Buying a pool cleaner can be difficult.
- Should you stick with the manufacturer and model you know?
- Is it worth upgrading to a completely different type?
- Should you choose a suction, pressure, or robotic pool cleaner?
Which pool cleaner to buy - 5 top picks for easy decision
[toc heading_levels=”2,3″ class=”have_bullets”]
We’ll show you the current best for each cleaner type and explain the difference between each type of pool cleaner.
If you are a new pool owner and “suction, pressure-side, robotic” doesn’t mean anything just yet, you will understand the difference.
Below you’ll find the five best value-for-money pool cleaners for each cleaner type that have excellent reviews.
We only recommend pool cleaners that have proven reliable over a more extended period.
How to choose an inground pool cleaner to fit your maintenance routine
Installing a proper pool will cost you at least $10,000 and considerably more for an inground pool unless you are rich in time and/ or friends to help you with an alternative DIY swimming pool. (Good for you if it already came with the house.)
If pool maintenance isn’t done correctly:
- The water quality will decrease
- Debris and algae will cover the pool surfaces.
Not only will the whole place turn into an eyesore, but it will also have expensive consequences for your pump and filters.
A pool maintenance routine with the right tools will ensure high water quality and a long repair-free lifespan.
Why do you need a pool cleaner?
A good pool maintenance regime will take care of two things:
- High quality of water by maintaining chlorine levels
- Keeping the upper hand in the constant battle against algae, debris, and grime. removing any debris from the pool.
In addition to keeping the pool clean and clear, it’s worth looking at potential energy savings by keeping the pump times low and main filters clean enough so they can do a good job.
A good pool cleaner is an essential part of pool maintenance as it effectively takes care of two major pool elements: the pool water itself and pool surfaces.
The best automatic pressure, robotic and solar pool cleaners will also ease the burden on the existing pool filter because they work independently from the main existing filtration system and remove debris before it even reaches the existing filter. They should also remove debris from areas that wouldn’t get cleaned otherwise like corners, steps, the waterline, and walls.
And all of that while you just watch or do the stuff you really want to do.
The different types of pool cleaners & how they work
There is no getting around it, a pool cleaner is a must-have item for every pool owner. Over time different types of pool cleaners emerged and it can be confusing to decide whether a manual, automatic, robotic or solar pool cleaner is the best choice for you.
Every pool cleaner works by drawing in pool water which is then filtered to remove dirt and debris. Different types of cleaners vary in how they draw in pool water, where they filter the water, how the cleaner moves around the pool and how much of the whole process is manual or automated.
Watch the 3 min video below for an overview of how each type of pool cleaner works:
The type and quality of pool cleaner makes a huge difference in how much time and effort it takes to keep the pool clean.
On one end of the spectrum, there are simple, yet time-consuming manual systems. On the other end are fully automatic, self-contained devices and systems that clean on their own with very little if any work left to do for the owner.
Choosing the right kind depends not just on the pool itself but also on the user’s preferences and budget
What information did you need to buy a pool cleaner?
- The size and depth of your pool
- The type of your pool lining: vinyl, pebble-tec, fiberglass, or gunite to name but a few
- Do you have a booster pump?
- The type of debris you tend to have most: is your area prone to sandstorms, are there trees close by?
It would also be wise to take your experience into account. What did you love/ hate about the old device?
Armed with this information you can now jump right in and find the best one from my list of recommended cleaners.
Overview of five different technologies for INGROUND POOL CLEANERS
If you already know enough about:
- Manual pool cleaners
- Suction-side automatics
- Pressure-side automatics
- Robotic pool cleaners
- Solar-powered
Go directly to five top pics with descriptions, reviews, and pros&cons.
Manual Pool Cleaners
These are often simply called pool vacuums which can be confusing because suction-side cleaners are also often simply referred to as a pool vacuum. So, to be precise it’s best to say ‘manual pool cleaner’ or ‘manual pool vacuum’. These consist of 3 to 4 main parts:
- Vacuum head or vac head to move over the pool liner
- Vacuum hose to draw water through to the pool skimmer and filter
- Telescopic pole to guide the vac head manually
A complete manual cleaner set will cost anything between $80 to $150 making this the cheapest pool cleaner option. A manual pool vac might be all you need if your pool isn’t too big or if there are a few areas an automatic pool cleaner doesn’t reach.
Another bonus is that these are equally suitable for above and in-ground pools.
However, connecting everything ready to clean and going over the whole pool does take time. Also, debris will end up in the main pool filter which will eventually need cleaning as well.
Using a manual pool cleaner only is a time-consuming way to clean the pool and quickly becomes a dreaded chore, especially in summer. It’s at this point when many pool owners start looking for an alternative and consider buying an automatic cleaner.
