Best Suction Pool Cleaners

Updated July 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin
Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner
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High-End Cleaning
Bottom Line

A diligent automatic suction cleaner that utilizes dual scrubbing brushes to dislodge dirt for a more thorough cleaning.

Pros

This pool cleaner is designed for inground pools up to 50 feet. It features a tangle-free line, ballasts for helping clean the walls and waterline, and an LED light that indicates when the unit is full. Additionally, the device has a weekly scheduler so you can decide how often it cleans.

Cons

This is a pricier option that may not fit comfortably in everyone's budget.

Best Bang for the Buck
Poolvergnuegen The Pool Cleaner Automatic Suction Pool Vacuum
Poolvergnuegen
The Pool Cleaner Automatic Suction Pool Vacuum
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Two-Wheel Cleaning
Bottom Line

An aggressive two-wheel suction cleaner that features patented tires for better climbing and is effective on pools up to 16 by 32 feet.

Pros

This unit is suitable for gunite, vinyl, fiberglass, pebble, and tile, and it comes with pre-programmed steering sequences that will help the machine clean the entire pool more effectively. The self-adjusting turbine vanes help deliver maximum power to the cleaner in all circumstances.

Cons

If you have angled inclines and corners, there is a chance this unit could get hung up for a bit when trying to determine a course of action.

Dolphin Quantum Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner
Dolphin
Quantum Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner
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Innovative Design
Bottom Line

A top-of-the-line model with advanced features that are designed to keep your pool pristine.

Pros

The impressively large top-loading cartridge filter along with the variable micron filtration allows this unit to rid your pool of small debris and algae. The continuous rubber tracks are designed to grip better than wheels and help the device climb walls.

Cons

Care must be taken to untangle the cord after every cleaning as it can knot up on you and cause your cleaner to lose its effectiveness.

Baracuda Zodiac MX8 Suction-Side Cleaner
Baracuda
Zodiac MX8 Suction-Side Cleaner
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A Good Option
Bottom Line

A versatile cleaner that is suitable for all types of inground pools and is compatible with variable-speed pool pumps.

Pros

The X-Trax tires are designed to keep the unit moving with minimal hangups. The cleaner exhibits impressive performance when climbing walls and navigating tight corners. The adjustable intake allows the device to be as effective at picking up small debris as it is when sucking up leaves.

Cons

This unit requires a watchful eye and diligent maintenance in order to keep it running efficiently.

Hayward Automatic Pool Cleaner
Hayward
Automatic Pool Cleaner
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Above Ground
Bottom Line

An affordably priced penguin-shaped pool cleaner that is designed for use with above-ground pools.

Pros

The unit is easy to set up and comes with interchangeable parts so you can customize the look of your penguin. Hayward's Smart-Drive steering system allows the device to clean your flat-bottom pool in about two hours.

Cons

The effectiveness of this automatic pool cleaner depends on the power of your pump. If it's not strong enough, you may be disappointed.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

36 Models Considered
9 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
319 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

If you want something that cleans your pool continuously, consider a suction pool cleaner. This type of cleaner moves throughout your pool, suctioning debris and algae from its floor and sides. It will have wheels or tracks to help it move along pool surfaces. Before you buy, consider the programmability of any suction pool cleaner you’re considering. Some offer more control over the cleaning cycle than others. Maneuverability is also important for the cleaner to be able to reach all parts of your pool efficiently. These machines should be able to climb the sides of your pool walls as well as roll along the bottom of the pool.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Poolmaster
Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
Pentair
Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
Jed Pool Tools Inc
Splasher Pool Vacuum
Zodiac
Baracuda Advanced Suction Side Pool Cleaner
Water Tech
Pool Blaster Max Li - Pool & Spa Cleaner
The team that worked on this review
  • Allen
    Allen
    Writer
  • Alvina
    Alvina
    Photographer
  • Amos
    Amos
    Director of Photography
  • Branson
    Branson
    Videographer
  • Ciera
    Ciera
    Digital Content Producer
  • Katie
    Katie
    Editorial Director
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
  • Steph
    Steph
    Web Producer
×

Dolphin

Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin

Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner

A diligent automatic suction cleaner that utilizes dual scrubbing brushes to dislodge dirt for a more thorough cleaning.

$1147
×

Poolvergnuegen

The Pool Cleaner Automatic Suction Pool Vacuum

Poolvergnuegen

The Pool Cleaner Automatic Suction Pool Vacuum

An aggressive two-wheel suction cleaner that features patented tires for better climbing and is effective on pools up to 16 by 32 feet.

$299
×

Dolphin

Quantum Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner

Dolphin

Quantum Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner

A top-of-the-line model with advanced features that are designed to keep your pool pristine.
$1498
×

Baracuda

Zodiac MX8 Suction-Side Cleaner

Baracuda

Zodiac MX8 Suction-Side Cleaner

A versatile cleaner that is suitable for all types of inground pools and is compatible with variable-speed pool pumps.

$379
×

Hayward

Automatic Pool Cleaner

Hayward

Automatic Pool Cleaner

An affordably priced penguin-shaped pool cleaner that is designed for use with above-ground pools.

$184

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