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Pool vacuums use powerful suction to pick up dirt and other debris that land in the water. While pool maintenance can be daunting, adding a high-quality pool vacuum cleaner to your list of pool supplies can help keep it clean, safe, and swimmable with minimal effort. Pool cleaners can vary significantly in price, with manual and automatic cleaners sometimes costing under $100, while the best robotic pool cleaners typically cost at least $300 and often upwards of $500 or more.
To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve researched the best pool vacuums on the market. Overall, our top pick is the Polaris In-Ground Pool Cleaner, which is a 360-degree cleaner that can operate without a booster pool pump to clean in-ground pools of nearly any size. Read our guide below for more of our top picks.
Best Pool Vacuums: Our Top 6 Picks
- Best Overall: Polaris In-Ground Pool Cleaner
- Best for Leaf Cleanup: Poolmaster Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
- Best Suction-Side: Zodiac G3 Automatic Pool Cleaner
- Best Handheld: Intex Rechargeable Handheld Pool Vacuum
- Best Budget-Friendly Robotic: Hayward Navigator Pro Pool Cleaner
- Most Versatile: U.S. Pool Supply Professional Automatic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
Compare Top Pool Vacuums
| Product | Design | Weight | Pool Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 In-Ground Pool Cleaner | Automatic | 14 pounds | In-ground |
| Poolmaster Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum | Manual | 1.8 pounds | Above-ground and in-ground |
| Zodiac G3 Automatic Pool Cleaner | Automatic | 17.9 pounds | In-ground |
| Intex Rechargeable Handheld Pool Vacuum | Manual | 6.5 pounds | Above-ground |
| Hayward Navigator Pro Pool Cleaner | Robotic | 17.7 pounds | In-ground |
| U.S. Pool Supply Professional Automatic Pool Vacuum Cleaner | Automatic | 13.3 pounds | Above-ground and in-ground |
| Product | Design | Weight | Pool Type |
Best Pool Vacuum Overall
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner
- $524
- $699.99
- 25% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners with any type of in-ground pool who have a lot of large debris, like leaves.
What Are People Saying About the Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner?
We noticed that many customers found installing this pressure-side pool cleaner to be a breeze. They also said that it picked up large debris. However, we did see select customers that left negative reviews because it couldn’t collect fine debris and some said it got stuck on steps or other areas of the pool.
“I have an outdoor pool, no lanai, and surrounded by trees. After years of struggling to keep it clean, I decided to get one of these auto pool cleaners. I should have done this a long time ago. Before, I would have to literally spend 3-4 hours a week keeping my pool in working order. If I didn’t, it would become a complete mess…. In one day this cleaner had my pool sparkling clean, and it had been somewhat neglected for a couple of weeks….This thing gets all the leaves and dirt. the tail sweeps around and sort of scrubs the floor and walls. It has an auto-reverse every 3.5 minutes, so it gets itself out of any tight corners. the bag is easy to remove and clean, and the debris stays in it very well.” — Scott H. Simpson via Amazon
“Followed installation instructions to the letter. I have an inground pool and gunite construction. Pool stairs are built into one corner. Cleaner gets stuck at the base of the stairs, in the corners of the pool and runs over its own “tail” which jams up the wheels and stops it from working. Seems to spend a lot of time on its side. I have followed the troubleshooting tips within the instructions and have gone online for further input. No solution yet. Would have expected fewers issues for the dollars spent.” — BB via Amazon
Best Pool Vacuum For Leaf Cleanup
Poolmaster Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
- $33.04
- $43.99
- 25% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Pool owners looking for an inexpensive solution for removing leaves from their pool.
What Are People Saying About the Poolmaster Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum?
We noted that customers were happy that this pool vacuum was lightweight and had high ease to use. They also appreciated how much debris it removed. However, we did see some users who struggled to control where it went. Others said the bag had holes that were too large to catch small debris.
“I have many oak trees near my pool. Tons of leaves falling this time of year. Bought this pool cleaner as it was taking forever using the standard hose in the skimmer cleaner. This big sucker works great. Cleaned the pool in half the time without any problems. Less mess too. Happy I bought it.” — Jeff Gauntlett via Amazon
“Suction is weaker than other models of pool vacuums. The bag that comes with it has too large of holes in it to stop the smaller items from going right through the bag. It needs something on the front of the vacuum to help keep it down on the bottom of the pool when using it. The handle gets stuck in the up position, and it’s hard to get it to lay back down. States it’s possible to turn it upside down to vacuum top of the pool but it is difficult to get it into that position and keep it there. When moving across the bottom of the pool, the vacuum tends to flare up in the front and is hard to get it back down on the bottom of the pool.” — Rhino via Amazon
Best Suction-Side Pool Vacuum
Zodiac G3 Automatic Pool Cleaner
- $299
- $349.99
- 15% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Pool owners looking to clean up small and medium debris like sand, dirt, and grass.
