12 best pool cleaners

The presence of an outdoor pool allows you to relax near the house, and the outdoor type of tank eliminates the formation of excessive moisture and the development of mold. But if you use an artificial pond without a pavilion, debris quickly builds up in the pond. Leaves, pieces of twigs, soil particles fall into it. For bottom and wall cleaning there are special vacuum cleaners designed to work in such difficult conditions. Models are divided into several types, and our experts have selected the best of all categories for you.

Best pool vacuums

The best electric pool cleaners

These units have a built-in pump and electric motor that starts the rotation of the tracks and rollers, as well as a suction system. Cleaning equipment is capable of acting independently in the water column, consistently moving along the bottom and absorbing debris. This saves you time and effort, but it is more expensive than other electric machines.

Dolphin Wave 300XL

Rating: 4.9

Leads the category of robots for cleaning pools world brand Dolphin, designed specifically for large containers with a length of 25 to 50 m. The manufacturer has equipped the vacuum cleaner with a long supply cable 43 m, so in most cases, you do not have to reconnect to reach all the corners. The model comes with a cart that has a handy cable reel. There is a screen and push-button control on top of the handle. One of the highest suction capacities, 40 m³/h. This ensures a thorough cleaning. Four coarse brushes remove not only the surface debris but also any stuck-on dirt. Inside, a filtration system with a porosity of 50, 70 and 150 microns works, giving back only clean water. Manufacturer provides a 2 year or 3000 hour product warranty.

Experts love the excellent remote control control that the cleaner has. It is appropriate if the bottom of the reservoir has a complex configuration with turns, steps and other features. Thanks to the remote control, you can accurately direct the machine and increase the efficiency of its work in difficult conditions.

Advantages

• Comes on a cart for easy wheeling to the edge of the tank;
• Has a cable reel;
• Easy programming with a remote control and LCD screen;
• fits even Olympic-sized pools.

Disadvantages

• weighs 25kg – it’s hard for a girl to get it out of the water;
• high cost.

Zodiac TornaX RT 2100

Rating: 4.8

It is a compact vacuum cleaner with dimensions of 30x30x37 cm, movable by means of a crawler track. Two rollers are provided in the front and rear to remove dirt and small debris from the bottom. The embossed rubber tracks easily cling to both tiles and PVC, so the robot is suitable for both inflatable and stationary pools. Two pumps work inside and the suction capacity is 10 m³/h. It operates from 220 V, but lowers the voltage to 30 V, making it safe in case there is a person or animal in the pool during cleaning. Designed for artificial ponds measuring 4×8 m, for which it is equipped with a 14 m cord. The French manufacturer allows the machine to be used continuously for two hours.

We noted the robot vacuum cleaner for its small weight of 5 kg, contributing to the easy removal of the unit from the water after the completion of cleaning. It also has a very simple filter emptying system that allows you to empty 100% of the contents in one go. This saves you time, and the next cleaning technique will start with 100% efficiency and no loss of power.

Advantages

• Suitable for any container shape;
• Cleans well on tiles, concrete, PVC and film;
• Can work uninterruptedly for up to 2 hours;
• small weight 5 kg.

Disadvantages

• can only work on the bottom.

Kokido Manga RC32CBX

Rating: 4.8

Among the relatively inexpensive vacuum cleaners of the automatic type stands out Manga RC32CBX. It is a four-wheeled robot with a rubber base. This allows the machine to move equally well on concrete, tile or foil. In addition to the inner rollers, there are two additional combs that break up clogged lumps of clay or other dense debris. It has a suction capacity of 4.4 m³/h. The stainless steel mesh is great at trapping rocks, leaves and branches, and it lasts a long time at that.

The beauty of this vacuum cleaner is the absence of a power cord. This allows you to clean pools of any length up to 45 m and even those that are located away from home. Battery with a capacity of 4000 Ah is enough for one hour of active work. LED indicator lights up 10 minutes before it is discharged. Equipped with smart function to activate the unit when in contact with water, standing by the edge of the pool, the battery is not wasted.

Advantages

• stainless steel mesh inside;
• compact design;
• suitable for all types of surfaces;
• LED charge indicator.

Disadvantages

• Doesn’t know how to drive on walls;
• Charging takes 5-6 hours.

Zodiac CyclonX RC 4400

Rating: 4.8

The following vacuum cleaner is designed for swimming pools measuring 6×12 m, for which the manufacturer provides a sealed cord 18 m. Operates the unit with a safe 30V low voltage. Even with its small dimensions, the equipment has a powerful pump with a suction force of 16 m³/h. The unit moves perfectly on film, polyester, concrete, composite materials and tiles. Wide 22cm brushes speed up cleaning compared to narrower versions of competitors. The cleaning fineness is 100 microns. In reviews, the model is praised for the folding handle, which facilitates lowering and lifting the robot out of the pool. When folded, it reduces the size of the unit for storage.

We liked the complicated triangular track system, endowed with three rollers on each side. This allows the robot not only to move easily on a flat bottom, but also to traverse suction valves, drive up steps and even climb walls. Thanks to this your pool will be completely clean and the equipment will not jam in front of the obstacle.

