Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum 2022: Reviews, Comparison & Buyer’s Guide

If you are annoyed about debris and germs in your above ground pool, then consider investing in a special vacuum. It will help you to remove all dirt from the bottom and clean side walls of the basin. We’ve selected 7 best cleaning devices for over ground swimming pools with all advantages and downsides to make your choice of an appropriate model easier.

What is the best above ground pool vacuum? With the help of the modern sophisticated unit you will be able to clean any in- or above-ground pool of any size, depth and configuration. Besides, it allows covering the entire area of the swimming pool including bottom, walls and stairs. Such universal units will help you to tackle the most challenging debris and sediments by means of sophisticated filtration systems and powerful pumps. More than that, the most advanced pool vacuums are capable of running around 5 hours continuously without any interruption or mishaps.

Best Above Ground Pool Vacuums Compared

1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner It is a robotic vacuum cleaner suitable for all pool types. It works in auto mode and can be scheduled using 3 modes of operation determining cleaning frequency. The cleaning cycle time amounts to 2 hours. The vacuum comes with dual scrubbing brushes, built-in filter and 60 ft. tangle-free cable.
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2. Hayward W3925ADC Navigator Pro Pool Vacuum It is an auto suction pool cleaner powered by the filtration system which substitutes a booster pump. This model features the patented SmartDrive technology which allows covering up to 20’ x 40’ in-ground pools in auto mode. Its connection to a skimmer or suction port requires no additional tools and eliminates the need in debris bag attachment.
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3. Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner This pressure side device is designated for all in-ground pools and doesn’t require a separate booster pump as it operates on a pool circulation pump. It is equipped with all-wheel drive and triple jets which enhance its cleaning capacity. It is compatible with different pressure lines to function in sweeping, scrubbing and vacuuming modes. This model also features a large capacity filter bag, in-line back-up 360-degree valve and 31-feet of feed hose.
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4. Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 6-130-00 Pressure Side Automatic Pool Cleaner This auto pressure side cleaner is suitable only for above ground vinyl pools up to 5ft. deep. It operates on pumps and filtration systems of the above ground pools. It comes with a 1.5-inch threaded return line and 24 ft. float hose. Its unique detachable filter bag is suitable even for large debris.
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5. Intex Auto Pool Cleaner This auto vacuum cleaner is designed for up to 24ft. Intex above ground pools. It comes with a 24ft. hose suitable for 1 ½-inch Intex connectors only. This unit requires the flow rate within 1,600-3,500 GPH which can be provided by the pool filter pump. Note, that the capacity of Intex Auto Pool Cleaner is not enough for ground pool cleaning.
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6. XtremepowerUS 75037 Climb Wall Pool Cleaner Automatic Suction Vacuum This auto pool vacuum has the capacity to clean bottom and side surfaces of up to 30’ in-ground and above-ground pools, except the stairs, due to its design peculiarities. It doesn't require any additional tools or power supply, as it can be activated by the existing pool filtration system. It can be operated with ¾ HP pumps or 1600 GHP available at your premises.
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7. Intex 28620EP Rechargeable Handheld Vacuum Operation of this lightweight battery-powered pool cleaner is relied on Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. With their capacity it is capable of covering above ground pools up to 18’ diameter. This unit features an integrated filter bag, two interchangeable brush heads, 94” telescoping aluminum shaft, and USB cable for recharging.
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Types of above ground pool vacuums and cleaners

When choosing a certain cleaner you should consider the area and volume of your pool, capacity of the vacuum, and the maximum continuous runtime (for battery-powered units).

Nowadays, you may find three different types of vacuums for above ground pools. They are suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic.

Suction-side vacuums

Suction-side vacuums usually come in a simple design and they can be easily handled. Such units are attached to the pool skimmer or a dedicated suction line with a flexible hose. The suction power forces the unit to move around the bottom of your pool and collect debris which are sucked by the pool's filtration system. Thus, you should backwash the filter and also check the skimmer on a constant basis to prevent clogging which might cause further damage to the existing filtration system. HAYWARD W3925ADC NAVIGATOR PRO POOL VACUUM is an awesome example of the modern suction-side vacuum cleaning systems for in- and above-ground swimming pools.

However, it is important to mention that suction side models are not the best options for the comprehensive cleaning of your above ground pool. They’re mostly dedicated to bottom cleaning. Their maximum efficiency can be provided by a powerful filter line. Nevertheless, these units are the cheapest aside from manual vacuums. More than that, the suction side cleaners would become an excellent choice for pool owners with a limited budget or those having a small pool.

