If you have a pool in your backyard, then you probably already know that the pool vacuum is king. Owning a pool comes with the duty of keeping it clean, and these days, not too many pool owners would have the time to spend cleaning a pool by hand. So, your choice of swimming pool vacuums can be the deciding factor that makes owning a pool a joy or a burden. In this article, we compare swimming pool cleaners to help you choose the best pool vacuum.
Even if you hire a professional pool cleaner from a pool cleaning business to take care of your pool every few weeks, it’s a good idea to have some type of automatic system to keep it sparkling. Most pool owners have a standard type of automatic pool vacuum but if it’s time to upgrade, it’s worth thinking about a robotic pool cleaner. Whether or not you need a robotic pool vacuum depends on what kind of pool you have and how much you’re willing to spend.
There are many swimming pool vacuum cleaners on the market and choosing the right one can be daunting. Read our pool vacuum reviews to save time and help you make the right choice.
Best Pool Vacuum Comparison in 2024
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How to choose the best pool vacuum
Inground vs above ground
Why does an inground pool vacuum cost more than an above-ground pool vacuum? Inground swimming pool cleaning equipment in general, such as inground pool filters and swimming pool pumps, need to handle larger volumes of water and higher flow rates.
It’s not surprising an average inground pool vacuum can be more expensive than most above-ground pool cleaners.
Don’t think of the above-ground swimming pool vacuum as a scaled-down model of the inground pool vacuum cleaner. Above-ground pool vacuum cleaners are designed completely differently.
The main difference is an automatic above-ground pool vacuum doesn’t need to climb walls or navigate curves, steps, and deep ends. They also have shorter hoses and cords capable of covering smaller pools.
Automatic Pool Vacuums
There are two kinds of automatic pool vacuums
Suction Pool Cleaners
Suction pool cleaners are the more popular of the automatic pool cleaners. A pool suction cleaner works off the existing suction of your swimming pool pump and can easily be plugged into your swimming pool skimmer or cleaner line.
The main purpose of a suction side pool cleaner is to clean the bottom of your swimming pool, but some can also clean the sides of the walls.
It isn’t as good at climbing the walls as a pool robot cleaner but does a thorough job as a pool bottom cleaner.
Pressure Pool Cleaners
A pressure pool cleaner connects to your pool’s filtration system and uses the pressure of the water to propel them around the swimming pool.
They have become more and more popular thanks to Polaris. They are a more affordable option than robot pool cleaners.
However, a pressure-side pool cleaner requires a booster pump and must have the debris bag cleaned and changed.
This type of cleaner does its best work as a pool floor cleaner.
Robotic Pool Vacuums
The advantage of a pool robot vacuum is they clean the entire swimming pool, including the side walls.
A pool cleaner robot will climb your pool walls to clean almost all debris.
Robot pool cleaners are cleaning machines you can set and forget, however, they do have a pool vacuum bag that needs changing when full.
The best pool robot is a “hands-off“ low-voltage automatic pool vacuum cleaner that cleans the floor, steps, and walls of any salt- or fresh-water swimming pool.
Robots appear to be moving into many aspects of our daily lives. We now see robots used in manufacturing, industry, home, and leisure activities.
Keeping the pool clean is a regular and important task for those who are lucky enough to have a home swimming pool.
So what’s the difference between an automatic inground pool cleaner and a robotic pool vacuum cleaner?
A robotic pool cleaner runs from a power source outside your pool’s filtration system.
Think of it as an aquatic Roomba that runs on wheels or tank treads.
A significant benefit is they are not connected to your swimming pool’s water pump and filtration system, removing the back pressure on your pool’s system.
How does a robotic pool cleaner work?
The cleaner is an electric pool vacuum that runs on a low voltage of 24 volts, supplied via a power cable from a transformer connected to a standard wall outlet.
The transformer reduces the mains voltage from 110/220 to much safer 24 volts.
