Pool vacuums harness powerful suction to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris that collects in the water. Although pool upkeep can be overwhelming, investing in a high-quality pool vacuum can make the process much easier—keeping your pool clean, safe, and ready to enjoy with minimal hassle.
To make finding the right model easier, we’ve reviewed the best pool vacuums on the market today. Our top recommendation is the Polaris In-Ground Pool Cleaner, a 360-degree cleaning system that efficiently services nearly any in-ground pool without requiring a separate booster pump. Read on for more of our recommendations.
Top 6 Pool Vacuums
- Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner: Best Pool Vacuum Overall
- Poolmaster Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum: Best Pool Vacuum For Leaf Cleanup
- Zodiac G3 Automatic Pool Cleaner: Best Suction-Side Pool Vacuum
- Intex Rechargeable Handheld Pool Vacuum: Best Handheld Pool Vacuum
- Hayward Navigator Pro Pool Cleaner: Best Budget-Friendly Robotic Pool Vacuum
- U.S. Pool Supply Professional Automatic Pool Vacuum Cleaner: Most Versatile
Compare Top Pool Vacuums
| Product | Design | Weight | Pool Type |
|---|---|---|---|
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Inground Pool CleanerCheck Price | Automatic | 14 pounds | In-ground |
Poolmaster Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf VacuumCheck Price | Manual | 1.8 pounds | Above-ground and in-ground |
Zodiac G3 Automatic Pool CleanerCheck Price | Automatic | 17.9 pounds | In-ground |
Intex Rechargeable Handheld Pool VacuumCheck Price | Manual | 6.5 pounds | Above-ground |
Hayward Navigator Pro Pool CleanerCheck Price | Robotic | 17.7 pounds | In-ground |
U.S. Pool Supply Professional Automatic Pool Vacuum CleanerCheck Price | Automatic | 13.3 pounds | Above-ground and in-ground |
Best Pool Vacuum Overall
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner
Good for: Homeowners with any type of in-ground pool who have a lot of large debris, like leaves.
This pressure-side vacuum doesn’t require a booster pump, as it’s powered by the water pressure coming from the pool’s return line. With its long 31-foot hose, our team likes that it can tackle large in-ground pools and uses a jet stream to draw larger debris into its chamber.
Pros and Cons of Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner
- 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 People Are 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.
Best Pool Vacuum For Leaf Cleanup
Poolmaster Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
Good for: Pool owners looking for an inexpensive solution for removing leaves from their pool.
If your pool seems to be overrun with leaves, we think this budget-friendly vacuum may be the perfect helper. It uses multidirectional wheels to navigate your pool’s floor and eight water nozzles to collect leaves.
Pros and Cons of Poolmaster Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
- 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 People Are 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.
Best Suction-Side Pool Vacuum
Zodiac G3 Automatic Pool Cleaner
Good for: Pool owners looking to clean up small and medium debris like sand, dirt, and grass.
Our research showed this pool vacuum works with a pump to remove both small- and medium-sized pieces of debris from your pool’s floor, walls, and steps by connecting to your pool’s filter system. It works on nearly any pool material, including concrete, tile, vinyl, and fiberglass.
Pros and Cons of Zodiac G3 Automatic Pool Cleaner
- 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 People Are 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.
Best Handheld Pool Vacuum
Intex Rechargeable Handheld Pool Vacuum
Good for: Homeowners with smaller above ground pools of any type who are looking for an easy-to-use vacuum.
We were impressed that this handheld pool vacuum weighs less than 10 pounds. It uses a rechargeable battery to operate without a power cord and a telescoping shaft to reach above-ground pools that are up to 18 inches in diameter. It can also be purchased with a hand skimmer or a filter.
Pros and Cons of Intex Rechargeable Handheld Pool Vacuum
- 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 People Are 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.
Best Budget-Friendly Robotic Pool Vacuum
Hayward Navigator Pro Pool Cleaner
Good for: Someone who wants a do-it-all robotic cleaner at an affordable price.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly robotic model, this vacuum is powered by your pool’s existing filtration system, taking less than 10 minutes to connect. We liked that it uses programmed steering for intelligent and complete pool coverage. Its winged design also picks up debris while avoiding hose tangles.
Pros and Cons of Hayward Navigator Pro Pool Cleaner
- 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 People Are 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.
Most Versatile
U.S. Pool Supply Professional Automatic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
Good for: Above-ground or in-ground pool owners who prefer a longer hose.
This premium spiral hose on this automatic pool vacuum can extend up to 35 feet and features 14 hose sections (2.5-foot long each) for maximum control. It works on above-ground or in-ground pools, as well as self-supporting swimming pools, and has an efficient, quiet design that can help remove large amounts of debris.
Pros and Cons of U.S. Pool Supply Professional Automatic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- Moves across pool floors and walls without getting stuck with a flexible skirt
- Includes deflector wheel that helps prevent vacuum from getting stuck on steps and ladders
- Includes adapters and accessories
- Requires a ⅓ HP pump to operate
- Doesn’t work on soft-wall pools
What People Are 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.
Pool Vacuum Buying Guide
To purchase the right pool vacuum, it’s critical to understand how its features and specifications impact its performance and user experience.
The first thing you should consider is whether you prefer a manual, automatic, or robotic cleaner and how each fits into your budget. From there, consider the size of your pool and whether it is above-ground or in-ground. Then, you can examine the hose length and other features, such as 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.
Pool Cleaning Tips
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 FAQs
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 vacuums 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.