9 Best Pool Vacuum Cleaners for a Healthy Pool
In summer, having a pool amidst blooming green shrubbery within your property is a blessing of the highest degree. Whether it’s about cooling off the sweltering afternoon heat of long summer days or having a pleasant evening getaway, home pools with the accompanying undergrowth and flower patches make for quality time. However, you can only […]
In summer, having a pool amidst blooming green shrubbery within your property is a blessing of the highest degree. Whether it’s about cooling off the sweltering afternoon heat of long summer days or having a pleasant evening getaway, home pools with the accompanying undergrowth and flower patches make for quality time.
However, you can only avail all these beneficial features of a pool if you are taking care to maintain it. While a pool among the plants and shrubs create a lagoon-like experience, it also comes with some snags. For instance, the pool water gets dirty in lesser time. All the fallen leaves, weeds, and dirt ending up in the pool certainly ruin the pool water just after a couple of uses.
With a good quality pool vacuum cleaner in the house, you can deal with this ongoing cleaning situation in a more effective manner. Any top-of-the-line pool vacuum cleaner enables you to collect all the plant debris and sediments from the water body with minimal human intervention. Not only a good quality pool vacuum cleaner keeps your pool water sparkling blue but it also helps you in saving water and keeping the dose of chemical sanitizers low.
If you have a pool amid soft soil and shrub borders, then we would strongly recommend you to have top-quality pool vacuum as well. It will make your pool cleaning less hectic and more fulfilling. In order to help you out in getting one, we are going to review 13 of the best pool vacuum cleaners available in the market right now (the numbering doesn’t indicate a preferential order).
In the end, we are also going to share a short buying guide and FAQs regarding pool vacuum cleaners.
Best Pool Vacuum Cleaners
Here is the list of the 9 best pool vacuum cleaners to help you make sure your pool is always clean.
1. Pentair K50600 Kreepy Krauly – Pool Cleaner with Random Vacuuming Motion
- Superior hydraulic design
- A single-moving flapper
- Comes with a free skimming valve
We are starting off our list with Pentair K50600. The manufacturer has given an interesting name to this pool vacuum cleaner. The words “Kreepy Krauly” in the product title actually indicate the “creepy crawling” of the vacuum in the pool like a wild sea creature. From a functional standpoint, this creepy crawling of Pentair K50600 actually highlights some of its valuable features.
For instance, it only has a single moving flapper with no gears and wheels. In other words, the vacuum will need lesser maintenance with fewer moving parts. Moreover, the random motion of the vacuum inside the pool ensures that every nook and corner of the pool is taken care of debris and sediments.
And not just that, the superior hydraulic design intrinsically makes Pentair K50600 better with its vacuuming power. Moreover, the free skimming valve attached to the vacuum assembly automatically takes care of water flow to ensure optimal cleaning speed. The skimming valve also helps the vacuum in sucking in the surface debris as well.
- Perfect for small pools
- The design is fundamentally low maintenance
- The random movement ensures optimal cleaning
- Setting it up for the first time can be wearisome
- Operates with a loud sound
2. Zodiac Ranger – Pool Vacuum Cleaner with Supreme Maneuverability
- Features unique deflector wheels and AG disc
- Comes with a 32-feet feed hose
- Features a double-valve system
Just as Pentair K50600 is called Kreepy Krauly for a reason, the next product on our list is called ‘ranger’ and with an even better rationale. There are two components that give this vacuum cleaner an operational outlook, as if a ranger vehicle is traversing through rough terrains. To begin with, it is fitted with a state-of-the-art deflector wheel. If your pool has a curvilinear shape with steps and other such features, then this feature will come in really handy. This deflector wheel ensures that the vacuum doesn’t get stuck in any corner.
Moreover, the vacuum is fitted with an AG Disc, a single moving diaphragm, which makes it easier for the vacuum to slide along all the surfaces within the pool while sucking in the debris and dirt. This is also the only operational moving part of Zodiac Ranger which makes it a low-maintenance vacuum machine.
A better flow of water just adds on to the vacuuming activity in the pool. The manufacturer has taken care of this aspect in Zodiac Ranger and fitted it with a combo of Flowkeeper valve and Insta-Skim self-adjusting flow control valve. These valves ensure the water flow in the pool remains consistent throughout the cleaning activity.
