Nowadays, it’s easy to find a pool cleaner. However, finding the best pool cleaners can be a little more difficult. There are many features to consider when purchasing a pool cleaner, such as ease of use, performance, and durability.
The pool cleaner you purchase should also be able to handle different types of pools and the various chemicals they contain. This guide will help you figure out what type of pool cleaner is best for your needs.
Our Top Picks
There are many pool cleaners in the market, but not all of them are worth the money. So, we have taken the time to research and find the best pool cleaner reviews:
- Best Overall: Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best Automatic: Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best Suction: Hayward W3PVS20GST Suction Pool Cleaner
- Best Above-Ground: Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best Smart: Polaris P965iQ Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best Cordless: POOL BLASTER Pro 1500 Pool Vacuum
- Best Manual: GKanMore Pool Skimmer Net
- Best Splurge: Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- Best for Leaves: Hayward Navigator Pro Suction Pool Cleaner
- Best for Floors: WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best for Large Pools: Aquabot X4 Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best for Small Pools: Polaris P70 Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best for Walls: Aiper Seagull Pro Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
Best Overall: Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Nautilus CC is ranked first on our list because it provides excellent value for the money. It is an automatic pool cleaner that is best suited for in-ground pools under 33 feet in length. While vacuuming the pool, this pool cleaner employs its unique CleverClean Technology to plan out the most effective cleaning path.
- Type: Robotic
- Weight: 14 pounds
- Wire Length: 50 feet
- Pool Type: Above or In-Ground
- Pool Size: Up to 33 ft in length
- Cycle Time: 2 hours
Pros
- Affordable price
- Weekly timer
- Strong scrubbing
- Top loaded filter
Cons
- No anti-tangle cable
- Unable to clean waterline
- 1-year warranty
The Dolphin Nautilus CC is a top-selling automatic robotic pool cleaner that provides an excellent clean for both in-ground and above-ground pools. As an owner of one for over a year now, I can say it has performed very well.
Setup is a breeze – Plug it into the power source then drop Nautilus CC into the pool, all that’s left is to press the button and wait for the results. The Nautilus utilizes Patented Cleverclean technology, zipping around in every direction to scrub both floors and walls from top to bottom. This technology ensures they will reach every location in your pool, and not miss a single dust particle during the cleaning process. I was skeptical about their ability to clean the in-ground pool wall because it is a vertical surface, however, Dolphin Nautilus CC brought a surprise when they did not miss a single wall.
The powerful active brushing scrubs away dirt and debris without scratching surfaces. I’m impressed by how well it cleans both my pebble tec and vinyl pools. They are designed to deep clean old stains that I thought I couldn’t remove such as thick patches of moss and food stains that have accumulated over time.
The built-in mesh bag efficiently traps all the gunk it picks up, keeping my filter clean longer between backwashes. With smaller that well maintained examples needing only about 2 hours, and larger, more debris-prone pools needing up to 4 hours. When you reach the filter’s storage limit, you need to empty it to maintain good performance the next time.
The Nautilus has been extremely reliable with no issues after over 50 cleaning cycles. I love coming home to sparkling clear water with minimal effort on weekends. It’s worth the investment for clean water that looks great. I highly recommend this automatic robotic cleaner for any pool owner seeking effortless cleaning results.
What Are Customer Reviews
Customers appreciate Dolphin Nautilus CC’s ability to navigate the cleaning process. They know how to reach the deepest point of the pool, in addition to difficult-to-reach locations such as wall corners and at the base of the walls, they can also remove 50-60% of the dirt there. Advice from previous people is that before using a pool cleaning robot, you should clean and sweep debris from the corners and base of the walls to the middle of the floor so that they can be collected most effectively.
For average-sized swimming pools, 2 hours is the average time to complete cleaning, and the efficiency is up to 98% (according to reviews of most users).
Evaluations after long periods of use show the durability of Nautilus CC. During the first 1 to 2 years of use, they hardly encountered any problems during use. However, you need to pay attention to regularly checking and cleaning the filter to maintain the product’s stable suction power. Another inconvenience with this product is that they do not have a remote control option.
Editor’s Verdict: A pool cleaner in the high-end segment will help you save maximum cleaning time. Comes with a series of outstanding functions that will help you clean swimming pools of different sizes.
