We've tested 33 various pool cleaners over the last two years in our own pools across the country. During this time, we made note of these key factors for each pool cleaner: cleaning coverage, ease of use, helpful features, and overall value.
Before shopping for a pool cleaner, you'll want to consider how much time you're willing to devote to cleaning your pool or vacuum. “Suction cleaners are the most affordable option because they rely on your pool’s pump to suction up debris with a long hose that connects to the skimmer,” says Stewart Vernon, COO and founder of America’s Swimming Pool Company. “Therefore, you’ll need to spend more time cleaning out your filter system and skimmer."
On the other hand, robotic pool cleaners are more pricey but are easier to use, and can help make your pool filter last longer. As we found while testing, robotic cleaners can also save you hours each week spent manually cleaning your pool.
You'll also want to keep your pool's size, features, and surrounding area into consideration. A pool vacuum that can pick up leaves and twigs may not be necessary if trees don't cast a shadow over your pool—in that case, you'll just need one designed to effectively remove smaller debris. If your in-ground pool has a lot of coves or benches, you'll want to find a cleaner (robotic or suction) that is designed to clean them.
We continue to monitor the best-performing pool cleaners we tested for their long-term durability while testing new models on the market. Whether you're looking for a manual pool vacuum or a top-of-the-line robotic pool cleaner, we've rounded up the best models to make pool maintenance less of a chore.
Testing Stats | |
---|---|
Products Tested | 33 |
Hours Spent Testing | 148 |
Tests Performed | 4 |
Unique Testers | 33 |
Best Overall
Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner
Effectively picks up large and small debris
Cleans pool in just 3 hours
Can be left in pool 24/7
Does not need to be monitored
No way of knowing when cycle is done
Not as easy to retrieve from pool
Out of the 33 pool cleaners we tested, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure-Side Inground Pool Cleaner impressed during six months of testing with its overall easy set-up, low-maintenance design, and impressive cleaning capabilities. While this pressure-side pool cleaner certainly doesn't have all of the features that robotic models have, we found that it efficiently cleans everything from leaves to pollen off of the floor and walls of an in-ground pool within 3 hours (without having to do it manually).
We especially liked the unique TailSweep design, which helps brush debris out of corners and ensures that the cleaner stays consistent in its cleaning path. The TailSweep is also highly effective at propelling the pool cleaner as well as helping it climb walls and sun benches.
Despite its lack of true navigational control (as many robotic pool cleaners have), this pool cleaner never got stuck during six months of testing, meaning you can easily leave it to complete a cycle without watching its every move. The downside is that you won't know exactly when this pool cleaner is done, but it's easy to glance at the pool and see which parts it has cleaned and which it hasn't.
You will have to retrieve this cleaner by pulling on the hose, so we recommend being gentle during this process so you don't accidentally disconnect it. However, you could leave this model in your pool 24/7 if you wanted; we just can't speak to the effect this would have on your pool's pump system or your electric bill.
We had our pool maintenance service install the 280 and noted that it took mere minutes. The only tricky part was removing the pressure tester to attach the hose to the intake valve. Overall, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 is an effective pool cleaner that's more affordable than other options on the market. It can handle both large and small debris and has held up well during six months of weekly use.
Dimensions: 20 x 23 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.2 pounds | Type: Pressure-side | Pool Type: In-ground | Cleaning Coverage: Floors, walls
Best Robotic
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner
Suitable for pools up to 50 feet
Cleans pools in two hours
Built-in weekly scheduler
Dual filters
A bit heavy
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is our top pick for a robotic pool cleaner because it quickly cleans pools up to 50 feet long, and it’s surprisingly lightweight to place and remove from the pool. We found that it's a powerful and efficient cleaning tool wrapped up in a durable design. While this model is primarily designed for in-ground pools, some users report it works well in above-ground pools, too.
We were thrilled to learn this model can clean most pools in just two hours. Plus, you don’t have to lift a finger during operation—the robot automatically scrubs the floor and walls. This cleaner easily climbed the walls of an older-style pool, which were set at a 90-degree angle and had very little curvature between the floor and sides.
During testing, we found that this pool cleaner was extremely easy to set up, just needing to be turned on and dropped into the pool. The robot scans and maps the entire pool for more efficient cleaning, while it is corded, its tangle-free swiveling cable ensures it doesn’t get stuck while working its way around. We found that the cleaner picks up an impressive amount of grime and dirt, and we loved that it can be set to an automatic schedule, preventing the hassle of starting it manually.
