We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
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Owning a pool offers the joy of splashing with family and friends on hot days, but keeping it sparkling clean can feel like a chore. If you’re a pool owner, you already know that regular cleaning isn't just about aesthetics — it prevents the buildup of bacteria and debris, which can be hazardous and lead to costly repairs.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of pool cleaners, there are a few things you should know before making a purchase. Mainly, it's important to determine what type works best in your specific pool. Consider surface type, size, cleaning cycle times and your existing filtration system to find the perfect match for clean water and effortless pool maintenance.
Our top choice is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi Robotic Pool Vacuum, which uses smart navigation technology to clean pools quickly and efficiently.
Editors’ Favorite
Weight: 35 lb | Pool Type: In-ground | Pool Size: Up to 50’ | Filtration System: Large panels | Cleaning Cycle Time: 2 hr
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner offers outstanding cleaning on surfaces, walls and the waterline regardless of the pool’s shape or surface. The fine filters remove debris from your pool for crystal-clear water, and the powerful filtration system helps keep your pool clean and fresh for longer periods.
The simple operation is one of the biggest draws of this unit. All you need to do is plug it in, drop it into the pool and turn on the power supply. It completes a cleaning cycle in just two hours, and smart navigation technology enables the unit to scan the pool to determine the best cleaning path.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is an all-around excellent pool cleaner. It offers broad coverage, and because it works well on various surfaces, it’s also one of the most versatile. Whether you have a small pool or a pool with an unconventional shape, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus will clean it well. You won’t be disappointed.
Great Value
Weight: 17 lb | Pool Type: In-Ground/Above-Ground | Pool Size: Up to 50’ | Filtration System: 180-Micron Standard Filter | Cleaning Cycle Time: 3 hr
Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, the Aiper Scuba S1 Robotic Pool Cleaner is a terrific value pick that’ll make pool maintenance more convenient and help you save money in the long run.
It delivers excellent coverage of pools up to 50 feet and features intelligent WavePath 2.0 navigation technology that optimizes cleaning routes to cover the entire pool surface without missing any areas. A three-hour battery life allows it to clean most pools in one cleaning cycle, and the advanced filtration system efficiently captures small particles of sand, dirt and debris. It offers over-the-waterline scrubbing to help you get clean walls and features four cleaning modes: Auto, Eco, Wall and Floor.
With superior wall-climbing abilities and waterline scrubbing, the Aiper Scuba S1 Robotic Pool Cleaner is one of the best options for cleaning pools of varying shapes, sizes and materials. Plus, you can control it through the Aiper smartphone app.
Weight: 6.2 lb | Pool Type: In-Ground | Pool Size: Up to 31’ | Filtration System: Single-chamber filter bag | Cleaning Cycle Time: 3 hr
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 delivers exceptional cleaning power at an attractive price. This automatic in-ground pool cleaner tackles dirt and debris in under three hours with its innovative double Venturi jet design and TailSweep scrubber.
This automatic cleaner boasts a 31-foot hose, ensuring that it can navigate and thoroughly clean large pools. Its three-wheel design maneuvers with ease, reaching and tackling dirt and debris in all corners. A convenient all-purpose filter bag traps small- and medium-size debris before it can clog a pool's main filter system.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 offers maximum versatility, working seamlessly with gunite, fiberglass and vinyl-lined in-ground pools. For added peace of mind, it comes equipped with a backup valve, an inline filter assembly and a quick disconnect with a universal wall fitting for simple connection.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 is excellent for small to medium pools. One drawback is that it requires a booster pump to function, but since it works independently from the rest of your pool’s system, it can help prolong your pool’s filtration system.
Best Suction-Side Cleaner
Weight: 12 lb | Pool Type: In-Ground | Pool Size: Up to 33’ | Filtration System: N/A | Cleaning Cycle Time: NA
Unlike other pool cleaners, the Hayward Poolvergnuegen Suction Pool Cleaner uses your pool's existing pool pump and filter for power, making it highly energy efficient. It doesn’t require a booster pump, and the setup is easy, requiring you to connect the hose to a suction port or skimmer.
