When it comes to the cleanliness of your swimming pool, one of the devices that you can rely on is an above-ground pool vacuum cleaner. This device is designed to tackle the dirt that has accumulated in your favorite recreational amenity of your property.
When searching for the best above ground pool vacuums, it is essential that you can determine your requirements. In this way, you will be able to get the appropriate vacuum cleaner that can do the job.
The following are the most recommended above-ground pool vacuums in the market today. See each of them and see if their specifications and features match your needs.
Table of Contents
Best Above Ground Pool Vacuums
1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner – Editor’s Pick
The Nautilus CC is an automated above-ground pool vacuum that gives you the utmost convenience in cleaning your swimming pools. It is suitable for maintaining small to medium-size pools and ensures that it can do a thorough and spot-free job.
This device is not similar to conventional pressure and suction cleaners. It is energy-efficient and doesn’t rely on the pool pump or filter for it to work efficiently. Moreover, it does all the dirty work for you. It can do a quick cleaning, too, thanks to its powerful scrubbing and filtering capabilities. You can guarantee that it can make the walls and floor of your pool squeaky clean.
The Nautilus CC is also programmable so that it can operate on its own. It comes with three settings: every day, every other day, and every third day. Each of these settings refers to the frequency that the vacuum cleaner will clean by itself. You don’t need to hassle to operate it from time to time manually.
Pros:
- Strong scrubbing power
- Energy-efficient operation
- Features a large-capacity filter
- Can clean for straight two hours
- Internal components are well protected
Cons:
- It has difficulties in climbing pool walls
2. Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner – Runner-Up
Another above-ground pool vacuum that you should check is the Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner. It is user-friendly and offers a drop-and-go mechanism. By pressing a single button, this robotic pool cleaner will work on its own. It is a great vacuum for swimming pools that are as large as 50 feet.
The CleverClean technology of this robotic vacuum enables it to function efficiently. It will ensure that it can do a complete cleaning of your pool. It also features a patented anti-tangle swivel cable that allows it to move and scrub around your pool without difficulties.
The Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner possesses powerful, dual scrubbing brushes that excel in dealing with stubborn and tough dirt. The brushes can even remove debris that has been long-stuck in the walls and floors of your pool. Moreover, it comes with different filter options so that you can get the optimal cleaning results that you want.
Pros:
- Scrubs walls, floors, and waterlines
- Comes with two DC motors for maximum power
- Includes an automatic weekly timer
- No-tangle operation
- Ensures full pool coverage
Cons:
- Doesn’t work too well with rounded floors
3. Poolmaster 27402 Deluxe Air Relief Vinyl Liner Swimming Pool Vacuum – Budget-Friendly Pick
For the sake of affordability, I am going to introduce the Poolmaster 27402 Above Ground Pool Vacuum. Unlike the first two vacuums, you need to operate this manually. But trust me; this vacuum will not give you a hard time in cleaning.
It comes with high-quality nylon bristles along its perimeter and underside. They are instrumental in attacking tough and stuck dirt debris in the walls and flooring of your pool. There’s no problem even if you submerge it in the water. The stainless-steel tension spring handle of this device enables you to work underwater efficiently.
Moreover, it also comes with air relief valves that enhance its suction power. It also gives you the flexibility to adjust its suction strength so that you can optimize its performance. Its hose adaptor excels in swiveling. Hence, there should be no problem in handling it across corners and surfaces.
Pros:
- Features durable bristles for powerful cleaning action
- Adjustable suction strength
- Offers decent maneuverability
- Works well even if it is submerged
- Fits most standard hoses
Cons:
- The dirt can get stuck on its bristles
4. Hayward W3PHS41CST AquaNaut Pool Vacuum – Premium Pick
The Hayward W3PHS41CST AquaNaut Pool Vacuum is an incredible pick for heavy-duty pool cleaning needs. This device includes a proprietary 4-wheel drive capability so that it can generate the necessary power to clean pools. It also features exceptional traction and stability of pools, regardless of the construction and surface.
This unit also includes the patented V-Flex technology with self-adjusting variable vanes. The combination of these components guarantees the suction power of the vacuum while ensuring that it is never susceptible to clogs. Furthermore, the device comes with different pre-programmed steering configurations so that it can handle multiple settings, including rounded walls.
Meanwhile, its tire treads are pretty rugged and durable. It is also designed to have a series of crevices so that it can easily climb pool walls. Based on tests, the wheels are capable of treading different floor surfaces. The adjustable roller skirt of the Hayward AquaNaut works well on uneven surfaces with the guarantee that it will not lose its suction power.
Pros:
- Powerful suction
- Excels in climbing walls and uneven surfaces
- Highly adjustable suction power
- Not susceptible to clogging
- Easy to use
Cons
- The tubing that comes with it is not sufficient for 30 feet pools
5. Zodiac MX6 Pool Vacuum
The Zodiac MX6 Pool Vacuum is a suitable cleaner for swimming pools. It features cyclonic suction so that it can generate powerful suctions to deal with tough dirt and debris. It also has articulating turbine blades so that it can climb walls efficiently.
This vacuum is ideal for pools that have two-speed or variable speed pumps due to its low-flow design. As a result, the energy that it consumes is lesser than most of its counterparts. It has a compact construction so that you can handle and transport easily.
There are also swiveling hoses that you can quickly attach to the body of the vacuum. Its overall assembly is pretty easy since the instructions that come with it are readable and straightforward. Interestingly, there’s a flow regulator equipped in the Zodiac MX6 Pool Vacuum so that you can adjust its water input even without going to the skimmer.