How It Performed Long-Term
While price should always be a factor, we can assure you that you'll be very pleased with splurging on this robotic pool cleaner, even after months of use. This robot only gets better over time at mapping an efficient cleaning path across our pool floor. We haven't noticed any flaws in its performance and durability, and we're looking forward to pulling it out again for more summer fun.
Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 16 inches | Weight: 19 pounds | Type: Robotic | Pool Type: In-ground | Cleaning Coverage: Floors, walls
Best Budget
Poolwhale Pool & Spa Vacuum
Simple to use
Compact and easy to store
Does not need to attach to a filter
Included pole is short
Sprays water if not completely submerged
If you want to keep things simple, this manual pool cleaner is a budget-friendly option that’s incredibly easy to use. The cleaner comes with a brush head and a mesh debris collection bag, and all you have to do is hook the vacuum up to a garden hose. When you turn on the water, the pressure from the hose creates a suction that pulls leaves and other debris into the bag. You can then use the included aluminum pole to guide the vacuum around the floor of your above-ground pool; however, we will point out that the included pole is pretty short, so we opted to switch to a longer pole we already had.
This cleaner fits any standard garden hose, but we recommend waiting to turn the hose on until after you've submerged the vacuum. Otherwise, the vacuum sprays water everywhere, which we learned the hard way during testing. We also found the filter bag was more difficult to empty because it had to be hosed down to completely clear all the debris, compared to a basket that can be dumped and shaken clean.
Once you’re done cleaning, this vacuum, along with the pole, disassembles easily, making it compact to store. Despite a few design issues, we still recommend this pool cleaner as an affordable option that's effective at cleaning both large and small debris.
How It Performed Long-Term
After using this vacuum for over a month, we came to the conclusion that it was better for spot cleaning rather than cleaning an entire pool. It doesn't quite have the same suction power as a standard pump pool vacuum, and we found the head too small to efficiently navigate a standard family pool. However, we think this model is a great choice if you only need to quickly refresh your pool between uses and don't feel like hooking up a vacuum to your pump system.
Dimensions: 4.72 x 10.43 x 47.24 inches | Weight: 1.32 pounds | Type: Manual | Pool Type: Above-ground | Cleaning Coverage: Floors
Best Cordless
Aiper Seagull SE Robotic Pool Cleaner
Easy to setup
Self-parks near pool wall
90-minute battery life
Must be emptied frequently
Struggled on piles of debris
A cordless pool cleaner can be a game-changer for above-ground and in-ground pool owners. We were impressed by the AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner because it’s not only effective at clearing debris but is also one of the most affordable robotic models we’ve tested at just $300.
You only have to clip in the scrubbing brushes during the assembly process, and we recommend charging it completely before running it for the first time. If you don’t charge it, you may find that its performance is lackluster, as we discovered initially. However, after allowing it to charge for the full 2.5 hours, we were thrilled to see this pool cleaner make its way across the floor of our 40-x-18-foot pool.
It only has one cleaning setting, and a full charge gives it about 90 minutes of running time, which was sufficient for fully cleaning our 40 x 18-foot testing pool, which varies from 4 to 8 feet deep. We did empty it several times during the first few cleaning cycles because we noticed that it would slow down as the filter filled up. The filter easily pops out of the top of this robotic pool cleaner, though, when you release two levers on either side of the unit.
Best of all, this robot self-parks near a wall to make retrieval easier. It comes with a hook that can be secured on a standard pool skimmer pole as well. While it doesn’t have any smart features or multiple cleaning modes, we appreciate the straightforward nature of this pool cleaner and think it’s a great value option for pool owners who don’t want to splurge on a super-advanced robot model.
How It Performed Long-Term
We used this pool cleaner twice a week for over six months and still found it to be a great value. While it struggled with bigger debris at the beginning of our pool season, we found that it was great at keeping up with smaller debris once the pool was regularly maintained. We found that when fully charged, the battery life varied between 60 to 90 minutes and it did struggle occasionally on the stairs or in an area that wasn't flat. Although we wished the battery life was a bit longer and it had a bit more power for tougher areas, we found it more than sufficient for our needs.