It offers excellent cleaning coverage of your pool’s waterline, floor and steps, and features patented tire treads that provide exceptional wall-climbing capabilities. The built-in turbine vanes help prevent clogs to maintain strong performance at any flow rate, while preprogrammed steering patterns ensure thorough coverage of the entire pool.
Built for average-sized pools, the Hayward Poolvergnuegen is one of the best suction-side cleaners, and because your pool’s pump powers it, you don’t need to worry about battery life or other adjustments to get complete pool maintenance. Plus, it comes with multiple accessories to help you get maximum coverage.
A Nifty Skimmer
Weight: 14 lb | Pool Type: In-ground, above-ground | Pool Size: 24 ft | Filtration System: Mesh filter | Cleaning Cycle Time: 30 hr
The Betta SE is a lightweight, affordable pool-cleaning solution for those who want something that’s both eco-friendly and powerful. It’s an excellent choice for either an in-ground or above-ground pool, and it only weighs 14 pounds, making it easy to carry over to your pool and drop it in when you want to use it.
It boasts an advanced Aqua Dynamics design, which allows it to clean slowly for 30 hours or more on a single charge, even if it's raining. It relies only on solar power and works well at picking up leaves, dust, pollen, pet hair and other floating debris. The motor is designed to handle both freshwater and saltwater pools, and the fine mesh filter can be removed from the unit without taking it out of the pool. Plus, the UV-resistant coating protects the unit from sun damage, and the integrated sensors help the unit avoid obstacles during cleaning cycles.
Although it’s not as powerful as some of the more robust pool cleaners on our list, this unit works well for those who want consistent maintenance. It’s not the fastest pool cleaner, but it gets the job done, and at under $500, it’s an excellent bargain pick.
Best for Medium In-Ground Pools
Weight: 40.8 lb | Pool Type: In-Ground | Pool Size: Up to 50’ | Filtration System: Filter Basket | Cleaning Cycle Time: NA
The Polaris Freedom Plus is a heavy-duty pool cleaner with a compact design and impressive cleaning performance. It’s built for in-ground pools up to 50 feet and various surfaces, including concrete, vinyl and fiberglass.
Although it weighs close to 41 pounds, the Polaris Freedom Plus is compact and features an easy-charge caddy system that lets you effortlessly transport it to and from your pool between charges. It charges in under five hours, and multiple retrieval methods make recovery convenient once the cleaning cycle is complete. It also features four cleaning modes so you can choose which areas it focuses on, whether that’s the waterline, the floor or the walls.
A robust pool cleaner, the Polaris Freedome Plus is a must-have for anyone with a medium-sized pool. In addition to powerful and reliable cleaning performance, you’ll get charging updates and status notifications through the iAquaLink app.
Best High-End Robot for Large Pools
Weight: 29.1 lb | Pool Type: In-Ground | Pool Size: Up to 50’ | Filtration System: Dual-Filter Basket | Cleaning Cycle Time: Up to 10 hr
Large pools can be difficult to clean, but the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner makes it a piece of cake. It works great for in-ground pools up to 50 feet and boasts high-end technology that makes pool maintenance an afterthought.
AI mapping helps the cleaner tackle the dirtiest areas of your pool and maps out an optimal path to ensure complete coverage. You can view the map in the app for total control and choose from multiple cleaning modes. AI cleaning detects specific debris, such as leaves, berries and nuts, and the dual-sided brushes, combined with six guide wheels, help it tackle corners and edges with ease. It automatically returns to the surface after a cleaning cycle, and SmartDrain automatically releases collected water.
It’s an expensive pool cleaner, but its elite cleaning performance and coverage for extra-large pools make it worth the investment for long-term maintenance. Equipped with AI and a handful of other smart features for added convenience, this pool is a must-buy if you have a large pool or a pool with a complex design.
Best for Above-ground Pools
Weight: 10.4 lb | Pool Type: Above-ground | Pool Size: Up to 860 sq ft | Filtration System: NA | Cleaning Cycle Time: 1.5 hr
Appliances with cords can be cumbersome, which is why we love the Aiper Seagull SE. It’s a cordless pool cleaner that’s best suited for above-ground pools.