The 24 volts power the two electric motors of the electric pool cleaner. One motor drives a water pump that sucks up dirt and debris from the pool into the unit’s filters. The second motor moves the pool cleaner vacuum around the pool.
A pool vacuum robot is computer-controlled and automatically learns the most efficient path to clean each pool.
This learning or memory function is magic that ensures all parts of the pool are effectively and efficiently cleaned to save on the cost of power and chemicals.
Non-robotic cleaners randomly wander around the pool with the help of the swimming pool pump’s water circulation system.
A robotic pool vacuum with remote control enables you to drive the system manually and can be beneficial when removing a stubborn stain or dirt spot.
All robotic pool cleaners are highly efficient swimming pool filters that are easy to clean. Many come with extremely efficient filters – a mesh down to 2 microns is not uncommon – so they can catch the finest particles.
5 good reasons to buy a robotic pool cleaner
5 good reasons to buy a robotic pool cleaner1- The best robot cleaner is usually maintenance friendly
2- Lower running costs as they use less energy and fewer chemicals than other types of pool vacuum systems
3- This type of cleaner can climb and scrub walls
4- Simple to set up and install
5-Quiet to operate
The Best Pool Cleaners
Here’s a summary of our automatic pool cleaner reviews and our top picks of the different kinds of pool cleaners.
Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum
Intex Auto Pool Cleaner
As far as automatic pool cleaners for above-ground pools go, the Intex pool vacuum is a cost-effective above-ground automatic pool cleaner that works off the swimming pool’s filtration system.
It’s easy to use (you can install and connect this pool cleaner without poring through the manual) and does a decent job of cleaning the bottom. It uses water pressure to create suction and to drive the vacuum. Debris is collected inside the vacuum and acts as a pool sand filter.
As the wheels are not powered, there’s no need to worry about damage to the pool liner if the vacuum gets stuck in one part of the pool. The vacuum and hoses are well-built, making it our pick for the best above-ground pool vacuum.
However, one disadvantage of the Intex pool vacuum is it does tend to lift out of the pool as the hose is pretty long.
Based on performance and reliability, it’s the best above-ground pool cleaner for budget-conscious pool owners. Actually, for the money, this auto pool cleaner is a steal.
- Cleans your pool without effort!
- Requires a filter pump with a flow rate between 1,600 – 4,000 GPH (6,056 – 15,140 L/hr)
- Automatically reverses direction to vacuum the entire pool floor For use with 7.32 m (24 ft) and smaller diameter pools
- Includes 24 ft. 7 in hose that attaches easily to existing pool inlet
Other above-ground pool cleaners to consider are:
- Exceptional Dual Filtration System: Setting WYBOT…
- Patented Edge-enhanced Cleaning Feature:…
- Extended 120-Minute Runtime: A1’s extended working…
- Rapid 2.5-Hour Charging: Bid farewell to the…
- User-Friendly Top Interface: Experience seamless…
- [Optimized Hydrodynamic Design] Enjoy an…
- [Compact but Powerful] Don’t be deceived by its…
- [Cordless Operation] With just a single click,…
- [Intelligent Auto-Parking] When the battery runs…
- [Efficient Drainage System] The advanced water…
Best Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner is powered by double jets for fast cleaning. This swimming pool vacuum cleaner sweeps, scrubs, and vacuums the bottom of in-ground pools of any size and shape.
It has a single-chamber filter bag capable of capturing large debris and works well as a pool leaf vacuum. The filter prevents large debris from clogging up the pool vacuum pump.
This Polaris comes with a 31-foot hose and has an in-line backup valve that will automatically free the cleaner if it gets cornered.
This cleaner is powered by water pressure, leaving the filter and skimmer to eliminate the contaminants.
