We Tested Above-Ground Pool Vacuums for a Month—These Are the Best of 2025

Nobody wants to dive into a dirty pool after a hot day, making a good above-ground pool vacuum worth its weight. We recently tested 10 highly-rated models to find the best. These vacuums help remove dirt, insects, grass, leaves, and other debris that fall to the bottom of a pool, keeping a pool’s filtration system from working overtime all season long.

It’s important to find a quality above-ground pool cleaner to maintain a clean and enjoyable swimming environment. After testing, we discovered that the Dolphin Nautilus CC Pool Vacuum stood out thanks to its straightforward features and powerful cleaning abilities. It scrubs the floors and walls of the pool during a 2-hour cleaning cycle, capturing dirt in a convenient top-load reusable filter. Best of all, pool owners won’t need to recharge the vacuum in between uses.

This guide explores the factors to consider when you’re shopping for a pool vacuum for above-ground pools. It also provides recommendations and reviews for some of the top products on the market. Our hands-on testing helps ensure the products we recommend will perform as promised, so you can make an informed decision and find the best above-ground pool vacuum for your needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: Dolphin Nautilus CC Pool Vacuum
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: U.S. Pool Supply 16-Inch Weighted Pool Vacuum Head
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3. BEST FEATURES: Polaris P70 Robotic Pool Cleaner
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4. BEST MANUAL VACUUM: Pool Blaster Max Li Cordless Above-Ground Pool Vacuum
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5. BEST SUCTION-SIDE VAC: Hayward Wanda the Whale Above-Ground Pool Vacuum
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6. EASIEST TO USE: Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner
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7. BEST CORDLESS: Aiper Scuba SE Above-Ground Pool Vacuum
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Above-Ground Pool Vacuums Comparison

Our Top Picks

Here’s a look at some of the top options on the market that we hands-on tested. This list includes a range of pool vacuums, including choices for manual, robotic, and suction side, to help shoppers find the best above-ground pool vacuum cleaners to keep their pool clean.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.8/5; Value 3.7/5

The Dolphin Nautilus CC vacuum never requires charging—just plug it in and press a button for an entire 2-hour cycle. The robot parks on the wall when cleaning is complete.

The top-load removable filter is easy to rinse after each cleaning cycle, though its square shape can trap debris. We needed to spray the filter at multiple angles to clean it fully. The Nautilus CC efficiently picks up both small and large debris. However, it can become overloaded; when we lifted the 14-pound vacuum out of the water after cleaning, the filter was very full and released some captured dirt back into the water.

While the vacuum does a good job cleaning the pool itself, it struggles around the ladder area, so we had to clean that section manually with a brush. We also have mixed feelings about the wall-climbing feature—it seems like overkill for above-ground pools. Because of its higher price tag, it might be a better fit for owners of inground pools or folks who value ease of use over everything else. 

Despite these issues, the Nautilus CC’s ease of use and effective cleaning make it a strong option for above-ground pool maintenance. Those who prefer advanced features like scheduling may want to consider the more expensive Nautilus CC Pro model.

What our tester says: “The Dolphin Nautilus CC simplifies pool maintenance for both above-ground and inground pools. Setup is quick and straightforward, taking less than 10 minutes from unboxing to operation.”–Lisa Galek, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Dolphin Nautilus above-ground pool vacuum at Amazon or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.8/5; Value 4.7/5

This weighted pool vacuum head with nylon bottom and side brushes is a budget-friendly choice for those willing to purchase extra accessories. Weighing just 16 ounces, this vacuum head requires a 1.25-inch or 1.5-inch hose to borrow suction from the pool’s filtration system and a telescoping pole to maneuver it along the pool bottom (pole and hose sold separately). The advantage of buying these parts individually is the ease of replacement—when the bristles wear out or the hose breaks, those individual items can be replaced rather than the entire vacuum.

The vacuum head’s nylon bristles loosen dirt and debris, even in hard-to-reach places. It’s particularly useful for scrubbing off stuck-on dirt or algae stains, which robotic vacuums often miss. The weighted design ensures it maintains contact with the pool floor, and there’s no need to keep pushing down on the vacuum to maintain pressure.

Some users have reported that this vacuum falls apart over time. While we haven’t used it long enough to have experienced this issue, manual vacuum heads do tend to fall apart after a few seasons and will need to be replaced. However, this vacuum is an affordable and simple option for pool owners, and it’s ideal for vinyl-lined pools. Especially for those who aren’t sure which vacuum to choose, it’s a good pool cleaner starter option. Even if you choose a more expensive robotic option later, having a manual vacuum head is never a bad idea.

