Having a pool is a luxury but also a big responsibility. You need to devote time to regular maintenance and cleaning. Of course, that requires owning the proper tools.
Pools need to be vacuumed often. If you’re in the market for one of the best handheld pool vacuums, we have 10 recommendations for various purposes. With this list, you’ll find one that suits you and your pool best.
Our picks are backed by hours of research into expert advice, real customer reviews, and our own expertise. We studied each vacuum’s usability, cleaning ability, and price, among other details.
- Water tech P30 motor
- Great for spacious pools
- Debris capture ability
- Cordless design
- Two cleaner head options
- 45-minute run time
- Quick release chamber for easy empying
- Extra-large dirt chamber
- Small but mighty
- Versatile use for various pools
- Two brush heads for deep cleaning
- 94-inch telescoping pole
- Alternating suction and discharge
- 1200-watt motor
- Range of attachments
- Cleans stains
- Nylon net bag captures debris
- Bottom brushes clean pool quickly
- Connects to the garden hose
- Double-layer mesh bag
- Easy to transport
- Works with any garden hose
- Captures small particles
- Cleans pool quickly
- Removable flapper for easy cleaning
- Adjustable hose
- Works on a variety of materials
- Picks up small particles like sand & silt
- Long run time
- Traps dirt well
Product Reviews
We’ve waded through many pool vacuums on the market and narrowed it down to the best handheld options. With hours of research into customer reviews, expert advice, and product descriptions, we’re confident you’ll find something just right for your pool.
Here are the best handheld pool vacuums on the market.
1. Pool Blaster Max Pool-Cleaner
Best Cordless Vacuum
Long cords can get in the way when you’re undertaking the laborious task of cleaning your pool. This Pool Blaster Max cleaner is completely cordless, so you can easily maneuver it.
Just because it’s cordless doesn’t mean it has poor battery life. Between four-hour charges, you’ll get 60 minutes of hose-free cleaning time. This is a pretty impressive setup, in our opinion.
What We Like
Water Tech P30 Motor
The Water Tech P30 motor has great suction power. It’s been designed for quick and efficient debris cleanup in literally any size pool.
Great for Spacious Pools
While handheld pool vacuums can often be on the smaller side, this one is designed for any pool size. The 10.5-inch vacuum head and brush are designed to quickly clean large or small pools. Get the job done and dive right back into the water!
Debris Capture Ability
This vacuum can catch a lot of debris. The large debris chamber and strong suction means that every bit of dirt and gunk in your pool can be sucked up. This includes acorns, twigs and leaves, as well as sand, silt, and pollen, thanks to the bag and filter feature.
Easy To Use and Cordless
The cordless design makes it easy to use, especially in hard-to-reach places. You can attach this unit to any standard telescopic pool pole or use it as a smaller handheld unit. Just note that the telescopic pole isn’t included.
What We Don't Like
Short Lifetime
Some customers had this vacuum for many years, while others said theirs only lasted a few months. The warranty covers the item for one year, but keep in mind that you might need to utilize this.
Sends Debris Back Into the Pool
The opening valve is a common sore spot for some customers. They found that the vacuum would occasionally spit the debris out of the chamber and back into the pool.
Product Specs
| Weight | 5.5 pounds |
| Power Source | Battery powered, rechargeable |
| Pool Type | Any |
| Type of Debris | Acorns, twigs, leaves, dirt, and sand |
| Price | High |
2. Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Cleaner
Best for Sand
If your pool gets sandy, that can make each swim unpleasant. That’s where we recommend the Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra, which is designed to capture a range of debris. This includes acorns, twigs, leaves, dirt, and sand.
Is your pool in need of a deep clean? With this well-loved product, you’ll be super impressed with the results.
What We Like
Cordless Design
We love the cordless design of this pool vacuum. You can simply charge up the battery and use it without any wires or cords getting in your way.