Pros:
- Excellent climbing capability
- Decent suction power
- Features adjustable flow control
- Easy to assemble
- Takes out deeply-seated dirt
Cons:
- The construction of the hoses requires more improvement
How To Choose The Best Above Ground Pool Vacuums
Let’s be honest here. It is not easy to clean a pool. And even if you have the tools at your disposal, you’ll still feel hesitation in cleaning it. After all, pools are not like furniture that you can easily wipe the dust away.
Pools can get messy. If you haven’t cleaned them for ages, there’s a good chance that there are stains and debris that have been embedded on their floorings and edges. Taking them out will require a lot of work.
The essence of the above-ground pool vacuums is to ensure that you can make thorough cleaning of your pool. From its floor, walls, up to the top platform where you often sit or lie.
These vacuum cleaners will enable you to save time, effort, and money in maintaining the cleanliness of your pool. They also help in reducing the need to use harsh chemicals. Furthermore, using these pool vacuums mitigate the use of excessive water in the cleaning process. Traditionally, you will need a lot of water to aid you in restoring the cleanliness of the tool.
In choosing an above-ground pool vacuum, certain considerations should be taken into account. Keep in mind that you should get the best one right from the start. Hence, you need to make sure that the pool cleaner you get has the specifications that can meet your requirements.
Type of Pool Vacuum Cleaners
There are several types of pool vacuums out there. Specifically, they are robotic, pressure, suction, and manual. Each of them has their own strengths and limitations. However, you can guarantee that they can do the job for you.
Robotic Vacuums
They are highly recommended because of their low-maintenance capability. They operate through electric motors and have their own filters and pumps. Because of these features, you can say that these robotic vacuums are self-driven and self-contained.
These units can drive through steps, corners, and walls of your pools. Moreover, they have an automatic shutdown feature if the pool is already clean.
Pros:
- Removes germs and bacteria
- Effective in cleaning corners
- Circulates water to ensure that it will remain clean
- Reduces the need for chemicals
- Can work by itself
Cons:
- Filter and pump require constant cleaning
- It is expensive
- The cord has a limited reach
Suction Cleaners
Suction side vacuums are also a common choice these days. These devices are typically attached to the skimmer of the pool. It is considered to be one of the most economical of all the pool vacuums out there.
Many suction side vacuums can be used in-ground and above ground. Similar to robotic cleaners, these suction vacuums are designed to pass through the pool surface while it is scrubbing.
Instead of filters, this particular vacuum passes the water to the filtration system of the pool. It is there where debris is taken out.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- User-friendly; easy to maintain
- Requires no part replacements
- Doesn’t add to your power bill
Cons:
- Setup is quite complicated
- Disadvantageous when your pool has only one skimmer
- It can quickly fill the pump basket of your pool
Pressure Side Cleaners
These pressure side vacuums operate with the use of the return port of the pool. It can also be attached to a dedicated booster pump line. Side vacuums that are designed for line models are automated. They come with their own bags where they can store the debris they collected. They do not rely on the filtration system of the pool.
However, both the versions of pressure side vacuums operate using the water that is being pumped back to the swimming pool. Specifically, the water enters the vacuum cleaner, and it will then be distributed to the venturi, thrust jet, and sweeper tail. The thrust jet is similar to a propeller. It is the one that moves and directs the vacuum.
Meanwhile, the sweeper tail aids in sweeping small debris from the walls. The venturi, on the other hand, is the entry point located at the bottom of the cleaner where the larger debris is being sucked to the bag.
Pros:
- Thorough cleaning performance
- Includes it own filter bag
- Not susceptible to clogging
- Extensive lifespan
Cons:
- It is pricey
- Difficult to maintain and setup
- Sometimes, it requires additional plumbing
Other Considerations
- Length of the hose – Ensure that the pool cleaner has a length that can reach the skimmer of the pool. If it doesn’t have a long hose, you have to make sure that there’s a compatible longer replacement that you can get from its manufacturer.
- Price – You should also consider the price of the vacuum cleaner, especially if you are trying to be economical. Robotic cleaners are expensive. But when it comes to performance, they are the most efficient and hassle-free.
- Ability to tackle different surfaces – It is essential that the vacuum cleaner can clean multiple surfaces. Otherwise, you will not get a thorough cleaning job. Moreover, you should make sure that it can climb walls. Otherwise, you will still have to brush the walls manually to take out the debris and algae.
- Durability – Of course, it is quite useless if the vacuum cleaner is flimsy. At this point, you have to realize that ordinary vacuums will not be able to make the cut. After all, their circuitries and motors are susceptible to water damages. You need to get those units that are designed to endure water and other chemicals present in the pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are robot above-ground pool vacuums efficient?
A: Yes, considering that they include their respective filtration systems. They can work on their own and finish the job in just a few hours.
Q: Should I go for a robotic or manual vacuum for my pool?
A: It depends on your capability and preferences. For instance, if your budget is limited, there’s a little chance that you can get these robot vacuums. However, this doesn’t mean that manual vacuums are bad. They can still clean your pool.
Q: Are above-ground pool vacuums susceptible to damages?
A: I am not entirely convinced that all pool vacuums are durable. I have seen flimsy units out there. To avoid getting a disappointing vacuum, you have to make sure that you properly check the construction of the vacuum before you buy it.
Conclusion
Swimming pools are a great source of recreation and fun, especially for kids. It is an amenity where everybody can enjoy and beat the summer heat away. That’s why it sucks if it becomes dirty.
Investing in the best above-ground pool vacuums can prevent the pool from becoming polluted and smelly. They are the very utilities that you can rely on to ease the process of maintaining the immaculate structure of your pool.
Do you have other questions? Feel free to drop them in the comment section below.