Best Suction: Hayward W3PVS20JST Suction Pool Cleaner
The Hayward Poolvergnuegen performs an excellent job cleaning a pool, is moderately priced, and is available in two-wheel and four-wheel drive models. This suction pool cleaner appears to handle huge particles perfectly fine, in contrast to other automated pool vacuums that sometimes become trapped on them. Even on difficult surfaces, the vacuum has high suction thanks to its innovative adjustable roller skirt.
- Type: Automatic Pool Vaccum
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Hose Length: 33 feet
- Pool Type: In-Ground
- Pool Size: Up to 16′ x 32′
- Min Pump Size: 1/2 hp or 35 gpm
Pros
- Easy to use
- 2 models available
- Adjustable roller skirt
- Pre-programmed steering sequences
- Long hose length
- Quiet
Cons
- Expensive for the suction side
- Cleaning cycle was slow
It boasts a compact yet powerful design that effectively cleans both small and large pools alike. Measuring only 13,6″ in width, its compact size allows it to maneuver into all areas of the pool from corners to steps.
Setup is quick and easy. Just attach the 1,5” hose to the inlet port and secure it with the clamp. The manufacturer recommends connecting to pumps with a minimum capacity of 1/2 hp or 35 gpm for best results. When the pump capacity is insufficient, it will lead to limited suction power and mobility, reducing the performance of the machine. Its efficient propulsion comes from the pump’s water pressure which allows for superior scrubbing up walls and scouring debris from floors.
The mechanism of action here is to use the pump’s suction to collect dirt at the bottom of the pool, while also taking advantage of the machine’s mobility to reach different locations in the pool.
I have tested placing many objects of different sizes in many locations far away from each other in the swimming pool but it doesn’t seem to be able to make it difficult for the Hayward W3PVS20JST. However, it cannot handle dirt or debris that tends to stick to the surface, such as moss. They do not have a built-in trash can, so when you buy them, you often have to buy a Leaf Canister mounted on the tube body to collect large-sized dirt.
Users report excellent cleaning results even in pools up to 500 ft. Once started, it will clean the pool autonomously for 3-5 hours on a single hose attachment. The W3PVS20JST provides dependable reliability season after season. Overall, it’s an outstanding value for a hassle-free clean you can count on.
What Are Customer Reviews
Many of the reviews we received on this model show that it works well even if you don’t own a booster pump. They even claim that when the pump is at medium and low speeds, the Hayward W3PVS20JST works very effectively because it will maintain a slow speed that helps them completely collect debris on their way.
For pools larger than the manufacturer’s recommended size (16 x 32 ft), you should consider purchasing extra hoses so they can clean your entire pool. Connecting extra hoses is not recommended because they easily become tangled and the suction power is reduced, so you need to measure your pool parameters carefully before buying.
Editor’s Verdict: Although they do not integrate modern technology, this is still a suitable choice for small and medium-sized pools. With an affordable price, the Hayward W3PVS20JST can completely conquer anyone, even if they are very picky.
Best Above-Ground: Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner is considered Dolphin’s most minimalist product segment, but that does not mean it is inferior to other products. This Dolphin Escape Pool Cleaner is the ideal above-ground pool cleaner. It is efficient, simple to use, and portable.
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- Type: Robotic
- Weight: 14 pounds
- Wire Length: 40 feet
- Pool Type: Above or In-Ground
- Pool Size: Up to 33 ft in
- Cycle Time: 1.5 hours
Pros
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Dual scrubbing brush
- Oversized debris cartridge
- Features 24 V DC motors
Cons
- Debris basket is hard to remove and clean
In particular, this robot has SmartNav 2.0 navigation technology to help optimize efficiency during the cleaning process. I spent hours watching them move around the bottom of the pool and found that navigation was very effective. It covers almost the entire pool except for slopes or steps because it cannot climb walls. I think the suction is stronger than other products in the same segment because it is equipped with a DC motor that increases operating efficiency but is also very energy efficient (consumption is 1/10 of other products according to the manufacturer’s announcement).
Like other Dolphin models, this design also comes with an active scrubbing brush to help remove stubborn stains on the pool surface. I find the brush works more effectively than other regular suction-side pool cleaners.
