7 Best Pool Vacuums To Keep Things Clear
There’s something so utterly luxurious about having a pool at home, especially throughout the summertime months. But, there’s a lot of prep and upkeep that’s involved in the decision to install one!
Even within all of the moments of rest and relaxation, chemicals must be maintained, all the water must remain clean and free from dirt, and all those bugs that seem to hop inside too. Today, we’re sharing 7 of the best pool vacuums to buy because they are essential in keeping your in or above-ground beauty free from debris!
I Need A Vacuum For My Pool?
Yes, yes, you do. Although it’s hard to equate pool vibes with one of the most traditional (and hated) chores around, pool vacuums are an absolute necessity if you want to keep your pool neat, tidy, and healthy for the fam. Leafs, bugs, hair, and other endless amounts of outdoor debris get caught up and in the middle of your pool – whether it’s an in-ground or above-ground design. And no one wants to float or swim around in the midst of all that!
Just like everything else in the world, your pool will get dirty, and you’ll want to clean it up before you dive on in. It’s important to keep its chemicals balances, and it’s also important to make sure you are keeping those waters clear from bits and baubles that you don’t want to share the tide with. And that’s where vacuums come in handy. They suck up all those unwanted pieces to ensure a clean swim.
What Is A Pool Vacuum?
Before we take a leisurely … swim … through some of the best handheld pool vacuums, let’s make sure we are all on the same page in terms of what a pool vacuum really is. They are slightly different than the home vacuums we are all used to such as the fact that it uses suction to remove debris and dirt. But it’s a tiny bit more complicated when it comes to the clean-up of the pool. Although a pool has its own filter, which catches larger items such as leaves and sticks, having a vacuum to catch everything else is an absolute must. You’ll be surprised how much mere dirt and sand can collect at the bottom!
There are several different types of pool vacuums on the market, though. And you’ll want to know a general basis of each kind to make sure you know which one will serve your needs best. Even though we’ll be focusing mostly on handheld machines today – as they’re some of the most mobile and easy-to-use options – let’s take a quick dive into other designs you may want a second look at.
Different Types Of Pool Vacuums:
Handheld: These vacuums are held by you throughout the entirety of their use and work for those that want to be a bit more controlled over the cleaning of their pool. They work great for smaller-sized pools and are easily attached to the filtration system of the pool itself. It’s one of the most popular and budget-friendly of choices.
Manual: Most handheld pool vacuums are manual vacuums. But the term manual just means that the vacuum is powered byyou. They will attach to your pool’s filtration system while moving the vacuum around itself to clean the pool.
Pressure: One of the more powerful options, pressure pool vacuums, also hook up to your pool and use the pressurized water to clean it up. They move and clean on their own.
Robotic: There’s also the robotic option. They are hands-free and can be programmed to clean your pool without a lift of a finger from you. They run on rechargeable batteries, and you’ll shut off the pool’s pump before you let the cleaning begin.
Best Pool Vacuums
Let’s see which are the best pool vacuums we looked into this time!
1. Dolphine Triton PS Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
First on the list of the Dolphine Triton PS Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner. Your job really couldn’t get any easier when it comes to pool cleaning if you go with a robotic vacuum with a reputation like this one has! You will be able to spend less time cleaning and more time actually enjoying your time in the water.
This model is ideal for pools up to 50 feet in length and will clean them completely in two hours. It has the ability to clean vertical surfaces (no more waterlines!) and nab the dirt and debris from the bottom as well. What’s amazing about these devices is that they will not hook to your pool; instead, they do all the heavy-lifting on their own, which extends your pool’s life!
Pros
- Extends your pool’s life
- Vertical cleaning ability
- Complete cleaning in 2 hours
Cons
- Higher price point
2. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
Next up is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner that is still a robotic model with a slightly less price point than its predecessor. It has all the amazing features, though, including its ability to clean pools up to 50 feet in length and features a tangle-free cable. After just two hours of hands-free cleaning, you’ll be able to dive into your pool without any heavy lifting on your part!
The device includes 3 settings that help you schedule your pool’s cleaning with no stress and no reminders! And you really will be left with a spotless pool as it features dual scrubbing brushes and superior filtering capabilities. It’s an energy-saving way to maintain your water!
Pros
- Complete cleaning in 2 hours
- Independent cleaning
- Extends pool’s life
Cons
- Higher price point
3. Zodiac Baracuda G3 W030000 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner
The Zodiac Baracuda G3 W030000 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner will delight your in-ground pools and your wallets (as it’s not as expensive as its robotic counterparts!). The vacuum is both quiet and powerful while easily cleaning up debris from the floors, walls, and steps of your pool. It also features a FlowKeeper Valve, which automatically regulates water flow to maintain peak cleaning performance with less waste!
And don’t worry about your walls or liners, this model includes scuff-resistant, long-life hoses. The vacuum is also really easy to install and is a user-friendly option for those who want to manually maintain and clean their pool surfaces.
Pros
- Lower price point
- Quiet cleaning
- Scuff-resistant hoses
Cons
- In-ground pools only
4. Hayward W3PVS40JST Poolvergnuegen Pool Cleaner
How about taking a second look at the Hayward W3PVS40JST Poolvergnuegen Pool Cleaner? This vacuum features patented self-adjusting turbine vanes that deliver maximum power at any flow and allow the passage of large debris. It comes in “2-wheel drive” for smaller areas as well as “4-wheel drive” to clean your larger, deeper pools and has patented tire trends known for enhancing its climbing ability and obstacle maneuverability too!
