We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Patio Furniture & Outdoors The 13 Best Pool Cleaners of 2024, Tested in Backyards Across the U.S. Get your pool summer-ready with one of our top picks By Alyssa Brascia Alyssa Brascia Alyssa Brascia is a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE with two years of experience in the digital media industry. Her expertise lies in the realm of fashion and beauty, where she covers the best products that your wardrobe and makeup vanity need like the best lip oils, boyfriend jeans, workout sets, ballet flats, and more. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 20, 2024 04:22PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Tried What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Anna knief If you’re itching to throw on a new bathing suit and cannonball straight into your pool, we’re right there with you. But after we defrost from the winter (and our pools do, too), there’s one very important step to take before that first dive into the water: Pull out the pool cleaner. (You should probably balance your chemicals, too.) There are many pool cleaners on the market, from app-controlled robotic pool cleaners to standard brushes, so it’s up to you to decide which cleaner will be the most effective for your pool. Over the past year, we tested 41 pool cleaners in backyards across the U.S., from above- and in-ground to rectangular and kidney-bean-shaped pools. For a surface that glitters like diamonds and results as hassle-free as can be, here are the top 13 pool cleaners of 2024. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon $799 Jump to Review Best Brush: SALE Lalapool Professional Pool Brush at Amazon $19 $14 Jump to Review Best Budget: Poolwhale Pool & Spa Vacuum at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Robotic: Aiper Scuba S1 Pool Cleaner at Amazon $700 Jump to Review Best Robotic (Cheaper): Aiper Seagull SE Robotic Pool Cleaner at Aiper.com Jump to Review Best Cordless: Polaris Freedom Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon $1,399 Jump to Review Best Pressure: Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner at Amazon $599 Jump to Review Best Wall-Climbing: Hayward The PoolCleaner Suction Cleaner at Amazon $429 Jump to Review Best for Pool Floors Only: WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon $100 Jump to Review Best Corded: Polaris 7000 Robotic Pool Cleaner at Lesliespool.com Jump to Review Best Overall Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $799 at Amazon $799 at Target View on Walmart Star Qualities Worked well on our floors and walls Impressive floor-tracking and wall grip abilities Easy to move in and out of the water Red Flags Expensive, but the perks are worth it Taking care of a pool is no small feat, which is why investing in equipment as nice as the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner is a game changer for pool upkeep. We tested it for months to ensure its star quality, and it’s only gotten better with time. With its stellar vacuum suction, effortless portability, and easy-to-clean filters, it’s not hard to see why we fell in love with this robotic pool cleaner. One of the standout features of the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is excellent tracking, which made a huge difference in the cleanliness of our pools. Its advanced navigation technology allows the machine to map out the dimensions and angles of your pool’s floor and walls to pick up all debris scattered across the bottom. Like a great robot vacuum, it only gets better with more frequent use. After months of testing, we noticed that it seemed to navigate areas of the pool even better than when it was first used due to a better understanding of the pool’s surface area, making it as intuitive as it is effective. With a cleaning device that works this effectively, it makes sense that its price tag is a bit high. We think that the performance quality and longevity of this pool cleaner far outweigh the mediocrity of other, less-expensive options that may not last longer than a summer. We can confidently say that if you invest in this pool cleaner, you won’t be disappointed. Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 10 inches | Weight: 19 lbs. | Pool size: Up to 50 ft | Filter: Twin cartridges | Cleaning time: 2 hours | Smart features: None People / Matt Strelecki People / Matt Strelecki Best Brush Lalapool Professional Pool Brush PHOTO: Amazon $14 at Amazon Star Qualities Compatible with standard skimmer poles Deep-cleaned without damaging the liners Super affordable Red Flags You need an extension pole to attach the head Sometimes, you have to get picky with your pool cleaning, and one of the best ways to ensure your liner gets the five-star treatment is with a tried-and-true brush clean. This 18-inch wall and tile brush is the perfect addition to your maintenance regimen due to its premium nylon bristles, easy snap-on design, and sturdy, rust-proof aluminum material that’s sure to last several seasons and keep your pool sparkling clean for more fun in the sun. We loved how easy it was to snap onto our pre-owned poles, whether from a skimmer or another tool, and the brush was effective on our liners without being abrasive. Its curved edges make it easy to scrub hard-to-reach corners, and the nail-free design removes any concerns of liner rips or tile damage. You do have to go out and buy a pole (or search for one on your property) if you don’t already have one, as this brush does not come with one. However, we find this to be incredibly helpful (and space-saving) if you already own a detachable skimmer or other extension pole-requiring pool tool because you can have a two-in-one product without storing more large tools in your garage or shed. Dimensions: 17 x 5.3 x 1.7 inches | Weight: 0.65 lbs. | Pool size: Not applicable | Filter: None | Cleaning time: Not applicable | Smart features: None People / Kim Vogt Best Budget Poolwhale Pool & Spa Vacuum PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon Star Qualities Surprisingly strong suction Filter has a large capacity for debris Easy to assemble Red Flags Hard to empty the snap-shut debris bag If you’re of the mindset that the best cleaning jobs are accomplished by hand, then you’ll fall in love with the PoolWhale Pool Vacuum Jet. Simply attach the cleaner to a pole, connect your garden hose, and it’s ready to go. It includes a heavy-duty vacuum bag that sucks up every last stick and piece of debris on your pool’s floor — even specks of clutter that we hadn’t noticed before cleaning. All this to say, we got a stellar clean for a smaller-sized pool with this affordable vacuum pool cleaner. We do think that it would be a tougher job to clean larger pools with this stick, as it has a smaller reach and you have to be in the water to clean larger and deeper pools. Just be sure to take time to clean out the vacuum bag afterward; it’s so effective that it can be hard to clean out, due to all of the gunk it just picked up from your pool’s floor. Dimensions: 4.72 x 10.43 x 47.24 inches | Weight: 1.25 lbs. | Pool Size: Up to 25 feet | Filter: Not applicable | Cleaning Time: 20 mins | Smart Features: No People / Stephanie Petit People / Stephanie Petit People / Stephanie Petit Best Robotic Aiper Scuba S1 Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $700 at Amazon View on Aiper.com Star Qualities Came completely assembled Easy to store Sucked up undetectable debris Red Flags Gets pretty heavy when waterlogged Doesn't skim the surface Let’s face it, having and maintaining a pool is a hassle in and of itself, so the least your pool vacuum can do is effectively clean it (bonus points if it’s hands-off). That’s why we loved the intuitive, sleek, and incredibly smart Aiper Scuba S1 — a cordless, robotic pool cleaner that ate up our pool’s miscellaneous debris in a quick and effective fashion. The machine came completely assembled and fully charged. All we had to do was press a button, drop it in the pool, and let it take care of our messes. We’d liken this cleaner to a Roomba vacuum, because it took off and scrubbed our pool's walls, floors, and even stairs immaculately, returning right to its starting point when the job was complete. We did wish it had a surface-skimming mode, as some other pool cleaners we tried also took care of floaters (and let’s face it, most debris sits on top of the water, anyway). It’s also worth noting that this model can get pretty heavy when water-logged, so we’d suggest letting it drain for a second before hoisting it out of the water. But luckily, there’s a hook you can attach to your skimmer pole that will help you pull it up. Dimensions: 19.6 x 18.43 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 20.9 lbs. | Pool size: Up to 3,200 ft | Filter: Basket | Cleaning time: 180 minutes | Smart features: Auto-parking, quick water release, one-switch activation, three cleaning modes (auto mode, floor only, wall only), weekly cleaning frequency People / Paden Reich People / Paden Reich Best Robotic (Cheaper) Aiper Seagull SE Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon View on Aiper.com Star Qualities Self-navigating and parking Compatible with above- and in-ground pools Cordless design Red Flags Filter fills up quickly We loved this robotic cleaner for a myriad of reasons. It cleaned almost all of the debris, dirt, and dead leaves that were strewn across our pool floors, parked itself, and was cordless — a high-end touch for a relatively low price. In fact, its reasonable price is probably our favorite thing about this cleaner (especially when it's $100 off during Aiper's summer sale). All that we had to do was drop this cleaner into the water and watch it work its magic. Its self-navigation system made the experience entirely hands-free, and when the job was done, it parked itself at the edge of the pool for easy retrieval (which was easy thanks to its top handle). We will note that we had to remove and empty the filter three times in one 90-minute cleaning cycle because of a full filter, though it was admittedly a pretty large pool (40 by 18 feet). However, this does go to show that it can clean several pool sizes, from small to large, and it's worth mentioning that you can use this cleaner in both above- and in-ground pools. Dimensions: 17.13 x 13.74 x 7.8 inches | Weight: 10.67 lbs. | Pool size: Up to 850 square feet | Filter: Tray | Cleaning time: 90 minutes | Charge time: 2.5 hours | Smart features: Auto-parking, LED indicator lights, one-switch activation, dual-drive motors People / Michael Navarro Best Cordless Polaris Freedom Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $1,399 at Amazon View on Polarispool.com View on Lesliespool.com Star Qualities Self-navigation and in-app control Climbed walls and stairs easily Skimmed the waterline Red Flags Fairly pricey (but worth it) We liked a lot of things about this cordless pool cleaner — from its smart navigation system to its spectacular cleaning. It takes about five hours to fully charge this model, but from there, all we had to do was drop it in the pool and let it work its magic, whether it was running on autopilot or we were controlling it from its wifi-enabled app. You can choose from four cleaning options: floor only, floor, walls, and waterline, waterline only, or a smart cycle, which will clean your entire pool in 2 and a half hours or less. No matter what mode we tested it on, the cleaner was able to suck up everything from mulch and leaves to grains of sand, working hard to climb the walls and stairs effectively — even cleaning the waterline, which was a huge bonus. Though this model totes a higher price tag, we’d say it’s well worth the investment because of its time-saving and effective cleans. Plus, during testing, we found that one of our favorite qualities in a pool cleaner was waterline-cleaning abilities, which this one had. Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 14 in. | Weight: 20 lbs. | Pool size: Up to 50 ft. | Filter: All-purpose filter canister | Cleaning time: 2.5 hours | Smart features: Four cleaning modes, smart-navigation, wifi-enabled app, waterline pickup People / Kyle Rock People / Kyle Rock People / Kyle Rock Best Pressure Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Walmart $599 at Amazon Star Qualities Effectively cleaned the floor and surface Climbed walls and stairs well Easy to clean and maintain Red Flags It only vacuums; no scrubbing If you're contemplating suction and pressure-side pool cleaners, our tester’s pool maintenance team collectively called this pressure cleaner “the only model worth using." It took us mere seconds to set up thanks to its straightforward instructions, setting the scene for what would be an easy, breezy clean. This top performer runs on a continuous schedule and cleaned the dirty in-ground pool we tested it in in just three hours, but we kept it in the water pretty consistently because of the constant debris flying off of our backyard flora and fauna. Despite this environmental challenge, this Polaris model left our pool floors, stairs, and walls sparkling clean with every run. We also appreciated its small, lightweight design (only 20 by 23 inches and a little over six pounds). This made it easy to take apart and clean, as the filter bag needs to be emptied and rinsed out after it fills up with the leaves, dirt, and other various particles from your pool. But don’t be fooled by its petite frame — this pressure-side cleaner is small but mighty. We wish it did a little more in terms of scrubbing our surfaces, but it’s just not that type of cleaner (so if you’re looking for a scrubbing superstar, we’d suggest something else on this list). But for a pressure pool vacuum, this was our favorite. Dimensions: 20 x 23 x 10 in. | Weight: 6.20 lbs. | Pool size: Not listed | Filter: Bag | Cleaning time: 3 hours | Smart features: None People / Jennifer Zyman People / Jennifer Zyman Best Wall-Climbing Hayward The PoolCleaner Suction Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $429 at Amazon $429 at Target $449 at Lesliespool.com Star Qualities Strong tire grip Self-pivoting wheels Works well in most pool shapes Red Flags Long cleaning process If you have trees, plants, or mulch around your pool, then you know how hard it is to keep the bottom of your pool — and your pool walls — pristine. The Hayward Poolvergnuegen Pool Cleaner