Dimensions: 17.13 x 13.74 x 7.8 inches | Weight: 7.6 pounds | Type: Robotic | Pool Type: In- and above-ground | Cleaning Coverage: Floors
Best Manual
Pool Blaster Max Cordless Pool Cleaner
Easy to operate
No hoses or cords required
Up to one hour runtime
Ideal for cleaning stairs
Pole not included
If you don’t mind pushing around a pool cleaner by hand, the Pool Blaster Max is a cordless, battery-powered option that comes at a reasonable price. This rechargeable pool cleaner requires no hoses or cords, and its battery delivers up to an hour of runtime per charge—enough to clean even the largest pools. It has a 10.5-inch vacuum head for large areas, which also makes it easier to maneuver than traditional wider rolling vacuum heads. It’s also a great option for cleaning pool stairs and other hard-to-reach features thanks to the head's arrow shape.
To be frank, we weren't initially impressed by this pool cleaner's design—constructed of cheap feeling plastic—however, we were surprised by its ability to handle both small and large debris. It has a large debris capture chamber that can hold everything from dirt and sand to leaves, twigs, and acorns, but the filter does require some pressurized hosing down to completely clean it out.
A pole is not included with this vacuum, which is slightly frustrating given its higher price point, although it does have a handle for hand-held use. We recommend purchasing a standard telescoping pool pole if you decide this model is best for you.
How It Performed Long-Term
After several months of regular use, we can attest to this cleaner's consistent cleaning abilities. While it may not be ideal for deep cleaning an entire pool, we've enjoyed using it to quickly touch up our pool between uses. The plastic has surprisingly held up very well, and nothing has broken on the unit. While it may not have smart features or clean independently like some of the robot models in this list, we think this pool cleaner is a great cordless option available at a reasonable price.
Dimensions: 15.5 x 6.5 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Type: Battery-powered | Pool Type: In-ground, above-ground | Cleaning Coverage: Floors, stairs
No-tangle cord
Remote steering and monitoring
Fast automatic cleaning cycles
Three scrubbing brushes
Not as effective on steps
Misses spots during automatic cleaning cycles
If you want a pool cleaner with all the bells and whistles, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi Operated Robotic Pool Cleaner is a worthwhile investment. While this pool cleaner is a robotic option, we think it’s worth splurging on, especially if you have a larger pool with different levels and tight corners. It’s suitable for in-ground pools up to 50 feet long and needs about one-and-a-half to three-and-a-half hours to complete a cleaning cycle, depending on your selection.
Unlike less-expensive models, this robot also cleans the pool’s walls and waterline, ensuring every inch is free from dirt and algae. Its two-filter system captures all manner of debris and keeps it out of the water.
We most enjoyed using this robot’s corresponding app to keep up with its cleaning progress and to track its location in the pool. We tried both of this robot’s cleaning cycles—a pre-programmed standard and enhanced cleaning time—and noted that the cleaner was able to get the pool about 95 and 99 percent clean, respectively. For the remaining debris, we used the remote steering to direct the robot to the small spots it missed throughout the pool.
This pool cleaner is equipped with three powerful scrubbing brushes that provide a deeper clean and smart navigation software that scans the pool to create an efficient cleaning route. The tangle-free cable prevents the unit from getting stuck, and the unit features an automatic weekly timer and an indicator light that tells you when the filter is full.
Although this model is effective at climbing walls and cleaning the waterline, it cannot clean steps, which are too narrow for it. However, it did manage to clean a wider sun ledge.
How It Performed Long-Term
After two months of regular use during the summer, we're still impressed with this robot cleaner's suction power and user-friendly settings. The app is easy to navigate and understand, and we've found this model is completely worth the investment. We have noticed there's a slight delay on the app's manual steering function, so you do have to wait a few seconds for the cleaner to turn or head in the direction that you input on the app.
Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: 24 pounds | Type: Robotic | Pool Type: In-ground | Cleaning Coverage: Floors, walls, waterline
Best Smart
Polaris VRX iQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner
Smart mapping technology
Easy-to-assemble caddy
70-foot long tangle-reducing cable
Expensive
Heavy
For an all-around smarter pool-cleaning experience, the Polaris VRXIQ+ is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to control it from the iAquaLink app. During our six months of testing, we enjoyed the ease of starting the cleaning cycle from the smartphone app, and we liked that the app sent a notification once the cleaning cycle was complete. We think this cleaner is a great option for anyone with a larger pool who doesn't have time to spend an entire afternoon manually cleaning.