Advantages

• Two trash collection chambers;
• comes with a cart;
• 30V safe voltage;
• 22 cm wide brushes speed up the cleaning process.

Disadvantages

• weighs 9 kg.

Dolphin PRO X2

Rating: 4.7

And here is another vacuum cleaner that can clean the bottom and walls of the pool. The suction capacity of the model reaches 17 m³/h. Includes dolly to conveniently bring 11 kg of equipment to the edge of the pool. Digital power supply reduces voltage to a safe 24V. Cycle time can be set to 4, 6 or 8 hours. The cleaning machine supports manual operation with the remote control or can work with programs. Variety of cleaning schemes include: basic (bottom and walls), bottom and joints only, walls and waterline only, heavy duty (slow speed and powerful suction). Users in reviews like the dual filtration system with 100 µm porosity, as well as the container fill indicator.

The unit stands out with a delayed start time of 1 to 2 hours. It is convenient not to forget to clean the pool. To do this, the model is turned on, programmed and set at the edge. The robot also has a self-shutoff function when you finish cleaning. It will not wander aimlessly along the clean bottom, but will stop, saving power consumption. This technology makes the unit great for unattended operation.

Advantages

• cleans up dirt along the waterline;
• dual motor drive;
• has an element that prevents the cable from twisting;
• Filter fill indicator.

Disadvantages

• weighs 11 kg.

Hayward Industries AquaVac 650

Rating: 4.7

American manufacturer Hayward offers the proven, waterproof AquaVac 650 vacuum cleaner for pools of 50-80 m². The unit is equipped with a 17 m cable and comes on a cart to make it easier to roll out the cleaner weighing 9.5 kg to water. During operation, the equipment lights up with LED diodes, which immediately allows you to notice it in the pool and increases the safety of operation. With 18 hydrocyclones inside, creating a powerful suction. Reviews praise the product for its HexaDrive adaptive clutch. It adjusts to changing terrain, where on a flat surface it holds firmly, but on bumps it releases its “grip” a bit to overcome the obstacle.

We noted the vacuum cleaner for the presence of Wi-Fi module, which allows you to connect the device to your smartphone. This allows you to control start-up and travel without an additional remote control, as well as set daily and weekly cleaning schedules. The function works with the app installed on iOS or Android.

Advantages

• Knows how to clean the waterline;
• filtration degree 80 microns;
• powerful suction thanks to 18 hydrocyclones
• adaptive grip.

Disadvantages

• If you drop the transparent container during cleaning, it can crack.

Aquabot Magnum Junior

Rating: 4.6

Completes the category of electric pool cleaning robots is one of the most maneuverable models Aquabot Magnum Junior. It has an ingenious gyroscope called Gyro, which corrects the trajectory of the movement, focusing on the shape of the pool. You can set the Normal or High mode and the unit itself will analyze the data every 60 or 20 seconds to optimize further direction. It is very convenient if you have a pool of complex shape, but do not have time to control the machine from the remote control. If the tank has level edges, the unit will move accurately with 90 degree turns. Vacuum cleaner also has a high suction power of 22 m³/h. Two 24 V brushless motors are responsible for the performance. The power cable does not sink in water, so the risk of damage is minimal.

Vacuum cleaner has a high degree of filtration, where the total throughput reaches 2 microns. Reviews show that the water in the pool after it is particularly clean, so it can not be changed for a long time.

Advantages

• Reusable and replaceable filter;
• transport cart;
• remote control;
• Increased suction power of 22 m³/h;
• high filtration rate.

Disadvantages

• Performs a little slower than others.

The best vacuums for semi-automatic pools

This category of vacuum cleaner operates from a pool pumping nozzle or a third party pump. Can be connected to a skimmer. The movement of the pumping piston triggers the pulse diaphragm, which gradually jumps to the bottom and sucks in the debris. But there is no pump – it is only an executive vacuum mechanism, so this kind of equipment and is considered semi-automatic. Other models with wheels are able to first pump water into the pool to raise silt, and then pump it out, but they also do this with a third-party pumping station.

Zodiac Kontiki II

Rating: 4.9

Vacuum cleaner consists of a membrane with a small plastic tube and connects to the drain nozzle or skimmer pool. Suction power possible up to 5 m³/h. The device belongs to the vacuum type and is suitable for pools with a length of up to 8 m. The membrane itself bounces on the bottom in a chaotic manner, so gradually passes the entire surface area and does not require monitoring by the user. Displacement speed of 6 m per minute. The light weight of 5 kg allows you to throw the machine in the water, even a child. Vacuum cleaner comes with a hose with a length of 8 m, divided into one meter sections. The device is suitable for cleaning of inflatable and stationary pools. In the reviews the owners are happy about the long life of the vacuum cleaner, because there is nothing to break.

We noted the cleaner for its soft membrane, which perfectly overcomes bottom valves, drainage holes, built-in lights and other elements on the bottom of the pool. Due to the low bounce and the flexible base material, the device effectively cleans such difficult areas.