With 32-feet feed hose and a pre-assembled setup, Zodiac Ranger Pool vacuum cleaner is definitely a bang for the buck.
- The pre-assembled construction makes for hassle-free setup
- A low-maintenance machine
- Relatively quieter operations
- Not ideal for large and soft-sided (Intex) pools
- Large debris can get stuck in it
3. Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner – Hi-Tech Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- Hypergrip continuous tracks
- Extremely energy-efficient DC motor
- An Amazon’s Choice Product
If you want to see technology manifested in a single pool vacuum cleaner, then this is it. Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner is what the future sounded and envisioned in the 80s. To begin with, its shape is not like a regular vacuum cleaner. It’s a compact and sturdy small tank with continuous tracks (just like the real one) and for the same reason i.e. to get better surface traction than the wheels.
Then there is the “Robotic” part of the cleaner. The vacuum features smart technology with programmed chips. It enables the vacuum to scale through the pool without colliding with steps and corners. This smart navigation system of Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner ensures optimal cleaning throughout the pool.
Some debris and sediments embed into the pool base and can’t be dealt with with simple vacuum suction. Dolphin Escape Pool Cleaner takes care of this problem with built-in scrubbers that loosen those stubborn elements.
Dolphin Escape Pool Cleaner also stands apart from its competitors because it is one of the most power-efficient machines on the block. While a traditional pool cleaner can consume up to 1800 watts of power, Dolphin Escape Robot operates with a 180-watt onboard DC motor. Moreover, it features a spacious top-load filter cartridge instead of messy debris bags. This filter feature makes the use of Dolphin Escape Pool Cleaner more hassle-free.
With such striking features, it is only natural that Dolphin Escape Pool Cleaner enjoys the tag of “Amazon’s Choice” in the category “automatic pool cleaner above ground “.
- Continuous rubber tracks ensure optimal traction
- Use of SmartNav technology means no supervision is required
- Combo of fast-running brushes guarantees absolute cleaning
- Filter for fine particles is not included
4. Water Tech Pool Blaster Catfish – Best Vacuum Cleaner for Small and Medium-sized Pools
- A fully rechargeable lithium-powered suction motor
- Comes with multiple filters
- Easy push-button operations
Are you looking to clean a pool that doesn’t have built-in filter systems and drains? Are you trying to clean a pool that is quite far from the power outlet? Pool Blaster has particularly introduced a sleekly designed pool vacuum cleaner for all such users.
With the shape of the robotic arm where the suction inlet is mounted at 45 degrees and handle that can be extended by any telescopic pole, Water Tech Pool Blaster Catfish ensures you can use it just like a brush in all those pools and spas that don’t have their own filter systems.
It features a lithium-ion battery that is fully recharged in four hours and can offer nonstop vacuuming for 45 minutes. In other words, you can take care of debris and dirt of a medium-sized pool in a single go. But its cordless and rechargeable features are not the only reasons why Water Tech Pool Blaster Catfish has ended up on our list of best pool vacuum cleaners.
Its filtration system is one of the best one the block. It comes with an all-purpose reusable filter for general cleaning. Moreover, two microfilters are also part of the deal that ensures fine cleaning of all the debris of a couple of microns.
With the easy push-button on-off mechanism, the use of the Pool Blaster vacuum is as easier as it can get.
- A cost-effective and user-friendly pool cleaner
- Can be used in pools without built-in filtration systems
- Not ideal for large pools due to limited- battery time
- Suction power could be better
5. Intex Auto Pool Cleaner – Best Pool Cleaner for Above-Ground Intex Pools
- Compatible with 1,600-3,500 gph filter pumps
- Particularly designed for Intex pools
- Automatic cleaning system
In-ground and above-ground concrete pools usually have their own filtration systems. And even if that’s not the case, you can use different vacuum cleaners in them. On the other hand, debris cleaning is not that easy in Intex pools. The majority of pool vacuum cleaners are not designed to work in an Intex Pool. Don’t go too far, even the products we have discussed above are not suitable for Intex pools.
Instead of relying on others to produce a vacuuming solution for its pools, Intex has designed one that is custom-made for its above-ground pools. Intex Auto Pool Cleaner has rover-like construction with caster wheels that can easily maneuver through an Intex pool. This purpose-built pool vacuum cleaner is compatible with a filter pump of gph rating somewhere in between 1,600-3,500.
Setting up Intex Pool Cleaner with a filter pump is the tricky part of its use. You have to make sure that no air pockets are left in the cleaner hose. This diligence helps you in getting every last bit of vacuuming power to work. A user manual that comes with the vacuum will come in really handy in setting it up with zero air pockets.
6. Water Tech Pool Blaster Pro – Best Pool Vacuum Cleaner in Commercial Settings
- Features hi-flow VAC motor
- Built-in filtration system with micro filter bags
- Specially designed for commercial users
If you are running a private swimming pool and spa, then this Water Tech vacuum pool cleaner can cut your cleaning work in half. It is another pool vacuum cleaner with sleek robotic arm design that can be operated and maneuvered through a telescopic pole in all pool depths. Moreover, it’s a cordless vacuuming machine that rules out the hassle from pool cleaning. However, the features that truly make this Water Tech vacuum a commercial product are its quick-swap exchangeable batteries and extra-wide cleaning head and intake port.
Water Tech Pool Blaster Pro Commercial comes with two quick-swap rechargeable batteries. Recharge one while using the other to avoid any downtime. In addition, the 15-inch wide cleaning head provides better coverage in lesser time. Lastly, the 1.5-inch inlet port makes sure the vacuum can take care of all the large debris that commercial pools often face.
These features collectively come in really handy when you have to clean a pool that remains under extensive use. The filtration system of Water Tech Pool Blaster Pro Commercial is also worth mentioning. Its built-in filtration system comes along with micro filter bags and reusable mash that can take care of all the silt and sand.
- Quick-swap rechargeable batteries ensure non-stop vacuuming
- Wider cleaning head ensures more vacuuming in lesser time
- Using it continuously can strain your back and arm
- Homeowners may find it overpriced
7. Kokido Telsa Rechargeable Cleaner – Best Cordless Option for Moderate Cleaning
- Handheld design compatible with all standard telescopic handles
- Vacuum head features bristles on both sides
- Features removable filter
Kokido has designed its pool vacuum cleaner by keeping both the functional needs and convenience of users in mind. It’s a lightweight, battery-operated vacuum cleaner that can be used with different telescopic handles in all sorts of pool constructions. So, use it as a pool brush without the hassle of handling power cable.
While plant debris is easily get sucked into the vacuum, there is some stubborn embedded debris (algae) that needs some agitation and ruffling beforehand. Kokido has made sure that you can also deal with this tricky pool waste with its Telsa 30 Pool Vacuum Cleaner. For that matter, the vacuum head features centipede-like bristles on both sides. These bristles scrub and loosen algae from the pool floor which is then sucked up into the vacuum.
The filtration apparatus of Kokido Pool Vacuum Cleaner also validates the convenience of its use. The filter is easy to remove and you can get rid of all the debris from it’s with a simple water wash—there is no need to singly take out all the trapped waste.
Kokido Pool Cleaner is definitely a bang for the buck for all those people who want to take care of their pool cleaning without a bit of hassle.
- Cordless cleaning operation
- 2-in-action cleaning action (scrubbing and vacuuming)
- Easy-to-use washable filter
- Not ideal for extensive cleaning
- Extended use can be quite tiresome
8. VINGLI Automatic Pool Cleaner – Best Budget Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- Compatible with 1,600-ghp pumps
- Features swiping rubber disk
- A budget-friendly pool vacuuming option
If you are done with those hammering pool cleaners that make more noise and do less cleaning, then you are yearning for VINGLI Automatic Pool cleaner. It is a high-performance automatic pool cleaner that can be used with water filtration pumps of 1600-ghp with its scuff-resistant durable hoses.
The hoses fit perfectly to ensure no air leaks and pockets. This way you can make the most of all the horsepower of the suction motor. It is important to mention here that the suction and filtration system of VINGLI pool cleaner is good enough to draw in all the dust, dirt, hair and all similar sediments that users manually get rid of by emptying out the entire pool.