What our tester says: “This above-ground pool sweeper performed well in tests, covering the entire pool in 10 to 15 minutes.”–Lisa Galek, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the U.S. Pool Supply above-ground pool vacuum at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Value 3.7/5

The Polaris P70 robotic pool cleaner is designed for above-ground and simple inground pools. Like most robotic pool vacuums, setup is easy. Getting it from the box to the pool took less than 10 minutes. While it doesn’t climb walls, the vacuum cleans the floor and cove, so it wheels up the side of the pool to vacuum dirt trapped at the edges. In fact, sometimes the robot moved so quickly across the pool floor that it performed little wheelies on the bottom.

The vacuum has a transparent lid, allowing users to see dirt and debris collected while it’s running, making it easy to know when it needs to be emptied. We could clean the reusable filter within seconds by spraying it with a garden hose.

However, the Polaris P70 has some drawbacks. At 22 pounds, it’s by far the heaviest model we tested. It released a small amount of captured dirt back into the pool when we removed it at the end of the cycle. It’s also worth noting that the vacuum got stuck on our pool wall and ladder twice the first time we tested it, and we had to give the cord a quick tug to get it running again. However, during subsequent cleanings, it ran the 2-hour cycle without incident. Overall, the Polaris P70 is a robust cleaner that sucks in a significant amount of dirt and makes pool maintenance extremely easy and efficient. 

Get the Polaris above-ground pool vacuum at Amazon, Walmart, or In the Swim.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.8/5; Value 4/5

The Pool Blaster Max Li is a cordless manual vacuum designed to clean pools efficiently. Weighing 5.5 pounds, this lightweight vacuum is highly effective at picking up fine dirt, leaves, and foliage. The setup took about 15 minutes, though we spent most of that time figuring out how to plug in the charger. After it charged for about 4 hours, it was ready for use.

The vacuum requires a standard telescoping pole (not included). Though it runs for up to 60 minutes on a full charge, we easily cleaned the entire pool in about 15 minutes. It’s excellent for spot-cleaning around ladders, edges, and other hard-to-reach areas. 

The filter bag, which is made of clothlike material, can get very dirty if it’s picking up fine dirt or sludge. While it can be rinsed out with a hose, it’s not machine washable, so our filter was slightly stained after just two uses. This didn’t affect the performance, and replacement filters are available online. After rinsing the filter, we closed up the vacuum and saw that condensation was forming inside. For this reason, leaving the product unassembled during drying may be beneficial.

This vacuum would pair well with a robotic model for comprehensive pool care, similar to how you might use a Roomba for daily cleaning and a handheld vacuum for spot-cleaning.

What our tester says: “Despite being a bit pricey for a manual vacuum, I loved how the Pool Blaster quickly and easily cleaned some areas the other robotic vacuums missed even after hours in the pool.”–Lisa Galek, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Pool Blaster above-ground pool vacuum at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or In the Swim.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4.8/5; Value 4.7/5

We have personally owned and used the Hayward Wanda the Whale pool vacuum for 2 years and are very happy with its performance. We run this pool vacuum in our 24-foot round above-ground pool about once a week. As long as it doesn’t lose suction, you can allow it to run for several hours to ensure the pool gets really clean. Hayward doesn’t recommend this pool vacuum for large debris, and the hose will get clogged if you use this vacuum to pick up lots of leaves. However, it works fine with an average amount of foliage.

Hayward’s above-ground suction-side series features models in the shape of a bug, penguin, and whale. Aside from their appearance, these vacuums are mostly the same. One issue unique to Wanda is its tail, which constantly falls off in the pool. Luckily, it’s just a decorative element and doesn’t affect the effectiveness of the vacuum. Wanda comes with 32 feet of sectional hose; the sections prevent the hose from drying out and cracking as a single long piece is prone to do. While the hoses can be hard to connect, they slide together better if the sections are wet first.

The Wanda vacuum has everything needed to connect it directly to the user’s pool pump. Suction-side vacuums require more setup and teardown than robotic models, and users can expect to spend about 10 minutes getting this vacuum in and out of the water each time it’s used. Overall, Wanda the Whale has been a reliable and charming addition to our pool. 

Get the Hayward above-ground pool vacuum at Amazon, Walmart, or In the Swim.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4.3/5; Value 4.5/5

The Dolphin Escape robotic pool cleaner is designed specifically to clean above-ground pools. While it doesn’t climb walls like the Nautilus CC, it effectively scrubs floors made of gunite, plaster, vinyl, and fiberglass in pools up to 30 feet long.