is the one for the job, as this machine will suck up even the smallest of debris that you can’t quite spot in the rippling water. Its standout feature was its super strong treads, and the cleaner’s high-grip tires impressed us when it came to wall-climbing abilities and navigation. Though the pool we tested it in was a little larger than recommended (it’s best for in-ground pools up to 16 by 32 feet), we still think it did a phenomenal job vacuuming up debris like dirt, sand, and leaves. Another perk of this machine is the self-adjusting turbine, which can sift through large debris and alternate between three adjustable suction levels, even if it encounters clogs or larger messes. We did, however, notice that this cleaning process took a lot longer than others we’d experienced in the past with different pool cleaners, but we didn’t mind the extra time, thanks to the glittering results. We can assume it would have been more time-efficient in a smaller pool, but we still were left with a pristine liner in our 20-by-40-foot testing pool. Because of its wall-climbing abilities and deep water compatibility, we’d recommend this for people with in-ground pools over above-ground. Dimensions: 40.4 x 13.6 x 11.9 inches | Weight: 4.9 lbs. | Pool size: Up to 32 ft | Filter: None | Cleaning time: 7 hours | Smart features: None People / Anna Knief People / Anna Knief People / Anna Knief Best for Pool Floors Only WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $93 at Amazon View on Wybotpool.com Star Qualities Cleaned floors well Surprisingly quiet Budget-friendly Red Flags Doesn’t climb walls or stairs No app connectivity This cordless model is the cheapest electric cleaner that we tested and was excellent at cleaning our pool floors — even on the deep end. When we removed the machine from the water (which was comparatively easy to do next to some of the other pool cleaners we tested) and cleaned out the filter, we noticed that it was able to pick up messes that we hadn’t even been able to spot before, like insects and dirt. If you want your robotic model to climb walls and stairs, this isn’t the pool cleaner for you (opt for this Hayword model instead. We didn’t have to manually steer this model, which we liked (in fact, we couldn’t — there wasn’t even an app that allowed us to), and this made it easier for us to spot clean areas that the machine couldn’t reach while the floor was being taken care of. Dimensions: 16.14 x 15.94 x 8.46 in. | Weight: 7.9 lbs. | Pool size: Up to 25 ft. | Filter: Fine filter | Cleaning time: 1 hour | Smart features: Smart navigation, self-parking system People / Kathryn Stephenson People / Kathryn Stephenson Best Corded Polaris 7000 Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Leslie's View on Lesliespool.com Star Qualities Super simple to set up Strong suction got rid of algae Tangle-proof hose Red Flags Expensive price tag No indicator of cleaning cycle completion You’re going to want a pool cleaner that can weather the storm (literally), and that’s exactly what we found in the Polaris 7000 Robotic Pool Cleaner. This machine is best for above-ground pools and includes a 40-foot cord that can service a pool up to 30 feet in size, which is a total win in our book (and backyards). We found this pool cleaner to be incredibly easy to operate since it came nearly ready to be dropped in the water — we just attached the hose and let it go. It’s also super easy to remove the filter with a press of the release button, which we had to do once the cleaner ran through the pool’s post-storm algae-ridden water (which it sucked up so effectively that it was visible in rippling water). We noticed that as it came to the higher points of the wall, we could see the water’s surface start to quiver under the powerful suction of this vacuum. And we can’t forget about the tangle-proof cord, a lifesaver in any pool. After many claims of tangle-resistant hoses, we can truly say that this one stayed in its lane and avoided knots at all times — a must-have for above-ground pool owners. While we wished it was a little less expensive and had a better indicator for when the cleaning cycle was complete (it just stops moving and flashes a small red light), we think this is an impressive corded model. Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Pool size: Not listed | Filter: Canister | Cleaning time: 1 hour | Smart features: None People / Steven Schrimpf Best with App Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $1,399 at Amazon $1,399 at Target Star Qualities Easy to remove from the water Wifi-enabled app controls cleaning modes and frequencies Scrub brushes effectively cleaned floors and walls Red Flags A more expensive option Struggled a bit on the stairs Dolphin continues to be a winner for us throughout this testing process. This time, the Nautilus CC Supreme takes the cake for superior app-controlled capabilities. We saw major gunk removed from the bottom of our pools thanks to the robot’s three powerful scrub brushes, and we loved how easy it was to control everything from the cleaning schedule to the type of cleaning (spot treatment, wall scrubbing, etc), all from the MyDolphin Plus App. For a super-sparkly clean, we suggest the enhanced automatic cleaning program. We did notice that the ‘bot had some trouble navigating the stairs and only made it up one step, but with a little bit of guidance, it was able to get the job done. While this robot pool cleaner surely isn’t cheap, we think it’s well worth the extra change thanks to how much time you would save either manually cleaning the pool or rushing home to get the pool beautiful before your backyard bash. Simply activate the vacuum via your app from the office, grocery store, or wherever you may be for a sparkling blue surface upon arrival. Dimensions: 10.3 x 16.1 x 16.7 in. | Weight: 24.63 lbs. | Pool size: Up to 50 ft | Filter: Twin cartridges | Cleaning time: 2.5 hours | Smart features: Wifi-enabled app, advanced weekly scheduling, cycle selector, delayed start, remote steering, full-filter indicator, customizable cleaning frequency People / Julee Evans People / Julee Evans Best Investment Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $1,399 at Amazon $1,399 at Walmart Star Qualities Effectively cleaned pools up to 50 feet long Smart navigation system Easy-to-clean ultra-fine filter Red Flags Confusing instructions The Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner is our favorite for those looking to invest in a long-lasting (and long-warrantied) robotic pool vacuum. This model features dual scrubbing brushes, three fine filter options, and scheduling software that makes this extravagant pool cleaner rise above the rest. We particularly found favor with the simplicity of this model. There’s no Bluetooth connectivity, so you simply plug it in and watch it go. While we found it very easy to operate and cart around this pool cleaner, we did think it was a bit hard to figure out how to program and control the machine due to confusing paper instructions, but it turns out that it’s as simple as dropping it in the water and letting it learn your pool. With its twist-resistant cord, gentle yet effective scrubbers, and smart navigation, this investment piece is well worth the money for a sparkling-clean in-ground pool. Dimensions: 23.15 x 19.2 x 13.8 in. | Weight: 22 lbs. | Pool size: Up to 50 ft | Filter: Bottom-load fine cartridge filter, ultra-fine cartridge filter, oversized fine filter bag | Cleaning time: 3 hours | Smart features: CleverClean algorithm People / Anna Knief Best Above-Ground Pool Cleaner Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $629 at Amazon Star Qualities Very lightweight High-traction rubber tracks Consistently great cleans Red Flags Instructions were confusing at first Above-ground pools are often cleaned manually, but the Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner is specifically designed to lessen the physical stress of above-ground pool upkeep for you. From floor and wall scrubbing to surface-level cleaning, this robot effectively rid our pools of everything from leaves, dirt, and worms (gross, we know) and left us with crystal clear water. Once we noticed how clean our pools were after using this machine (and how the cord never got tangled!), it made its heftier price tag more digestible. We’ve found ourselves recommending this pool cleaner to friends, because, let’s face it, pool maintenance is not cheap — so you might as well invest in a quality cleaning machine now to prevent costs down the line. Dimensions: 22.44 x 17.8 x 13 in. | Weight: 14 lbs. | Pool size: Up to 30 ft | Filter: Top-load filter cartridge | Cleaning time: 3 hours | Smart features: CleverClean smart navigation People / Anna Knief People / Anna Knief Best for Large Pools Polaris VRX iQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Leslie's $1,649 at Amazon $1,649 at Lesliespool.com Star Qualities Easy to store Smart navigation and targeted spot cleaning App-controlled specialized cleaning cycles Red Flags High price tag This pool-cleaning powerhouse is fantastic for backyard oases that are up to 60 feet long and can accomplish big cleans thanks to a 70-foot cable and an app-operated interface that allows you to steer, schedule, and spot-clean all from your phone. We were impressed by the number of algae and other pieces of debris that this Polaris cleaner was able to eradicate in two hours of cleaning, and we liked the various cleaning options that we could select for the robot pool cleaner at any given time — from specialized cleaning cycles for floor, walls, steps, and waterline to smart mapping, enhanced scheduling, and more. The device was super easy to pull out of the water thanks to its front handle, and it has top-level access to its mighty filter, so you can easily remove and replace the filter as needed. While we’ve established that quality pool cleaners are generally expensive, it still doesn’t shake the sting of a high price tag. Though this cleaner comes at a hefty price, we do think it’s worth the investment for someone with a large, in-ground pool who doesn’t want to or isn’t physically able to put much energy into a manual clean (especially in a pool of this size). Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 19 in. | Weight: Not listed | Pool size: Up to 60 ft | Filter: Extra-large all-purpose filter cartridge | Cleaning time: 2 hours | Smart features: Wifi connectivity, in-app remote control, targeted spot cleaning, schedule programming, full-filter alert, customizable cleaning frequency Other Pool Cleaners We Tried Beatbot AquaSense Pro Pool Cleaner: From the second this cleaner dropped into the pool, it used AI technology to map out our pool for optimal cleaning. It took a few uses to get fully adjusted to our pool, but with each run, it was able to hold a charge longer and clean more effectively. The filter filled up pretty fast because it’s rather small, but it was very easy to clean. People / Meredith Butcher What to Know Before Buying a Pool Cleaner Pool Type and Size You want to pick the right pool cleaner for your specific pool type, so take into account the size, level, depth, and shape of your pool. Some pool cleaners are best suited for smaller pools, which are typically up to 30 feet in length, while other pool cleaners are made for larger pools that can range up to 60 feet. Whether or not your pool is in-ground or above-ground will also determine which cleaners are best for you. A manual cleaning tool, like the Swimming Pool Wall & Tile Brush, is typically intended for an above-ground pool, as in-ground pools are usually too physically taxing to clean yourself. Filtration System Compatibility “Pool cleaners work in conjunction with your pool's filtration system, so make sure to choose a pool cleaner that is compatible with your pool's filtration system and can easily connect to it,” says Martina Genao, director of operations at Emergency Plumbing Squad in Brooklyn, New York. Most cleaners need to be attached to your pool’s filter to work properly — the only exception being a robotic pool cleaner, which you can plug into an electrical plug (or charge) and set into the water. Types of Pool Filters Sand Filter: Sifts water through grains of sand to trap large debris from the waterDiatomaceous Earth (DE) Filter: Absorbs water impurities at a molecular level, keeping your pool extremely clean of dirt and other contaminantsCartridge Filter: The middleman price- and performance-wise (and fairly common for in-ground pools) Bells and Whistles In the age of technology, it’s no surprise that our pool cleaners can do almost as much as our computers. While we have several robotic pool cleaners on this list packed with bells and whistles like self-scheduled cleaning cycles and advanced spot treatments, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner takes the cake on functionality. This model possesses “plenty of useful features including some advanced autonomy settings” according to Leonard Ang, CEO of iPropertyManagement Leasing. Examples include smart navigation or floor mapping, tangle-free cords, weekly schedulers, smartphone apps or connectivity, specialized cleaning treatments (i.e. surface cleans, wall scrubbing, floor), and more. Of course, these extra features come with a price, so if you're not going to use them, don't be afraid to go after a more basic model like this cordless Aiper model. People / Anna Knief Behind the Scenes To find you the best pool cleaner for your home, we've researched top-rated and new-to-the-scene pool cleaners over the course of two years, conducting several long-term tests with frequent check-ins to see if our opinions changed as time went on. We've tested 41 pool cleaners thus far, including 22 standard pool cleaners (and more coming soon), seven robotic cleaners, five manual models, three pressure-side versions, and four suction-side cleaners — each in a variety of pools spread across the country. Each tester received a different machine at their home and began to test them over six months. Setup: We started by timing how long it took to get each cleaner completely assembled (or maybe it came ready to go — we took pleasant note of that, too).Ease of Use: We tested each model at least once a week according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and we recorded our observations on the pool’s conditions before and after a cleaning