The wheel design combined with rubber tracks is also equipped on this product. In addition to moving quickly and easily, they save a lot of weight thanks to the ability to hold the front and rear wheels through continuous rubber tracks. However, a big drawback of this machine is that it cannot climb walls, so you need to consider carefully before buying it. For in-ground pools, the ability to climb walls from this machine is zero, but they can completely move easily for slopes of 30 to 45 degrees.
Our tester observed that the package was a little hefty during construction but that everything was well-organized within. Despite the unclear directions, it has videos that help with setup.
Our team has tested this Dolphin cleaner with a pool that is close to a tree and frequently has garbage-like leaves in it. Debris and leaves were successfully removed by the cleaner.
What Are Customer Reviews
The ability to pick up debris and particles is rated quite high, showing that the Dolphin Escape’s suction is very powerful and the filter is perfectly priced. They have 2 filter cartridges to accommodate different sizes of dirt that can collect from debris as small as grains of sand to leaves.
Users reported that cleaning a pool up to 30ft would take them about 1.5 hours to complete. Setting up and using is quite easy, besides basic operations such as plugging in and starting the machine, you won’t have to do anything else.
Editor’s Verdict: Overall this is a great robotic pool cleaner for above and in-ground pools. Even if you put it in an enormous pool, it still cleans perfectly. The suitable depth for them to work best is from 22 to 30ft.
Best Smart: Polaris P965iQ Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Polaris 9650iQ Sport won top honors in our most recent test of robotic pool cleaners because of its excellent cleaning abilities, simple-to-clean trash container, numerous programming choices and smart home features like Wi-Fi compatibility and a useful mobile app that enables smartphone-based cleaner management. It is quite expensive, but it’s worthwhile if you’d like to devote more time swimming than cleaning your pool.
- Type: Robotic
- Weight: 41 pounds
- Wire Length: 70 feet
- Pool Type: Above or In-Ground
- Pool Size: Up to 60ft
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Easy to use
- User-friendly app
- Robust build quality
- Many programming options
Cons
- Expensive
- No push notifications
A special feature of this high-end product line is the ability to control activities on the application. Through the iAquaLink app, you can control all activities, statuses, and set them up for tasks that need to be completed.
This is quite an outstanding advantage because compared to conventional swimming pool washing machines, every time you need to clean you need to perform a series of different operations to start them, but with the Polaris P965iQ, you can Order them to work directly on your phone. Additionally, you can control it by voice via Alexa to customize the cleaning mode. The trash container has an extremely large capacity of up to 5L and when full will be notified directly via the application on the phone.
The 4-wheel drive system helps them move easily on walls without any difficulty, even in places with difficult terrain with many obstacles, it can move easily.
Designed to handle heavy-duty jobs, the parts are made from very durable materials that help limit damage when subjected to strong impacts. A fairly common problem with large swimming pools is that when your robot moves far away, the power cord will easily become tangled. Polaris P965iQ has completely overcome this problem by integrating a tangle-reducing swivel joint on the cable.
In addition, they also come with a premium caddy to make moving easier and more convenient. You won’t have to spend as much to carry a machine that weighs more than 40 pounds, but instead, just push the caddy to move it to another location.
What Are Customer Reviews
When first getting used to the Polaris P965iQ Sport, most customers found it difficult because there were too many functions, but after a while, it felt extremely convenient. They feel very grateful for the P965iQ’s automatic cleaning schedule function for saving a lot of time.
P965iQ Sport is suitable for up-to-size pools and they take very little time to make the pool perfect. I tested it on my in-ground swimming pool, my pool is 30ft wide and 60ft long and it took Polaris less than 3 hours to fully process it.
Editor’s Verdict: Polaris P965iQ is a premium robot pool cleaner that integrates the most modern technology, allowing you to control all of its operations on your phone. Comes with a premium caddy to make moving easier.
Best Cordless: POOL BLASTER Pro 1500 Pool Vacuum
The POOL BLASTER Pro 1500 is an exceptionally capable automatic pool vacuum that is well-suited for both commercial and residential applications.
