Best Pool Vacuums in 2022 – Reviewed
With everything from a traditional pool vacuum that requires a little graft to modern robot cleaners, there is are various ways to keep the water as clear from debris as possible. Those tiny deposits that build upon the bottom can be difficult to lift without a quality pool vacuum and not every product is going to make this task as easy as you might like.
Because of this, we have identified a list of the best pool vacuums available. Each one is going to leave the pool floor looking its best and we compiled the list based on ease of use, capacity, and how well it glides along the bottom. Get that flow rate on the go and grab one of the below to make a thankless task easier.
Quick Summary of Best Pool Vacuums
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner with Easy To Clean
- Dual scrubbing
- Climbs walls and features a tangle free cable
- 3 programmable settings
- Easy to use
- Good value
Best Large Filter Basket: Dolphin Triton PS Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner with Extra-Large Filter Basket
- 3 clean settings
- Can clean walls
- Gives a deep scrub
- Energy efficient
- Easy to use
Best For Variable Speed Pumps: Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner, Blue/Gray
- Includes 1-year warranty
- Low flow design
- Powerful vacuum
- Easily climbs walls
- Can get tangled but manages to fix this itself
Best For Large Pools: Hayward W3PVS40JST Poolvergnuegen Pool Cleaner White
- Patented tire tread easily climbs walls
- Pre-programmed steering system
- Good value
- Reliable cleaning
- Requires a fair bit of suction
Best For Above Ground Pools: Intex Basic Pool Maintenance Kit for Above Ground Pools
- Good value
- Includes skimmer
- 94-inch aluminum pole included
- Easy to use
- Requires a bit of manual work
Best For Above Ground: Intex Auto Pool Cleaner
- Easy to use
- Automatically reverses to cover a large area
- Great value
- Not suitable for in-ground pools
Pool Vacuum Guide
Although a lot of people opt for a pool cleaner to do some of the hard graft in their place, if you want to go it alone, you need to have the right equipment. One thing you are sure to need it a pool vacuum. To scoop the debris that is easy to spot, and the finer bits that you know are there anyway, only the best pool vacuum will help get your pool ready for a relaxing dip.
Because there are so many to choose from, we have created the following buyer’s guide. It details everything you need to know so you can make an informed purchase.
What To Look For In A Pool Vacuum
Weight
Although it needs to be robust enough so you can use it regularly, the heavier the pool vacuum, the more difficult it is going to be to push along the bottom of the pool.
Don’t forget you are going to have to lift it in and out of the pool so check it is a manageable weight.
Capacity
As with your in house vacuum, these products have a limit as to how much debris they can collect. Consider the size of your pool before purchasing so you can buy a product that has twice the capacity you need as this will cost you more.
Also, getting this right will prevent you from having to stop halfway through.
Durability
As with any purchase you make for your pool or home, you want to make sure it is durable enough to be able to withstand a fair bit of regular use.
The quality of the engine and materials is going to be a big factor here so take a look at the reviews to make sure the product you have your eye on is going to last many summers.
Energy Consumption
Although it is going to have to work hard to lift the debris, a pool vacuum doesn’t need to be the biggest and bulkiest product available unless you are using it for commercial use.
The best pool vacuums aren’t necessarily the heavy-duty kinds, especially if you don’t have a massive pool in the first place.
Quality Wheels
For it to glide along the bottom of your pool, the pool vacuum must have quality wheels. Some are known for being more hardwearing than others so make sure you pick a brand that is known for using quality materials. If the wheels crack you may be dragging the device harder than you need to.
Suitability
Some pool vacuums are only designed for in-ground pools or above ground whilst others are universal and fine to use with both. This is an important consideration before you buy it.
Cycles
Because the best pool vacuums have different cleaning cycles for you to choose from, you want to make sure the product you buy has the necessary features to get your pool as clean as possible.
There are different ones for collecting debris and sediment so make sure you choose a product that is not too limited.
Sensors
A pool vacuum sensor can prevent unwanted accidents where the device gets stuck in a corner. This might take some hard graft to move it from such a position but a sensor will mean you never have to worry.
Quality Brushes
These are what can take out a lot of manual labor for you. When you have quality brushes, the pool vacuum requires less encouragement. Look for hard-bristle brushes as a good start point.
How Often Should I Vacuum My Pool?
To keep it hygienic and in tip-top condition, it is best to vacuum your pool at least once a week. If you do not chemical buildup can cause the pool to stain and decaying debris will have the same effect.
In the event of bad weather, it is a good idea to vacuum your pool the next day. Any build-up of the debris of a heavy storm is a good reason to get the pool vacuum out.
How Much Does A Pool Vacuum Cost?
Although at the high end, a pool vacuum can cost well over $1,000, for most people, there is no need to spend so much.
You can pick up a quality pool vacuum for around $250 and above. When you get to the $600 mark you are venturing into the higher-quality options that have some unique features and greater suction power. This is also where you might find automatic pool cleaners that take out the hard work.
Different Types of Pool Vacuums
Automatic
Let’s start with the most fun type of pool vacuum. Much like the modern technology used in many homes around the world, a robotic pool vacuum with catch the debris whilst scrubbing the sides of your pool, saving you another job.
Because you don’t use the filtration system, the pool itself is under less strain and they are also an energy-efficient option. The only downside is that because this is a new technology we’re talking about, the price is yet to come down.
Pressure
These are some of the most common types of pool vacuums and works by collecting debris in a separate filtration bag. You won’t be hooked up to the pool filter but to run, it will need to use the pool pump.
Suction Side
A cost-effective solution, suction side pool vacuums are less expensive than the other options. They also tend to be one of the lighter types of vacuum and work by using the pools filtration system to move along the pool.
Why Do I Lose Suction When Cleaning Pool?
If you feel like the pool vacuum is not working at full capacity then you should firstly check you have reached full capacity. Next, make sure the hose is clear and clean so there are no blockages.
Blocked tubes are one of the most common reasons behind a loss of suction. Other elements such as the size of the filter can impact the suction of the vacuum as it needs to have the right flow rate to work.