What Are People Saying About the Zodiac G3 Automatic Pool Cleaner?
We found that those who were happy with this suction pool cleaner said it assembled quickly, operated efficiently, and had high suction power. However, we also saw some unhappy customers who thought its bulky design made it difficult to maneuver, and others said it was difficult to put together.
“… Needless to say, I’ve never seen a cleaner pool. My pool is so clean it makes me sick. Very, very happy to have purchased a unit for $300 that is almost completely hands-off (every now and then, I straighten hose). The inline filter is so easy to clean compared to the Pentair filter. …Very cheap, very easy, and my pool is always clean. Cleanest in the neighborhood.” — Scott S. via Amazon
“….If they would just put a small insert with a schematic as to how to place the parts that need to be added on, there would be a lot less frustration with this product. When finally assembled and in the water, the G3 goes backwards following the hose – or presumably pushing the hose. That’s your first clue that you didn’t assemble the thing properly… but no, that’s the way it is made. The problem here is that if you have a strong current flow in your pool, the G3 will mainly follow the current around the perimeter of the pool, being pulled around by the hose.” — Lantana via Amazon
Best Handheld Pool Vacuum
Intex Rechargeable Handheld Pool Vacuum
- $64.98
- $68.07
- 5% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners with smaller above ground pools of any type who are looking for an easy-to-use vacuum.
What Are People Saying About the Intex Rechargeable Handheld Pool Vacuum?
We noted that customers said this vacuum’s lightweight build made it easy to handle. They also indicated that it holds an impressive charge. However, some users complained that recharging took a long time and that the unit was ineffective in larger pools.
…”This little vacuum is wonderful. The pole is just fine for the vacuum, it’s not very heavy and not hard to push around. I live in the desert, where there’s no shortage of sand and dirt. This vacuum sucked every bit of dirt and dust up, NO problem, even got up the pine needles that had blown in from the tree. It comes with a standard vacuum bag, as well as a white bag that catches the tiny particles of sand/dirt.” — Amanda C. via Amazon
“This does not hold a charge when not in use. You need to plan use so that it can be charged (which takes hours!) and then used right away. I would recommend charging overnight, then plan to use it in the morning. You can’t charge it so that it’s ready when you need it because if that’s going to be a day or more later the charge will largely have dissipated.” — LeAnn Krick via Amazon
Best Budget-Friendly Robotic Pool Vacuum
Hayward Navigator Pro Pool Cleaner
- $349
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Someone who wants a do-it-all robotic cleaner at an affordable price.
What Are People Saying About the Hayward Navigator Pro Pool Cleaner?
Those we saw who gave this robotic pool vacuum positive reviews said it was durable and long-lasting. They also praised the programmed steering, which prevents the vacuum from getting stuck. On the other hand, we did see some customers that didn’t like how difficult it was to clean and others claimed it got stuck easily.
“Our pool tech suggested this vacuum as he says it the best, especially for the price. He has been cleaning/repairing pools for over 10 years, so we trusted his recommendation. This vacuum works great! It’s high quality, quiet and works well. Would recommend!” — Gilliane via Amazon
“So I have an average-sized pool, and over the last 22 years or so here, I have had probably 5 of these things. Just threw my old Hayward out and bought this one, and within two minutes, it froze in place, fishing my finger around inside there, I saw a really small sort of seed had clogged it up. They really need to perfect the power of the suction OR the drive mechanism to not clog up with just small (smaller than an olive) little seeds.” — William Holderby via Amazon
Most Versatile
U.S. Pool Supply Professional Automatic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- $119.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Above-ground or in-ground pool owners who prefer a longer hose.
What Are People Saying About the U.S. Pool Supply Professional Automatic Pool Vacuum Cleaner ?
Reviewers who gave this product a positive review commented on how easily it moved along pool walls and how well built it was. Others noted that it provided excellent value for its price point. However, some felt that the hose was difficult to adjust, and others noted it got stuck in various areas of the pool despite the included deflector wheel.
