Cleaning your pool isn’t even half as fun as swimming in it. If you have a pool, you know it needs to be cleaned at least once a week. But the truth is that most of us slack off and delay cleaning our pools. If you don’t clean it regularly, you’ll have a dirty pool on your hands and you won’t be able to enjoy a swim. The next best option to refresh yourself in summer is to run through the sprinklers. If you don’t want to resort to that, make sure you clean your pool on time. There are a number of pool vacuums available in the market to make your job easier.
But with the number of options, it’s also easy to get confused. We have scanned the online market and compared dozens of pool vacuums to find you the right one based on several criteria. We’ve looked over all types of pool vacuums for in-ground as well as above-ground pools. To create this list, we have considered their prices, Amazon ratings, features, and user reviews. Without further ado, let’s discuss the 5 best pool vacuums for your swimming pool.
After looking through a number of pool vacuums and comparing their features against others, we have picked Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus as our top choice. It scrubs and vacuums the swimming pool to get rid of tough dirt. Its large cartridge filter stores fine debris and large leaves to ensure you get a clean pool.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Pool Vacuums
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pool Vacuum Overall | Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus | 4.3 |
| Best Automatic Pool Vacuum | Hayward Poolvergnuegen The PoolCleaner | 4.2 |
| Best Budget Buy Pool Vacuum | Zodiac Baracuda G3 Pool Cleaner | 4.2 |
| Best Inground Pool Vacuum | Pentair Kreepy Krauly Great Pool Cleaner | 4.3 |
| Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum | XtremepowerUS Vacuum-generic Pool Cleaner | 3.7 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change.
Best Pool Vacuum Overall: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is perfect for all types of in-ground pools including vinyl, tile, and cement. It has a tangle-free cable that lets the device move easily in the pool and clean it quickly. With its superior filtering abilities, it devours all types of debris and stores everything in its “stomach” so your pool is left sparkling clean.
The Nautilus CC Plus is ideal for pool sizes up to 50 feet. The standard cleaning time is 2 hours, which is pretty fast. It comes with dual brushes that scrub out the tough grit at the base of the pool and on the walls.
The top-load cartridge is large enough to store all the leaves and other debris collected by the vacuum. The device has an advanced algorithm to cover the entire pool without leaving a spot. Plus, it’s easy to operate. It has a single button operation so you just have to push a button and sit back and relax.
It is energy efficient as well. It saves 8 times more energy than ordinary suction and pressure pool cleaners. With its strong suction and superior traction, it makes sure the pool is absolutely clear and there are no dirty corners left.
After the operation, the cartridge is easy to clean and replace.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Key Features:
- Energy efficient
- Powerful scrubbing brushes
- Single-button operation
- Easy to remove cartridge
- Cleans the base, walls, and stairs
Best Automatic Pool Vacuum: Hayward Poolvergnuegen The PoolCleaner
The PoolCleanerTM is ideal for average-sized pools and comes with a 4-wheel drive. This means this cleaner can overcome obstacles easily and clean difficult spots. This model is also available in a 2-wheel drive for those who want to stay in budget. You’ll need at least a ½ hp pump to make it work. Ideal for pool floor, walls, and coves, this vacuum will clean the entire pool in a few hours. It is ideal for pool sizes up to 20’ x 40’ and can clean deep ends as well. Its turbine vanes are self-adjusting, ensuring the maximum power at any pressure. This also makes debris management very easy.
The steering of this device is programmed and the adjustable skirt of the PoolCleanerTM helps it in climbing walls and overcoming obstacles, thus maximizing the overall pool coverage. The large tire treads of this pool vacuum give it enhanced maneuverability and climbing abilities, making it ideal for pools of all shapes.
It comes with variable sized throats, allowing it to clean different types of debris. Since each type of throat is good for a particular size of debris, you can change them depending on the type of debris that’s in your pool.
Hayward Poolvergnuegen The PoolCleaner Key Features:
- Can reach difficult spots
- Maximum power at any pressure
- Large tire treads for enhanced maneuverability
- Customizable throats for different sized debris
Best Budget Pool Vacuum: Zodiac Baracuda G3 Pool Cleaner
If you’re looking for something silent and powerful, Zodiac Baracuda G3 might be the right device for you. It gives maximum efficiency even with low-pressure pumps. It hungrily devours small-to-medium-sized debris to clean up the floor, walls, and even the steps of your swimming pool.
The FlowKeeper valve in this pool cleaner maintains a regular water flow so the pool can be cleaned thoroughly. It’s a versatile suction cleaner for in-ground pools and is easy to setup. With just one moving part, it is durable and lasts longer than other cleaners. Its diaphragm makes the device more reliable and the Quick-Release Cassette allows you to easily access the diaphragm when required.