Two Head Options
You can use the 10.5-inch head to quickly clean the whole floor area of the pool. Or you can take it off and use the vacuum with the nozzle. This is great for getting into tight corners and hard-to-reach places.
45-Minute Run Time
The long run time gives you enough flexibility to deep clean the whole pool before needing to put the vacuum back to charge.
Captures a Range of Dirt
If you have a filthy pool, you’ll enjoy this vacuum. It can capture small debris, like sand, and larger debris, like leaves.
What We Don't Like
Telescoping Handle Not Included
Unfortunately, the telescoping handle isn’t included. So if you have a bigger pool and would benefit from the telescoping handle, you’ll need to buy it separately.
Needs To Be Emptied Often
The debris tank can quickly fill up, so you may need to empty it a few times while cleaning. This is especially useful if picking up large bits of dirt like leaves and twigs.
Product Specs
| Weight | 6 pounds |
| Power Source | Battery-powered, rechargeable |
| Pool Type | Any |
| Type of Debris | Acorns, twigs, leaves, dirt, and sand |
| Price | High |
3. Pool Blaster Water Tech Pulse Cleaner
Best Electric Pool Vacuum
This handheld electric pool vacuum runs on a lithium-ion battery. The 45-minute battery life between charges gives you plenty of time to deep clean your pool.
This looks like a traditional upright canister vacuum. The long pole is included, so you just need to submerge it in the water, turn it on, and vacuum as you do with your indoor floors!
You can also use the smaller handheld section for cleaning in more detail. This is great for the pool steps or shallow hot tubs.
What We Like
Quick Release Chamber for Easy Emptying
The debris chamber has a dual-cam lever connection, making it super easy to empty between cleanings. It’s important to keep the tank emptied, as this improves suction power.
XL Dirt Chamber
The extra large dirt chamber provides tons of room for all kinds of dirt and debris that you’ll find in your pool. This includes acorns, twigs, leaves, sand, and more.
Small but Mighty
You may be surprised when this arrives as the head is quite small. But customers ended up loving that as it helped with hard-to-reach spots, like behind pool stairs. While it may take a while to cover the whole pool ground, it does a fantastic job.
Works for Various Pool Types
This vacuum works on above and in-ground pools, as well as hot tubs and spas. So no matter what type of water feature you have, clean it with this vacuum.
What We Don't Like
Problems Removing From the Water
One of the biggest issues with this device is when you remove it from the water. If you don’t quickly move it over the ground or grass, then the debris easily falls back into the pool.
This is inconvenient but isn’t a huge drawback for the most satisfied customers. Just a character quirk to the vacuum!
Takes a While To Clean
While the small head can be an advantage, it also means it takes a while to vacuum the pool. Therefore, we do recommend this for smaller pools. Otherwise, you’ll be vacuuming for a while!
Product Specs
| Weight | 6.44 pounds |
| Power Source | Battery-powered, rechargeable |
| Pool Type | Any (but best for smaller pools) |
| Type of Debris | Acorns, twigs, leaves, dirt, and sand |
| Price | High |
4. Intex Rechargeable Handheld Vacuum
Best Battery
This vacuum has strong built-in rechargeable batteries that give it a powerful suction ability. You can easily charge this up with a USB port, too. When it’s been taken out of the pool, it automatically turns off, which gives you peace of mind.
The long pole gives you flexibility and room to get into every inch of your pool. You can be sure that no dirt and debris is left behind.
What We Like
Versatile Use for Various Pools
You can use this across a range of pools and spas. It’s suitable with all pure spas and any above-ground pools up to 18 feet in diameter.
Two Brush Heads for Deep Cleaning
This comes with two interchangeable brush heads. One is great for the bottom of the pool since it has a flat triangular shape. The other is smaller, like a vacuum nozzle attachment. You’ll love it for going up the sides and into corners.
94-Inch Telescoping Pole
This comes with a long 94-inch telescoping aluminum pole. The length makes it great for larger pools since you can now reach the middle without problems. On the other hand, the aluminum is nice and sturdy, so it will last a while.