Other pressure-side pool cleaners to consider are:
- NO BOOSTER PUMP NEEDED: This advanced…
- FOR IN-GROUND POOLS: Safe for all pool shapes and…
- Complete Coverage: The Vac Sweep 360 is equipped…
- CAPTURES LARGE DEBRIS: Equipped with a filter bag…
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Polaris Vac Sweep 360…
- For All In-Ground Pool Surfaces: The Polaris…
- Extra-Large Debris Intake & Strong Vacuum Power:…
- Large-Capacity Dual Filtration Canister: Our large…
- Transparent Lid for Easy View of Debris: The…
- Scrubbing Brushes Clean Floor to Waterline: The…
- Efficient cleaning: The Amptyhub pool pressure…
- High-quality design: Made with high quality…
- Easy maintenance: The Amptyhub pool pressure side…
- Versatile: Installing in a threaded 1-1 /2″ female…
- Note: This cleaner is a pressure test cleaner and…
Best Suction Pool Cleaner
Barracuda G3 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner
There are several contenders on the market for the mantle of best suction pool cleaner but none compare with the Barracuda G3.
This vacuum pool cleaner is such a time saver. The unit is well-built and the parts are easy to replace without having to call in professionals.
No gears, wheels, or flaps need to be replaced.
Maintenance costs are low because it only has one operational moving part (the Long-Life Diaphragm).
The Barracuda G3 is one of the quieter pool vacuums for inground pools and the suction cleaner works well with low-speed pumps. Think of it as an efficient swimming pool sweeper that will keep the floor clean by sucking up small and medium-sized debris.
It has a Wheel Deflector that helps it to navigate around the pool’s corners and comes with sturdy scuff-resistant hoses.
- 3 SIMPLE STEPS: In just three simple steps, the G3…
- FOR IN-GROUND POOLS:Compatible with low flow and…
- MANEUVERABILITY: The wheel deflector enables…
- SMOOTH USE: The 36-Fin Disc ensures maximum…
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: G3 Suction Pool Cleaner, 39’…
- BEST IN CLASS VACUUM POWER: The MX6 delivers…
- IN-GROUND & ABOVE GROUND POOLS: Compact size is…
- FLOW CONTROL: Low-flow design consumes less energy…
- X-Drive Navigation – Efficient navigation enables…
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: MX6 Suction Cleaner, Flow…
- For All In-Ground Pool Surfaces: The Polaris MAXX…
- Active Scrubbing Brushes: MAXX attacks stubborn,…
- HALO Technology: Advanced HALO Technology…
- Smart Navigation: Multi-directional navigation for…
- Long Lasting & Energy Efficient: features a…
Best Inground Pool Cleaner
Zodiac MX6 Automatic In-Ground Pool Cleaner
- BEST IN CLASS VACUUM POWER: The MX6 delivers powerful suction while aggressively climbing walls with the Cyclonic Turbine.
- IN-GROUND & ABOVE GROUND POOLS: Compact size is great for smaller pools and is safe for surfaces including concrete, vinyl, fiberglass, & tile.
- FLOW CONTROL: Low-flow design consumes less energy making it the ideal cleaner for pools with 2-speed or variable-speed pumps.
- X-Drive Navigation – Efficient navigation enables thorough cleaning of floor, walls, and waterline.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: MX6 Suction Cleaner, Flow Regulator Valve, & 32′ of Twist Lock Hose
Automatic pool cleaners for inground pools come in many different varieties and it isn’t easy to pick the best inground pool vacuum.
The Zodiac MX6 is a compact suction-side pool cleaner that is efficient and user-friendly.
The sleek design of the Zodiac automatic inground pool vacuum has an innovative low-flow design and doesn’t consume a great deal of energy.
It works well for pools with two-speed or variable-speed pumps and has powerful suction and an articulating turbine blade for aggressive wall-climbing.
This pool cleaner is easy to assemble. It has swiveling hoses and a regulator to control the water flow. Overall, this compact model punches above its weight when keeping your pool clean.