cycle for several months. Effectiveness: For robotic machines, each cycle was timed on a stopwatch, which we recorded and later compared to the length of cleaning time the cleaner’s product description promises. After this, we took note of how easy it was to empty and clean the machine or brush and filter (if it had one).Value: Each model was then rated on a scale from one to five, with one being the poorest-performing rating and five being the best, based on design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value. Besides hands-on testing, we also did our own research to connect with experts on what should and shouldn’t be tolerated when it comes to pool cleaner performance, and we took that into account when analyzing our best performers from the bunch. Our favorite pool cleaner is the Dolphin Nautilus CC model. People / Kathryn Stephenson Frequently Asked Questions How long should a pool cleaner last? Your pool cleaner should be a source of dependability, but like all things, they ultimately have a shelf life. Dr. Claudia Duncan, owner and CEO of Professional Pool Management, says it depends on how often you use them: “Pool cleaners run on a clock, so they generally have a set lifetime or number of hours that they can run for.” However, she says that they should generally run for a couple of years, give or take, depending on how many months you use it out of the year. Pools in a warmer climate can be utilized year-round, which may shorten the life of your cleaner due to such frequent use. How much does a pool cleaner cost? Pool cleaners are typically a heavy lift price-wise, no matter what — pools are an expensive investment. However, there are ways to keep your pool sparkling clean without feeling like you’re spending a fortune. The PoolWhale Portable Pool Vacuum Jet Underwater Cleaner was a budget-friendly favorite of ours.Manual options like the Swimming Pool Wall & Tile Brush will always be a more affordable option, too, as these standalone brushes are a more involved, yet cost-effective option for cleaning above-ground pools or DIY spot-treatment services. But in most cases, pool cleaners can range anywhere from $400 to $900, with our most expensive (yet highly recommended) option costing $1,700. Keep in mind that sometimes important appliances like pool cleaners are worth the investment, as pricier options usually include the best features and are the safest for every pool, whether they be lined, tiled, or include other flooring materials. Plus, it will be more expensive to replace a ripped liner than to acquire a new cleaner. What are the different types of pool cleaners? “There are several types of pool cleaners, including suction-side, pressure-side, robotic, and manual pool cleaners,” says Genao. Each includes different features and advantages, whether it be better prices or smart features. Suction, pressure, and manual pool cleaners will usually attach to a filter, unless they are stick brushes, whereas robotic cleaners can be plugged into an electrical outlet or charged, and then set free to roam your pool. What are the most popular brands of pool cleaners? We’ve included some of the most highly rated, searched, and positively reviewed brands on this list. Top companies include Dolphin, Hayward, and Polaris for their standout pool cleaners and years-long stories of success, but there are many other brands to choose from that may have pool cleaners at a better price for your needs. Why Trust PEOPLE? Alyssa Brascia is a commerce writer for PEOPLE with a background in lifestyle writing, spanning everything from beauty to home. She has previously contributed to Real Simple, where she researched and wrote home content, and she currently covers household, fashion, and beauty items for PEOPLE. Though Brascia did not test these pool cleaners herself (she lives in New York City, so she doesn't even have a windowsill), she did grow up with a large in-ground pool in her backyard and parents who lamented over their pool cleaner woes for the majority of her childhood. To form a better understanding, she conducted her own research on popular pool cleaners and analyzed the insights given by our testers as they tested several models (both manual and robotic) in their backyards across the country for up to six months, checking in with more details as the weeks went on. She also spoke to various experts in the pool and plumbing space for opinions on what to look for (and avoid) when searching for an effective pool cleaner. Our Expert Panel Martina Genao is the director of operations at Emergency Plumbing Squad in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Claudia Duncan is the owner and CEO of Professional Pool Management. Leonard Ang is the CEO of iPropertyManagement Leasing. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.