It’s important to keep your above-ground pool clean, clear, and free of debris. Not only for your enjoyment, but for pool parties, too! You don’t want to deter your guests because there’s sand, leaves, or algae in the pool.
While there are many above-ground pool vacuums on the market, we’ve created a list of the best 10. It’s designed to help you find the right one for your needs, whether you want something budget-friendly, specifically for removing sand, robotic, or something else.
![Product Image of the Dolphin E10 Robotic Pool [Vacuum] Cleaner - Ideal for Above Ground Swimming Pools up to 30 Feet - Powerful Suction to Pick up Small Debris - Easy to Clean Top Load Filter Basket](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41YEKihS1ML._SL160_.jpg)
- Large capacity filter
- Easy to remove from pool
- Quick cleans in only 1.5 hours
- Strong Water Tech P30 motor
- 10.5-inch vacuum head
- One-hour battery life
- 45 min battery recharging
- 10.5-inch vacuum head
- Easy to empty canister
- Has 2 interchangeable brush heads
- Impressive safety features
- 94-inch telescoping pole
- Double micro brushes
- Enhanced filter system
- 3 years warranty
- Powerful suction
- Double layered mesh bag
- Easy to use handheld design
- Cleans 2 pool types
- Removable debris bag
- No electricity required
- Comes with an AG disc
- Automatically regulates water flow
- Quiet operation
- Automatic cleaner
- Smart steering
- Budget-friendly
- Patented jet sweep system
- Unique filter bag
- Automatic operation
Product Reviews
We’ve spent hours researching real customer reviews, expert advice, and product descriptions. With that in mind, we’ve created a list of the 10 best above ground pool vacuums. Reading through this, we’re sure you’ll find your ideal cleaner.
1. Dolphin E10 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
Best Robotic Above Ground Pool Vacuum
![Product Image of the Dolphin E10 Robotic Pool [Vacuum] Cleaner - Ideal for Above Ground Swimming Pools up to 30 Feet - Powerful Suction to Pick up Small Debris - Easy to Clean Top Load Filter Basket](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41YEKihS1ML.jpg)
As if you didn’t have enough housework to do, cleaning a pool had to be another thing! But when you choose a robotic pool vacuum, you really don’t have to think much about it. All you need to worry about is turning it on, placing it in the pool, and cleaning it every so often.
If you’re in the market for a robotic vacuum, the Dolphin E10 cleaner is one of the best.
What We Like
Large Filter
The large capacity filter gives you lots of freedom since you don’t have to empty it or clean it out that often. When you do empty it, it just takes the click of one button. Super easy!
Easy to Remove From the Pool
Have you ever used a pool vacuum that’s a pain to remove from the pool? Well, this one makes it easy. When you pull it out, the water drains. Fast! And it doesn’t let out all the debris thanks to the available super fine filter (sold separately, but it’s a must-have).
Quickly Cleans
This can clean an average-sized above-ground pool in only 1.5 hours! This gives you your beloved pool back quickly — and spotless — so you can enjoy an afternoon swim.
What We Don't Like
Limited Cycle Time
If you have a larger above-ground pool, you can definitely still use this. But it has one timer option: 1.5 hours. This isn’t enough for some pools. It’s not a huge issue to reach it and start the timer again, but it would be better if there were more options.
Tangled Cord
A big complaint is that the cord gets tangled often. It doesn’t swivel, so it can run over the cord, get wrapped up in it or just twist it all about.
Product Specs
| Type | Robotic |
| Type of Dirt | General dirt and debris |
| Weight | 13.8 pounds |
| Usage | Above-ground pools up to 30 feet |
| Warranty | Two years |
2. Pool Blaster Max Cordless Cleaner
Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum For Sand
Sand can be a big problem for people with pools. And because sand is so fine, you need a certain vacuum that can handle fine particles — such as the Pool Blaster Max.
This can capture all kinds of dirt, and more of it.
It has strong suction so it’s great for large debris like acorns, leaves, and twigs. But also smaller debris like sand, dust, and dirt.
What We Like
Water Tech P30 Motor
This super-strong Water Tech P30 Motor has increased suction for quick and efficient cleaning. Get the job done quicker with this vacuum so you can sooner get back to playing in the pool.
Good for Deep Cleaning
You can use this for spot-cleaning, but it’s also great for deep cleaning. The 10.5-inch vacuum head can quickly clean up the whole pool. It also has a nose cone head for getting into corners and other hard-to-reach places.
One Hour Battery Life
Get more done between charges. The lithium-ion battery is designed to run for up to an hour, giving you more time to clean. The battery also charges in less than four hours!
What We Don't Like
The Bag Needs to be Emptied a Lot
One of the main frustrations about this cool pool vacuum is that the bag is small. Some needed to empty it five times per session and others needed to empty it over 20 times per session!
Not Durable
With this pool vacuum, you can probably count on getting a new one every year or two. The motor is powerful, but it’s not very durable. For the pretty high price, this can be a big bummer for a lot of customers.
Product Specs
| Type | Battery-powered |
| Type of Dirt | Leaves, acorns, twigs, dirt, and sand |
| Weight | 5.5 pounds |
| Usage | In-ground and above-ground |
| Warranty | One year |
3. Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Cleaner
Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum For Leaves
Are leaves littering your pool? Nobody wants to swim in a leaf-covered pool — it is not relaxing at all.
To get rid of those leaves, we recommend the Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra.
This vacuum can suck up leaves, acorns, twigs, dirt, and sand. So if those sound like the kind of things that are ruining your spa-like swimming experience, then this is the vacuum for you.
What We Like
Rechargeable Battery
Being battery-powered, this is easy and convenient to use since there are no power cords to get in your way. It runs up to 45 minutes at a time which is more than enough for most pools.
Versatile Cleaning
You can do deep cleaning or spot-cleaning with this vacuum. It is very easy to quickly clean up small messes if that’s what’s bothering you. Or you can quickly vacuum the entire pool with the generously sized 10.5-inch vacuum head.
Easy to Empty
This is a big pro point as nobody wants to deal with nasty gunk after they’ve vacuumed it up. The unique canister has a dual-cam lever connection which allows you to easily empty the chamber without the mess.
What We Don't Like
Flimsy Handle
The handle is pretty thin and not very sturdy, so it can feel quite cheap as if it is going to break. This prevents you from being able to put a lot of pressure on the appliance.
Clogs Easily
The debris canister isn’t that big, so if you suck up a whole bunch of leaves, it can clog easily. This can prevent a smooth experience when vacuuming your pool as you may need to empty it often.
Product Specs
| Type | Battery-powered |
| Type of Dirt | Leaves, acorns, twigs, dirt, and sand |
| Weight | Seven pounds |
| Usage | In-ground and above-ground |
| Warranty | One year |
4. Intex 28620EP Rechargeable Handheld Vacuum
Best Rechargeable Above Ground Pool Vacuum
If you’re looking for a rechargeable option, then the Intex handheld vacuum is a great choice. Plus, it’s not super expensive so it might fit into your tight budget!
This handheld vacuum is suitable for all PureSpa products and above-ground pools up to 18 feet in diameter.
Enjoy the long telescoping pole which will make deep cleaning in every corner super easy.
What We Like
Two Brush Heads
This comes with two interchangeable brush heads: one for general cleaning and the other for corners and stairs. Cleaning in specific places has never been easier.
Safety Protection
This has some cool features to prevent breakage. Firstly, it automatically shuts off when it’s not submerged in water which protects the battery life. Secondly, it has a waterproof switch to prevent any damage to the electrics while it is underwater.
94-Inch Pole
The long 94-inch telescoping pole makes it so easy to adjust when you need it. Whether you need a longer length to reach into the middle, or a shorter length to do the sides, this aluminum pole has got you covered.
What We Don't Like
Patience Required
This doesn’t have the strongest suction, therefore, it can take a while to clean the pool. Plus, the bag is quite small so it needs to be emptied often. The charge time is also quite long, so overall — you need quite a bit of patience to enjoy this vacuum.
Not Durable
Some customers found this stopped working after a few months. They were happy with it up until this happened, but keep in mind that it isn’t the most durable.
Product Specs
| Type | Battery-powered |
| Type of Dirt | Loose dirt and debris |
| Weight | 7.09 pounds |
| Usage | All PureSpas and above ground pools up to 18′ Diameter |
| Warranty | One year |
5. Dolphin Sigma Robot Pool Cleaner
Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum for Algae
Algae is not a nice thing to have in your pool. It can definitely deter people from going for a nice swim, which is disappointing when your pool itself probably wasn’t cheap. But with an appropriate pool vacuum, you can say goodbye to algae.
This Dolphin Sigma cleaner is our top choice for getting algae out of your pool for good.
It has a total runtime of almost three hours which is more than enough for cleaning.
What We Like
Scrubs and Cleans
This doesn’t just vacuum, it scrubs and cleans your pool. It has durable dual micro brushes that rotate along the surfaces to get rid of algae, bacteria, dirt, and debris.
This works along the pool floor, but also along the walls, tiles, and waterline. You’ll be super impressed with how detail-orientated this vacuum is.
Enhanced Filter System
The two oversized filter baskets can hold a larger capacity of wastes and particles. You can seamlessly clean without worrying about needing to empty the filter baskets that often.
Moreover, it uses 90 percent less energy in comparison to some outdated pool cleaners.
Anti-Tangle Swivel
The anti-swivel hose rotates 360 degrees to avoid tangling, which may seem like a small detail — but it’s a very important and practical one. Now you don’t have to waste time untangling it, which can be a big problem with other pool vacuums.
What We Don't Like
Sometimes Misses Spots
Although it’s been designed to get into corners, nooks, and crannies, some customers do say this little guy can miss spots. This is specifically where slopes meet or stairs end.
Product Specs
| Type | Robotic |
| Type of Dirt | Debris, algae, and bacteria |
| Weight | 35 pounds |
| Usage | All pool shapes,above- and in-ground, up to 50 feet |
| Warranty | Three years |
6. PoolSupplyTown Pool Spa Jet Vacuum Cleaner
Best Handheld Above Ground Pool Vacuum
We have a few handheld options on our list, but this is a popular one among customers!
Handheld pool vacuums are very easy to use as there are no cords or wires to get in your way. Plus, you’re in control which lots of people prefer over automatic or robot vacuums.
The PoolSupplyTown cleaner lets you be in charge of sucking up every last bit of dirt and debris.
What We Like
Versatile Uses
This works well for above-ground pools, but that’s not all. You can also use this on spas, ponds, and waterfalls. Bring every water feature in your backyard to perfection with this vacuum!
Venturi Effect
This uses the water pressure from your garden hose to create something called a venturi effect, which sucks up debris without the use of electrics. The powerful suction can draw in leaves and all sorts of debris so your pool is sparkling clean.
Double Layered Mesh Bag
The filter bag is pretty much as important as the vacuum itself. And this one is unbeatable! The double-layered fine mesh bag is sturdy enough to capture and trap fine particles. This includes sand, pebbles, dirt, and tiny toys.
What We Don't Like
Telescopic Pole Not Included
Keep in mind that you will need to buy a telescoping pole separately. We think these are essential when cleaning out a pool with a handheld vacuum, so it’s a bit disappointing it doesn’t come with the vacuum.
Flimsy Handle
The poles and handles that are included are cheap and flimsy. They may break, but even if they don’t, they prevent you from being able to apply a good amount of pressure when cleaning.
Product Specs
| Type | Handheld — connects to garden hose |
| Type of Dirt | Dirt, sand, pebbles, toys, leaves, and more |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Usage | Above-ground pools, spas, waterfalls, and ponds |
| Warranty | Not specified |
7. Hydrotools Pool and Spa Venturi Vacuum
Best Budget Above Ground Pool Vacuum
When you look up above-ground pool vacuums, you’ll be met with a lot of high numbers. But those are mostly for robotic or pressure-side vacuums. You don’t need to spend a fortune to clean your pool!
This venturi vacuum from Hydrotools is at a modest price, and it will still clean your pool super well.
What We Like
Cleans Two Pool Types
Use this to clean your above-ground pool, but you can also use it for kiddie pools which can get very dirty. If you like to leave your kiddie pool out for a few days at a time, but hate the dirt that accumulates, then this vacuum is for you.
Removable Debris Bag
The debris bag is removable which makes it very easy to empty out all the dirt you trap. You can also easily clean and air it out before putting it back on the vacuum.
No Electrics Required
This attaches to your garden hose and uses the venturi effect to create suction. This means no electrics, no cords, no annoying wires to get in your way. Totally safe and budget-friendly!
What We Don't Like
Flimsy Construction
With the quality, you do get what you pay for. It’s quite a flimsy device. It looks a bit like a toy, according to some customers. But it does the job and should last a good while.
Not for Larger Pools
This is a pretty small device that takes a while to clean up large messes. Therefore, customers with bigger pools found it a faff to use. It’s best for kid pools or smaller above-ground pools.
Product Specs
| Type | Handheld — connects to garden hose |
| Type of Dirt | Loose dirt and debris |
| Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Usage | Above-ground pools and kiddie pools |
| Warranty | 72 hours |
8. Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Cleaner
Best Suction-Side Above Ground Pool Vacuum
This suction-side vacuum will properly clean above-ground pools, even with dished-out bottoms, up to six feet deep. It only has one moving part which is great because it eliminates the need for a hammer or flapper noise that is common in suction-side or other pool vacuums.
It also comes with a deflector wheel to prevent the vacuum from getting caught on steps, ladders, and corners. It comes pre-assembled so when it arrives at your door, it’s all ready for your pool.
What We Like
AG Disc
This comes with an AG disc that helps the machine to glide effortlessly along the bottom of your pool. But it also goes up the sides and around steps to ensure the majority of the pool is covered and clean.
Automatically Regulates Water Flow
The automatic regulation of water flow improves the performance, so it’s working as best as it possibly can. Thanks to the Flowkeeper Valve and the Insta-Skim Compact flow control valve, it works to monitor the water intake.
Quiet Operation
No more annoying the neighbours with a noisy pool vacuum! This operates very quietly which completes the nice and easy experience of cleaning your pool with this vacuum.
What We Don't Like
Not for Certain Pools
The manufacturer does not recommend using this for Intex or soft-sided pools so keep that in mind in case that sounds like your above-ground pool.
Stops, Starts
This can often stop and start, giving you an interrupted cleaning experience. Whether it shuts off or just focuses on one specific area, it can be annoying. However, customers still say when it is moving, it does an amazing job.
Product Specs
| Type | Suction-side |
| Type of Dirt | Loose dirt and debris |
| Weight | 15 pounds |
| Usage | Above-ground up to 6 feet deep (not soft-sided or Intex) |
| Warranty | One year |
9. Intex Auto Pool Cleaner
Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum for Intex Pools
For Intex pools, this cleaner is a great vacuum option. This suits all Intex above-ground pools with a 1.5-inch hose fitting.
It will automatically clean and vacuum the entire pool floor, leaving you with very little work to do.
It comes with a 24-foot hose that you can easily attach to your inlet connectors.
Be sure to use this with a filter pump that has a flow rate of 1,600-3,500 GPH.
Warning
What We Like
Automatic Cleaner
Being an automatic cleaner, this takes the stress out of cleaning your pool floor! Power this on, sit back, relax with an iced tea and a good book, and let the vacuum do the hard work for you.
Smart Steering
This automatically reverses the direction when necessary to ensure the entire pool floor is clean. It will do its best to avoid missed spots.
Budget-Friendly
For an automatic vacuum, this is pretty budget-friendly. Customers think it’s worth the price you pay for it, especially since it only takes about an hour to clean the average-sized Intex pool.
What We Don't Like
Sand Filter
This comes with a sand filter, which can be a bit pesky. If you don’t use the right kind of sand, the sand can get into the motor and destroy the vacuum. The gears don’t do a great job at keeping it out, but customers found ways around this. For instance, you can try using Vaseline on the gears and your product should work great!
Blows Debris Around
When the debris holder gets full, instead of just minimizing suction, it actually begins to blow debris around the pool. This can be very frustrating when you’ve just let it run for a while and it was doing a good job of cleaning. Now it’s dirtying up your pool again.
Product Specs
| Type | Robotic |
| Type of Dirt | Loose dirt and debris |
| Weight | 15.3 pounds |
| Usage | Intex pools, above-ground only |
| Warranty | One year |
10. Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Side Vacuum
Best Pressure-Side Above Ground Pool Vacuum
If you’re looking for a pressure-side vacuum for your above-ground pool, then this is a popular and well-received option. It is specifically for vinyl and fiberglass pools up to five feet deep, so check your pool before purchasing.
It’s very easy to install this vacuum in only a couple of minutes. It’ll be up and running before you know it, using the pressure of clean water to vacuum your pool. This leaves both the filter and skimmer free to deal with debris in the water.
What We Like
Patented Jet Sweep
This unique sweep system blows water against the pool walls to loosen debris. This works in hard-to-reach places to ensure your pool is deeply cleaned. It then sweeps the loosened debris into the filter bag which you can clean out later.
Unique Filter Bag
Speaking of the filter bag, it works in a unique way. When larger items, like twigs and pebbles, get sucked up, the filter bag removes them before they reach your pump. Overall, this will prolong the life of your filtration system which is a big bonus for pressure-side vacuums.
Automatic Operation
This runs automatically, leaving you with very minimal work to do. As we say, it’s easy to install in seconds so you can get it up and running before you leave to do other important chores. Or chill. Let’s be honest — it’s always a good time to chill out.
What We Don't Like
Tangle Issues
We don’t recommend leaving this completely unattended as it can get tangled. Customers came back to find it had curled up in itself, not doing its job. But when it is untangled and running, it works great!
Random Movements
Many customers said that this thing moved randomly. Sometimes it would just spin in circles, other times it would just do one half of the pool. And other times, it would only work in reverse. Keep in mind that it may do its own thing from time to time.
Product Specs
| Type | Pressure-side |
| Type of Dirt | All kinds of debris |
| Weight | 13.94 pounds |
| Usage | Above-ground for vinyl and fiberglass up to five feet deep |
| Warranty | Cleaning head two years, port valve five years |
| Product | Best | Type | Type of Dirt | Weight | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin E10 Pool Cleaner | Robotic | Robotic | General dirt & debris | 13.8 lbs | Above-ground up to 30 feet |
| Pool Blaster Max Cordless Cleaner | Sand | Battery | Leaves, acorns, twigs, dirt & sand | 5.5 lbs | In-ground & above-ground |
| Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Cleaner | Leaves | Battery | Leaves, acorns, twigs, dirt & sand | 7 lbs | In-ground & above-ground |
| Intex Rechargeable Handheld Vac | Rechargeable | Battery | Loose dirt & debris | 7.09 lbs | PureSpas & above ground |
| Dolphin Sigma Pool Cleaner | Algae | Robotic | Debris, algae & bacteria | 35 lbs | Above- & in-ground, up to 50 feet |
| PoolSupplyTown Pool Spa Jet Vac | Handheld | Handheld | Dirt, sand, pebbles, toys, leaves | 12 oz | Above-ground, spas,waterfalls,ponds |
| Hydrotools Pool & Spa Venturi Vac | Budget Pick | Handheld | Loose dirt & debris | 1.2 lbs | Above-ground & kiddie pools |
| Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Cleaner | Suction-Side | Suction-side | Loose dirt & debris | 15 lbs | Above-ground up to 6 feet |
| Intex Auto Pool Cleaner | Intex Pools | Robotic | Loose dirt & debris | 15.3 lbs | Intex pools, above-ground |
| Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Side Vac | Pressure-Side | Pressure-side | All kinds of debris | 13.94 lbs | Above-ground (vinyl); fiberglass |
Types Of Above-Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaner
When shopping for an above-ground pool vacuum, you’ll notice a few different types. We’ll walk through the main differences, pros, and cons of each one.
Battery
Battery-powered pool vacuums run on rechargeable batteries. These are usually more portable since you don’t have long cords or wires to tangle you up while you clean.
Pros
- More portable and easy to use.
- They come in a range of prices.
- They can tackle a versatile range of jobs.
Cons
- The battery life is usually between 30 and 60 minutes which isn’t always enough to clean the entire pool.
- Charge times may take a few hours.
Robotic
Robotic pool vacuums clean the pool for you. It takes a couple of hours to clean so that when you come back, the pool is crystal clear and ready to be used.
Pros
- Many options on the market.
- They save you time since you can do something else while it cleans.
- They’re compact.
- They don’t usually rely on pumps or filters.
Cons
- They’re very expensive.
- They don’t work well for oddly or uniquely shaped pools.
- They may miss spots.
Suction-Side
Suction-side vacuums attach to the suction side of your filter pump and empty the debris into the filter. They move around the bottom of the pool in quite random movements. They’re not the greatest, but they are pretty budget-friendly.
Pros
- Good for small pools.
- They come in a range of prices.
- It does the job for you; no manual work required.
Cons
- They move randomly so they may miss spots.
- They cause wear and tear on your pool’s filter.
Pressure-Side
These vacuums use pressure from the pool’s intake to suck in water and move around the pool. It then sucks the dirt, leaves, hair, and debris into your pool’s filtration system which you can remove from the filter basket.
Pros
- They have good coverage, so they work well for large pools.
- They can easily capture large debris.
- Many options can clean the bottom and sides of pools.
Cons
- You need to buy a booster pump separately which can add to the cost.
- They’re not ideal for small debris.
- They’re expensive.
How to Choose (Buying Guide)
Before you go and choose the best of the best, you need to consider some important details. What’s best for someone else might not be best for you. Here are the top criteria you should look at before purchasing.
Type
Of course, consider the type. Look at the pros and cons of the main types: battery-powered, robotic, suction-side, and pressure-side. Some are more budget-friendly than others, while some do a better job.
Type of Dirt
You should also consider what type of dirt the vacuum collects. Is it large or small debris? Both? Will it be able to handle the specific type of dirt that muddies up your pool the most often?
Weight
The weight is crucial especially for handheld or manual pool vacuums. Since you’re going to be holding it as it cleans, make sure that you can handle it. Weight matters, even for the robotic ones, since you’ll need to maneuver them from place to place as well.
Usage
We know that all of our options work on above-ground pools. But do they work on any other bodies of water, such as ponds or fountains that you may want to clean?
Also, check the type of material they work on such as vinyl or fiberglass.
Last but not least, check the pool depth they can handle to make sure it will work on your deep or shallow pool.
Warranty
Because above-ground pool vacuums can be pretty pricey, you should always look at the warranty to make sure you’re covered in case anything goes wrong.
Budget
Last but not least, consider your budget. Pool vacuums can range from very cheap to super expensive, so choose your desired budget and stick to it. You will find something in your price range that will clean your pool well.
How Often Do I Need to Vacuum My Pool?
You should aim to vacuum your pool once a week or whenever you notice dirt and debris in it.
FAQs
How Do I Keep My Above Ground Pool Clean?
There are several ways to keep your above ground pool clean, including monitoring pH levels, keeping the chlorine levels topped up, and cleaning out the filter.
How Long Do Above Ground Pools Last?
On average, an above ground pool lasts for two to six years before it needs replacing. You can extend this lifespan if you protect the lining from extreme weather conditions and follow a maintenance regime.
How Do You Hook Up a Vacuum to an Above Ground Pool?
The best way to hook up a vacuum to an above ground pool is to ensure there is enough hose to reach the pool. Connect the hose to the adapter ports, submerge the vacuum in the water, and switch it on.
How Often Should You Change the Water In an Above Ground Pool?
You should change the water in your above ground pool at least once a year. The frequency does depend on how much the pool gets used, and how well you maintain the pool and filters.
Can You Leave an Above Ground Pool Up All Year?
You can leave an above ground pool up all year. It may be more hassle emptying the pool and dismantling it than it is leaving it up and protected with a cover.