Other good inground pool cleaners to consider:
- POWERFUL SUCTION FOR THOROUGH DEBRIS REMOVAL: Our…
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE FOR UNINTERRUPTED CLEANING:…
- CONVENIENT SELF-PARKING AND USER-FRIENDLY…
- FULL POOL CLEANING COVERAGE: Effortlessly clean…
- INTELLIGENT NAVIGATION: Utilizing advanced…
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Nautilus CC climbs…
- ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance…
- EASY FILTER CARE: Effortlessly maintain a clear…
- PLUG-AND-PLAY EFFICIENCY: Make pool cleaning a…
- THE DOLPHIN LEGACY: Over 40 years of effortless…
Best Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners are the future of pool cleaning and is where the industry is heading. At this point in time, it isn’t easy to choose just one best robotic pool cleaner. Below are several we like.
Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Cleaner
- WALL-SCRUBBING POWER: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus…
- ACTIVE SCRUBBING: Elevate your pool maintenance…
- EASY FILTER CARE: Effortlessly maintain a clear…
- PLUG-AND-PLAY EFFICIENCY: Make pool cleaning a…
- THE DOLPHIN LEGACY: Over 40 years of effortless…
There are so many new self-cleaning pool vacuum cleaners on the market that it’s difficult to choose the best. If we had to pick one best pool vacuum robots, the Dolphin Nautilus would be our choice.
Although it has several features that enable it to clean your pool, the good news is you don’t need a college degree to use it.
This Dolphin pool cleaner is easy to install. You have to fit the filters into the body and plug the swivel power cable into the low-voltage socket of the transformer, connect the transformer to a standard wall outlet, and the cleaner is ready to go.
It has all the features you need to clean your pool efficiently, such as filters, 60ft swivel power cable, a step-down transformer, and a mains power cable.
Once it’s in the pool, it switches into learning mode and has the intelligence to investigate the best way to clean each pool. But depending on the size, depth, and dirty pool, the Dolphin pool vacuum may not get your pool looking sparkling in one cycle.
Overall, it’s one of the best robotic pool cleaners, as it does an excellent job of sucking up fine and larger dirt particles.
Dolphin Triton PS Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Pop-up pool party? No worries, the Dolphin Triton…
- Effortlessly delivers a deep clean. The Triton PS…
- No extra stuff needed. Unlike the energy hogs that…
- Let Dolphin take over your pool cleaning duties….
- With more than 35 years of cleaning the world’s…
This groovy machine is also a super-efficient workhorse with awesome scrubbing power and a strong grip on vertical surfaces through its PowerStream technology. So, if you hate scrubbing walls, put this robotic pool cleaner to work.
Another good reason we like the Dolphin Triton PS Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner is that it has a super large filter basket that is top loading to catch leaves and debris.
You’ll also love the way you can just set it up and forget about it and it will just automatically clean your swimming pool at intervals of your choice, with no pumps or hoses required.
If a sustainable design is a feature that’s important to you, then this pool robot is a good choice.
Another neat feature about the Dolphin Triton is it has three easy-to-use settings to choose from for automatic one-touch button set-up (daily, every second day or every third day) depending on conditions in your area.
Dolphin Oasis Z5i Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Dolphin’s premiere 2018 offering is the Oasis Z5i…
- Complete Pool Coverage – Durable tracks and dual…
- Using smart navigation to scan and clean -…
- Connects to your smart phone with Bluetooth…
- The Dolphin Oasis Z5i comes with a industry…
The Dolphin Oasis Z5i has a powerful dual-drive motor that can perform 360-degree pinpoint turns, making it an impressive and highly maneuverable robotic pool vacuum.
This is an excellent pool cleaner if you’re looking for maneuverability and maximum pool coverage, regardless of shape.
With industrial scrubbing brushes, this machine will have your pool and walls looking brand new in under three hours.
Other features are strong suction and superior filtration through massive cartridge filters.
It’s extremely simple to use and set up, and you can connect via smartphone to your Oasis Z5i to set the robot in motion at your whim.
This Dolphin model is known for its deep cleaning and has the technology to scrub the stubborn stains often left around the waterline.