Automatic Shutoff
When you remove this vacuum from the poo, it automatically turns off. This protects your other surfaces and prevents debris from going back into the pool.
What We Don't Like
Low Suction Power
This pool vacuum does not have the highest suction power around. If your pool is under a tree, for example, and is subject to a lot of big debris, you may need something more powerful.
Also, some customers reported that the head falls off sometimes and spits debris back into the water.
Not Durable
The motor for this isn’t durable. Many customers reported theirs died after a few weeks. Charging it up seemed to make no difference. We recommend checking the warranty before purchasing to make sure this kind of damage is covered.
Product Specs
| Weight | 7 pounds |
| Power Source | Battery-powered, rechargeable |
| Pool Type | Above-ground pools and spas, up to 18’ in diameter |
| Type of Debris | General dirt and debris |
| Price | Medium |
5. Oase Pondovac Classic Pond Vacuum Cleaner
Best for Algae
Algae can ruin your pool, make it look unsightly, and be very dangerous to swim in (1). Whether you have algae in your pond or pool, we recommend eliminating the problem with the Oase Pondovac Classic.
The vacuum comes with a range of nozzle attachments which are really useful for getting rid of all sorts of dirt, including string algae.
What We Like
Alternating Suction and Discharge
This vacuum has a single-chamber suction system. It automatically alternates between suction and draining, so you don’t need to do it manually. When the chamber is full, it automatically empties it.
1200 Watt Motor
This vacuum has a powerful 1200-watt motor with a maximum suction height of six feet. If your pool is deeper than that, you may need to choose a different type of vacuum cleaner. However, the strong suction and flexibility make cleaning ponds and pools quick and easy.
Range of Attachments
The wide range of attachments make cleaning specific messes easier than ever before. Whether you’re cleaning algae from a pond or debris from a pool, the attachments can help.
Clear Extention Tube
This unit includes a clear extension tube so you can see the debris moving from the water into the collection bag. This allows you to inspect what’s going on, and you’re never left in the dark as to whether the machine is actually sucking up dirt.
What We Don't Like
Automatic Drainage Can Return Debris To Pool
While this is a pro, it can also be a drawback. If the tank is full while you’re still vacuuming, and the automatic drainage turns on, it can spill all the dirt back into your pool. Yuck!
Clogs Easily
The filter can easily get clogged, especially with larger debris like stones and pebbles. If you have pebbles around your pond area, then you may be in trouble with this product.
Product Specs
| Weight | 23.5 pounds |
| Power Source | Power cord |
| Pool Type | Ponds and pools |
| Type of Debris | Algae, sludge, and other soft debris |
| Price | High |
6. PoolWhale Portable Pool Vacuum
Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum
This budget-friendly vacuum is designed for above-ground pools, as well as spas, ponds, and fountains. So give your backyard water features a deep clean with this handy vacuum.
All you need to do is connect it to your garden hose, submerge it under the water, and you’re good to go. The pressure from the hose will create suction to pull in dirt and debris into the attached bag.
What We Like
It Cleans Stains
True, the water pressure picks up and collects dirt and debris. But the suction can also help remove stains from the bottom of your pool.
Nylon Net Bag Captures Range of Debris
The large nylon net bag has a fine mesh design to contain all types of dirt, even fine pieces of dirt and debris. It even has a buckle to secure the bag to the device.
Bottom Brushes Clean Quickly
The bottom head of the vacuum has brushes to help with attracting dirt and debris. The two pulleys help to pull up dirt quickly, saving you time and energy.
Cheap Price Point
If you’re on a budget, this is one of the cheapest pool vacuums you will find. And it still does a good job at cleaning! It works for in-ground and above-ground pools, inflatable pools, hot tubs, ponds, and more.
What We Don't Like
Fills Your Pool With More Water
Any item that uses a hose to suction up dirt risks filling up your pool even more. The water from the hose can quickly increase the water level in your pool or hot tub.