Advantages

• light weight of 5 kg;
• almost does not break down;
• for all types of surfaces;
• quiet operation;
• no need to be connected to electricity.

Disadvantages

• chaotic movement on the bottom – can skip areas.

Intex 28001/58948

Rating: 4.8

This cleaner has a different working principle – it is connected to an external pumping station and pumps water into the tank through two nozzles, directed in different directions. Thanks to this effect, silt and debris are lifted from the bottom and then easily fall into the bottom suction slot. Filter grid is also integrated. Opening the chamber with four latches for cleaning is very easy. Two swivel castors and two supporting castors allow for free movement along the bottom. Work cycle allowed by the manufacturer up to 2 hours. The most effective device shows itself in foil and inflatable pools, without traumatizing the material. There is a hose to connect to the station 7.5 m. Brushes in the middle additionally clean slime from the base surface.

Semi-automatic vacuum cleaner has a very simple construction, serving 10 years, and an affordable price, although it is the “brainchild” of the world brand Intex. The model is equipped with a function of reverse movement in case of collision with the edge of the pool. Thanks to this, the vacuum cleaner will not bump against the wall, and will continue to clean.

Advantages

• Easy to open the compartment to clean the mesh;
• automatic direction change;
• propulsion by water jet – no motors
• affordable price.

Disadvantages

• a filter pump is needed;
• cannot clean the walls.

The best handheld cleaners for pools

Handheld vacuums operate from a pump, where a vacuum system absorbs debris and holds it in, and the cleaned water is returned back to the pool or removed to the drain. All movement of the head on the bottom is done only by the hands of the user guiding the rod. These are the most affordable models, but they will have to be handled like a household vacuum cleaner when cleaning an apartment.

Eco-Vac 1400

Rating: 4.9

In the first place in the category of manual vacuum cleaners is the model with power of 1400 watts, which is designed for cleaning of fountains and pools. The unit operates from 220 V, but the motor is not immersed in water, and stays outside, so there is no need for a step-down transformer. The suction power is 180 mbar which provides a capacity of 3900 l/h. The kit includes a 4m suction hose and a 2m boom, so the user can stay outside and not enter the pool. For drainage is a second flexible tube length of 3 meters. To plug the machine into the mains, there is a cable 4.4 m. The chamber for the collection of branches and leaves holds 35 liters.

Vacuum cleaner is interesting for its dual usefulness. It works on two cycles. The first takes 30 seconds and draws water and debris inside the chamber. The second one starts right after the first one for 15 seconds and pumps out. Drainage can be made to the beds so the plants get sludge with nutrients. Transition between cycles is automatic, so you only need to guide the cleaner head along the bottom.

Advantages

• No need to go into the water with it;
• long power cord 4.4 m;
• Five nozzle options for cleaning in hard to reach areas;
• long boom 2 m.

Disadvantages

• it takes a long time to clean the pool.

Kokido Tesla 30

Rating: 4.8

The principle of operation of the vacuum cleaner is to filter the pool water by passing through itself. Leaves and twigs with sludge settle in the 550 ml bin. The model is equipped with a floating head, which easily adapts to the changing topography of the bottom. Brushes that protrude on the sides help scrub away plaque at joints between the pool floor and walls. The system is completely self-contained thanks to the built-in battery, so the unit doesn’t need wires or hoses. Continuous running time is 30 minutes, after which the battery requires charging, which lasts 4-5 hours. The construction has a nozzle for attaching a rod, but it is not supplied in the kit. Maximum operating depth allowed up to 3 meters. In reviews, customers note the ease of cleaning steps with it.

Among the proven vacuum cleaners of manual type from the world’s brands – this has the most affordable price, which did not affect the quality. The unit is suitable for cleaning pools with a depth of 3 meters

Advantages

• floating head;
• side brushes;
• No need for wires or hoses;
• suitable for depths of up to 3 meters.

Drawbacks

• Charges 4-5 hours;
• no shaft included;
• only lasts 30 minutes.

Watertech Pool Blaster MAX

Rating: 4.7

It is not called a blaster for nothing, because it looks like a space weapon. There is a handle on top for easy carrying. One of the main elements is the head with a width of 27 cm, moving on six rollers. Underneath, 10 brushes act at an angle, directing debris to the suction opening. Through the transparent walls of the container you can easily monitor the filling capacity of the bin. Can be connected to any boom with a diameter of 28.5 mm. Its length is allowed up to 3 meters. Weight 2.4kg allows even a child to use the cleaner. 400 watt power ensures intensive suction and increases productivity. Reviews show that the triangular shape of the vacuum head is optimal for thorough cleaning in pool corners.

We single out the model for its extra battery capacity. Thanks to this, the continuous operation time extended to 60 minutes. This characteristic allows pools up to 164 m² to be cleaned; 4.

Advantages

• comfortable carrying handle;
• allowed to work at a depth of up to 3 meters;
• rollers for easy sliding on the bottom;
• 10 brushes direct branches and rocks precisely into the intake opening;
• transparent trash can.

Disadvantages

• the head does not turn;
• high cost of replacement brushes;
• Sold without a boom.