Pressure-side pool cleaners

Pressure-side vacuums are also attached to the pressure side of your existing filtration system. But they are more efficient cleaners in comparison with the above-mentioned type, as the pressure-side models use a separate dedicated booster pump to increase water circulation and suction power. Commonly, the pump has to be purchased separately, and sometimes this fact makes pressure-side options quite pricey. These pool cleaners collect debris to a separate bag located on the top of the housing. And this is an obvious advantage, as there is no need to backwash your pool’s filter constantly.

Overall, pressure-side vacuums are suitable for in- and above-ground pools to ensure efficient cleaning of any surfaces. However, keep in mind that they will handle larger debris better than small, and clean the bottom better than the walls. POLARIS VAC-SWEEP 360 PRESSURE SIDE POOL CLEANER provides superior performance of the pressure side model by means of integrated triple jets instead of operating on a separate booster pump.

Robotic vacuums

Independent robotic vacuums are created to gather larger debris and smaller dirt particles from swimming pools without human assistance. They can be used for smaller above-ground and large public pools. Nowadays, they are offered by many manufacturers in different sizes with a wide range of sophisticated programmable features. Such devices can be activated by means of hydraulic or electric drive. This fact determines the power source – electric mains or filtration system thrust. Robotic vacuum cleaners are the state-of-the-art solution for basin maintenance with an integrated filter and a separate compartment for debris. You just need to place the unit in the water and push the start button; and the robot will accomplish all stages of pool cleaning by itself.

Nevertheless, their high cost should become a matter of concern for many owners of above ground pools. So, it is reasonable to purchase robotic models to handle large swimming pools of an irregular shape which require comprehensive cleaning (covering both horizontal and vertical surfaces). For instance, DOLPHIN NAUTILUS CC PLUS AUTOMATIC ROBOTIC POOL CLEANER comes with a variety of advanced features enhancing its cleaning capabilities applicable for all types of pools.

Handheld vacuums

In addition to the reviewed models of above ground pool vacuums, I would like to mention battery-powered units which are comparatively new products among other conventional pool cleaning tools.

Battery operated models are handheld vacuums. They do not require any cables, cords or hoses. Instead, they are powered by embedded li-ion or ni-mh batteries. Their capacity is enough to collect dirt, leaves, and other debris for 30-45 minutes up to 1 hour before further recharging is required. Suction power of cordless pool vacuums is enhanced by means of the impeller. The collected debris is stored in an integrated filter bag. Besides, the battery cleaners reach the most hard-to-reach places where the electric robot can’t go. INTEX 28620EP RECHARGEABLE HANDHELD VACUUM is a lightweight and ergonomic unit which can handle any dirt and debris in every corner of your swimming pool.

How to vacuum above ground pool?

If you have invested in an above ground pool for comfortable summer leisure, then you should know that maintenance of such pools calls for special attention. This fact relates to their outdoor arrangement causing fast accumulation of leaves, twigs, and other debris within a short period of time. In general the cleaning process shall contain two stages: use of submerged pool vacuums to trap large and small debris, and application of a dedicated pool filter.

For instance, the Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is designed for above ground pools up to 19,600 gal to keep water in them perfectly clean. With the average flow rate of 2,450 GPH this model allows filtering, backwashing, rinsing, recirculating, draining and closing the entire system. The innovative Hydro Aeration technology enhances circulation and filtration, thus improving overall water quality and increasing negative ions on the water surface.

Swimline 71225 12 in Sand Filter Combo-0.33 Hp is another decent filter to keep water crystal clear in your pool. Featuring 20 GPM pumps, this corrosion resistant model is dedicated for soft-sided above ground pools up to 9,600 gal. Always, make sure that the capacity of your filtration system complies with the volume of the pool!

Top-7 Above Ground Pool Vacuums | Reviews

DOLPHIN NAUTILUS CC PLUS AUTOMATIC ROBOTIC POOL CLEANER | Best Powerful

Maytronics Limited is the international company with the headquarters located in Israel. The company was founded in 1983, since that time it has been manufacturing its lineup of Dolphin robotic pool vacuums. The Dolphin brand has introduced a range of innovative technologies in the field of swimming pool cleaning.