Using your smartphone, you can start or stop the cleaner, create customized schedules, and even see when the filter needs cleaning. Plus, this high-end robot cleans even the largest in-ground pool, thanks to its 70-foot tangle-reducing cable. The four-wheel drive helps this cleaner clean the walls, floor, waterline, and even steps. Thanks to its rear water-cleaning system, it easily blows debris off stairs and out of tight corners, so the machine can suck it up.
It’s important to note that we were using this cleaner in an above-ground pool, so we could not test its wall, step, or waterline cleaning ability. All in all, though, we were impressed by this cleaner’s capacity, which easily handled the pool’s floor that was covered in algae and leaves. This cleaner will suggest an auto-run feature for its first cleaning in your pool, which allows it to “learn” your pool’s layout for future optimized cleanings.
Note that this model is quite heavy, weighing 21 pounds. However, we still found it relatively easy to lift out of the pool, thanks to the Easy Lift technology, which aids in most of the exertion of lifting from the bottom of the pool. Although this model is one of the most expensive on this list, we found its accessories and design, including the convenient storage caddy and the patented Easy Lift removal system, make it worth the splurge.
Dimensions: 12 x 17 x 19 inches | Weight: 21 pounds | Type: Robotic | Pool Type: In-ground | Cleaning Coverage: Floors, walls, steps, waterline
Best for Leaves
Hayward Navigator Pro Suction Pool Cleaner
Does not require frequent emptying
Quiet operation
Preprogrammed steering pattern
Gets stuck on large piles
If you’re looking for the convenience of a robotic pool cleaner but don’t want to fuss with all of the technology involved, we recommend the Hayward Navigator Pro Pool Cleaner. It not only resembles the same shape as other robotic pool cleaners but it also has a preprogrammed steering pattern for a more efficient cleaning cycle. While we did struggle to initially assemble and attach this pool cleaner to our pool’s filter bracket, it was not nearly as difficult as our best for sand pick.
We really put this cleaner through its paces in a pool that was newly opened for the season, so it was full of leaves and other debris. This cleaner made its way around the pool, but we did find that it got caught on several piles of debris during our first testing day. On subsequent days, we did not experience the same issues with this model getting caught, so we suggest possibly skimming your pool to aid this cleaner.
This pool cleaner does not require frequent emptying like other similar models that we’ve tested, which is also a major win, so you don’t have to worry about it filling up before the end of a cycle.
Dimensions: 40.4 x 13.6 x 11.9 inches | Weight: 17.71 pounds | Type: Suction-side | Pool Type: In-ground | Cleaning Coverage: Floor, sides
Best Suction-Side
Hayward The PoolCleaner Suction Cleaner
Ideal for small and medium pools
Ridged wheels improve climbing
Maintains suction on uneven surfaces
Includes interchangeable throats
Doesn’t clean corners well
Suction-side pool cleaners, like the Hayward Poolvergnuegen, rely on a pool’s pump to suction up debris via a hose that connects to the skimmer. The Hayward Pool Cleaner impressed us with its quick set-up time and easy operation. On top of not requiring any charging or additional power sources—aside from your pool’s filter— this cleaner also has a self-steering mechanism that turns it every 8 to 10 feet.
We do want to point out that this cleaner took about seven hours to completely clean a 20 x 40-foot pool, which is slightly larger than the recommended 16 x 32-foot maximum size. It also struggled to clean corners since its turning radius was limited in those spaces.
We recognize that this pool cleaner is still more expensive than what some may prefer to pay. However, considering the amount of time this cleaner saves compared to manual models, we think the price tag for this model is justified. It’s suitable for use on gunite, vinyl, fiberglass, pebble, and tile finishes.
For best results, connect it at least to a half HP pump. Its ridged wheels allow it to navigate over drains and up walls, and the adjustable roller skirts help maintain suction on uneven surfaces. The self-adjusting turbine vanes also collect large debris without clogging, and it comes with three interchangeable throats that allow you to adjust its suction performance for different debris sizes.
How It Performed Long-Term
We used this cleaner in a pool for several weeks before everything had to be winterized, and we appreciated this cleaner's simple operation. All you have to do is drop it in the pool, and it will wind its way through the layout until everything has been cleaned. We will point out that the cleaning cycle is long, so it's best to use this cleaner on an off day when you don't want to use the pool.
