By TVR Staff
July 2019
This article reviews the top 10 best pool vacuums available online.
Pool vacuums, automatic pool cleaners, debris suckers – there are many names for them, but all pool vacuums provide an invaluable service in their ability to pull in water and the debris contained within it while subsequently only releasing that same, now-cleaned and debris-free water back into the pool. Without a device like this, can you imagine trying to manually clean typical, yearlong debris from your pool?
Not all pool vacuums are created equally, however, and that’s where we come in. Of all the options out there, which of these vacuum products cleans the best, live the longest, and generally perform better for the buck? Follow along with our list of the top 10, best pool vacuums out now, and leave the stress of uninformed shopping to the uninformed.
1. Intex Automatic Pool Cleaner
Intex, a name long synonymous with pools and pool accessories, brings us its 1,500-3,500-gallon Automatic Pool Cleaner. This vacuum system works very well with at its specified pump rate, durable hose-fitting and wheels, and a durable, hard-cast plastic body at its core. Attach this worker to the pool port via its reliable, 24-foot 7-inch hose and it gets right on filtering, automatically changing direction and course as it needs to achieve a more thorough cleaning job.
2. XtremepowerUS Automatic Suction Vacuum
The Automatic Suction Vacuum by XtremepowerUS is a best-selling machine and for good reason. With its 30-foot hose range, a great debris-catching brush and vacuum design, and a solid, central shaft body, this pool vacuum gets it done. A 1-year manufacturer’s warranty and an easy-to-setup, no-tools-needed system also bring it with great end-user convenience.
3. Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
Those in search of a simple but effective pool vacuum system for in-ground pools specifically are well-served by the Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner by Polaris. Like the Polaris quality seen in their other products, the Vac-Sweep 280 performs. Game-winning attributes in this unit include a sturdy, 31-foot hose system, reliable Ready-Connect connection points, dual sweeping and scrubbing cleaning actions, and a hearty debris bag that stays put and resists tearing.
4. Hayward 500 Aquabug Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
In the class of above-ground-only pool cleaners, the 500 Aquabug by Hayward is another, certain top-pick. This vacuum system utilizes a unique turbine and gearing method in order to effectively distribute suction and really grab at any debris it gets near. A solid, one-piece body eliminates limb-like parts and such attributed breaks, while a tool-free install process and the ability to clean a wider range of materials than most vacuums make this unit a top choice in the field.
5. Zodiac Baracuda Automatic In-Ground Swimming Pool Cleaner
Zodiac gets it done with the Baracuda Automatic In-Ground Swimming Pool Cleaner. This drone-like workhorse makes its rounds atop a grippy trac-wheel system that allows for great sidewall cleaning as well. Quick-Connect, easy-swivel hosing, a quality-made Weir Valve, and variable-speed pumping/cleaning options also help to make the Baracuda a best choice in pool vacuums at this time.
6. Hayward The Pool Cleaner
Aptly named, The Pool Cleaner is another great bet by Hayward. This uniquely designed, central-canister, two-wheel drive system scans bottoms for large and small debris alike and even performs well on surface imperfections such as pool liner wrinkles and creases. Pool sizes up to 16-foot by 32-foot will receive a good and timely cleaning with this unit, and a multitude of pre-programmed sequences help electronically determine the best cleaning paths and associated steering along the way.
7. Pentair 360100 Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark Above Ground Pool Cleaner
Pentair took aesthetic and fun value to the next level with its eye-catching Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark pool vacuum. Made to look just like a happy, little cleaning shark, this big-toothed smiler uses a simplistic, no-limbs, no-frills base that houses dual scrubbing bristles and the unit’s formidable suction port. No assembly requirements and quick hose attachments make for quick and easy use along with a very helpful, 10-inch wide cleaning path blazed by this toothy vacuum.
8. INTEY Automatic Suction Pool Vacuum
With vibrant colors and impressive cleaning power, the Automatic Suction Pool Vacuum by INTEY is a bright addition to virtually any pool. Users of this vacuum can enjoy a special “flipper” suction port that prevents many, typical jamming scenarios, a surprisingly effective rubber disk cleaning system, and even a visible flow gauge that allows for a visual check of proper suction and flow at any time. Finally, a comprehensive, 24-month warranty and excellent and always-available customer service sealed the deal for us.
9. Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
The Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner is a brightly colored performer of a pool vacuum that is enjoyably reminiscent of a space-aged “The Jetsons” prop. Aside from fun in looks, this unit works notably well in above-ground pool applications using a great combination of a special bottom and side-hugging disc, a simplified central suction body, and a deflector wheel that prevents hangups on ladders and other obstacles that commonly occur in competing pool cleaning products. In addition, 32-feet of strong hosing assures a competitive operating range, while a unique Flowkeeper Valve system maintains constant, ideal suction power.
10. Bestway Flowclear AquaCrawl Pool Vacuum
The Flowclear AquaCrawl Pool Vacuum earns a deserved spot on our list due to its combined suction efficacy and overall unit durability. Here, we have a simple yet strong and effective, central-shaft body with a bottom-hugging cleaning head and a very handy hose and adapter setup that allows for use with multiple kinds of pool systems with ease. A cleaning pole with up to 7-foot of reach itself and a reliable debris-bagging and containment system also help to make this one a worry-free top-pick in today’s best pool vacuums.
Related Reviews:
Top 10 Best Sidewall Swimming Pools
Top 10 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners
Top 10 Best Framed Swimming Pools
Top 10 Best Above Ground Pools
Top 10 Best Above-Ground Pool Pumps