SoCal,

How big is that pool?

I put a dedicated suction line into my large pool and have been less than pleased with the performance of my suction side cleaner (Starite Pool Shark). It is simply too slow to do a really good cleaning job and that long, big hose has a tendency to entangle.

To perform even minimally, I have to divert about 70-80% of my return capacity to the dedicated line.

My thinking is the expense and effort to get that line in might make it easier to justify a robot.

My experience is limited to this one cleaner and one pool but I am thinking most of the suction side cleaners do best on somewhat smaller pools....don't know if that's your situation or not. I'm gonna' get a robot.