Updated: October 14th 2025
When you live in Arizona, your pool is your oasis—but the desert doesn’t make it easy to keep it pristine. Monsoon dust storms, drifting pollen, and fine red dirt quickly turn a sparkling pool into something you have to vacuum and skim more than you swim.
It’s no wonder one of the first things homeowners ask is, “How do I get a pool that stays clean so I can enjoy it, not maintain it?”
If you’re considering an in-floor cleaning system, that question should only leads to another VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION: which system?
WARNING: If you ask your pool builder for an infloor system and the response is anything resembling "That sounds great. We will price that for you" - LET THE RED FLAGS GO UP IN YOUR MIND! The answer should be something like "That sounds great. Which infloor system were you interested in and whare you leaning toward that system?"
Like smartphones, in-floor cleaners come in several models and technologies, each offering different levels of efficiency, coverage, and ease of use. So before your builder picks one for you, make sure to ask: “Which in-floor cleaning system do you install, and why is it better for my pool than the other options?”
Did you know there are 4 different manufacturers of infloor systems and 7 versions of those systems that are available?! That can be an overwhelming number of infloor systems to consider, so put the burden on the pool company to prove to you which one is best for you.
At Shasta Pools, we’ve worked with every cleaning system out there—from basic suction cleaners, no hose vacuums, to fully automated in-floor systems. We even installed the first infloor cleaning system in Arizona back in 1968, called the "Turbo-Clean". And when it comes to convenience, efficiency, and long-term value, in-floor cleaning systems have evolved to become the preferred choice for Arizona pool owners. Let’s explore why.
What Makes an In-Floor Pool Cleaning System Different from a Traditional Automatic Cleaner?
Most pool owners are familiar with automatic cleaners—the ones that crawl along the bottom of the pool with a long, flexible hose trailing behind them. While they can do the job, they also come with frustration: tangled hoses, limited reach, and that constant “eyesore” floating in your beautiful pool.
In-floor cleaning systems, on the other hand, are built directly into your pool during construction. Tiny, nearly invisible cleaning heads are installed throughout the floor, steps, and shallow areas. When the system turns on, these heads pop up, release a jet of filtered water, and push dirt and debris toward your pool’s main drain and skimmer. Then they retract back down—leaving your pool spotless and your view unobstructed.
No hoses. No clutter. No hassle.
How Does an In-Floor System Actually Work?
The in-floor cleaning system we recommend—originally developed by A&A Manufacturing, a trusted name in pool technology—operates quietly and automatically while your pool filter runs.
Here’s how it works:
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Built-in Cleaning Heads: The system uses patented, low-profile cleaning heads that are placed flush throughout the pool floor, steps, and benches.
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Rotating Water Valve: Every 60 seconds, the A&A Water Actuated Valve redirects filtered water to a new group of cleaning heads, ensuring every part of your pool is swept.
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Circulating Action: The jets lift dirt, dust, and leaves into suspension, where the debris is then pulled through the skimmer or main drain for removal.
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Continuous Cleaning: In about an hour of regular filtration, your entire pool interior has been automatically cleaned.
The result is a pool that cleans itself quietly, efficiently, and without you ever needing to lift a hose.
How Does an In-Floor System Improve Circulation and Water Quality?
One of the biggest hidden benefits of an in-floor cleaning system is improved water circulation. In most pools, water tends to circulate near the surface, leaving “dead spots” at the bottom where algae and bacteria can grow.
A&A’s Total Circulation System fixes that by distributing sanitized, filtered, and heated water evenly throughout your entire pool—from floor to surface. That means:
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More balanced water chemistry (so you use fewer chemicals).
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Fewer cold spots because heated water is pushed from the bottom up.
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Lower energy bills—up to 50% savings on pool heating costs.
This consistent circulation helps your pool stay clearer, cleaner, and more comfortable for swimming, while extending the life of your finish and equipment.
What Everyday Problems Does an In-Floor System Eliminate?
Let’s face it—traditional automatic cleaners can be a pain. They get tangled around ladders, stuck under rock features, or caught on steps. Worse, they often miss shallow ledges or tanning shelves, leaving you to brush and vacuum by hand.
With an in-floor system, those frustrations disappear. Because the cleaning heads are strategically positioned for your custom pool, they clean every contour—beach entries, benches, steps, even shallow play areas—without extra work.
That means no more dragging hoses across your deck or dealing with unsightly robots during pool parties. Just a clean, clear pool every morning.
Already have a pool but wish it was easier to maintain? Our Remodeling division can retrofit many existing pools with advanced circulation and automation upgrades.
How Is an A&A In-Floor Cleaning System Customized for Each Pool?
Every pool design is different—and so is every in-floor system. A&A factory specialists design each system individually, mapping out cleaning head placement so the jet streams overlap and cover 100% of your pool interior.
This custom design ensures no area gets missed and that every part of your pool benefits from active water movement. Whether you have a geometric lap pool or a freeform backyard retreat, the system is built for your specific shape, depth, and features.
And because the system is built into the pool shell itself, it stays hidden and protected for decades.
What About Maintenance and Reliability?
In-floor systems are designed to last. The cleaning heads are self-lubricating and operate using your pool’s existing water pressure—no motors or external hoses required.
Even better, A&A’s system is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, offering peace of mind that your investment is protected. If a head ever needs service or replacement, it can be easily swapped without draining the pool.
For many homeowners, this reliability—and the elimination of weekly manual cleaning—makes the upgrade worth every penny.
Why Is an In-Floor Cleaning System Worth It for Arizona Homeowners?
Arizona’s desert climate is beautiful—but it’s not kind to pools. Dust storms, high winds, and long swim seasons mean your pool collects debris almost every day of the year. Traditional cleaners can only do so much, and manual vacuuming is time-consuming.
An in-floor system works quietly in the background, keeping your pool ready to swim—no setup, no tangled hoses, no ugly equipment floating in sight. Plus, because it improves circulation and heating efficiency, it pays you back through reduced chemical and energy costs.
When you build a pool designed to be beautiful year-round, it makes sense to choose a cleaning system that protects that beauty automatically.
The Takeaway: A Cleaner Pool, Less Work, and a Smarter Investment
If you’re tired of tangled hoses, uneven cleaning, or spending your weekends brushing the pool, an in-floor cleaning system can be a game-changer. It keeps your pool clean, improves circulation, reduces chemical use, and makes your water more inviting—all while staying completely out of sight.
At Shasta Pools, we’ve installed thousands of A&A in-floor systems for families across Arizona. Every system is custom-designed, factory-tested, and built to last a lifetime.
Quick Recap: Why Homeowners Love In-Floor Cleaning Systems. Why?
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No hoses, cords, or robots cluttering your pool
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Cleans every inch automatically—even shallow areas
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Distributes heat and chemicals more evenly
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Improves circulation and reduces chemical use
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Virtually invisible system built to last decades
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Backed by A&A’s Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shasta Pools has been Arizona’s most trusted pool builder since 1966, helping over 120,000 families create and care for their dream backyards. Whether you’re designing a new pool, modernizing an old one, or simply looking to make pool ownership easier, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
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