Apart from its impressive suction power, VINGLI also features a high-quality rubber disk with toothed edges. This add-on helps the vacuum to work equally good on all different surfaces (concrete, vinyl, etc). Furthermore, its sweeping mechanism ensures that all stubborn debris can loosen up. In order to offer maximum satisfaction to consumers, VINGLI is offering its product with a worry-free guarantee.
The cost-effective suction and scrubbing of VINGLI Automatic Pool Cleaners have earned it the tag of “#1 New Release” on Amazon, at the time of writing.
- Scuff-free hoses are part of the package
- Premium rubber disk ensures holistic pool cleaning
- Not suitable for large pools
9. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner – Bestseller Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Features dual brush assembly
- Features CleverClean programming of 2-hour vacuuming cycle
- An Amazon’s Bestseller
- Comes with a 24-month warranty
This is the second Dolphin pool vacuum cleaner on our list. This one also has all the features that justify its position on the list of the best pool vacuum cleaners available in the market right now. For instance, it also has a base of continuous track that makes sure that vacuum remains in the right position throughout the pool without tumbling over corners and patterned floor. Moreover, the bottom of Dolphin Nautilus CC is fitted with two brushes that ensure all the tough algae and dirt buildups can be easily vacuumed.
The other good thing about Dolphin Nautilus CC Pool vacuum cleaner is that it doesn’t maneuver on random paths. The vacuum is programmed via Clever Clean Technology that runs a 2-hour cycle of vacuuming with carefully planned steering to get 100% neat and clean pools.
Power cords often make the use of heavy-duty pool cleaners bothersome. New pool owners often get exhausted just in untangling the power cord of the vacuum to ensure it can cover the entire pool. Dolphin has used swivel-free cable technology for this hardwearing pool vacuum so that you can provide coverage to every nook and corner of the pool without constantly worrying about the tangled up wire.
With all its impressive features, Dolphin Nautilus CC is currently #1 bestseller in the category “Robotic Pool Cleaners” on Amazon.
Best Pool Vacuum Cleaner Comparison Table
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Pool Type | With Hose | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentair K50600 | 33.5″ x 16.5″ x 6.75″ | 13.8lbs | Above-Ground | Yes | 60 Days or More |
| Zodiac Ranger | 16″ x 9.5″ x 40.5″ | 15lbs | Above-Ground | Yes | 1 Year (US, Mexico) & 2 Years (Canada) |
| Dolphin Escape Pool Cleaner | 22.24″ x 17.76″ x 12.87″ | 14lbs | Above-Ground & In-Ground | No | 2 Years |
| Pool Blaster Catfish | 14.75″ x 4.5″ x 7″ | 3.05lbs | Above-Ground & In-Ground | No | 1 Year |
| Intex Auto Pool Cleaner | 13.38″ x 12.25″ x 23.38″ | 15.3lbs | Above-Ground | Yes | N/A |
| Water Tech Pool Blaster Pro | 25.25″ x 15″ x 7″ | 7.30lbs | Above-Ground & In-Ground | No | 1 Year |
| Kokido Telsa Cleaner | N/A | 4.64lbs | Above-Ground & In-Ground | No | N/A |
| VINGLI Automatic Pool Cleaner | 40.3″ x 13.05″ x 6.25″ | 12.62lbs | Above-Ground & In-Ground | Yes | 1 Year |
| Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus | 10″ x 10″ x 10″ | 19lbs | Above- Ground & In-Ground | No | 2 Years |
Brief Best Pool Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
The 9 best pool vacuum cleaners reviewed above have enough options to choose from if you are going to buy one right now. Nonetheless, we are going to share some important points and features that will help you whenever you will go to buy a pool vacuum cleaner.
Manual or Automatic
As you have noticed, our list of best pool vacuum cleaners is a mix and match of manual and automatic options. Both manual and automatic cleaners have their own advantages and downsides. For instance, manual cleaners are relatively cost-effective and allow you to put extra attention to some particular segments of your pool.
On the other hand, automatic ones offer quick and hassle-free cleaning that needed no supervision. Nevertheless, some automatic options are susceptible to miss some spots. So decide between an automatic and manual pool vacuum cleaner that is closer to your functional needs.