Flimsy Cheap Pole
The pole’s material is flimsy and cheap. This makes maneuvering and pushing the vacuum around the pool’s floor hard.
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.32 pounds |
| Power Source | Garden hose |
| Pool Type | Above-ground pool, spa, hot tub, and fountain |
| Type of Debris | General dirt, including small pieces |
| Price | Low |
7. Pool Supply Town Vacuum Cleaner
Best Budget Choice
If you don’t want to spend much money on a pool vacuum cleaner, you don’t have to.
Of course, the more money you spend, the higher quality the product. But this affordable vacuum cleaner still has fantastic reviews!
It’s designed for all kinds of bodies of water. This includes above-ground and inflatable pools, spas, hot tubs, ponds, and waterfalls.
Keep In Mind
What We Like
Connects To the Garden Hose
This has good suction power since it uses the pressure from your garden hose to work. The water pressure will create a venturi effect, drawing debris from the pool into the collection bag. There’s no electric power required or a pump filter.
Double-Layered Mesh Bag
The fine mesh bag is double-layered which we love. The structure means it’s great for picking up small particles like sand, pebbles, leaves, and dirt, as well as bigger bits of debris.
Easy To Transport
Because of the lightweight and portable design, it’s super easy to take this to a range of water bodies across your backyard. Whether you’re cleaning your pond, hot tub, or above-ground pool, it’s simple to clean up all messes with this device.
Brush and Vacuum Simultaneously
With the unique brush head, you can brush and vacuum your pool at the same time. This removes stains and loosens stubborn debris so the vacuum can remove it from the water.
What We Don't Like
Maybe Too Lightweight
While the lightweight design is a pro point because it makes it easy to transport, it’s also a drawback. The water pressure from your garden hose will be pretty strong. But with the lightweight vacuum, this often means the pole becomes bent, or the bag floats upwards.
Poor Durability
Because of the low price, the quality is relatively cheap. So keep in mind that it’s not the most durable product and may not last longer than a year.
Product Specs
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Power Source | Garden hose |
| Pool Type | Above-ground pool, hot tub, pond, waterfall |
| Type of Debris | General dirt, including small pieces |
| Price | Low |
8. Hydrotools Pool and Spa Venturi Vacuum
Best for Kiddie Pools
You don’t need to invest money in the most high-end product if you’re just cleaning out your kiddie pools.
This vacuum is super for small pools. However, because it uses pressure from the garden hose, it may fill up the pool a bit. So we recommend emptying some water beforehand to prevent overflow.
As well as kiddie pools you can use this for larger above-ground pools, too.
What We Like
Works With Any Garden Hose
Setting up this pool vacuum is super easy. You can attach it to any garden hose, submerge it in water, turn the water on, and then watch the Venturi effect begin. This will cause pressure and create suction to pull up dirt and debris.
Captures Small Particles
The fine mesh bag captures and traps small particles like sand, dirt, and stones. You can remove the bag to clean it out afterward.
Cleans Pools Quickly
One massive advantage among customers was how quickly they cleaned their pool with this vacuum. A large above-ground pool only took 30 minutes, with smaller ones taking as little as five minutes.
Low Price Point
Here’s another budget-friendly choice to add to your list. Costing around 10 percent of some of our other options, this is an excellent choice if you want to try a product without draining your bank account.
What We Don't Like
Flimsy Pole
The included pole is pretty flimsy. Many people noticed it broke off or bent during use, creating a frustrating cleaning routine.
Not for Large Pools
While you can use this for average above-ground pool sizes, it’s not intended for large or in-ground pools.
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Power Source | Garden hose |
| Pool Type | Above-ground and kiddie pools |
| Type of Debris | General dirt and debris, including small pieces |
| Price | Low |
9. XtremepowerUS Climb Wall Pool Cleaner
Best Heavy Duty Pool Vacuum
If you’re after a heavy-duty vacuum, this climb wall pool cleaner is one to consider. It has a hefty horsepower of one, so long as you plug it into a 1 HP pump.