It boasts plenty of terrific features that make it a worthwhile purchase. For starters, the battery offers up to 90 minutes of continuous cleaning, and it can be charged fully in under 2.5 hours. The cleaner is equipped with powerful dual-drive motors and can cover up to 860 square feet. It effectively picks up small debris like pebbles and leaves, and the dual-brush system cleans deeply. Plus, it’s equipped with four LED lights. The cleaner will automatically position itself by the side of the pool and stop operating if the battery is running low.
The Aiper Seagull SE is a popular pick because of its cordless design, which not only makes operation more practical but also makes storage convenient. The filter tray is easy to clean, and the chemical dispenser leaves your pool looking and feeling squeaky clean.
Simple Yet Solid
Weight: 17.66 lb | Pool Type: In-ground, above-ground | Pool Size: Small to medium | Filtration System: NA | Cleaning Cycle Time: 2 to 3 hr
This versatile pool cleaner efficiently tackles in-ground and above-ground small- to medium-size pools, leaving the water sparkling clean in just two to three hours. The Zodiac G3 is both budget-friendly and reliable.
This pool cleaner works with low-pressure pumps for maximum efficiency and has a quiet motor that you’ll barely notice while it works its magic. It’s effective at cleaning walls and floors, and it picks up all kinds of small debris, including leaves, pebbles and hair. The valve automatically regulates water flow to maintain peak cleaning performance even with lower-power pumps, and the wheel deflector allows it to reach and clean tight corners.
Although it’s one of the more affordable options, the Zodiac G3 is a solid choice that offers versatility for in-ground and above-ground pools. Maintenance is easy for this unit, and since it only has one moving part, it’s more likely to last longer than more complex pool cleaners.
Best Robotic Cleaner for Above-Ground Pools
Weight: 24 lb | Pool Type: In-Ground/Above-Ground | Pool Size: Up to 33’ | Filtration System: Basket Filter | Cleaning Cycle Time: 1.5 to 2 hr
The Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner is one of the top choices for above-ground pools up to 33 feet. It features smart navigation technology that scans your pool, optimizing coverage while avoiding obstacles.
Its dual drive motors and an active scrubbing brush loosen and lift dirt and debris from the pool floor and walls, while rubber tracks provide superior grip, helping the cleaner move smoothly across different pool surfaces. The oversized, top-loading filter cartridge captures fine debris and is 60% more efficient than older bag-filter models. Plus, the Quick Water release feature makes it convenient to empty the reservoir.
This is a lightweight robot cleaner that’s easy to retrieve, and one of the more energy-efficient models in our top picks. Smart navigation, combined with obstacle sensors, ensures interruption-free cleaning, making it worth considering if you have a small-to-medium-sized above-ground pool.
Budget-friendly
Weight: 14.6 lb | Pool Type: Above-ground | Pool Size: Up to 30 ft | Filtration System: Top-load filter | Cleaning Cycle Time: 1.5 hr
The Dolphin E10 is a budget-friendly automatic cleaner that delivers surprisingly top-tier performance. It costs just $500, but customers are pleased with its simple plug-and-play operation, full-floor coverage and its effectiveness at picking up even large pieces of debris such as leaves and twigs.
It features an active scrubbing brush to loosen debris for improved vacuuming and CleverClean mapping technology to create an optimal cleaning path during every cycle. The top-loading filter makes it easy to empty captured debris, and cleaning cycles typically last about 1.5 hours, depending on the size of your pool.
It works well on most pool shapes and is gentle on surfaces, but the downside of this pool cleaner is that it’s designed for aboveground pools only. Still, it’s a fantastic choice for that and a solid bargain pick for those who want a reliable, affordable automatic pool cleaner.
