Say Goodbye to Manual Scrubbing—Our Top Pool Vacuum Does All the Work for You

Pool ownership is a popular dream, but pools can be tough to maintain—especially without a quality pool vacuum. Fortunately, we researched dozens of popular manual and automatic pool cleaners (and even tested a few) to help you find the right one to keep your pool free of leaves, dirt, and debris. 

Based on our research and test results, we chose the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner as our top pick for its effective performance, reasonable price, and compatibility with all pools. Read on to learn more about the results of our tests and to see which features matter most when choosing the best pool vacuum for your needs.   

1. BEST OVERALL: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Aiper Pilot H1 Cordless Pool Vacuum
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3. BEST MANUAL: Pool Blaster Max Li Cordless Pool & Spa Vacuum
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4. BEST ROBOTIC: Dreame Z1 Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner
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5. BEST AUTOMATIC: Aiper Seagull 1000 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
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6. BEST PRESSURE-SIDE: Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Pool Cleaner
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7. BEST SUCTION-SIDE: Zodiac G3 Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
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8. BEST FOR ABOVE-GROUND: XtremepowerUS Automatic Pool Cleaner Vacuum
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9. BEST FOR INGROUND: Zodiac MX6 Advanced Suction Mechanical Pool Cleaner
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Pool Vacuums Comparison

Our Top Picks

The following list of top picks contains manual and robotic options as well as suction pool cleaners that work on both sides of the pressure system. One will surely be perfect for keeping your pool’s water, floor, and walls clean without unnecessary effort. 

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Value 5/5 

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus pool cleaner uses dual scrubbing brushes and a large filtration system to clean and collect leaves, twigs, dirt, pollen, and other debris. It actively scrubs with strong suction and can be used on all types of pool floors without issue. This robotic inground pool cleaner​ is also compatible with above-ground pools. It has wall-climbing capabilities (and can even reverse itself once it reaches the top) and comes with a tangle-free swivel cable as well as a caddy to hold any excess cable.

This model works quickly enough to clean pools up to 50 feet in length in about 2 hours and is easy to operate by programming a schedule or using Wi-Fi and the Dolphin app. In our tests, we really loved the hands-free operation of this robotic swimming pool vacuum but were a bit surprised that the power supply is only water-resistant instead of waterproof. Our cleaning session was interrupted by a thunderstorm about halfway through, and we didn’t feel comfortable leaving it outside to get completely soaked. If your part of the country is prone to frequent rainfall, it might be worth buying a cover.

What our tester says: “This is the pool cleaner I use in my pool. I love that it has multiple filters to remove large and small debris as well as the microscopic stuff I can’t see. For me, it delivers the best results with the least amount of effort”—Jen Karetnick, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Dolphin pool vacuum at Amazon, Walmart, or Target.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Value 4.7/5 

While handheld pool vacuums are convenient, especially for getting into tight corners and working along stairs, their hoses and cords tend to get in the way and create a tangled mess. Not so with the Aiper Pilot H1 cordless pool vacuum, a battery-powered model with a runtime of up to 60 minutes and an easy-to-maneuver weight of just 3.5 pounds. 

This Aiper rechargeable pool vacuum has small scrubber bristles on the vacuum head that do a great job of loosening dirt and debris. It’s also an especially good pool cleaner for picking up anything from the pool floor, even small rocks, making it a solid option for routine maintenance. One thing to note, however, is that the front suction part also doesn’t lock in place, so it may occasionally detach during use. And while an extension pole for deep areas isn’t included, it is compatible with most standard poles. One of our favorite things about this model was how easy it was to clean the filter bag. It’s held in place by a simple elastic band, which makes emptying quick and hassle-free. For those in need of an above-ground or inground pool vacuum for a small pool or spa, this budget-friendly pick just might do the trick.

What our tester says: “This was my favorite model to test because it glides through the water like a whale shark, easily scooping up anything in its path and looking great while doing it.” —Paul Rankin, Product Reviews writer and tester.

Get the Aiper Pilot H1 pool vacuum at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Value 4.5/5 

The Pool Blaster Max won the top award in our guide on the best handheld pool vacuums for a reason. It produces enough suction to get rid of everything from small specs of dirt to large leaves, is easy to use, and only weighs 5.5 pounds. It vacuumed our entire pool in about 15 minutes and did a particularly great job spot-cleaning around ladders, in corners, and on steps. The battery holds enough charge to run for up to 60 minutes, and it takes 4 hours to recharge between uses. 