From there on, it will do a great job of deep cleaning your pool. You can use this with in-ground and above-ground pools.
The coolest thing about it is that it climbs the walls of your pool and cleans them as well, which can often be ignored with handheld cleaners.
Keep In Mind
What We Like
Removable Flapper for Easy Cleaning
The removable flapper makes it easier than ever to clean out the hose. Now, you can easily remove debris from inside to prevent clogs. Just unscrew the piffle plate, pull it out, remove the flapper, and pull out any debris.
Adjustable Hose
You can adjust the hose length up to 30 feet by adding or removing extra hose sections. This cleaner is designed to reach all ends of the pool. That way, you can achieve a deep clean without a huge hassle.
Works on a Variety of Materials
This vacuum cleans and removes stains on a variety of floor materials. This will work on concrete, tile, vinyl, and fiberglass pools.
Self-Navigates Around Your Pool
Enjoy watching this machine move automatically around your pool. You can set it up, then sit back and relax in the sun while the pool vacuum does the dirty work for you.
What We Don't Like
Subject to Erosion
The vacuum is subject to erosion from typical pool chemicals. Therefore, you must clean the vacuum after every use and never store it in the pool. Make sure it dries thoroughly between uses.
Not for Cleaning Leaves
This product can clean a lot of different messes, but not leaves. So if that’s the main source of mess in your pool, we recommend a different product.
Product Specs
| Weight | 12 pounds |
| Power Source | Connects to a pool pump |
| Pool Type | In-ground and above ground |
| Type of Debris | Algae, dirt, and dust |
| Price | High |
10. Water Tech Pool Blaster Aqua Broom
Best Versatile Vacuum
Do you want a pool vacuum that can do more than just vacuum your in-ground pool? Well, this is one to consider.
It’s made for spas, hot tubs, in-ground, above-ground, and soft-sided pools. So no matter what you have, this Aqua Broom can help deliver a deep clean!
What We Like
Deep Cleans All Kinds of Pools
Besides the general dirt and debris, this device can also get small particles like sand and silt. You’ll be super impressed by its accuracy and attention to detail.
Long Run Time Between Charges
On one charge, this device can run up to three hours. That’s ages! So if you have a lot of dirt to vacuum, this can do a range of tasks in one charge.
Traps Dirt Well
This vacuum traps dirt better than a lot of other pool vacuums. It won’t spit it back into the pool, so you’re safe from that gross regurgitation that some pool vacuums do.
Easy To Install and Operate
It’s simple to set up this pool vacuum. It doesn’t require a pump or water hook-up. Once you’ve set it up, it’s easy to use by hand or with a pole. Since it’s so lightweight – less than two pounds — it’s a breeze to maneuver.
What We Don't Like
Turn-on Design Faulty
While the design is really simple — you just turn the head to switch the power on — it can be hard to do so. Some people struggle to do it at all, whereas others found it too easy. They may accidentally nudge it on when they are charging or assembling it.
Plus, if you twist it too far, you can pull the whole head off!
Suction Power Deteriorates
When you first go to use this product, the suction is good. But the more dirt and debris you collect, the worse the suction gets until you empty it again.