The Nautilus CC Plus is the residential-grade robotic cleaner which is capable of handling pools up to 50 feet in length. It is suitable for all pool surface types with ability to clean the bottom and walls of the swimming pool. The maximum runtime reaches 2 hours allowing it to complete the most challenging cleaning task. The suction rate of this model makes an impressive 4,500 GPH. Besides, it features enhanced filtering capacity with its twin cartridge filter, and dual scrubbing brushes providing 2x power. Thus, the NAUTILUS CC PLUS can trap all types of dirt and debris accumulated on the underwater surfaces of your pool. This model doesn’t require any pre-adjustment. You can start cleaning with a touch of a button. The cleaning frequency can be selected among 3 settings - every day, every other day, or every 3rd day.

Features

• Type: robotic
• Pool size (ft.): up to 50
• Weight (lbs): 19
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 16 x 10 x 16

Pros:	Cons:
Suitable for all pool types High suction rate Comes with programmable weekly scheduler Power efficient User-friendly Advanced filtering system Independent from any pool equipment	Expensive

With this robotic pool vacuum you will get the powerful performance along with the reliable Dolphin features standing out from other competitors in this class.

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HAYWARD W3925ADC NAVIGATOR PRO POOL VACUUM | Best Automatic Above Ground Pool Cleaner

Hayward Industries Inc., is the U.S. company which started its history back in 1963. Nowadays, it is a well-known manufacturer of flow-control products, cleaning systems including a wide range of pool equipment.

The Hayward Navigator Pro is an auto suction pool cleaner which can be attached to the existing filtration system of vinyl in-ground and over ground pools up to 20’ x 40’. The connection to a skimmer or suction sides doesn’t require additional tools, thus it will take less than 10 minutes. Also, this unit features the patented SmartDrive technology thanks to which it runs in a predetermined sequence of turns to cover the maximum area of your pool and avoid hose twisting. The innovative turbine-drive system ensures smooth and quiet operation of the cleaner.

Besides, this model comes with a wide vacuum inlet and the unique skirt design which contributes to efficient cleaning of dirt and debris.

Features

• Type: suction-side
• Pool size (ft.): up to 20 x 40
• Weight (lbs): 17.7
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 38.4 x 11.6 x 9.9

Pros:	Cons:
Suitable for large pools Simple installation Auto steering Silent operation Wide suction path	Filtration system of the pool has to be cleaned after each operation

The HAYWARD W3925ADC is the ideal product to complete the cleaning chore of your pool efficiently and with no hassle.

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POLARIS VAC-SWEEP 360 PRESSURE SIDE POOL CLEANER

Polaris Pool Holdings Corporation is one of the leading manufacturers of pool products including vacuum cleaners, booster pumps and associated accessories on the U.S. market. Besides, the company has more than 135 sales offices, 30 production facilities and 15 subsidiaries in 45 countries. Their global headquarters is located in Barcelona, Spain.

The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 is the latest upgraded version of the previous pressure-side automatic pool cleaners in the entire range of the Polaris. The cleaner is powered by triple jets and it operates on pool circulation pump which excludes the necessity in a separate booster pump. The advanced design of this model makes it capable of sweeping, scrubbing and vacuuming any in-ground pools of any configuration. It comes with an in-line back-up valve which frees the POLARIS VAC-SWEEP 360 if it gets stuck or cornered, thus maintaining a continuous running without any delays. Besides, this model features the filter bag where incoming debris is stored, thus increasing the lifespan of the existing filtration system.

Features

• Type: pressure side
• Pool size (ft.): n/a
• Weight (lbs): 14
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 20 x 10 x 22.7

Pros:	Cons:
Suitable for all pool types Doesn’t require a separate booster pump Functions in different cleaning modes Powerful suction intake Large capacity filter bag In-line back-up valve for continuous operation	Its efficiency will also depend on capacity of the existing pool pump Expensive

This innovative pressure-side pool vacuum demonstrates the best-performing pool cleaning technologies with its boosting capacity.

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POLARIS VAC-SWEEP 65 6-130-00 PRESSURE SIDE AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANER

This automatic pressure side vacuum is designed to clean all types of above ground pools with stairs up to 5 feet deep. This cleaner relies on the existing pool filtration system to trap bottom debris. Its innovative jet sweep design creates a heavy flow of water which encounters the pool wall to loosen debris in the most hard-to-reach places. Then the unit sweeps it into a detachable high capacity filter bag suitable for dirt and larger debris like pebbles and twigs.

Installation and connection of this pool vacuum take just several minutes. This becomes possible also due to availability of a ready to connect 1.5-inch threaded return line and 24 ft. flexible float hose in the package.