It also has multiple pre-programmed internal steering sequences to ensure complete pool coverage and efficient cleaning – so you stress less! Its also known for its silent and smooth operation while in use!
Pros
- Silent, smooth operation
- Various pool size coverage
- Two hour cleaning
Cons
- May have trouble climbing walls
5. Polaris F9450 Sport Robotic In-Ground Swimming Pool Cleaner
We are back looking for robotic devices, and we found the Polaris F9450 Sport Robotic In-Ground Swimming Pool Cleaner. With its rave reviews and user-friendly status, it’s an amazing choice for those wanting stress-free maintenance. And although it’s one of the most expensive options, it may be worth the splurge.
Its VortexVacuum Technology captures more than four times the debris load of other cleaners, and its large filter canister has four times the capacity too! Moreover, it includes a 7-day programmable cleaning cycle and 4WD technology to clean pool floors, walls, and tile lines. This model will also successfully clean all pool surfaces!
Pros
- 4WD technology
- Captures & holds more debris
- 7-day programmable cleaning cycle
Cons
- Higher price point
6. Hayward W3PVS20JST Poolvergnuegen Pool Cleaner
The Hayward W3PVS20JST Poolvergnuegen Pool Cleaner is the 2-wheel version of its 4-wheel sister seen previously in the list. And it has all of those same features we love but for smaller pools! This means that its price point is a bit less, but its power is all the same.
This vacuum features patented self-adjusting turbine vanes that deliver maximum power at any flow and allow the passage of large debris. It also has multiple pre-programmed internal steering sequences to ensure complete pool coverage and efficient cleaning – so you stress less! Its also known for its silent and smooth operation while in use!
Pros
- Silent, smooth operation
- Various pool size coverage
- Two hour cleaning
Cons
- May have trouble climbing walls
7. VINGLU Swimming Pool Automatic Vacuum Cleaner
And finally, we have the VINGLU Swimming Pool Automatic Vacuum Cleaner. It’s the most budget-friendly on the list and one of the most user-friendly options as well. Some of the features of this model rival its more expansion counterparts, though, including its no jamming or breaking cleaning process and easy assembly.
It’s also known for its low noise operation and incredible suction power. And don’t worry about the tight corners; it has wheel deflectors to help the process. Note that there’s a one-year warranty included; if anything breaks, you will receive a free replacement.
Pros
- Lower price point
- One-year warranty included
- Low noise operation
Cons
- Shorter life span
What To Look For In Pool Vacuum When Shopping
Once you start shopping, you’ll want to be on the lookout for certain necessary features. And those necessary featured largely depend on the type of pool you have and the type of cleaning you want to do. Is your pool above-ground or in-ground? Are you looking to spot clean, or do you need something with a bit more of a heavy-duty feature? Here are some categories to resonate with when shopping:
Type of Pool: Honestly, before you look at the features of a pool vacuum, you need to know what type of cleaner your pool needs. Smaller pools can utilize handheld vacuums just fine, while larger pools and spaces may need something more substantial to get the job done right (and well).
Power & Suction: Vacuums come with a variation of suction power, and where it received its power distinguished that difference. Some hoses will hook up to your pool’s filtration system, others are battery-operated, and then there are some, like the ones above, that will easily hook up to your home garden hose. Depending on the type of cleaning will depend on the type of power you go for. Battery-powered options seem to be the ones that come out the strongest, while the ones that can utilize your regular hose are the most convenient.
Weight: This matters because you’re the one who will be lugging it around. You don’t want a handheld or manual vacuum that weighs a ton or is hard to maneuver. Then again, robotic or self-cleaning options may be heavier, but it doesn’t matter since they’ll be doing all of the work for you.
Price Points: Pool vacuums come in a variety of price points, and we know that this could be the selling point to a lot of people’s final decision. Keep in mind handheld, and manual cleaners are far less expensive than those that are sturdier, more durable, and do the cleaning for you. Just weigh your needs!
It’s Not Hard, We Promise: Quick Tips For Keeping Your Pool Clean
Sometimes the thought of maintaining a pool can strike up a bit of stress and anxiety. But it shouldn’t! As long as you are following the recommended guidelines in terms of healthy chemical balance and cleanliness, this space should serve as the focal point of the family’s R&R. It really isn’t hard, we promise. And here are some quick tips for keeping your pool clean before any real problems arise:
- Check Pool Chemistry – once or twice a week: You can easily find test strips to do your testing instantly and at home. This will ensure that your chemicals are balances right and everything is good to go for a weekend of swimming with friends and family.
- Do A Quick Sweep – daily: You don’t have to thoroughly sweep the pool every – single – day but spot cleaning settled dirt or hair areas on the bottom will keep things from getting too dirty. And no one will be worried about steering clean from the sandy bits in the middle of the pool!
- Empty The Skimmer – daily: This takes just two seconds to complete. You’ll see how larger pieces of debris (and sometimes small animals like frogs!) can get trapped here. Take it out, empty it, and move along!
- Check Your Water Levels – daily to every other day: Honestly, just keep an eye out for an overflowing pool or one that’s too empty. Each causes its own set of problems, and it’s not hard to counteract one way or the other.
- Clean the Pool Filter – once or twice a year: There will be moments that you’ll need to clean out the pool filter just to keep everything in working order. If your hose seems sluggish or your drain is obstructed, it’s time!
Conclusion
We may have already gushed a time or two before about the importance of keeping your pool water clean, but we cannot stress enough how essential a pool vacuum really is. Whether you go with a handheld option or something larger, you’re on the right track to keeping your pool in tip-top shape!