- Type: Cordless
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Pool Type: Above or In-Ground
- Running Time: 2 hours
Pros
- Mobile and flexible
- Having 2 types of suction heads suitable for all types of pool materials
- 3 filters help thoroughly collect debris
- Large battery life suitable for different types of pools
Cons
- Pricey
- Additional arms are needed if you want to reach remote areas
In particular, they are equipped with a filtration system consisting of 3 filter bags with different functions to ensure that no dirt can pass through, even the smallest. Specifically, it includes X-Treme Multi-layer Filter Bags, Sand and Mud Filter Bags, and Multi-Purpose Filter Bags.
The effectiveness of use is really obvious in my actual testing. POOL BLASTER Pro 1500 with its extremely powerful capacity collected all the sand and mud I dropped into the swimming pool. According to objective assessments, they can collect about 97% of the original amount.
The manufacturer claims that their operating time can be up to 2 hours with a full battery, however, I have tried many continuous uses and the running time only reaches a maximum of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It may also depend on the amount of dirt in your home swimming pool, but this is still an impressive number for you to conquer today’s large-sized swimming pools.
Although the battery charge time is quite long (more than 4 hours), when you buy POOL BLASTER Pro 1500, you will receive 2 Lithium Ion batteries so you can alternate use without interruption during the cleaning process.
Beyond suction power and cleaning performance, the PRO 1500 also exhibits excellent durability. The ABS plastic housing protects internal components from corrosion in chlorinated water. Reinforced tubing is puncture-resistant yet flexible enough to traverse pool features without snapping. Heavy-duty construction throughout ensures this vacuum stands up to daily use in even the busiest commercial settings.
Adjustable flow controls let operators fine-tune suction strength for different pool sizes and layouts. Lightweight and compact, the vacuum is also convenient to transport, store, and launch for cleaning.
What Are Customer Reviews
Its suction ability is extremely impressive and has received many compliments from customers. Easy to install and use, it is suitable for in-ground and rectangular pools. According to comments and experience through our tests, it can collect very small debris such as sand thanks to the included Micro filter bag.
Large debris such as dry leaves will cause the trash can to fill up quickly. Another inconvenience to mention is that the POOL BLASTER Pro 1500 does not come with an extension stick, so you will have difficulty if your swimming pool is large.
Editor’s Verdict: Compact, convenient, and extremely impressive performance are the strengths of this pool cleaner. However, you need to use a lot of strength to move them back and forth during the cleaning process because they aren’t automatic. With this price, many people will often prioritize choosing robot pool cleaners.
How We Pick And Tested?
There have been many tests before choosing the 5 best swimming pool washing machine products. All of our tests are done objectively and carefully to provide you with the most general overview. A series of tests on suction power, dirt collection ability, wall climbing ability, etc. are performed in the same period and in the same environment to ensure fairness for each pool cleaner.
We prepare debris of different sizes from grains of sand to dry leaves and drop them into water to simulate real-life pools. Besides, the volume of debris is carefully measured to help compare after the machine cleans.
For machines that can climb walls, we also prepare many types of pools with different depths of 3ft, 5ft, and 7ft respectively, and let them operate on them. We also test some battery types for actual operating time and give you the most accurate opinions about the product.
Why Should You Trust Us?
With a team of experienced staff in the field of swimming pool cleaning equipment, Antonio Smitham has many years of experience in building and installing swimming pools at home, so he clearly understands what kind of products are real. suitable for your swimming pool. Antonio Smitham and Giovanny Cartwright are both leading experts in the field of swimming pool cleaning equipment at New York Garden, they provide highly practical tests to ensure they can exploit the full performance of the product.
Best Pool Cleaner Buying Guides
There are many factors you need to consider before buying a pool cleaner for your family. The factors we list below are very important in determining the effectiveness of the pool cleaner when operating. Important levels are arranged from top to bottom.
1. Your pool dimension
Your pool dimension is an important factor when choosing a pool cleaner, as it can impact how well your pool is cleaned and what type of pool cleaner will be most effective. For smaller pools, simple suction cleaners may be sufficient, while larger pools may benefit from the power and versatility of robotic models.
