was invented by Ferdinand Chauvier in South Africa, a hydraulics engineer who came to South Africa from the Belgian Congo in 1951. Chauvier quickly realised that there was a huge market for taking the hassle out of cleaning swimming pools, and went about inventing a machine that would do the job automatically, efficiently powered by the ordinary operation of the pool's filter. But it wasn't until 1974 that the first Kreepy Krauly was born in Chauvier's Springs home.
There are four main types of cleaners, classified by the drive mechanism used:
- return-side driven — water outflow being returned to the pool is used for locomotion and debris suction, via the venturi effect.
- pressure driven — water outflow is pressurized using a secondary "booster" pump. This high pressure water is used for locomotion and debris suction, via the venturi effect.
- suction-side driven — water being pumped out of the pool via its skimmer or drains is used for locomotion and debris suction.
- electronic or robotic — an external electrical power cord is used to drive motors used for locomotion and suction.
[edit] External links
- Polaris Pool Systems, Inc. manufacturer of pool cleaners
- Pentair Pools manufacturer of Letro and Kreepy Krauly brand pool cleaners
- [1] South African inventions