The Zodiac Baracuda is ideal for all types of pool surfaces including tile, vinyl, and concrete. It comes with a wheel deflector that helps in movement around difficult or tight corners by preventing the cleaner from getting stuck. Armed with scuff-resistant hoses, the Zodiac Baracuda G3 is robust and rugged and does its job overcoming all hindrances. It comes with a 36-Fin Disc that allows the cleaner to adhere to the pool surface and avoids getting stuck on drain covers, lights, and other fittings.
Zodiac Baracuda G3 Pool Cleaner Key Features:
- Durable device
- Silent operation
- Cleans all parts of pool
- Maximum cleaning even on low pressure
Best Inground Pool Vacuum: Pentair Kreepy Krauly Great Pool Cleaner
Pentair Kreepy Krauly Great goes to the depths of the pool to eat up dirt and grime. It scrubs the floor of the pool, loosening up tight girt that can be sucked up by its powerful vacuuming system. It has a bristle drive mechanism that can soften even the toughest grime so you can have a fresh and clean pool.
It is ideal for different types of pools including incline, dish, and hopper bottom. With the ability to work on a number of pool surfaces including vinyl, fiberglass, and gunite, this device is suitable for many pools. Its agile turning mechanism ensures that the pool cleaner can reach even the most difficult to reach spots.
Setting it up is super easy – attach it to the hose and place it in the water. That’s it. It will do the cleaning on its own. While it cleans the pool floor effectively, it cannot climb stairs. However, it lets you adjust the device to get effective cleaning. Its vacuum port fitting comes with a spring-loaded cover to ensure safety. With programmed steering, it covers the entire pool without any difficulty.
Pentair Kreepy Krauly Great Pool Cleaner Key Features:
- Cleans up tough grit
- Cleans hard-to-reach spots
- Easy to setup
- Cleans all surfaces including fiberglass, vinyl, and concrete
Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum: XtremepowerUS Vacuum-generic Pool Cleaner
When your pool needs cleaning, you can depend on XtremepowerUS Vacuum-generic Pool Cleaner. It eats up leaves, debris, dirt, pebbles, bugs, and small twigs in no time. There are no wheels or gears, so there is no risk of jamming the device. It has an eco-friendly design that is highly efficient. It’s made of thick PVC and thus is more durable than many other pool cleaners in this category. It lets you clean your pool effortlessly and effectively.
Use it with a 1hp swimming pool pump for the best results. It is available with 10 hoses and is ideal for a 30 feet pool. It has a smart design with an adjustable cleaner. You do not require any additional tools for it to work. Just attach it to the existing filtration system of the pool. It navigates around the water by itself so you don’t have to drag it around. Ideal for pools up to 32’, it has a basic design but impressive features.
XtremepowerUS Vacuum-generic Pool Cleaner Key Features:
- Good for in-ground and above-ground pools.
- Works best with 1hp pump but can work with a ¾ hp pump as well.
- Attaches to your existing filtration system
- Easy to use and highly efficient
Who Should Buy a Pool Vacuum
If you own a pool, you’ve got to have a pool cleaner. Of course, you can hire a company to do it for you but since a pool needs to be cleaned at least once a week, you’ll have to spend a lot of money calling in the pool cleaning guys every now and then. The best way to save money and to have a clean pool is by having your very own pool cleaner. There are several pool cleaners that work automatically, which means you just have to set them up and they work on their own.
If a pool isn’t cleaned on time, it starts getting contaminated and this can build up germs in the pool. This means it will become unhealthy to take a dip. What’s the point of having a pool when you can’t use it? If you’re a pool owner, make sure you have a pool vacuum. And if you’re not a pool owner, then, of course, you don’t need a pool vacuum.
When you have to go inside, you’ll want the home to be cool and comfortable, so you may want to check out The Best Air Conditioners.
Important Features to Consider
There are several features to consider when you buy a pool vacuum. We have created our list with those features in mind. Here are some criteria you should keep in mind before you make the purchase.
- Type. Do you have an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool? Above ground pools are generally smaller than in-ground pools. Also, in-ground pools are deeper and an automatic pool vacuum can climb their walls.
- Automatic or manual. If you just want to sit back and relax while the cleaner does everything, you need an automatic pool vacuum. There are some robotic pool vacuums in the market as well. They will take care of everything and you can get a clean pool after they’ve done the job.
- Cleaning ability. Some pool vacuums can clean tough grit as well. While others would collect only loose dirt. For tough or accumulated dirt, you’ll have to rub the pool base with a brush so it can be softened and collected by the pool vacuum.
- Size. Pool vacuums are limited in their cleaning abilities. They can clean only specific sized pools. So make sure the pool vacuum you purchase is able to vacuum the pool size you have.
- Cost. There are a number of pool vacuums available in the market. You’ll find pool cleaners that will cost you just a few bucks and then there will be others that will cost you hundreds of dollars. Of course, the more expensive ones will have more features but sometimes you don’t even need those many features. So make sure you consider the cost before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pool vacuum and how does it work?