Best for Manual Cleaning
Weight: 5.5 lb | Pool Type: Above-ground, in-ground | Pool Size: NA | Filtration System: Multilayered filter bag | Cleaning Cycle Time: NA
Whether you want a pool vacuum for an in-ground or above-ground pool, the versatile Pool Blaster Max Cordless Pool Vacuum gets the job done. It’s a cordless unit featuring a high-efficiency Water Tech P30 motor, which can suck up all kinds of debris, including leaves, dirt and twigs. It’s excellent for cleaning small- or medium-sized pools in under 45 minutes.
Weighing just 5.5 pounds, this pool cleaner is lightweight and easy to hold, making extended cleaning periods more manageable. The 10.5-inch vacuum head features built-in scrubbing brushes and a narrow crevice nozzle that lets you easily access shallow areas, such as sun shelves, corners and steps.
The battery life is impressive, lasting approximately an hour on a full charge. It also features a simple push-button operation and can be conveniently attached to telescopic pool poles for greater reach. It’s an excellent choice for a quick cleanup or spot cleaning.
Innovative Design
Weight: 29 lb | Pool Type: In-ground | Pool Size: 50 ft | Filtration System: Ultra-Fine Filter | Cleaning Cycle Time: 2 hr
Those with large pools should consider getting a pool cleaner equipped to handle lots of debris. The Dolphin Quantum Robotic Pool Cleaner is a sophisticated pool cleaner that will meet your needs if your pool doesn’t exceed 50 feet in length.
It’s an in-ground pool cleaner with a built-in weekly scheduler that allows you to program it to clean automatically every day, every other day or every third day for consistent maintenance. It has a multi-filtration system consisting of fine and ultra-fine filters and a large top-loading mesh basket that captures even the most minor debris.
Anti-tangle swivel technology allows the unit to move with maximum mobility without getting stuck. And PowerStream technology makes the unit hug walls tightly, ensuring a clean waterline every time.
One of the best pool cleaners for large in-ground pools, it also features a built-in timer, making it an excellent choice for maintaining your pool’s cleanliness all summer. It’s terrific at cleaning walls, and it’s up to eight times more efficient than pressure and suction cleaners.
Versatile and Durable
Weight: 29 lb | Pool Type: Above-ground, in-ground | Pool Size: 26 ft | Filtration System: Filter Bag | Cleaning Cycle Time: 2 hr
The Dolphin Nautilus Pool Up Pool Cleaner is a mid-tier option best suited for anyone with a smaller pool up to 26 feet in length. Despite its limited cleaning range, it’s highly versatile, working well for both above-ground and in-ground pools. Plus, it’s equipped to function on various types of surfaces, including gunite, vinyl, concrete and fiberglass.
This unit has wall-crawling capabilities, which alone gives it an edge over some of the other budget-friendly models on our top picks list. It also boasts active brushing to ensure a clean waterline, floors and walls. Featuring a simple plug-and-play design, you just plug it into a power source, turn it on and drop it into the pool for up to two hours of continuous cleaning.
Plus, this pool cleaner can be upgraded to ultra-fine filters with a conversion kit, which improves its ability to trap smaller debris particles. Though not the best choice if you have a large pool, it’s more than sufficient for smaller pools.
Most Versatile
Weight: 17.3 lb | Pool Type: In-ground, above-ground | Pool Size: Small to medium | Filtration System: NA | Cleaning Cycle Time: NA
The Zodiac MX6 is a terrific budget-friendly pool cleaner. The low-flow design makes it excellent for pools with two-speed or variable-speed pumps, and the cyclonic suction and an articulating turbine blade facilitate aggressive wall climbing.
What we love about this cleaner is that it’s easy to assemble with the accompanying swivel hoses, featuring a quick-connect style. That means it’s also easy to disassemble for cleaning out the filter. It’s suitable for all kinds of pool surfaces, including concrete, tile, vinyl and fiberglass, and X-Drive technology with X-Trax allows it to traverse these surfaces with ease.
The Zodiac MX6 provides thorough cleaning from the floor to the walls to the waterline. Programmed maneuverability allows it to get to and clean hard to reach corners with ease, and its compact size makes it one of the best smaller pool cleaners and easy to store.