Techno jockeys will love using the Dolphin app to operate this pool cleaner using Bluetooth remotely.
Best Above Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner
Aquabot Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
- Dual Oversized Quick-Draw Filter Cartridges – An astonishing 190 cubic inches of space!
- ndustry-leading pumps circulate 85 GPM for a cleaner pool with fewer chemicals.
- AutoX Pool Mapping calculates the pool shape and the best cleaning cycle for speed and efficiency
- Ideal for all pool shapes (above ground and inground) up to 60 feet. Highly energy efficient
There aren’t as many above-ground pool vacuum robot choices compared to inground pools. The Aquabot Pool Rover Junior is the best pool cleaning robot for above-ground pool cleaning.
It cleans flat-bottomed above-ground swimming pools efficiently and is simple to use.
It has an internal pump, reusable filter bag, and a 40-ft cable. Its patented swivel system stops it from getting tangled and has a strong vacuum action.
The reusable filter bag collects soil, sand and leaves down to 2 microns. Compared to pump-driven cleaners, the Aquabot will reduce the cost of pool maintenance and chemicals. This compact and light unit (weighing 10.5 pounds) is fast too. It can clean an above-ground swimming pool in about 30 minutes.
Other Above Ground Robotic Pool Cleaners you may like:
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Equipped with powerful dual-drive motors, the Seagull SE tracks down and…
- CORDLESS & EASY TO USE: No more messy hoses and no more tangled cords. The Seagull SE is completely…
- INCREASED BATTERY LIFE: The newly designed battery only takes 2.5 hours to fully charge and provides…
- SELF-PARKING: Your pool cleaner will automatically stop near the edge of your pool when the battery…
- LED INDICATOR: Equipped with four 4-color LED lights to communicate the devices status. Comes with a…
- [Optimized Hydrodynamic Design] Enjoy an effortless cleaning experience with the X1 pool vacuum. Its…
- [Compact but Powerful] Don’t be deceived by its size—this compact device effectively cleans…
- [Cordless Operation] With just a single click, activate the cordless pool cleaner for true…
- [Intelligent Auto-Parking] When the battery runs low, the Scuba SE automatically moves to the pool’s…
- [Efficient Drainage System] The advanced water purging system swiftly drains up to 80% of stored…
- Exceptional Dual Filtration System: Setting WYBOT A1 apart from the norm, our pool robot boasts a…
- Patented Edge-enhanced Cleaning Feature: Overcoming the current industry challenge of pool robots…
- Extended 120-Minute Runtime: A1’s extended working time is up to 120 minutes. This marks a…
- Rapid 2.5-Hour Charging: Bid farewell to the prolonged 6-7 hour charging times – now, a mere 2.5…
- User-Friendly Top Interface: Experience seamless interaction with the carefully designed top…
Best Cheap Pool Cleaner
XtremepowerUS Automatic Suction Vacuum
- 10 hoses included for up to 30′ pool. Ideal for cleaning bottom surface and wall; does not clean stairs
- Require at least a 1 hp swimming pool pump or 1600 GHP to function properly.
- No tools required and no electricity needed; Attaches to your existing filtration system
- Cleaner should be moving about the pool at a rate of 8 to 12 feet per minute. Eco-friendly automatic pool cleaner vacuum designed for high efficiency and low maintenance.
- Automatic operation by self-navigating around the water on set patterns for the top to bottom pool cleaning. Refer to the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for the Manual and Troubleshooting Guide
With the increase in robotic pool cleaners coming onto the market, some of the best pool vacuums for sale are simpler models.
If you’re on a budget and you’re looking for cheap pool cleaners for sale, the Xtremepower US Automatic Suction Vacuum is worth considering.
This budget automatic suction pool cleaner works on most inground pools and can work as an above-ground vacuum too.
You’ll need a 1 hp pool pump (the equivalent of 1600 GHP) for this cleaner to function properly.
So don’t bother cleaning your pool manually, as this highly affordable pool cleaner will save you hours of scrubbing.
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