Like the other manual pool vacuum we tested, this model doesn’t come with a telescoping pole. Still, an extension pole will only cost around $20 to $40, which is pretty economical considering this pick removed debris that even some robotic vacuums missed. We also like that its filter bag is reusable, though it does hold cosmetic stains after use. We also noticed condensation inside the vacuum between cleaning sessions, so leaving it open to dry is a smart move. If you’re after a high-performance handheld pool vacuum, the Pool Blaster Max is an excellent choice.

What our tester says: “Despite the fact that it’s “just” a manual vacuum, we love the Pool Blaster for how quickly and easily it cleaned our pool. It even got rid of debris some robotic vacuums missed after working on the pool for hours.” —Lisa Galek, Product Reviews writer and tester.

Get the Pool Blaster pool vacuum at Amazon or Leslie’s. 

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 4/5

The Dreame Z1 Pro holds its own among the top-tier robotic swimming pool cleaners we tested. Like many high-end models, setup and operation are super easy. You simply connect through the app and choose between standard, floor-only, wall-only, waterline-only, or complete cleaning. Auto mode works great, and there’s also a built-in remote control that lets you send it to specific areas in need of attention. 

In our tests, the Dreame did a fantastic job moving across the floor and climbing the walls. Rather than stopping at the waterline, it scrubbed well above it to grab fine debris, which made a noticeable difference in overall cleanliness. While we were initially surprised that it doesn’t come with a dedicated charging stand, we ended up really liking the magnetic charging cable it uses instead. It clicks into place easily and eliminates the fuss of aligning ports or dealing with covers. To us, the Z1 Pro has all the design features and functionality pool owners dream of. 

What our tester says: “We had fun driving this pool vacuum robot around to spot-clean specific areas. The fact that you can steer it directly to a certain place is surprisingly useful when you need to tackle a buildup of leaves or algae.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Dreame pool vacuum at Amazon or Dreame. 

More Great Options

While the above picks have all been tested by our team, our research also pointed us toward some highly rated alternatives we haven’t had a chance to try yet. The following pool vacuums have earned substantial praise from users and offer an impressive blend of features and value.

For pool owners who prefer to keep a pool’s surface hose- and cord-free, the Aiper Seagull 1000 cordless robotic pool cleaner is worth a look. This battery-operated vacuum has a runtime of up to 90 minutes, making it great for regular maintenance in pools of any size. The Aiper’s design includes dedicated suction vents on both ends of the vacuum and a cleaning brush, allowing it to travel back and forth without turning around. It has a large onboard filter tray that gathers debris without affecting performance. 

The pool cleaning vacuum also has a scrub brush centered underneath the machine to clear away algae and trap debris until it’s sucked up. It does take up to 5 to 6 hours to charge, so users will want to be sure to have it plugged in before it’s needed.

Get the Aiper Seagull 1000 pool vacuum at Amazon.

If pool owners have a pump to run a pressure-side pool vacuum, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 is a great choice. This vacuum-and-sweeper combination propels itself with three jets and comes with 31 feet of hose, allowing it to reach the deep corners of most midsize inground pools. It vacuums both the floors and the walls, and the sweeping tail helps remove algae and tough grime. 

This Polaris has a large filtration bag that users can empty and reuse, which eases the load on a pool’s filter system. Best yet, it comes with a backup valve that frees the unit from tangles, so pool owners don’t have to worry about babysitting it while it cleans.

Get the Polaris pool vacuum at Amazon, Walmart, or Leslie’s.

Options for self-propelled wall-cleaning vacuums are scarce for above-ground pools. The Zodiac G3 is an exception, using the pool’s filtration system to create suction and travel throughout the pool. It can clean the floor, walls, and even the steps. The 36-fin rubber disc allows the G3 to traverse lights and filters, and it can tuck itself into the curves or tight angles of an above-ground pool. 

This suction pool cleaner has just one moving part, making it a very low-maintenance option. It comes with roughly 40 feet of hose, which covers most medium-size pools without any issue. The G3 is compatible with low-speed, single-, two-, or variable-speed pumps of at least ¾ horsepower (hp), making it a flexible option for many pool setups. Plus, this model has a long-life diaphragm, a wheel deflector, and a quick-release cassette for ease of use and limited maintenance

Get the Zodiac G3 pool vacuum at Amazon, Walmart, or Leslie’s.