“I purchased this particular unit because in the description it stated that it required a lower power pump than the others. Assembled and installed it yesterday and am very impressed with how well it works! It not only moves nicely along the pool bottom, but it also crawls up the sides of the pool. I’m absolutely delighted with the way it is performing so far—-, especially for the price.” — patrick sciarra via Amazon
“It’s a great concept but could definitely use some improvement. We constantly battle to keep it going with how much it gets stuck in random spots because the angle of the pool or corners it just can’t seem to work itself around. When it’s working, it works well by knocking algae, dirt, etc. off the bottom and sucking it up. We’ve tried different lengths of the hose, adjusting the suction flow, the way the hose naturally curls, made sure the pump basket filter was clear and the sand filter was clean. Everything I can think of, but there doesn’t seem to be any trick to keep us from having to babysit it.” — Alex C. via Amazon
What To Know Before Buying a Pool Vacuum
To purchase the right pool vacuum, it’s critical understand how its features and specifications impact its performance and user experience.
The first thing you should look at is if you prefer a manual, automatic, or robotic cleaner and how each fits into your budget. From there, consider how large your pool is and if it is above-ground or in-ground. Then, you can examine the hose length and other features such as the maintenance and installation to help you choose the best option for your home. Read our buying guide below for more information on choosing the best pool cleaner.
What are the different types of pool vacuums?
Pool vacuums are either manual or automatic. With a manual pool vacuum such as a suction-style or pressure-style vacuum, you have to push the vacuum head across the pool’s floor and walls to collect large and small debris. While manual pool vacuums are more affordable than automatic pool vacuums, they’re usually less powerful.
Automatic or robotic pool cleaners, meanwhile, are attached to a power supply that propels the machine along the pool’s floor and walls for hassle-free cleaning. Vacuums with automatic suction are usually equipped with adjustable cleaning settings.
How does pool size affect what pool cleaner you should purchase?
Some vacuums aren’t compatible with deep or long pools. For example, one model may work in above-ground pools that are no bigger than 18–20 feet, while another can clean pools up to 50 feet in length.
What should you look for in a pool hose?
Ensure your selected model has a hose or cable long enough to reach your pool’s floor. An automatic vacuum comes with its power cord, while a manual one may or may not come with the telescopic pole that’s needed to maneuver it.
How do you maintain a pool cleaner?
Check to see what the maintenance and upkeep of your pool cleaner will be before you decide on purchasing one. Some pool cleaners require you to change the filter bag or empty a tank. Other cordless models may need to be frequently charged to work properly and may not be the best fit for larger pools because they may run out of battery runtime before cleaning the entire pool.
How To Keep Your Outdoor Pool Clean
Having an outdoor pool can be a nice treat for you and your family in the warmer months, but make no mistake—it takes a lot of work to maintain. The reality is, ignoring your pool for even a few days can make it unswimmable. However, we put together a few other simple steps pool owners can take to keep their pool water clean.
Cover Your Pool
You can keep your pool uncovered during peak summer when you plan to use it multiple times per week. However, once the temperature drops, winterize your pool to minimize how much work you have to do when the next season rolls around.
Scrub Your Pool
Scrub your pool every day or every other day to help avoid algae buildup along the pool walls. A vacuum can be a big help with scrubbing, but you may also need to scrub tough grime manually occasionally.
Shock Your Pool
Shocking is when you quickly increase the water’s chlorine level to kill bacteria, algae, and other pathogens. We recommend using pool shock once a week and after heavy use, such as a child’s birthday party.
Check Your Chemical Levels
Check your pool’s pH level daily to ensure it’s between 7.2 and 7.6. Also, be aware of the cyanuric acid level (between 30 and 50 milligrams per liter) and the calcium hardness level (between 220 and 350 parts per million or lower for pools with vinyl siding). Then adjust your pool’s chemicals accordingly.
Clean your pool filter.
Check your pool’s filter routinely to ensure that there isn’t anything clogging it and preventing it from doing its job. Clean the filter once a week and its pipes once a month.
Pool Vacuum Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I run my pool vacuum?
If you use your pool daily, we recommend cleaning it once a day or every other day. If you use your pool infrequently, you can vacuum it once a week. The type of pool you own can also help determine its cleaning cycle.
How do I remove floating debris from my pool’s surface?
You can use a pool skimmer to remove floating debris. A skimmer is a net with a long pole that allows you to reach the pool’s center while standing on the side.
Should I brush my pool before vacuuming it?
Yes. Brushing your pool’s floor and walls dislodges any stuck-on algae and debris for easy vacuuming.
How long do pool vacuums last?
Several factors determine how long a pool vacuum will last, including the quality of the model, how often it’s used, and how well it’s maintained. Removing the cleaner from the pool after each unit and limiting its chlorine exposure can help prolong its shelf life. Overall, most pool vacuums should last at least five years or more.
What’s the best type of pool vacuum to use for algae?
Robotic pool vacuums are efficient when dealing with algae in your pool. Robotic vacuums are equipped with powerful suction and filtration systems, along with scrubbing brushes that help dislodge and remove algae from the pool surfaces.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of pool vacuum\ with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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