Customer Favorite
Weight: 40.7 lb | Pool Type: In-Ground | Pool Size: Up to 50’ | Filtration System: Extra-large panels | Cleaning Cycle Time: 1.5 to 3.5 hr
The unmatched cleaning power of the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi justifies its premium price tag. Its advanced cleaning system ensures your pool’s walls and floor are left sparkling clean after every cycle.
This high-tech in-ground pool cleaner packs Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to set up cleaning schedules and activate the unit remotely. You can set a weekly timer, the cycle and the cleaning mode you want, and you’ll also be notified when the filter is full so you know when it’s time to empty it.
The brush is tough on debris but gentle on pool surfaces, and agile steering allows it to easily navigate around objects for effective cleaning. It’s also equipped with energy-saving features.
If you strive for pool care made easy, you won’t find many pool cleaners that are as powerful and thorough as this model. The Wi-Fi connectivity is the cherry on top for those who want complete control no matter where they are.
Excellent Bargain Pick
Weight: 18 lb | Pool Type: In-Ground | Pool Size: Up to 40’ | Filtration System: NA | Cleaning Cycle Time: 2 to 3 hr
The Hayward PoolVac XL delivers exceptional value, offering comprehensive cleaning for a fraction of the cost of some competitors. This affordable cleaner tackles pools up to 40 feet long, boasting features typically found in high-end models.
The AquaPilot preprogrammed steering pattern facilitates total pool coverage while reducing hose tangling. The unit requires minimal maintenance, doesn’t have any debris bags to replace or empty and operates quietly. Plus, installation is easy and doesn’t require a booster pump since the existing pool filtration system powers it.
This pool cleaner is suitable for in-ground pools with gunite surfaces. It offers a deep-cleaning cycle and provides consistent results. It might not be as durable as some of our other top picks, but it picks up plenty of debris and leaves pools clean.
Some non-electric models are manual, so it takes more time and effort on your part to use them. These cleaners include pool brushes, which can work well to scrub algae and stains off the sides and floor of a pool. Most pool brushes have a telescopic handle that lets you stand outside the pool to brush. However, using a brush is the most time-consuming cleaning method because you have to follow up with a manual skimmer to lift out any floating debris. Your pool also needs a top-notch filtration system to make sure any debris you miss when skimming is filtered out.
Another non-electric pool cleaner option is the mesh skimmer. Some are manual, and most have telescopic handles. However, instead of a brush at the end, a skimmer has a scoop or net made of fine mesh that lets you remove debris like leaves from the water. You can also find automatic skimmers that mount to the pool wall through the inlet or suction port. An automatic skimmer draws water into its basket to capture debris so you don’t have to do it yourself.
These pool cleaners have a solar panel that absorbs the sun’s rays and stores the energy needed to clean your pool. Solar cleaners aren’t the most effective for cleaning very dirty pools, but they can help maintain a pool that’s already clean. There are two types: robotic cleaners and ionizer systems. Solar-powered robotic cleaners are similar to other robotic cleaners because they automatically scrub the pool’s surfaces to remove dirt, algae and debris. Ionizer systems use solar power to charge a copper anode and send safe electrical currents into the water to kill algae.
Self-contained robotic cleaners that automatically scour a pool’s floor, walls and steps are the ultimate in pool-cleaning technology. A robotic pool cleaner runs a programmable or random pattern across the floor. Special bumpers alert the unit's computer to obstacles, and brushes on the bottom of the base direct debris into a centralized suction tube. Once in the tube, the debris travels to a collection bag for disposal. Because no external connections are required to the pool's pump motor, skimmer or filter, owners shouldn't have to modify their existing pool maintenance system to accommodate a robotic cleaner. However, a water-safe electrical cord is needed to power the unit.
Pressure-side pool cleaners use water pressure from a jet stream to agitate debris and draw it into a vacuum chamber for disposal. Typically mounted on small wheels, the unit randomly wanders the bottom of the pool as it does its job.
Because most pool pumps don't produce enough energy to feed a pressure-side cleaner, owners must either invest in a stronger pool pump or a second pump dedicated to the pressure-side cleaner. Neither choice is easy on the budget, but a pressure-side cleaner won’t produce acceptable results without this additional power boost.