Product Specs
| Weight | 2.8 pounds |
| Power Source | Rechargeable battery |
| Pool Type | Any |
| Type of Debris | Dirt, debris, sand, slit |
| Price | Medium |
| Product | Best | Weight | Power Source | Pool Type | Type of Debris |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pool Blaster Max | Cordless Vacuum | 5.5 lbs | Battery-powered, rechargeable | Any | Acorns, twigs, leaves, dirt & sand |
| Pool Blaster Catfish | For Sand | 6 lbs | Battery-powered, rechargeable | Any | Acorns, twigs, leaves, dirt & sand |
| Pool Blaster Water | Electric Pool Vacuum | 6.44 lbs | Battery-powered, rechargeable | Any (but best for smaller pools) | Acorns, twigs, leaves, dirt & sand |
| Intex Rechargeable | Battery | 7 lbs | Battery-powered, rechargeable | Above-ground pools & spas, up to 18’ in diameter | General dirt & debris |
| Oase Pondovac Classic | For Algae | 23.5 lbs | Power cord | Ponds & pools | Algae, sludge & other soft debris |
| PoolWhale Portable | Above Ground Pool Vacuum | 1.32 lbs | Garden hose | Above-ground pool, spa, hot tub & fountain | General dirt, including small pieces |
| Pool Supply Town | Budget Choice | 12 oz | Garden hose | Above-ground pool, hot tub, pond, waterfall | General dirt, including small pieces |
| Hydrotools Pool and Spa | For Kiddie Pools | 1.2 lbs | Garden hose | Above-ground & kiddie pools | General dirt & debris, including small pieces |
| XtremepowerUS Climb Wall | Heavy Duty Pool Vacuum | 12 lbs | Connects to a pool pump | In-ground & above ground | Algae, dirt & dust |
| Water Tech Pool Blaster | Versatile Vacuum | 2.8 lbs | Rechargeable battery | Any | Dirt, debris, sand, slit |
Is a Handheld Pool Cleaner Worth It?
We think so. They’re not super expensive, but they can often do a better job than other products. Rather than a robotic vacuum or a self-cleaning system, you’re in control of the specific dirt you pick up to ensure you’ve eliminated every last spec.
Things to Consider (Buying Guide)
When shopping for a handheld pool vacuum, there are essential factors to consider. This will ensure you choose one that ticks all your boxes.
Weight
Since you’ll be operating this by hand, the weight must be suitable for you. If it’s too heavy, it will be hard to operate. Our recommendations range from 12 ounces to 23.5 pounds, so you have plenty of options.
Power Source
Handheld pool vacuums are available with a range of power sources. Some are battery-powered, some are attached to a garden hose, some use suction from the pool, and some are manual. Make sure you have the appropriate setup for the vacuum you’re considering.
Pool Type
Not all pool vacuums are suitable for every pool type. Whether you have an above-ground pool, in-ground pool, jacuzzi, kiddie pool, or something else, you’ll need to check if the vacuum is suitable for your pool.
Budget
Pool vacuums are available at a huge range of prices. Some are less than $20, and others are nearly $1000! So you should narrow down your budget first and look for something within your desired price range.
Type of Debris
Last but not least, consider what type of debris the pool vacuum cleans up. For example, if you have a lot of sand or algae, you’ll need to choose one that can tackle this mess.
How Often Should You Run a Pool Vacuum?
We recommend vacuuming your pool once a week or whenever you notice a lot of dirt or build-up. Maintenance is key to a great pool experience.
FAQs
How Does a Cordless Pool Vacuum Work?
A cordless pool vacuum works in conjunction with your pool filter system. It sucks in water and channels it through a series of filters to remove bacteria and debris.
What Is the Best Vacuum for a Small Pool?
The best vacuum for small pools is this Hydrotools Small Above Ground Pool Vacuum. It works with any garden hose, traps smaller particles, and works efficiently.
How Do You Manually Vacuum a Pool?
The easiest way to manually vacuum a pool is to attach the vacuum to a telescoping pole, connect the outlet pipe to your pool filter system, and push the vacuum along the base of your pool.
Do Pool Vacuums Clean Algae?
Pool vacuums do clean algae, depending on the quality of the filter. Filters with greater capacity trap smaller algae particles and other harmful bacteria.
How Can I Clean My Green Pool Fast?
The fastest way to clean your green pool is to add lots of chlorine and scrub the sides and floor until the algae mix with the chlorine. Wait for 15 to 24 hours while the algae die, then drain the water.