Dimensions: 40.4 x 13.6 x 11.9 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Type: Suction-side | Pool Type: In-ground | Cleaning Coverage: Floors, walls
Best for In-Ground Pools
Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner
Easy-to-use app
Floats to waterline for retrieval
Easy to empty
Anti-tangle cable
Limited by power cable
Declared to be the “Ferrari of pool cleaners” while testing, the Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner did not disappoint. It required no setup other than removing it from the box, and it was easy to pair to the corresponding smartphone app. We tested this cleaner in a 40- x 20-foot gunite in-ground pool and found the power cable to be more than sufficient, even for the 10-foot deep end. However, we do wish this robot pool vacuum came in a cordless version as that would better suit larger in-ground pools.
This cleaner easily tackled any debris in its path, from pollen to leaves. It left nothing behind, and we appreciated being able to choose a standard cleaning mode (about 2.5 hours long) and a quick clean (1.5 hours long). The best feature was arguably the cycle complete notifications that were delivered once this pool cleaner finished its session. We could also send the robot a notification to float to the pool surface for seamless retrieval.
When it's time to empty the filter basket, a button on the unit pops the top-load basket out of the robot, and it also has a handle. You can easily dump the basket and rinse it off with a hose. This robot also has a light that blinks during its cleaning session, so you have a visual indicator that it's running properly. However, we’re big fans of tracking the cycle progress in the app.
Dimensions: 21.45 x 17.55 x 11.31 inches | Weight: 29 pounds | Type: Robotic | Pool Type: In-ground | Cleaning Coverage: Floors, walls, waterline
Best for Above-Ground
Poolmaster Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
Captures small twigs and leaves
Easy to maneuver
Pole not included
Not best for tiny debris
While many pool cleaners don’t perform well on large debris, based on our testing, the Poolmaster Big Sucker Leaf Vacuum easily handles debris from trees like twigs and leaves. Plus, it doesn't require a pre-existing filter system, making it a great choice for above-ground pools. This inexpensive cleaner is designed especially for leaves and other larger debris, and it’s a great option to use as a secondary cleaner.
While this vacuum did not perform well at picking up extremely large debris, such as branches, it easily picked up mid-size leaves and twigs in our testing pool.
It has a wide 15-inch diameter, with eight high-pressure jets underneath, which aid in cleaning large pools in less time. When hooked to a garden hose, the water pressure pushes leaves into the removable, all-purpose collection bag, which can be emptied into your grass. We recommend using a garden hose to fully clear out the debris bag.
This unit mounts on four multi-directional wheels, making it easy to push around the bottom of your pool. However, it doesn’t come with a pole, so we recommend finding a pole appropriate for your pool's depth. Similar to our best manual pick, this vacuum must be fully submerged before you turn on the hose. Although we were slightly disappointed that this vacuum couldn't handle larger debris or small particles, it still performed well at picking up medium-sized debris that a robot vacuum or standard suction-side vacuum may struggle to pick up.
Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 2.64 inches | Weight: 1.82 pounds | Type: Manual | Pool Type: In- or above-ground | Cleaning Coverage: Floors
Best for Sand
Zodiac Baracuda G3 Suction Pool Cleaner
Cleans small debris thoroughly
Easily climbs walls
Does got get caught on lights or filters
Very difficult to initially set up
More maintenance required with pool pump
Although this pool cleaner didn’t initially impress us when we originally tested it, we decided to re-test it and see if we had a better experience. Initially, we were afraid we wouldn’t be able to use this pool cleaner at all because the setup was so difficult—a roadblock we had experienced originally as well. However, with a bit of persistence and patience, we managed to assemble this cleaner and get it into the pool. The most frustrating part was the lack of a proper instruction manual, which we had to find online. The initial setup did take about an hour and a half but once we got the hang of it throughout our testing period, we were able to hook up this pool cleaner in about 20 minutes.
Despite a very rocky start with this model, we are thoroughly satisfied with its performance. It excels at picking up gritty debris from water treatments and random dirt that’s always a pain to capture from the bottom of a pool. While it doesn’t have a specific guided path while cleaning, it does manage to find its way to every crevice and corner around a pool. It even climbs the walls! We also love that the 36-fin disc prevents it from getting stuck on lights or filters around a pool.