Suction-side cleaners are generally the most affordable pool cleaners, but they're also the most limited. A suction-side cleaner requires no booster pump because it attaches to your pool’s existing filter and intake system. However, its suction and cleaning power directly correlates with the size and design of your pool's original pump and filter.
Suction-side cleaners efficiently remove small debris from most pool surfaces, including walls and steps. Powered by the intake pump, a flexible rubberized flap essentially pulls itself along the bottom of the pool, agitating dirt, sand and other debris. A powerful vacuum then draws the material into a filter for disposal.
The dimensions and design of your pool are important. Pool cleaners are rated to handle different pool sizes, and some have difficulty accessing design elements like sharp corners. Some pool cleaners have long external handles that limit their cleaning range in larger pools. Keep your pool dimensions in mind when shopping for a new pool cleaner.
Another important consideration when buying a pool cleaner is the pool’s surface. Is your pool made of concrete, fiberglass, tile or vinyl? Some materials are more vulnerable to damage than others, and some pool cleaners exert more aggressive force than others. Furthermore, some surfaces discourage algae growth while others tend to promote it.
The amount of physical labor required to maintain a pool depends in large part on the type of cleaner you get. Manual pool cleaners (water brooms, vacuum brushes) require users to spend a significant amount of time and energy on the job. Suction-side and pressure-side models are a little more autonomous, but some human guidance is usually required. Fully automated robotic pool cleaners offer true “set it and forget” technology, but even then owners must spend some time cleaning and backwashing the pool’s filter during the cleaning cycle.
It’s true that pool cleaners don’t affect water pH, but a pool’s general water quality directly impacts how challenging a pool cleaner’s job will be. The optimal pH level for pool water is considered to be 7, so many owners spend hours adding acidic and basic chemicals to maintain that balance. But during that process, the potential for algae or mildew growth increases if the water becomes too acidic or alkaline. Pressure-side pool cleaners, which don’t make direct contact with pool surfaces, are not always effective against these outbreaks.
Does your pool tend to collect a lot of debris? Skimming leaves and sticks from the water’s surface keeps them from sinking to the bottom and becoming the responsibility of a pool cleaner. Seed-bearing tree branches should be cut back, and swimmers should be encouraged to clean their feet before entering the pool. To help combat the accumulation of foreign materials, a lightweight mesh pool cover can easily be stretched over the pool to collect airborne debris and discourage algae growth.
We researched and analyzed more than a dozen pool cleaners in an effort to determine which models are best for each type of pool surface and size. We considered cleaning time and filtration systems, as well as customer reviews, to compile a list of the top pool cleaners. The best pool cleaners work quickly and quietly and have easy setup processes. Premium features found on some models include Wi-Fi connectivity and wall-climbing capabilities.
A. The cost of a pool cleaner depends on its level of automation. For the most basic cleaning, a manual brush or skimmer ranges from $10 to $50. Automatic skimmers offer a step up in convenience, typically costing $20 to $100. Automatic pool vacuums provide more thorough cleaning and generally fall between $100 and $300. For the ultimate in hands-off cleaning, robotic pool cleaners offer the most automation and features. Starting at around $175 for basic models, they can reach up to $2,000 for top-of-the-line units with features like tangle-free cords, programmable scheduling and easy-access filter baskets.
A. The lifespan of a pool cleaner depends on a combination of factors: the type of cleaner, your maintenance routine and how frequently you use it. Simple manual tools like brushes and skimmers can last for many years with proper care thanks to their lack of complex parts. Automatic cleaners, however, tend to have shorter lifespans due to their more intricate designs with moving parts. The good news is that with proper care and maintenance, you can expect an automatic pool cleaner to last anywhere from four to eight years, depending on its quality.
A. The recommended cleaning frequency for a pool depends on a few factors. Generally, weekly cleaning is a good starting point. This includes skimming the surface, brushing the walls and floor and vacuuming debris. However, if your pool is exposed to heavy sun or a lot of falling debris (like leaves or dust), you'll need to step up your cleaning routine to twice a week or more frequently.