Features

• Type: pressure side
• Pool size: 5 ft. depth
• Weight (lbs): 13.9
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 22.5 x 7.5 x 23

Pros:	Cons:
Suitable for hard-to-reach places Can clean the pools with uneven bottom Keep pool filter and skimmer free from contaminants Easy and quick installation	Designed for above ground vinyl pools only Stiff hose which may tend to tangling The water flow has to be precisely regulated to get an adequate efficiency of the cleaner

I would recommend this cleaner for owners of above ground pools surrounded by trees and bushes to tackle any type of debris which may accumulate in water outdoors.

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INTEX AUTO POOL CLEANER

This is the first decent affordable model in our top list. It is offered by Intex Recreation Corporation which is a part of the global Intex Group with more than 50-year experience on the consumer market. The company distributes pool equipment, furniture, toys and other accessories throughout the U.S. and Canada.

This auto suction side pool cleaner is designed for above ground Intex pools and attached to the existing filter pump which provides from 1,600 GPH up to 3,500 GPH flow rate. It comes with 24 ft. floating hose and 1 ½-inch fittings to attach it easily to Intex connectors. Its enhanced maneuverability is ensured by predetermined series of turns to cover the entire pool floor.

Features

• Type: suction side
• Pool size (ft.): n/a
• Weight (lbs): 15.3
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 13.3 x 12.2 x 23.3

Pros:	Cons:
Operates in auto mode Easy installation Made of durable materials Simple design	Suitable for Intex above ground pools only It doesn’t clean walls

Once this vacuum is set up, it does a great job of cleaning your Intex pool, saving plenty of time and efforts.

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XTREMEPOWERUS 75037 CLIMB WALL POOL CLEANER AUTOMATIC SUCTION VACUUM-GENERIC | Best Budget

This pool cleaner comes in simple design with no wheels or gears, thus eliminating the risk of jamming or interruption of the cleaning process. It drains a big flow of water through the existing filtration system within a short period of time. It will operate on a 3/4 hp pool pump or 1600 GPH to ensure sufficient cleaning efficiency. No power supply is needed; the unit navigates around the water by itself to clean maximum surfaces including bottom and walls except stairs. Besides, this model comes with an extendable hose to clean pools up to 30’ deep.

The XTREMEPOWERUS 75037 is capable of thorough but gentle cleaning thanks to its unique pleated seal (base plate) to clean your swimming pool gently and thoroughly, regardless of pool configuration. Besides, it can handle different types of debris in the pool including leaves, twigs, algae and many other contaminants.

Features

• Type: suction side
• Pool size (ft.): 16' x 32'
• Weight (lbs): 12
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 40.5 x 5.5 x 17.5

Pros:	Cons:
Versatile Energy efficient Auto navigation Water flow diverter for the improved cleaning efficiency is included Affordable price	Assembly can cause particular difficulties Filtration system has to be cleaned after each operation

This little buddy makes a great combination of performance and price. Besides, it allows fine tuning of the vacuum with the entire set of useful attachments included.

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INTEX 28620EP RECHARGEABLE HANDHELD VACUUM | Best above ground pool vacuum for Intex under $100

This product from Intex is a handheld model powered by Ni-MH batteries. The latter can be recharged via included USB cable (plug is out of the scope of supply) to ensure powerful suction. On average one charge takes 50 minutes till the battery is full. The suction capacity of this model allows using it with all types of pure spas and above ground pools up to 18 ft. in diameter.

This vacuum needs to be fully submerged; otherwise the auto shutoff will be activated to shut off the tool. Also the INTEX 28620EP comes with 94” ergonomic telescoping aluminum shaft and two interchangeable brush heads.

Features

• Type: Handheld battery-powered
• Pool size (ft.): 18’ in diameter
• Weight (lbs): 7
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 39 x 6.5 x 5.2

Pros:	Cons:
Portable Ergonomic design Lightweight Convenient recharging Set of interchangeable brush heads is included	Human assistance is constantly required Small filter bag

This is the awesome handheld vacuum with a great battery life for efficient cleaning of above ground pools and hot tubs.

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Regarding pool vacuums, they have to be suitable for above ground pool use. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions of a certain model. Nevertheless, you should carry out the following general steps to get your vacuum ready.

1. First, you need to connect a vacuum hose and pole (in case of a handheld model) to a vacuum head. Then, submerge it in water and wait till all air comes out from the unit.

2. Check that the other side of the hose is filled with water too, driving out all bubbles from it. In the meanwhile, arrange the vacuum plate inside the skimmer.

3. Connect the hose to the skimmer fitting.

Having fulfilled these steps, you may proceed with vacuuming.

Best-Selling Above Ground Pool Vacuums | Comparison Table