Corded or Cordless
Just as with picking either manual or automatic, you have to make a tradeoff while deciding from the corded or cordless pool vacuum options. Cordless cleaners are lightweight, easy to use and offer better coverage. But they are not that dependable with their battery-powered running time.
On the flipside, corded ones are hard to operate and often face coverage limitation due to cable size. However, they provide more reliable nonstop vacuuming operations.
Note
If convenience is the one and the only feature you are striving for, go for a cordless automatic pool vacuum cleaner. The robotic ones often have both of these features. We have also reviewed a couple of the above.
Suction Power
Continuous tracks, a comprehensive filtration system or a preprogrammed steering mechanism—all these features definitely add value to the function of a pool vacuum cleaner. However, you can’t make the most of these features if they are not accompanied by the right suction power. Despite the good maneuverability and traction of the vacuum, it can’t bring in desired results if its suction power is not good enough.
So, always keep the power rating of the suction pump at the forefront while sifting through pool vacuum cleaner options.
Coverage
Many users don’t pay much heed to this feature while buying a vacuum cleaner for a pool. And they only come to know about its importance when they face difficulties in giving a complete cycle of absolute cleaning to their pools. Therefore, we would recommend you to factor in this feature at the time of buying.
If you are going for a corded one, then make sure that its power cable is long enough to cover your entire pool. Evaluate this distance by the nearby power outlet you are going to use. Similarly, when going to buy an automatic or robotic pool cleaner, confirm with the seller/manufacturer that it can cover your entire pool without needing any supervision.
Taking this seemingly small point into consideration at the time of buying will keep the use of pool vacuum cleaner entirely hassle-free.
Filtration System
A good quality pool vacuum cleaner must capture all the debris that stains the pool water. The specs of a vacuum cleaner can easily give you the idea of how efficient is its filtration system. Moreover, you have to pick between bag-less and bagged filtration systems. Bag-less filtration often comes in modern pool vacuum options. These pool cleaners have filtration chambers (often removable) that you can easily clean and make them reusable.
On the other hand, old pool vacuums come with filtration bags that require more extensive cleaning after every vacuuming. If you have a budget to spare, then we would strongly recommend you to go with bag-less filtration systems because of their hassle-free and more effective sieving mechanism.
Warranty
All reliable manufacturers offer their pool vacuum cleaners with certain time-bound warranties. Similarly, all parts that come with a pool vacuum cleaner product must be covered under this warranty. Products available with money-back guarantees and lenient return policies are worth buying because the manufacturers are pretty confident of their products’ quality and thus present such attractive offers.
Answering Some Common Queries
Before we wrap up this piece, let’s answer the common queries regarding the use of pool vacuum cleaners.
When to Vacuum Your Pool?
There is no definite answer to this question. If your pool experience extensive use and located in the middle of soft soil and shrubbery, then it is better to have it vacuumed once a week. Otherwise, you can give a 2-3 week gap between two vacuums.
Are Robots Better than Manual Cleaners?
Robots can be better than manual ones and vice versa. It actually depends on the setting in which you are using them. For instance, a programmed robotic pool vacuum cleaners prove to be really effective in cleaning small above-ground pools. On the other hand, typical large in-ground pools are taken better care of with heavy-duty manual vacuum cleaners. However, there is no hard and fast rule that gives precedence one option to the other.
When to Empty the Filter Chamber/Bag?
Empty it as soon as you are done with vacuuming. Many users often commit this mistake where they wait for the chamber/bag to get completely filled. Having debris drying down in the filter can only corrode its surface and take a toll on the suction power of the vacuum. So, make it your habit to clean the filters no matter how less the collected debris is.
What to Do When the Cleaner Is Not Working?
If the cleaner doesn’t rev even after doing the time-tested trick of switching it on and off, then we would strongly recommend you to refrain from doing any experiment. If this happens within the warranty, contact the seller/manufacturer. Otherwise, go to any seasoned technician who really knows to work on faulty cleaners instead of trying your luck on the vacuum head.
Pool water free of dirt and debris ensures healthy dipping and swimming and a good-quality vacuum cleaner plays an integral role in getting this dazzling sparkling water. We hope that this article with 13 product reviews and a buying guide will help you in getting the best pool vacuum cleaner for your exact needs and within your budget.
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