Pool Shock | Pool Vacuum Cleaners: The Bestsellers

In this article we list the 11 top rated pool vacuum cleaners on the market. We have categorized them into four categories: Suction, Pressure, Robotic and Manual and begin each section with an introduction of the main features.

Suction-side automatic pool vacuum cleaners

Automatic suction side cleaners use the suction generated from your main pump, usually via the skimmer or a dedicated vacuum line on the side of the pool.  The suction force drives the cleaner around the pool vacuuming debris as it goes.  Larger debris is stopped at the strainer basket while smaller debris passes to the filter.  They are easier to install than pressure cleaners and cheaper to purchase.  Suction cleaners are highly effective at getting rid of smaller particles, but you do need to keep an eye on your filter.  The best selling models include:

Baracuda G3 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner

Produced by Zodiac, the Baracuda is designed for simplicity.  It’s completely automatic and will navigate all around the pool without getting caught up on steps and ladders.  It has been designed to be very easy to run and requires no special plumbing to install or operate.  The Bacacuda has a quick release cassette (patented) for access to the diaphragm.

Polaris ATV F7 Premium Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner

A very durable, fast and powerful suction side automatic pool cleaner.  It has a built in reverse drive that frees the ATV from obstacles.  (It will still vacuum while in reverse!)  Highly effective at cleaning walls and steps and very easy to install.

Kreepy Krauly Kruiser Automatic In Ground Pool Cleaner

This Kreepy Krauly Kruiser is one of the most popular suction side cleaners on the market.  It freely moves around your pool for total cleaner coverage.  With powerful vacuum and a large mouth, it can handle large debris as well as small.  The Kruiser features a patented silent flapper design.

Pressure side automatic vacuum cleaners

Automatic pressure side cleaners are best for pools that collect large amounts of debris.  If you regularly have to clean leaves, acorns and other larger particles out of the pool then these three models should be on your short list.  They all work using water pressure from a pump (either your existing pool pump via the return hose of your filter or via a dedicated pump) which forces the debris into a bag and drives the cleaner around the pool.   Pressure cleaners don’t compromise the pool filter system as they have their own separate debris bag. Top models are listed below.

Polaris Vac Sweep Pressure Side Automatic Pool Cleaner 280

If you want an automatic highly reliable pool cleaner that can handle all types of debris then this is for you.  It’s got great vacuum power (double thrust jets) and will clean your pool very quickly.  And it’s not just the bottom of the pool that will get a good clean, but also the walls.  The Polaris 280 works off a separate booster pump which has its own time clock making it truly automatic.

Kreepy Krauley Legend II Pressure Pool

This is a powerful pressure side automatic pool vacuum that provides a very energy efficient cleaning performance without the need for a booster pump.  The Legend II has two thrust jets, four wheels for maximum traction (even on included surfaces), and an automatic reverse feature to prevent hang-ups in corners and around steps or ladders.

Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Pressure Side Automatic Pool Cleaner for Above Ground Pools

Designed for all above ground pools, this Polaris 65 pressure side cleaner installs in minutes and will sweep and clean the floor and walls of your pool.  It’s patented jet sweep technology which blows water against the pool wall and into hard to reach places to loosen the debris leaves a very clean pool behind.

Robotic automatic pool vacuum cleaners

These are self contained units that are driven by an internal electric motor. They come complete with a transformer that converts your household electricity to a lower voltage that is safe for use with pools. These self powered crawlers have their own filter and pump system. Below we’ve included some models that even “learn” the shape of the pool and calculate the most effective pattern of cleaning. The number #1 best selling robotic brand is Aquabot and we have reviewed 3 of their top models here, all come complete with the best warranties and support in the industry.

Aquabot Pool Rover Junior

If you’ve got a flat bottomed above ground pool of any shape, then this is the model for you. Simply plug it in and drop it into your pool. According to the manufacture this is the worlds #1 selling flat-bottom above ground robotic pool.

Aquabnot Turbo T Jet

When it comes to automatic, computerized, hand-free robotic cleaners for in ground pools, this model does the job. It’s completely self contained and designed for reliability. It can clean a 50 foot long pool in under an hour and can work all pool surface and walls.

Aquabot Turbo T4RC Robotic In ground with Remote

This could easily be one of the most affordable remote controlled robotic cleaners. It can easily clean 50′ long pools of any surface from floor to waterline. It’s microprocessor guided drive motors offer radius turning and pin-point accuracy. Rotating brushes, patented power washing jets and powerful vacuum (not to mention the on-board filtration system, pump and drive motors) clear away all dirt, algae, bacteria and debris. The ultimate in automatic pool vacuums.

Cordless, hose-less manual pool vacuums

Some great swimming pool vacuum cleaners powered by rechargeable batteries. No cords or hoses to get tangled up around your pool ladder or garden decor, and no need to install on the pool pump or filter system. Some models don’t even use a battery but remove debris via a siphon effect. We looked for telescopic poles (or attachments for your own pole), good battery power, large reusable filter bags, and ability to work effectively in small nooks and spaces. The two top models are listed below:

Pool Blaster Buster Max

The pool blaster charges quickly (1-2 hours) and can operate for around one hour on its battery. It can filter 50 gallons per minute so is strong enough to clean an entire pool. For spot cleaning the pool blaster has a separate cleaning nose. It works independently from the pools filtration system and has a good quality re-sizable fine filter bag. The pool blaster has a strong suction and is very easy to use.

Aquabroom spot pool cleaner

This will work on all types of pools. It’s best thought of as a spot cleaner that works for up to 3 hours cleaning 25 gallons per minute. Uses standard D-cell batteries.

So there you have it, 11 of the best vacuums on the market. Choose one of these and you’ll end up with a cleaner pool that is more inviting to swimmers, requires fewer pool chemicals and has lower operating costs. Each has its own features and characteristics but all draw on the work of a South African inventor who designed the first swimming pool vacuum cleaner in 1951.

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