The XtremePowerUS automatic pool cleaner frees users from much of the load of cleaning an above-ground pool. This suction-side vacuum hooks to your existing filter and follows a random pattern around the pool, cleaning as it goes. It comes with enough hose to cover up to a 16-foot by 34-foot pool, and the soft rubber fins allow it to bump gently along the inside of the walls to keep everything sparkling clean. 

This automatic pool vacuum requires a ¾-horsepower pump to operate, but with enough suction, it will climb and clean pool walls as well. While it’s compatible with both inground and above-ground pools, the fact that it’s quite light weight at just 11 pounds makes it a great above-ground pool vacuum​ since it’s easy to heft over its walls.

Get the XtremePowerUS pool vacuum at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Target, or XtremePowerUS.

The walls in the deep end of an inground pool can be tricky to clean. For an automatic swimming pool vacuum to tackle these, it needs to create a lot of suction and provide tons of traction. The MX6 from Zodiac uses a pool’s suction side to create a cyclonic force underneath that allows it to climb the deep end’s walls to keep them clean. This model also comes with an MX Flow Regulator that adjusts the flow rate as needed for peak suction.

This vacuum has just over 30 feet of modular hose, allowing users to shorten or lengthen it to fit the pool’s needs. The MX6 works in both inground and above-ground pools, and it will stop one of its tracks to turn itself around when it can’t go any farther. For added user-friendliness, this Zodiac automatic pool vacuum has X-Drive Navigation for complete pool cleaning, a flex power turbine for energy efficiency, and a twist locking hose for easy connection and setup.

Get the Zodiac MX6 pool vacuum at Amazon, Walmart, or Leslie’s.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Pool Vacuums

With so many pool vacuums on the market, our goal was to highlight top-performing options across a range of categories and budgets. We researched dozens of models before testing four for this guide, evaluating them for use in both above-ground and inground pools. We considered setup, ease of use, suction power, durability, and cleaning performance on floors, walls, and steps. We looked at how well they sucked up dirt, leaves, and algae and also assessed filter design and ease of maintenance.

Our recommendations include everything from budget-friendly manual suction vacuums to high-end robotic pool cleaners with smart features like app control and automated scheduling. We looked for models with thoughtful extras like storage stands and user-friendly designs to ensure we included the best picks for a wide range of pool owners. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Pool Vacuum

When shoppers are choosing the best pool vacuum cleaner for their needs, they need to consider various factors, including the pool’s size, whether they need to connect to existing pump equipment, and any extra features they’d like.  

Types of Pool Vacuums

Pool vacuums come in a few varieties, and some are extremely easy to use. Which style will be best depends on the type of pool you have and how involved you’d like to be in the cleaning process. Learning about the types of pool vacuums is the first step in choosing the right one.

Manual 

Manual pool vacuums are the style that homeowners are probably most familiar with. These vacuum heads attach to the end of a long pole, and the user pushes them back and forth across the pool’s floor and walls.

Manual pool vacuums typically use the pool’s suction system to capture debris, and they’re useful in most types of pools. However, the deep end of an inground pool can be tricky to get to, as it requires a longer pole, and the user has to keep the vacuum in contact with the bottom of the pool. For this reason, the best manual vacuums have weighted heads.

Depending on which manual vacuum is purchased, it may have a bag that fills up with debris (pressure side) or use the pool’s filter (suction side). This simple design makes these vacuums more affordable.

Robotic

Robotic vacuums are the next generation of pool-cleaning products. These handy vacuums are let loose in a pool and left to their own devices. They’ll clean the entire pool bottom, and some models even climb the walls.

Robotic cleaners are either electric or battery-powered. An electric pool vacuum has a long waterproof cord to keep the power flowing, while battery vacuums just need a charge between uses. Depending on the model, they’ll have either a bag or a cartridge that needs emptying.

Many robotic cleaners have programmable timers that determine when and how long the vacuum will run. The technology and capabilities of a robotic vacuum make it an expensive but convenient option.

Pressure-Side

Pressure-side pool cleaners use the water return line from the pool’s filtration system to power the wheels and vacuum the pool. Although a pressurized vacuum system may sound counterintuitive, it’s a common style used by most pool vacuums.