Equipped with two scrubbing brushes, the Dolphin Escape features a large-capacity filter that traps small and large debris during its 90-minute cleaning cycle. Setting up the vacuum was a breeze, taking less than 5 minutes to get it from the box to the pool. To activate the cleaning cycle, just press a button on the power adapter, which lights up a blue light to indicate the vacuum is in operation. Once the cycle is complete, the vacuum stops, and the light turns off. Since this unit is electrical, there’s no need to recharge in between cleaning cycles.

It’s important to note that the power adapter is not waterproof, so it can’t be submerged or left out if it starts to rain. During testing, we set the adapter on our pool filter or pool deck to keep it dry.

The only downside we encountered was the challenge of removing the vacuum from the pool. When the machine completes its 90-minute cycle, it sometimes stops in the middle of the pool. It’s easy enough to retrieve by gently tugging the power cord to pull the unit closer to the wall. However, the vacuum weighs 14 pounds and gets even heavier when it’s full of water, so we had to let it fully drain before pulling it onto the deck or over the pool wall.

Read our full review: Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner

Get the Dolphin Escape above-ground pool vacuum at Amazon, Walmart, or Dolphin Premier.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.3/5; Value 3.3/5

The Aiper Scuba SE offers efficient and user-friendly solutions for above-ground pools with flat bottoms. Weighing just 8 pounds, this automatic pool cleaner for above-ground pools is easy to handle and requires about 5 minutes from unboxing to submersion in the pool. Before its first use, we needed to charge it for about 4 hours; it then provided 90 minutes of cleaning time.

The vacuum expertly sucked up large and small debris, and the reusable filter was easy to remove and clean. It’s equipped with an automatic self-parking feature and stops near the pool’s edge when the cleaning cycle ends or the battery runs low. Removing it from the pool requires using the included hook and a telescoping pole (the telescoping pole, however, is not included). 

While the cordless design allows users to swim while it works, the vacuum sometimes gets stuck around obstacles. Some reviewers reported the vacuum getting stuck in wrinkles in the pool. During one cleaning cycle, the Aiper Scuba SE got hung up on the textured mat under our pool ladder, and we had to push it free with the telescoping pole. Because the vacuum must be fully charged after each cleaning cycle, charging and storage can be a challenge, as it was for us.

Get the Aiper above-ground pool vacuum at Amazon, Walmart, or Aiper.

Also Tested

We also tested the Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Pool Cleaner, which had several issues including a time-consuming setup process and missing parts. While the vacuum sucked up dirt and debris well, it seemed to put unneeded stress on the pool pump during cleaning, making us reluctant to use it again. 

How We Tested the Best Above-Ground Pool Vacuums

We spent about a month testing top-rated above-ground pool vacuums in a 24-foot round above-ground pool to find the best ones on the market. During that time, we kept the nighttime pool cover off the pool, letting leaves and flower petals from nearby trees float into the pool. Our home is also frequented by three children and their friends, who drag a lot of dirt, hair, and sand into the pool. We evaluated vacuums from 10 different companies in three styles: robotic, suction-side, and manual.

We first considered ease of use, assessing how easy each vacuum was to assemble. We also looked at how simple it was to clean the vacuum after use. Next, we rated effectiveness by testing how well the vacuums picked up large debris (leaves and foliage) and small debris (fine dirt and pebbles). For robotic cleaners, we also took into account the product’s ability to cover the entire pool and total cleaning time. Finally, we rated the value, considering additional features and accessories. We also took into account how likely we would be to use this vacuum again and if the vacuum seemed like a good value for the price.

What to Consider When Choosing an Above-Ground Pool Vacuum

Whether you’re considering installing an above-ground pool or already own one, it’s essential to consider the factors that can impact how the pool vacuum operates and whether it’s suitable for the size and shape of the pool. This can include the type of vacuum, the size and shape of the pool, and whether the above-ground pool vacuum cleaner is corded or cordless, among other considerations.

Type

There are several types of pool cleaners and vacuums for above-ground pools, including manual, robotic, pressure side, and suction side.

• Manual pool vacuums consist of a small vacuum head that attaches to a hose and a long pole. The hose sits in the pool skimmer, using the suction from the filtration system to draw up the dirt from the bottom of the pool into the filter or an attached bag. However, you’ll want to move the head of the vacuum manually with the long pole, which can be a time-consuming process.
• Robotic pool vacuums take the task of maintaining a pool off your hands. These vacuums will clean the entire bottom of an above-ground pool completely on their own, making them a great option for people who enjoy the set-it-and-forget-it lifestyle. Most robotic vacuums feature a programmable timer, so you know when they are finished cleaning the pool. These devices can operate on a battery or use a long waterproof extension cord to connect directly to a power outlet.
• Suction-side pool vacuums connect to the pool filter and use the suction to power the wheels. This type of vacuum typically has a hose that sits inside the pool skimmer and uses suction power to pull in dirt and debris. However, these vacuums don’t have a collection bag, instead relying entirely on the filtration system to handle the debris from the bottom of the pool. This means it’s a good idea to backwash the system after vacuuming to remove built-up dirt deposits, leaves, and any other pool-water contaminants.
• Pressure-side pool vacuums have a set of wheels that allow them to move around the bottom of the pool using the pressure produced by the water-return line from the filtration system. These vacuums use a pressurized water cycle to draw in pool water and trap dirt and debris, which also allows the vacuum to stick to the bottom. However, above-ground pools don’t have water-return lines, so pressure-side pool vacuums aren’t an option.