If you have a pool at a house near a beach or a lake, this pool cleaner would be a great option for keeping grit off the bottom of your pool. However, you have to be patient with its initial quirks. It’s also recommended that this pool cleaner’s hose remains flat and out of direct sunlight, so we had to build a rack on our pool fence to hang it up for proper drainage. We also recommend backwashing your pump after a few uses of this pool cleaner to ensure the pump filter has a chance to properly rinse. With all of that said, we still think this pool cleaner is a reasonable purchase for any pool owner who doesn’t encounter large debris as often.
Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: 17.66 pounds | Type: Suction-side | Pool Type: In-ground | Cleaning Coverage: Floor, sides
Best Value
Pentair Kreepy Krauly Pool Cleaner
Easily sucks up small debris
Lightweight
Powerful suction
Time consuming to assemble
Leaf basket sold separately
While we’ve tested a variety of pool cleaners, we think the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Inground Pool Cleaner is one of the best designs at its price point. Many suction-side pool cleaners are available at under $500, but this model impressed us with its durability and powerful suction.
The hose is a bit challenging to maneuver because it comes in 12 separate pieces, and we were initially worried about its integrity. However, this pool cleaner proved us wrong with a strong suction that easily picked up small- and medium-sized debris across the pool floor.
We did wish we had the attachable leaf trap, which catches large debris (and must be purchased separately), and really would make this pool cleaner an all-in-one cleaning tool. Despite not having that attachment during testing, we were still able to successfully clear our pool of debris.
Note that it can be time-consuming to assemble and take apart (even after we learned how to do it the right way), With a little bit of extra research, we were able to set up this pool cleaner in under an hour and it only took about 15 minutes to set up in subsequent testing rounds.
We did love that this pool cleaner is very lightweight, which makes it easy to remove from the pool and store when not in use. All in all, we were pleasantly surprised by this cleaner’s ability to navigate a pool without getting caught or requiring any monitoring.
Dimensions: 42 x 16.5 x 7.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Type: Suction-side | Pool Type: In-ground | Cleaning Coverage: Floor
Compare
Final Verdict
Out of the 33 pool cleaners we've tested, our best overall pick is the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner. This cleaner's innovative TailSweep ensured that no debris was left behind and it easily powered its way across an entire pool. However, if you're looking for something more advanced, our favorite robotic pool cleaner by far is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Vacuum Cleaner. It can clean most pools in just two hours and is equipped with smart mapping technology to scan your pool's unique shape for an effective and optimized cleaning routine.
How We Tested the Pool Cleaners
We've tested 33 pool cleaners over the last year, including robotic, manual, suction-type, and pressure-type cleaners at our own pools across the country. We used each cleaner for at least two cleaning cycles over several weeks, and reported our findings. We then continued testing the top-performing models for six months. Each cleaner was rated on ease of use, design, effectiveness, and value.
- Ease of use: For all the pool cleaner types, we noted how long it took to set up the cleaner before dropping it in the pool. For manual cleaners, we considered the ease of use of each model and noted whether the cleaner required lots of physical exertion or an extensive amount of time to thoroughly clean an entire pool.
- Design: If a robotic cleaner had smart features, we noted the ease of pairing the cleaner to a Wi-Fi network and considered the user experience of the app, as well as the remote capabilities of the cleaner.
- Effectiveness: We made note of how easily the robotic cleaners navigated walls, waterlines, steps, ladders, and sun shelves, if applicable. We considered whether the cleaner had a methodical movement, especially if it was equipped with pool mapping technology. For suction-side and pressure-side pool cleaners, closely monitored automatic cleaners for their cleaning path and timed the cleaning cycle. We also closely monitored whether the cleaning path was methodical and if the cleaner missed any large sections of the pool.
- Value: We considered whether we would recommend the cleaner to a friend or family member and if we thought the price matched the performance and features.
- Long-term testing: We continued testing each top-performing model for up to six months during different weather and pool conditions and updated this list to reflect our findings.
What to Look for in a Pool Cleaner
Type
You'll encounter three main styles of pool cleaners: suction, pressure, and robotic. Each has its own benefits, and you need to decide which is best for you.