As the name suggests, a pool vacuum is something that cleans your swimming pool. As the pool lays uncovered, it collects dirt, dust, and even leaves from the trees near it. It’s important to clean the pool at least once a week.
Pool vacuums work in different ways, depending on their mode of operation. There are pool vacuums with long handles that you can use like you vacuum your house and automatic robotic pool vacuums that operate on their own.
Can you vacuum a pool with a shop vac?
While you CAN clean the pool with a shop vac, it will take way too long because you’ll need to empty the water from the shop vac after a few minutes.
How often should I run my pool vacuum?
It’s always a good idea to use a vacuum twice a week to get rid of all the dirt that’s accumulated in the pool but it has to be used at least once a week to keep things clean.
Do you remove the skimmer basket when vacuuming a pool?
Yes, you have to remove the skimmer basket when you attach the hose to the pool inlet.
Other Pool Vacuums We Reviewed
We have compared 20 other pool vacuums and while they couldn’t reach out top 5 list, they are also good for cleaning your pool. We will discuss each of them briefly and you can decide if one of them suits your needs.
In-Ground Pool Vacuums
Aquabot Breeze IQ Pool Cleaner
Aquabot Breeze IQ has top access filter baskets for easy cleanup. Its powerful pump system cleans up the pool in no time. It is a smart system that helps the device navigate through the pool as it covers all spots. It can clean bacteria down to 2 microns, keeping your pool safe and healthy.
Key Features:
- Finest filtration (down to 2 microns)
- Easy to use
- Scrubs and vacuums
- Powerful pump system
Cost: $740
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pool Cleaner
Polaris Vac-Sweep boasts of powerful working and can clean a pool in up to 3 hours. It is ideal for eating up small to large debris including pebbles, acorns, and leaves. Its large filter bag collects all the debris before it reaches the filtration system, making the pool filtration last longer.
Key Features:
- Ideal for in-ground pools of all shapes and sizes
- Unique 3-wheel design that can reach difficult spots easily
- Double jets provide higher vacuum power
- Can clean a pool in up to 3 hours
- Durable device can last for years
Cost: $520
The Poolmaster 28316 comes with powerful suction that cleans up the pool quickly. There are four multi-directional wheels that aid in maneuvering. There are three perimeter brushes that loosen up the debris so it can be sucked up easily.
Key Features:
- Multidirectional swivel wheels
- Durable rubber bumper
- 8 high-pressure jets
- Attaches to standard garden hose
Above-Ground Pool Vacuums
IntexAbove Ground Pool Cleaner is best for above ground Intex pools. It’s a powerful device that automatically vacuums and cleans the pool floor and gives you a hassle free experience. It comes with directional navigation and changes its direction automatically when it hits the wall.
Key Features:
- Ideal for Intex above-ground pools
- Automatic cleaning
- Works on debris and loose dirt only
- Durable and easy to use
- Needs a 2500GPH pump
Cost: $57
Pool Blaster Catfish Pool Cleaner
Catfish Pool Cleaner by Pool Blaster will keep your water clean and fresh by clearing out debris and dust from your in-ground or above-ground pool. With a speed of 33 gallons per minute, you’ll clean your pool in no time and get ready for a swim.
Key Features:
- Cordless and runs on battery
- Lightweight
- Push button operation
- Can clean 33 gallons per minute
- Ideal for all types of pools
Cost: $90
Pool Blaster Max Li Pool Cleaner
The Max Li pool cleaner by Pool Blaster is a cordless and hoseless pool vacuum. It can be used to clean pools, hot tubs, or spas. It comes with an on/off button and can be used easily.
Key Features:
- Ideal for all types of pools and spas
- Easy operation
- Rechargeable battery
- Runs continuously for 1 hour
Cost: $165
This pool vacuum is specially made to remove large leaves from the pool. It has multi-directional wheels that make it easy to maneuver. While it’s not best for dust, if larger debris and leaves are your nemesis, the Poolmaster 28300 Pool Vacuum will be helpful to you.
Key Features:
- Sucks up large leaves
- Can be used with a standard garden hose
- Multi-directional wheels for easy maneuverability
Cost: $28
PoolSupplyTown Mini Vacuum Cleaner
While it’s not ideal for big pools, it can clean smaller above-ground pools. It attaches to the standard garden hose and the pressure from the hose helps draw leaves and other debris that’s sucked up into the collection bag.
Key Features:
- Budget-friendly
- Ideal for small, above-ground pools
- Uses garden hose water pressure
- Very effective for its price
Automatic Pool Vacuums
Hayward TriVac 500 Pool Vacuum
TriVac 500 is equipped with powerful water jets that propel the device forward and provides better pool coverage. It covers floors, walls, and coves in a 20’x40’ pool. It can be maneuvered quickly and easily as it collects debris from difficult spots.