SUMMARY: Manual pool cleaners are the cheapest option in pool cleaners, easy to set up by connecting it to the suction outlet. It requires a lot of elbow grease but you are in full control where you clean.
Debris lands in the main pool filter and will eventually (sooner rather than later) have to be removed.
Suction side pool cleaners
Suction-side cleaners are one step up from a manual cleaner. They are still pretty simple devices with only a few moving parts. That’s good news in terms of lifespan and maintenance costs.
Suction-side pool vacs connect to the intake (suction) line via the skimmer or an existing dedicated suction line where water is pumped out of the pool into the filtration system. Unlike a manual cleaner, a suction side vacuum moves independently and doesn’t need to be guided by a person, hence an “automatic side suction cleaner.”
A closer look reveals two sub-types of suction pool cleaners. Zodiac and Kreepy Krauly offer so-called inertia-driven devices that move about randomly, taking their time to cover the whole pool.
The second kind works more methodically, following a programmed pattern to cover the whole pool surface. Examples include the Pentair Rebel.
As long as the side suction vacuum is connected and your pump is running, it will be on cleaning duty, no timer required. With the pump running, a suction is created on the underside of the cleaner head sending debris through the hose to the strainer basket and finer particles to the filter.
The disadvantage of suction cleaners is their dependency on the flow rate of the pool plumbing.
Preferably there will be a strainer basket somewhere along the hose to prevent clogging up the pump strainer basket too quickly.
The flow rate must be carefully adjusted for the cleaner to work well. Even then, their cleaning power is usually more suitable for smaller debris like sand. But there are exceptions like the Great White by Pentair, which can also deal with more significant bits like acorns and leaves, making this type of cleaner a good choice at an affordable price.
Summary: Not too expensive, easy to install and maintain. The most significant disadvantage is that it adds to your energy bill because they only work with your existing pool filtration system.
They’re not as powerful as pressure or robotic cleaners, and you will still have to clean your pool filter frequently as this is where debris is drawn to.
Pressure Side Pool Cleaners Automatic
Unlike suction cleaners, these attach to the pool plumbing’s return (not suction) side. This pressure propels the cleaner around the pool.
The pool pump powers so-called low-pressure cleaners, and the second type needs to have a booster pump. This latter makes it a pricier option from the start, but it also ensures constant pressure and cleaning power.
Pressure side cleaners collect debris right into a bag attached to the cleaner. This bag must be emptied when full – usually much more manageable than cleaning the primary pump filter.
Entry models start at around $200. Stronger and more durable pressure cleaners that attach to a booster pump can be up to $800.
Robotic Pool Cleaner - Robot for Pool Cleaning
The most expensive option. But it’s a relief to let a machine do a chore for you. They are designed to make your life as a pool owner A LOT easier. Here is how.
One of the most significant advantages is that they work independently from the existing pool plumbing, which means they can run even when the pool’s water circulation pump is switched off.
Robotic pool cleaners are either battery-powered or plugged into a power line. This means there needs to be a power socket near the pool.
Another advantage of robotic pool cleaners is that they can freely move about the whole pool and reach difficult areas more efficiently, even climbing walls and steps, which means they can work in almost any pool.
Several models even calculate an optimized cleaning path according to the shape of the pool.
Robotic pool cleaners usually carry a filter pump, a drive train for mobility, and debris filters or bags on board. They require little input from the owner. Aside from lifting in/out of the pool and cleaning the filters, the owner has nothing else to do.
Some can be programmed to clean a pool within a specific time limit. A few models even have a remote control to help it reach spots it might have missed.
You might have spotted entry models at about $300. Still, overall advanced and sophisticated technology like strong suction power, exceptional cleaning and filter functionality, the ability to calculate the best cleaning path, etc., all of that come at a much higher price point, typically at least $500, and you can easily spend even $1000 for a machine with all bells and whistles.
The best robots will allow the owner to reduce the run time of the main pool circulation system significantly. The main skimmer and filter will also need to be cleaned less frequently.
Summary: Robotic Pool Cleaners are one of the best laid-back, high-standard pool maintenance and care options. The suitable model will not just remove debris from the pool but also filter the water on the spot.
The savings in energy through less main pump time and perhaps getting rid of your pool service make this a worthwhile option despite the higher price tag.
Solar Powered Pool Cleaner - Solar Pool Cleaner
Who wouldn’t like to save energy AND work at the same time?
Solar powered pool cleaners may not yet be as widespread as other types of pool cleaners, but there are now some units that are well worth considering as additional silent helpers with a massive impact on the time you need to clean.
Some models like the have earned great buyer reviews because of their ability to quietly and continuously gather surface debris like leaves and bugs.