Stewart Vernon, COO and founder of America’s Swimming Pool Company, says that suction pool cleaners "use a random pattern to continuously clean the pool ground and wall sides. Although cheaper initially, suction cleaners may add to your electric bill with each use by using your pump system.”
“Pressure cleaners are moderately priced and rely on your pool’s pump and filter, which can also increase your electric bill,” he says. “Unlike the suction cleaner, pressure cleaners use a booster pump to increase pressure. As the water is pressurized, it powers the wheels to create a suction that cleans the pool ground and walls. These cleaners commonly have their own bags, which is a plus for your pool’s filter." Our best above-ground pick, the Poolmaster 28300 Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum, has its own filter bag to collect leaves as it skims the bottom of the pool. Attaching a garden hose creates the suction needed to remove leaves and other debris.
Vernon explains that robotic pool cleaners “use software to determine how to clean your pool and do not need to be attached to a pump or circulation system." Our best robotic pick, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner, uses a methodical cleaning path to remove all debris, and it can climb the walls and tile line of an in-ground pool.
Automatic vs. Manual
Pool cleaners come in automatic and manual models. The former clean your pool on their own, automatically navigating around the floor and walls. While pressure and suction pool cleaners can be automatic, robotic cleaners typically are best at ensuring complete coverage, as their electronic components map out your pool and clean it methodically.
The downsides of automatic pool cleaners are they typically take a long time and can become stuck if not supervised. Our best cordless pick, the Aiper Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner, one of the most affordable robotic pool cleaner models on the market, did struggle a bit to eliminate large piles of debris. However, it was still highly effective at removing silt, dirt, and other debris from the pool floor.
Manual pool cleaners require you to guide them around the pool. Generally, these models are much more affordable, but you have to do the work.
Cleaning Coverage
Pool cleaners are designed to be used on different surfaces. Most clean the floor and walls, though some are designed only for floor use. But you may need to look for a specialty model if you want it to clean stairs, covers, and/or the waterline. Additionally, if your pool has tight corners or curved edges, look for a cleaner that can handle those areas. Our best splurge pick, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi Operated Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner, has three automatic cleaning cycles that we love. This model also specializes in cleaning pool waterlines and sun ledges.
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How do pool cleaners work?
Pool cleaners are designed to capture dirt, dust, pollen, leaves, bugs, algae, and other debris that affect the water's clarity and cleanliness. Automatic pool cleaners are equipped with hoses that connect to your pool’s skimmer or to a built-in vacuum line, if available. The pool vacuum traverses the pool floor and walls, suctioning up debris and sending it through the hoses to the skimmer or the vacuum line. Steering patterns and mapping ability vary by model, with some pool cleaners working on a more randomized cleaning pattern and more advanced models following a programmed route.
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How do robotic pool cleaners work versus regular pool cleaners?
While regular automatic pool cleaners rely on your pool’s skimmer system or a dedicated suction line, robotic pool cleaners connect to their own power supplies and have onboard filtration. This makes them a good choice for a pool lacking a powerful pump to propel the pool cleaner. They can also be handy if you don’t want to worry about frequently backwashing your filter system to remove the debris your pool cleaner suctions up.
Our best smart pick, the Polaris VRXIQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner, can be controlled through an app, and you can even schedule cleaning times for an even more hands-off cleaning experience.
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How long do pool cleaners last?
Many factors affect the longevity of a pool cleaner, including how you maintain and store it. Prolonged exposure to chlorine and pool chemicals can shorten a cleaner's useful life; most manufacturers recommend that you remove the unit from the pool after each cleaning cycle. If you’re willing to replace parts on your pool cleaner, such as the foot, cleaning disc, head, and other miscellaneous components, you may be able to use the same pool cleaner for five or more years.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was updated by Emma Phelps, an associate commerce editor for The Spruce who joined the team in 2022. She covers home maintenance, home organization, and home design products. For this story, she reviewed the testing results with editors to select the models that performed best in each category. Phelps not only reviewed each pool cleaner model's online listing but also carefully considered the positive and negative feedback of testers who used the cleaners in their home pools. As a teen, she was a lifeguard for five summers at her neighborhood pool and has experience cleaning with a pool brush and suction-side vacuum.
Our Experts:
- Stewart Vernon, COO and founder of America’s Swimming Pool Company
- Camryn Rabideau, freelance writer and product tester
- Jenica Currie, editor for The Spruce