2. Kinds of debris
The kind of debris in your pool can impact which pool cleaner is best suited to your needs, as different types of pool cleaners are better suited to removing certain types of dirt and grime. For example, if you have a lot of leaves or other plants nearby that tend to fall into your pool, a suction pool cleaner may not be able to keep up with the cleaning demands, and you may need a more powerful pool cleaner like a pressure pool cleaner or robotic model.
Alternatively, you can also opt for a pool cover to help reduce the amount of debris that makes its way into your pool.
In case you are searching for the best one which can collect any kind of debris, refer to the Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner.
3. Nearby power
Whether there is a power socket near your pool will impact which pool cleaner you choose, as some pool cleaners require an external power supply in order to operate effectively. If you have easy access to a power outlet nearby, you may be able to opt for a more powerful or sophisticated pool cleaner that may not be as feasible if you need to plug your pool cleaner into a power source that is further away.
Additionally, having easy access to an electrical outlet can also impact the overall cost of owning and operating your pool cleaner, as some pool cleaners may be more expensive or require additional equipment or accessories in order to run effectively. Ultimately, it is important to consider your pool’s location and proximity to a power source when choosing a pool cleaner that is right for your pool.
4. Your budget
When choosing a pool cleaner, your budget can be one of the most important factors to consider. After all, you don’t want something that doesn’t get the job done, but you also don’t want to spend more than you need to on your pool cleaner.
Whether you are looking for an affordable option like Zodiac MX6 Automatic Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Vacuum or want to splurge on a more high-end pool cleaner like Polaris P965iQ Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner, it is important to carefully consider your budget and choose a pool cleaner that fits within your price range.
Additionally, it can also be helpful to shop around and compare the features and prices of different pool cleaners in order to find one that offers good value for your money. Ultimately, when choosing a pool cleaner, your budget should be a top consideration in order to ensure you get the best value for your pool cleaning needs.
Common Types of Pool Cleaners
Suction pool cleaners
Suction pool cleaners like Hayward W3PVS20GST Suction Pool Cleaner also known as vacuums or pool skimmers, are among the most common types of pool cleaners available on the market today. These cleaners use your pool’s filtration system to remove debris from the pool water, typically through a series of suction hoses and nozzles.
Robotic pool cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners, also known as pool robots or robotic pool vacuums, are a type of pool cleaner that use advanced technology to remove debris from your pool water. Unlike traditional suction pool cleaners, which rely on the pool’s filtration system for cleaning, robotic models usually run electrically, using their own motors and sensors to navigate around the pool autonomously. Check this Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner to understand better about this kind.
Pressure pool cleaners
Pressure pool cleaners, also known as pool pressure cleaners or pool vacuums, are a type of pool cleaner that uses powerful suction to remove dirt and debris from the pool water. Unlike traditional suction pool cleaners, which rely on the pool’s filtration system for cleaning, these models typically connect to a cable that runs back to your pool’s pump system. A typical example is Pentair LL505G Pressure-Side Inground Pool Cleaner.
FAQs
1. What are pool cleaners?
Pool cleaners are important because they keep the pool clean. A pool cleaner is a machine that removes dirt, debris, and other particles from a swimming pool. Pool cleaners are important because they keep the pool clean.
2. What are the advantages of using pool cleaners?
Pool cleaners are a great way for people who have pools to keep them clean. They can save the time of having to scrub the pool and they are also cheaper than hiring a professional.
There are many different types of pool cleaners that people can purchase. Some of these are robotic, some suction-side, and others pressure-side. All have their own pros and cons, but all will save you time in the long run when it comes to cleaning your pool.
3. What is a common problem that occurs when using pool cleaners?
Pool cleaners are usually used to clean the pool of dirt and debris that accumulate over time. They are a great way to keep the pool clean and it is important to use them on a regular basis.
There is one problem that often occurs when using pool cleaners. It is hard to know when they are done cleaning the pool. The machine may seem like it’s cleaning well, but there could be hidden debris at the bottom of the pool that wasn’t cleaned up properly.
The best way to avoid this problem is to take a test strip before you assume that the pool has been sufficiently cleaned with your cleaner. If there is still dirt on your strip, then you should continue with your cleaner until your test strip comes back clear.
Conclusion
There are many pool cleaners available in the market, but we found that the best pool cleaner is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner. It has a powerful suction pump and can clean pools of all shapes and sizes.
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars