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10 Best Above-Ground Pool Vacuums of 2024

Updated
Pool vacuums that suck. Literally. 

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, I’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, or robotic.

This list is powered by hours of in-depth research into various brands, honest customer reviews, and expert advice. I thoroughly studied each product’s cleaning mechanism, cleaning ability, how to use it, and more essential details. With that in mind, I’ll tell you all the pros and cons of each vacuum so you can make an unbiased decision.

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Dolphin (2024 Model) E10 Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner, Active Scrubber Brush, Top Load Filters Access, Ideal for Above-Ground Pools up to 30 FT in Length
Best Robotic Pool Vacuum
Dolphin E10 Automatic Pool Cleaner
  • Large basket filter
  • Easy to remove from pool
  • Quick cleans in only 1.5 hours
Product Image of the Pool Blaster Max Cordless Cleaner
Best for Cleaning Sand
Pool Blaster Max Cordless Cleaner
  • Strong Water Tech P30 motor
  • 10.5-inch vacuum head
  • One-hour battery life
Product Image of the Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Cleaner
Best for Leaves
Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Cleaner
  • 45 min battery recharging
  • 10.5-inch vacuum head
  • Easy to empty canister
Product Image of the Intex Rechargeable Handheld Vac
Best Rechargeable Pick
Intex Rechargeable Handheld Vac
  • Has two interchangeable brush heads
  • Impressive safety features
  • 94-inch telescoping pole
Product Image of the Dolphin Sigma Pool Cleaner
Best for Algae
Dolphin Sigma Pool Cleaner
  • Scrubs pool floor
  • Enhanced filter system
  • Scans pool floor for dirt
Product Image of the Pool Spa Jet Vacuum Cleaner w/Brush for Frame Above Ground/Inflatable Pools, Spa, Hot Tub Vacuuming, Use Water Pressure from Garden Hose to Vacuum (Use with A Telescopic Pool Pole, Not Included)
Best Handheld Pool Vacuum
PoolSupplyTown Pool Spa Jet Vac
  • Useful for above-ground pools, spa & ponds
  • Double layered mesh bag
  • Creates Venturi effect without electricity
Product Image of the Hydrotools Pool & Spa Venturi Vac
Best Budget Choice
Hydrotools Pool & Spa Venturi Vac
  • Cleans two pool types
  • Removable debris bag
  • No electricity required
Product Image of the Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Cleaner
Best Suction-Side Vacuum
Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Cleaner
  • Comes with an AG disc
  • Automatically regulates water flow
  • Quiet operation
Product Image of the Intex Auto Pool Cleaner
Best for Intex Pools
Intex Auto Pool Cleaner
  • Automatic cleaner
  • Smart steering across entire floor
  • Budget-friendly
Product Image of the Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Side Vac
Best Pressure-Side Vacuum
Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Side Vac
  • Patented jet sweep system
  • Unique filter bag
  • Automatic operation


The Best Above-Ground Pool Vacuum of 2024

I’ve spent hours researching real customer reviews, expert advice, and product descriptions. With that in mind, I’ve created a list of the 10 best above-ground pool vacuums based on each product’s cleaning ability and design. Reading through this, we’re sure you’ll find your ideal cleaner.

Let’s get cleaning!

Dolphin E10 Robotic Pool Cleaner

Best Robotic Pool Vacuum

Cleaning a pool can be quite a hassle and can add to the already long list of household tasks. But when you choose a robotic pool vacuum, the burden is lifted. All you need to worry about is turning it on, placing it in the pool, and cleaning it occasionally.

If you’re in the market for a robotic vacuum, the Dolphin E10 cleaner is one of the best.

What We Like

Large Basket 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 empty it, it just takes the click of one button. Super easy!

Simply Remove From Swimming Pools

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 debris thanks to the super fine filter (sold separately, but it’s a must-have).

Cleans Pools in 1.5 Hours

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.

Active Scrubbing Brush

One of the things I love most about this vacuum is the built-in scrubbing brush. Not only does this unit collect debris, but it deep cleans the bottom of your pool, saving you from doing it by hand.

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.

Cord Tangles Easily

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 14.6 pounds
Usage Above-ground pools up to 30 feet
Warranty Two years

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Compatibility
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Pool Blaster Max Cordless Cleaner

Best for Cleaning Sand

Sand can be a big problem for pool owners. Since sand is so fine, you need a particular vacuum that can handle fine particles — such as the Pool Blaster Max.

This can capture all kinds of dirt and more of it. This vacuum has powerful suction that can clean up large debris like acorns and leaves, as well as small particles such as sand 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 make a splash in the pool as soon as possible.

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!

Cordless Cleaning

A cordless cleaner makes it easier to quickly touch up your swimming pool or hot tub. No hoses or cords necessary — just whip this out and give your watery areas a clean!

What We Don't Like

The Bag Fills Quickly

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 the Most Durable

Based on its performance, you may need to replace this pool vacuum every one to two years. The motor is powerful, but it’s not very durable. For the pretty high price, this is 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

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Insight

After upgrading from a previous model, this Pool Blaster Max has truly impressed me with its power and efficiency. It gets the job done much quicker, but be careful to pull it out of the pool quickly when turning it off, or debris might fall back in. Cleaning the filter can be a bit challenging, as it's made of fine fibers, but it's worth it for the overall performance. The power connector for the charger is a bit tricky to use, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find it manageable.


Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Cleaner

Best for Leaves

Are leaves littering your pool? Nobody wants to swim in a leaf-covered pool — it’s not relaxing.  We recommend the Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra to get rid of those leaves.

This vacuum can suck up leaves, acorns, twigs, dirt, and sand. If these things 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 enough for most pools.

Versatile Cleaning

This vacuum is the ultimate solution for all your cleaning needs, whether you need to do a deep clean or spot-clean a small mess. Its straightforward design lets you quickly clean messes, while the generously sized 10.5-inch vacuum head lets you clean your entire pool efficiently.

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, allowing you to easily empty the chamber without the mess.

Easy To Use

This is one that customers love using. Why? Because it feels like using a regular vacuum. It’s the same sort of design, except with an elongated handle so you can clean your pool from the edge.

What We Don't Like

Flimsy Handle

The handle is pretty thin and not very sturdy, so it can feel relatively 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 6 pounds
Usage In-ground and above-ground
Warranty One year

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Review

Love how effective this product is for cleaning my above-ground pool, even when dealing with a significant amount of dirt and debris from living in a windy area. The battery life is impressive, lasting long enough to clean the entire pool multiple times without needing a recharge. Although the handle could be sturdier and longer, the vacuum's strong suction and easy-to-clean filter make up for it.


Intex 28620EP Rechargeable Handheld Vacuum

Best Rechargeable Pick

If you’re looking for a rechargeable option, then the Intex handheld vacuum is great. Moreover, the cost of this product is quite affordable, which may work well for various budgets.

This handheld vacuum is suitable for all PureSpa products and above-ground pools up to 18 feet in diameter.

You can easily clean every nook and cranny with the telescoping pole. Incredible for hard-to-reach spots!

What We Like

Two Interchangeable 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 Included

This has some cool features to prevent breakage. Firstly, it automatically shuts off when not submerged in water, protecting the battery life. Secondly, it has a waterproof switch to prevent any damage to the electrics while it is underwater.

94-Inch Pole

The extended 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.

Works In Various Pools

Put this vacuum to the test in all PureSpa and above-ground pools that are up to 18 feet in diameter. So if you have a hot tub, pool, and a pond, this will clean across all your bodies of water, as long as they don’t surpass the width limit.

What We Don't Like

You Must Be Patient

This doesn’t have the strongest suction. Therefore, it can take a while to clean the pool. Plus, the bag is relatively 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 6.6 pounds
Usage All PureSpas and above-ground pools up to 18′ Diameter
Warranty One year

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Compatibility
4 / 5
Durability
2.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Individual Opinion

Bought this handheld vacuum for my 12x30 above ground metal frame pool, and it's been quite useful for picking up debris. However, it does struggle a bit with fine dirt, and the filter bags need to be cleaned frequently during use. Despite these minor issues, the vacuum's strong suction, easy-to-clean catch bag, and decent battery life make it a worthwhile purchase for maintaining smaller pools.


Dolphin Sigma Robot Pool Cleaner

Best for Algae

You want to steer clear of having algae in your pool. It can deter people from going for a nice swim, which is disappointing when you forked out a lot of cash for your pool.

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 the Pool

This doesn’t just vacuum; it scrubs and cleans your pool. The durable dual micro brushes rotate along the surfaces to remove algae, bacteria, dirt, and debris.

Use this along the pool floor, walls, tiles, and waterline. I’m super impressed with how detail-orientated this vacuum is, and I think you will be, too!

Enhanced Filter System

The two oversized filter baskets can hold a larger capacity of waste and particles. You can seamlessly clean without worrying about emptying the filter baskets that often. Moreover, it uses 90 percent less energy than 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.

Next-Generation Smart Mapping

Fully equipped with Smart Nav Software and Gyroscope, this scans your pool floor to locate dirt along the entire pool floor, walls, tile, and waterline. Yep, that’s right — it can take itself from the floor to the walls using a 3-axis rotation without effort from you.

What We Don't Like

Sometimes Misses Spots

Although it’s designed to get into corners, nooks, and crannies, some customers say this little guy can miss spots. This is specifically where slopes meet, or stairs end.

Doesn’t Memorize Pool Layout

While the smart mapping can scan for dirt, it can’t yet memorize the pool’s layout. Therefore, the movements around the pool are quite random. It would be awesome if it had a memorization function like home robot vacuums do.

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

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

My experience with this cleaner has been mostly positive. The Dolphin Sigma not only does an excellent job cleaning the pool floor, but it also manages to climb walls and clean the waterline at least half the time. The top-access filters and smartphone app with notifications are additional perks, though the manual drive feature could use some improvement.


PoolSupplyTown Vacuum Cleaner

Best Handheld Pool Vacuum

I have a few handheld options on our list, but this is popular among customers!

Handheld pool vacuums are very easy to use without obstructing cords or wires. Plus, you’re in control which lots of people prefer over automatic or robot vacuums.

The PoolSupplyTown cleaner lets you take 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 a venturi effect, which sucks up debris without using electrics. The powerful suction can draw in leaves and all sorts of debris, leaving your pool sparkling clean.

Doesn’t Use Electricity

As mentioned above, this vacuum uses a venturi effect. Therefore, you don’t need to plug this in or use electricity. Not only does that save money, but it also means this is super portable. If you want to take it over to your neighbors house or with you on vacation, why not?

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. I think these are essential when cleaning out a pool with a handheld vacuum, so it’s a bit disappointing that it’s not included.

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

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Compatibility
3.5 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Hydrotools Pool and Spa Venturi Vacuum

Best Budget Choice

When you search for above-ground pool vacuums, you’ll be met with many 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 effectively clean your pool.

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, making it very easy to empty 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, and no annoying wires to get in your way. Totally safe and budget-friendly!

Cheap and Cheerful

Are you getting heart eyes looking at the price? It’s pretty nice! And the good news is that it’s worth the price; this is easy to use, quick to get up and running, and cleans pools well.

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

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Compatibility
3 / 5
Durability
2.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

Personal Insight

Love the convenience and effectiveness of this product, despite its small size. Assembling it was easy, and while I initially thought the 4-inch width would be insufficient for my 18' x 48' above ground pool, it managed to pick up small debris quite effectively. I made a minor modification by adding a chamois cloth to better filter the dirt and sediment that collects at the bottom of the pool. Although the suction power and handle length may not be ideal for larger pools, it worked well for my smaller pool and required minimal effort to set up and clean.


Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Cleaner

Best Suction-Side Vacuum

This suction-side vacuum will properly clean above-ground pools up to six feet deep, even with dished-out bottoms. It only has one moving part, which is great because it eliminates the need for a hammer or flapper noise common in suction-side or other pool vacuums.

It also includes a deflector wheel to prevent the vacuum from getting caught on steps, ladders, and corners. Pre-assembled upon arrival, it’s all ready for your pool.

What We Like

AG Disc for Glidability

This comes with an AG disc that helps the machine glide effortlessly along your pool’s bottom. But it also goes up the sides and around steps to ensure most 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 possible. 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 neighbors with a noisy pool vacuum! This operates very quietly, which completes the nice and easy experience of cleaning your pool with this vacuum.

Arrives Pre-Assembled

The last thing busy people need is complicated instructions to assemble a product. Thankfully, this vacuum arrives pre-assembled, so you can have it up and running (and cleaning) in no time.

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 if that sounds like your above-ground pool.

Stops and 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 it does a fantastic job when moving.

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

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Compatibility
3 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Community Review

I recently purchased this pool cleaner and have found it to be a cost-effective solution for my 7,000-gallon vinyl-lined pool. While it does a decent job cleaning the floor and climbing the walls, I noticed it occasionally misses some spots and tends to favor the right side of the pool. Despite these minor issues, this product has made pool maintenance much easier and more efficient for me.


Intex Auto Pool Cleaner

Best for Intex Pools

This cleaner is a great vacuum option for Intex pools. 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 has a 24-foot hose that you can easily attach to your inlet connectors.

Be sure to use this with a filter pump with a flow rate of 1,600-3,500 GPH.

Warning

Don’t use this on in-ground pools. It’s not designed for them.

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 Cleans Entire Pool Floor

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 Price

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.

Includes a Cleaning Brush

When I hear that a pool vacuum has a cleaning brush, I do a little happy dance. The small brush underneath this vacuum can sweep the floor, accumulating more debris. Not only that, it has a water pressure jet to steer the debris into the vacuum, leaving your pool as spotless as possible.

What We Don't Like

Pesky 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 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 Full

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 14.8 pounds
Usage Intex pools, above-ground only
Warranty One year

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Compatibility
4 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Individual Opinion

This product effectively cleans the pool, but the hose system could use improvement as it tends to detach and requires reattachment often. The vacuum is easy to set up and manages to pick up debris, including sand, but struggles to collect larger amounts at once. For the price, it's a good investment for pool owners on a budget, but be prepared to spend some extra time untangling the hose and cleaning the filter frequently.


Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Side Vacuum

Best Pressure-Side Vacuum

This is a popular and well-received option if you’re looking for a pressure-side vacuum for your above-ground pool. It is specifically for vinyl and fiberglass pools up to five feet deep, so check your pool before purchasing.

Installing this vacuum in only a couple of minutes is very easy. 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 uniquely. 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 I mentioned, 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.

Cleans In Less Than Three Hours

Do you want to clean your pool quickly? Perhaps you have guests coming over or are desperate for a dip in the pool on a hot day. This unit will clean your pool in three hours or less!

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 occasionally.

Product Specs

Type Pressure-side
Type of Dirt All kinds of debris
Weight 13.9 pounds
Usage Above-ground for vinyl and fiberglass up to five feet deep
Warranty Cleaning head two years, port valve five years

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Compatibility
3.5 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I recently purchased this product after considering various options and watching YouTube videos for guidance. The unique design of this pool cleaner utilizes the return jet, allowing it to maintain skimming capabilities while effectively cleaning the pool. The bottom bag doesn't vacuum but uses two water jets to propel itself and push debris into the bag, keeping it securely in place. I found it to be more user-friendly than my previous Aquabot, as it required less maintenance and hassle when cleaning the bag. However, it is important to properly cut and adjust the hoses, check the filters, and maintain the unit to ensure optimal performance and avoid issues such as hose tangling or favoring one side of the pool.


Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Type Type of Dirt Weight Usage
Dolphin E10 Pool Cleaner Robotic Pool Vacuum Robotic General dirt & debris 14.6 lbs Above-ground up to 30 feet
Pool Blaster Max Cordless Cleaner For Cleaning Sand Battery Leaves, acorns, twigs, dirt & sand 5.5 lbs In-ground & above-ground
Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Cleaner For Leaves Battery Leaves, acorns, twigs, dirt & sand 6 lbs In-ground & above-ground
Intex Rechargeable Handheld Vac Rechargeable Pick Battery Loose dirt & debris 6.6 lbs PureSpas & above ground
Dolphin Sigma Pool Cleaner For Algae Robotic Debris, algae & bacteria 35 lbs Above- & in-ground, up to 50 feet
PoolSupplyTown Pool Spa Jet Vac Handheld Pool Vacuum Handheld Dirt, sand, pebbles, toys, leaves 12 oz Above-ground, spas, waterfalls, ponds
Hydrotools Pool & Spa Venturi Vac Budget Choice Handheld Loose dirt & debris 1.2 lbs Above-ground & kiddie pools
Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Cleaner Suction-Side Vacuum Suction-side Loose dirt & debris 15 lbs Above-ground up to 6 feet
Intex Auto Pool Cleaner For Intex Pools Robotic Loose dirt & debris 14.8 lbs Intex pools, above-ground
Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Side Vac Pressure-Side Vacuum Pressure-side All kinds of debris 13.9 lbs Above-ground (vinyl); fiberglass

Types Of Above-Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaners

You’ll notice a few different types when shopping for an above-ground pool vacuum. 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

  • Shorter battery life (around 30-60 minutes).
  • Charge times may take a few hours.

Robotic

Robotic pool vacuums clean the pool for you. It only 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 the Best Above-Ground Pool Vacuum

Before placing an order, 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?

I’ll let you know what debris each vacuum on the list can tackle.

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.

My top picks range from 12 ounces up to 35 pounds, which is quite a large range! On average, above-ground pool vacuums weigh about 13 pounds.

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 ensure you’re covered in case anything goes wrong. To make it easy for you, I’ve included warranty details for each product.

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 by protecting the lining from extreme weather conditions and following 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.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!