Pressure-side vacuums work thanks to the Venturi effect, which uses a pressurized water cycle to draw pool water in, trapping debris and particles. This effect is also what allows pressure-side vacuums to stick to the ground and walls of swimming pools, depending on the model. Pressure-side vacuums are affordable, but they may require pool owners to install an additional booster pump.

Suction-Side

Suction-side vacuums use suction from the pool filter to power the wheels and vacuum the pool. These vacuums hook up to the suction side of the pump system, typically through the pool skimmer. Because all filtered pools have some form of skimmer, these vacuums are easy to retrofit to a pool and don’t require additional pumps.

The one issue with suction-side vacuums is that they don’t come with debris bags or cartridges, as they rely only on the pool’s filter to remove debris. The filter can fill up and slow down the suction, so they do require some additional attention to ensure they help keep your pool from turning green.

Pool Shape and Size

It’s best to match the size of the pool to the size of the vacuum. If pool owners have a small pool, there’s no sense in buying a large vacuum cleaner. It will be heavier than a small pool vacuum, making it more difficult to use. They’ll also spend more money than necessary if they purchase a larger vacuum than the small pool requires.

Large-size pools, on the other hand, do require a bigger, better-equipped vacuum. In the case of battery-powered vacuums, shoppers need to choose one with a runtime long enough to cover the entire pool. Also, large pools collect a lot of debris, so they’ll need a vacuum cleaner that holds an ample amount of debris before needing to be emptied.

Skimmer Basket vs. Pump

The type of vacuum buyers choose may have a lot to do with their existing equipment. If they’ve got an easily accessible skimmer, the simplest and least expensive option is a suction-side vacuum cleaner. These come in self-propelled and manual options, are quick to install, and work well. The issue is that they use the pool’s filtration system to remove debris.

If pool owners have a powerful pool pump—or the skills to install an additional pump—they might be interested in a pressure-side vacuum cleaner. These vacuums collect debris in bags or cartridges, putting less of a load on the pool’s filter. The initial cost of installing a pump can be cost prohibitive, however.

Hose Length

Before setting out to unleash a vacuum on the pool, an owner needs to be sure there is enough hose to get the job done. Remember, the deep end of a pool may require more hose as the vacuum reaches the deepest depths.

Although most vacuums come with enough hose for an average pool, it’s a good idea to have an extra length on hand as well as some fittings to connect two ends. This way, if users find that a pool hose isn’t long enough, they can add a bit of length to make sure the vacuum can reach every corner of the pool.

Too much hose can be troublesome, as well. When a vacuum laps underwater, the hose can tangle on the surface. If the hose is tangling, the pool owner may consider cutting it shorter. 

Wall Climbing 

Wall-climbing vacuum cleaners can be a big help in keeping a pool sparkling clean. These machines use their vacuum and powered wheels to create enough suction to climb a wall, scrub dirt, and remove junk.

For owners of above-ground pools, however, it’s not worth buying a robotic vacuum. The right angle where the pool floor and the wall meet makes climbing impossible, as the wheels won’t make the transition to the walls, and they might lose the suction as they try to bridge the gap.

Fortunately, other options will work for above-ground pools. These vacuums look similar to a mop and travel using suction alone. They can maintain enough suction to transition from floor to wall, and they’ll work their way to most areas in a pool.

Additional Features 

If consumers are of the “set-it-and-forget-it” mindset, they’ll want to find a robotic vacuum cleaner with a programmable timer. They’re ideal if the homeowners are going on vacation and don’t want to come home to a ton of debris in the pool. However, they have to be left in the pool while the owners are gone, so homeowners may want to ask a friend to drop by and check on it every day or two.

Some of the best pool vacuums come with remotes that allow users to activate them from the poolside or even inside the house. These remotes are nice to have, as homeowners can start the vacuum in the morning so the pool is clean by the time the sun’s afternoon rays force the users to retreat for a dip.

When a hose tangles, the vacuum will lose its effectiveness. If the hose that comes with the vacuum doesn’t include a swivel, shoppers should purchase and install one themselves. A swivel allows the hose to flip and twist without tangling, which can be a big help, particularly for mop-style vacuums that tend to follow random paths.

FAQs

Pool vacuums, like the pools they clean, come in many different shapes and sizes. Readers who feel as if they’re drowning in information might have some questions that need answering. Below are some frequently asked questions about the best pool vacuums.

 

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