This means substantial energy savings because the main pump will work significantly less. However, solar power cleaners can only skim the surface water and will not clean the bottom or sides of a pool. In other words there is a need for an additional cleaning device for those areas.
However, a device that removes automatically the bulk of debris before it even reaches the pool floor or skimmer basket without extra energy input justifies the price tag.
I know it can be overwhelming to decide what pool cleaner to go for when there is such a wide choice. However, if you have the right information about your pool and situation ready you will be able to narrow down your choice considerably.
The best SUCTION SIDE automatic pool cleaner above ground
BARACUDA G3 W03000 Advanced
The Baracuda G3 is priced for lower budgets and yes, there are other cheaper cleaners. Here is why we chose the G3 as “Best for the money side suction cleaner in 2018”.
Cleaning 4/5: It cleans the usual range of pool linings in oval and rectangular shaped pools really well. Small and medium-sized debris is picked up reliably and better than what most pool owners can do with manual cleaners!
Not just the bottom of the pool but it goes over walls and climbs up to and cleans the waterline, too!
We would have given it 5/5 if it could clean leaves and larger bits like twigs, but it doesn’t. You could get an inline leaf catcher, though, if your pool receives lots of plant material from nearby trees. Also, the G3 occasionally misses steps and some spots in more complicated pool shapes.
Versatility 5/5: It works well with any single, two-speed or variable-speed pump. You get great cleaning performance even with lower horsepower pumps thanks to the FlowKeeper Valve that automatically regulates water flow.
Reliability and lifespan 5/5: It hardly ever gets stuck, so does what it’s supposed to do while in the pool. Parts are well made and durable. There are only a few moving parts and it’s one of the cheapest pool cleaners to repair if you ever need to.
Pros and cons of the BARACUDA G3 W03000 Advanced :
- +++ Good for small and medium debris
- +++ Cleans pool floor, walls, and waterline
- +++ Reliable and durable design
- +++ Cheap to repair if need be
- – Not good for complex, free-form pools
- – Moves slow
- – Doesn’t clean steps
- – Not suitable for pools close to trees
Check out
BEST OVERALL: The Pool Cleaner by Hayward
‘The Pool Cleaner’ may not be the most imaginative of all names but this is still the best overall suction-side cleaner for in-ground concrete pools. Apparently, Poolvergnuegen is German for Pool Pleasure. Here is why it has been so popular for years.
Cleaning 5/5: Where it goes there it cleans. Large leaves or fine sand. It could easily win the “Best side-suction pool cleaner for leaves” award because it can cope even with palm fronds without clogging up. It’s suitable for all pool surfaces. Users have been very happy using the Pool Cleaner in their pebble tec pool.
Reliability and Lifespan 5/5: Clean straightforward engineering keep this guy running and running for years. If we could we’d give it 6/5. The gears inside are very durable and it keeps moving like a tank over uneven surfaces.
Thanks to its big wheels it doesn’t get stuck on usual trappings like main drains. Parts that might need replacing due to normal wear and tear like the wheel treads are easily available. Warranty is a respectable 2 years.
Versatility 5/5: Cleverly engineered, multiple pre-programmed internal steering sequences move the Pool Cleaner over the whole pool including walls easily. It does so on gunite, vinyl, fiberglass, pebble-tec as well as tiled surfaces.
Very clever: a self-adjusting turbine maintains maximum suction power regardless of the suction power it receives from the main pump. The result is great cleaning power even with pumps as low as ½ hp. It works brilliantly with variable speed pumps, too.
The best PRESSURE SIDE inground pool cleaner
BEST FOR THE MONEY: Pentair LL505G Kreepy Krauly Legend
Cleaning 5/5: The 4 wheel design of the Legend is unstoppable. It moves around without ever losing its balance and cleans reliably the whole pool with great power. Thanks to the large intake opening it will pick up large debris very well.
It will also climb and clean walls as long as there are rounded edges from floor to wall. The collection bag is spacious and extends the time between cleaning. It easily clips on and off for emptying. There’s a sand/silt bag to pick up finer debris.
Reliability and Lifespan 5/5: The Legend is designed to run and run and run. And it does. As with all moving parts, there will be wear and after about 3 years some parts like the wheels or their bearings might need replacing.
Versatility 5/5: The Kreepy Krauly Legend works on any inground pool lining including vinyl, gunite, tiled or fibreglass. The front wheels are powered and allow the cleaner to move up on inclined surfaces with ease
Head over now and
BEST POOL CLEANER FOR INGROUND POOLS – OVERALL:
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 and 380
A reliable workhorse with many happy customers.
Cleaning 5/5: Both, the 280 and the 380 clean well where they go, namely the whole bottom of the pool and the sides to the waterline, but not necessarily the steps. The Vac-Sweep 380 does so a little quicker due to its more responsive drive and longer sweep tail which allows it to sweep a wider area in one go.
