5 Best Pool Vacuums (2023 Guide)

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.

To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve researched the best pool vacuums on the market. Explore our top picks, comprehensive buyer’s guide, and answers to common questions below.

Top 5 Pool Vacuums

• 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 Robotic: Hayward Navigator Pro Pool Cleaner

Best Pool Vacuum Overall

Pros and Cons

✔ Equipped with three jets for superior power
✔ Has a 2.25-inch inlet to capture larger debris
✔ Cleans your pool in 3 hours or less

✘ Prone to imbalance when the collection chamber is full
✘ Only suitable for in-ground pools

What Customers Are Saying

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.

Best Pool Vacuum For Leaf Cleanup

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a 15-inch diameter with a wide opening to capture large loads of leaves at one time
✔ Designed with a built-in adapter that fits standard garden hoses
✔ Sold with a reusable leaf collection filter bag

✘ Doesn’t come with a hose or extension pole, both of which are necessary for operation
✘ Collection bags may require replacement

What Customers Are Saying

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 sometimes fell into the pool once it got full.

Best Suction-Side Pool Vacuum

Pros and Cons

✔ Comes with a scuff-resistant hose
✔ Designed with a 36-fin disc to increase the machine’s surface adhesion
✔ Equipped with a wheel deflector that helps with navigating tight corners

✘ Works best with a low-speed pump
✘ Can’t tackle large pieces of debris

What Customers Are Saying

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.

Best Handheld Pool Vacuum

Pros and Cons

✔ Includes two interchangeable brush heads
✔ Uses an automatic shut-off feature to turn off when it’s not in the water
✔ Comes with a USB cable for recharging the included battery

✘ Not suitable for large pools that are bigger than 18 feet
✘ Users must push it along the pool floor manually

What Customers Are Saying

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.

Best Robotic Pool Vacuum

Pros and Cons

✔ Installs to your pool’s filtration system in less than 10 minutes
✔ Operates while making nearly no noise
✔ Available in models that are designed for vinyl and gunite pool surfaces

✘ Not meant for pools that are larger than 20 by 40 feet
✘ Weighs over 17 pounds

What Customers Are Saying

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.

Pool Vacuum Buying Guide

To purchase the right pool vacuum, you must understand how its features and specifications impact its performance and user experience. Here are three factors to consider as you continue your search.

Pool Vacuum Type

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.

Pool Size

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.

Hose or Cable Length

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 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 shocking your pool 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.

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