Key Features:
- Water jet propulsion technology
- Wide vacuum inlet
- Three high-pressure jets
- Extra large debris bag
Cost: $590
Hayward W3925ADC Navigator Pro Pool Cleaner
This pool cleaner will silently clean the pool floor, walls, and coves while you arrange the chairs for a pool party. Its SmartDrive programmed steering helps it move all over the pool to clean it. It comes with enhanced skirt and vacuum wings for more effective debris pickup. Its constant suction power ensures nothing is left in the pool except for sparkling clean water.
Key Features:
- Silent operation
- Automatic navigation
- Quick installation
- Enhanced vacuum wings and constant suction
Cost: $420
The Zodiac MX6 pool cleaner comes with programmed navigation so you don’t have to work hard while cleaning your pool. Just sit back and let it work. It has a low flow design and uses less energy than other pool cleaners in its category. It is suited for variable speed pumps. It comes with several amazing features such as cyclonic suction. This magical device can clean up the corners and nooks you were always unable to clean.
Key Features:
- Self-navigation abilities
- Can climb walls
- Turbines stir up the dirt on the floor that’s sucked up
- Compact and easy to carry
- Powerful results
Robotic Pool Vacuums
The Aquabot X4 has an advanced filtration technique that collects 190 cubic inches of debris. The basket can easily be lifted and rinsed. It can be programmed to perform regular cleanings. Its rotating micro brushes clean the pool effectively.
Key Features:
- Advanced filtration
- Saves time and money
- Powerful cleaning
- Tangle-free cables
Cost: $775
Dolphin E10 is designed specifically for above-ground pools. It scrubs the floor and sucks up the gunk, leaving your pool cleaner than ever. It is an energy-efficient device that doesn’t require an additional pump to do the job.
Key Features:
- Ideal for above ground pools
- Cleans a pool in under two hours
- Energy-efficient design
- No need for extra booster pump or hoses.
Cost: $500
Dolphin Oasis Z5i Pool Cleaner
The Oasis Z5i can clean up your pool in under three hours. It’s an extremely powerful device that cleans up your pool floor, walls, and waterline. With amazing filtering abilities, it makes sure no debris or dirt is left in the pool.
Key Features:
- Ideal for pools up to 50 feet
- Cleans up the pool in about 2.5 hours
- Weekly scheduler
- Can be controlled via an app
Cost: $1300
It’s an easy-to-use pool cleaner that can be maneuvered using a remote. It has advanced algorithms that help it clean up the entire pool. With powerful scrubbing and brushing along with multiple filter options, you’ll get a clean pool quickly.
Key Features:
- Smart algorithm
- Remote operated
- Anti-tangle cable
- Multiple filter options
- Weekly timer
Cost: $1100
SharkVac comes with a brush that scrubs away the tough dirt stuck to the pool surface so it can be sucked up by the powerful vac. It is energy-efficient and works on microprocessor-based technology. It is easy to use and quickly cleans up the pool.
Key Features:
- Microprocessor-based operation
- Scrubs pool walls and floor
- Energy-efficient design
- Easy to use
Cost: $720
Hayward TigerShark Pool Vacuum
With smart microprocessor-based technology, the TigerShark pool cleaner quickly cleans all types of surfaces. It can be operated with a remote. Its powerful vacuum and energy-efficient functionality help the device clean the pool perfectly. However, its downside is that it lies on the expensive side.
Key Features:
- Remote control operated
- Powerful vacuum
- Energy efficient
- Quick cleaning
Cost: $1270
The KreepyKrauly Prowler offers efficient cleaning and keeps your pool clean. It scrubs the pool and the debris is collected by the vacuum, which is filtered, resulting in a clean pool in less than three hours. It is remote operated and you can clean up tough spots easily.
Key Features:
- Remote control operated
- Powerful vacuum
- Quick cleaning
- Energy efficient
- Weekly timer to schedule regular cleanings
Cost: $900
Polaris F9450 Sport Pool Cleaner
Polaris F9450 Sport offers high tech features such as powerful suction and the ability to climb over obstructions. Its brushes perfectly scrub the floor and walls to loosen up tight dirt. It has customizable cleaning cycles so you can decide how you want your pool cleaned.
Key Features:
- Captures 4 times the debris collected by other cleaners
- Large filter canister
- 4-wheel drive technology
- Cleans large pools easily
Cost: $1030
It works independently and without supervision. It sucks up all dirt and debris and releases clean water. It cleans big debris such as leaves and even particles as small as of 2 microns in size. It’s an energy-efficient unit that saves 8 times more energy than other cleaners.
Key Features:
- Works on pools of all shapes
- Can suck up small particles of 2 microns in size
- Energy efficient
Cost: $300