Reliability and Lifespan 5/5: for 280, 4/5 for the 380: Polaris pool cleaners have built a reputation for durability and longevity. That is not to say that it doesn’t have any wear and tear if used almost continuously. The belt of the 380 tends to wear out after about 18 months.
Versatility 5/5: Both cleaners are suitable for all the usual pool surfaces and will take care of pool floors and sides. There is a reliable back-up valve to prevent the cleaner from getting trapped and maneuver out of problematic areas.
Take a moment and
ROBOTIC pool cleaner BEST for the money
Dolphin Nautilus
The Dolphin Nautilus by Maytronics made has become a well-deserved Bestseller on Amazon thanks to its great performance for just under $650.
Cleaning 4/5: Overall the Nautilus offers amazing cleaning value for the money (under $650 or so).
It’s a huge time saver when you switch from manual, pressure side or suction cleaner because you don’t have to drag out lots of stuff to clean and don’t have to backwash the pool filter. The robot is a vacuum cleaner and doesn’t scrub.
Two types of onboard filters easily trap small leaves, bugs and dirt, including sand and algae but a bit of manual scrubbing, might be required for tough spots. The spring filter is perfect when opening the pool. The cleaner won’t be able to clean up larger leaves and debris, though.
The Nautilus cleans the bottom of the pool very well but doesn’t always reach all of the walls and steps.
Reliability and Lifespan 5/5: This pool cleaner works well straight out of the box, no setting up or adjusting needed. The sturdy design will last for years to come. The warranty is 12 months from Maytronics.
Versatility 5/5: The Dolphin Nautilus moves around in a random pattern cleaning the whole pool floor area and can, therefore, clean any pool shape: rectangular or curvy free-form. It will not remember the pool shape, though and might miss a spot here or there.
You’ll need a higher-priced robotic pool cleaner if you want to go for perfection. Because it’s a vacuum it is equally suitable for all pool linings. The Nautilus can be used in chlorinated as well as saltwater pools. You can read my review of the Dolphin Nautilus here.
Head over now and
BEST Pool Cleaner OVERALL:
Dolphin Premier
Most people get curious when they see a price tag of over a grand for a pool cleaner. However, there are many good reasons why this one has been steadily collecting 5 star reviews on Amazon since its newly packaged launch in 2018.
Cleaning 5/5: The Premier is able to clean EVERYTHING in your pool, from large palm fronds to microscopic particles. It scrubs and climbs walls and steps, coves and corners with its high-speed spinning brushes and easily removes difficult colonies of bacteria, algae, and biofilm.
It calculates the best path to do its job in the most efficient way and stops when its done.
Reliability and Lifespan 5/5: It’s one thing to know that the robot works well right out of the box. However, in case you wonder whether you should wait for another couple of years before buying you’ll be pleased to know that this robot comes with an impressive, no-nonsense 3 year limited warranty – the best warranty for this kind of cleaner.
Versatility 5/5: Out of the box the Dolphin Premier can be used for practically all kinds of pool linings and shapes without the need for extra brushes: gunite, concrete, tile, fiberglass or vinyl-lined and any shape under 55 feet long.
On its cleaning journey, it will cover every inch of pool surface, including the waterline and tricky areas like steps and corners. You decide what kind of cleaning you need most and choose any of the 4 types of filters for the job.
Don’t miss this one! Head over now to
★ Our top picks at a glance ★
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
★ Top pick ★Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000 |
|
Check at Amazon |
 |
Hayward Poolvergneugen Automatic |
|
Check at Amazon |
 |
PENTAIR Kreepy Krauly LL505G |
|
Check at Amazon |
 |
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 |
|
Check at Amazon |
 |
Best buy roboticDolphin Nautilus Automatic |
|
Check at Amazon |
 |
Dolphin Premier Robotic |
|
Check at Amazon |
Hi, the list is awesome! I definitely agree with you when you said that each type of pool problem requires a different cleaning agent. Cheers on this one! I know many readers will benefit from this article. Thanks. =)
If your pool looks dirty, no one in the family eager to enter it. It may cause several problems like skin itching, eye irritation, etc. So, to avoid such problem, you must clean your pool at proper intervals. A well maintained pool attracts every passerby. The debris and algae on the pool surface should be removed properly. You can get many more technology finished tools to maintain the pool in a different way. You can hire a good contractor for this job. The professionals give you the best idea using their huge experience.
My wife and I have been looking for pool cleaners for when we get ours all finished this summer. I’m glad that you talked about some differences and how its important to find the best value for different pool cleaners you could potentially use. I’m going to have to see what my options are for pool cleaners in our area, or if I should order one from somewhere! Thanks for the help!