Pool Shape and Size

Before deciding on an above-ground pool vacuum, head outside and measure the pool if you don’t already know the size. Note the specific shape of the pool to ensure that the measurements are correct. Typically, an above-ground pool will either be circular or oval. Measure the diameter or radius and height of a circular pool, and take length, width, and height measurements of an oval pool.

Using a pool vacuum that is intended for a smaller pool may initially save some money, but the vacuum won’t be able to keep up with the demands of a larger pool, leaving you with a dirty pool. Additionally, battery-operated pool vacuums may not be able to vacuum the entire pool on a single charge. Conversely, pool vacuums rated for larger pools are unnecessary for smaller pools and could even damage the walls if the vacuum is too heavy.

Skimmer Basket vs. Pump

If robotic pool vacuums aren’t of interest, you’ll want to decide between using the skimmer basket or the pool pump to power the vacuum. Suction-side pool vacuums connect through the pool skimmer, using the suction power to draw debris into the filtration system. If the skimmer is easy to access, this is an inexpensive option that may work well for your pool.

However, if the system already has a powerful pool pump, or if you’re willing to pay to install an additional pump, a pressure-side pool vacuum is a great choice. It collects dirt and debris in a vacuum bag or cartridge, putting less stress on the filtration system.

Hose and Cord Length

The length of the hose can be a prohibitive factor for an above-ground pool cleaning vacuum. Before connecting the vacuum, measure the hose of the pool cleaner to make sure it reaches every corner of the pool. If there is concern about the hose being too short, then consider purchasing an extra hose you can connect to extend the length. 

While robotic pool vacuums don’t rely on a hose for suction or pressure, some products have power cables that can present the same problem. Before investing in a specific vacuum, remember to check the length of the cord to make sure it’s appropriate for your pool maintenance needs.

Wall Climbing 

Wall-climbing capability, common in robotic pool vacuums, can be a desirable feature—but only when the vacuum is used to clean an inground pool. These pool vacuums may attempt to climb above-ground pool walls, but the 90-degree angle is often too sharp for them to navigate, resulting in the vacuum falling off the wall.

Some pressure-side pool vacuums can climb walls, but these products aren’t suitable for above-ground pools. This isn’t to say that pool vacuums with wall-climbing features are a bad choice. They typically require high levels of traction and suction, which are also beneficial for cleaning the bottom of the pool. However, if they don’t make it up the wall of your above-ground pool, this shouldn’t be a surprise.

Additional Features 

The standard function of a pool sweeper for above-ground pools is simply to pull in dirt and debris from the bottom of the pool. However, many manufacturers try to benefit the user by including additional features such as a remote, a hose swivel, and a scheduling function.

• Remotes are ideal for users who don’t necessarily want to jump in the pool or pull up the vacuum every time they need to clean the pool. Instead, they can just push a button on the remote and let the vacuum go to work.
• Hose swivels help to prevent the hose of the pool cleaner from becoming tangled or kinked. A kinked hose reduces the power of the vacuum. And, if a hose repeatedly kinks in the same spot, it can become torn or otherwise damaged.
• A scheduling function is a premium addition to robotic above-ground pool vacuums. This function allows the user to set a schedule for the vacuum to regularly activate on its own to clean and maintain the pool.

FAQs

Keeping the pool clean and crystal clear is easier with the help of a good above-ground pool vacuum. But if you aren’t completely sure how and when to use the pool vacuum, then take a look at the answers below to some commonly asked questions.

Meet the Testers

Lisa Galek is a writer and editor with over 20 years of experience. As a busy mom of three, she oversees her family’s daily routines, including maintaining a 24-foot-round above-ground pool during the short Ohio summers. She loves testing products and writing reviews because it helps her find new high-quality, user-friendly items for her home.

Miami-based Jen Karetnick is the author of 21 books. Her work has appeared in a wide variety of outlets, including Miami Herald, NPR, and Southern Living. After farming a historic mango grove for 20 years, she now lives in a restored 1926 Tudor house in a bird sanctuary with her husband, two college-age children, two miniature dachshunds, and four cats. 

Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.

 

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