Table of Contents
Best Manual Above Ground Pool Vacuums
| RANK | MODEL | SCORE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Intex 28620E Handheld Rechargeable Vacuum | 8.8 |
| 2 |  | Pool Blaster Water Tech Catfish Li Pool & Spa Cleaner | 8.6 |
| 3 |  | Kokido Telsa 05 Rechargeable Handheld Electric Pool Cleaner | 8.3 |
Best Above Ground Pool Robotic Cleaners
| RANK | MODEL | SCORE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner | 9.4 |
| 2 |  | Smartpool NC22 SmartKleen-Robotic Pool Cleaner | 8.7 |
| 3 |  | Aquabot APRVJR Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner | 8.5 |
Best Suction Pool Cleaners for Above Ground Pools
Top Rated Intex Automatic Above Ground Pool Vacuum
| RANK | MODEL | SCORE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Intex Auto Pool Cleaner | 8.6 |
Despite the little maintenance that above ground pools demand, you still need to clean them routinely according to a set schedule so they will last for many years.
Using a pool cover helps to reduce debris, however, your above ground pool might get dirty during the normal usage. The solar or debris cover may only keep large unwanted debris out. The pool still gets dirtied by sand and other dirt from around the pool. With only this, there is no guarantee of a debris free swimming pool. Leaves and flowers shedding from the surrounding trees add more debris to the pool. To add on top, insects that are caught unawares are trapped in water.
The work of a pool vacuum cleaner is to get rid of any debris that might be existent in the pool. From small to large debris. The major aim is to prevent the debris from reaching the filter basket or pool pump. Some debris even grow on the sides of the pool. They may grow because water does not flow rapidly. For example, algae. Moving water prevent building up of such plants.
When you notice that your pool water is cloudy, you probably need to vacuum your swimming pool. Also be sure to shock the pool water with the appropriate chemicals after you have thoroughly vacuumed your pool.
It is more economical in the long run if you set a weekly schedule for pool vacuuming and whenever needed. This will keep the pool filter and pump from becoming inefficient due to a large collection of debris. So you will definitely save on unnecessary costs of replacing pool equipment.
There are the manual and automatic pool vacuums. Some would cost you hundreds of dollars while others would be thousands. The price is solely dependent on factors like power and other specific features of the pool vacuums.
Manual Above Ground Pool Vacuums
There is a very thin line between a manual above ground pool vacuum and a traditional home vacuum. A manual pool vacuum is composed of three major elements. They include: a hose, a pole and a vacuum head.
The pool vacuum head sucks debris from the pool water, floor and walls. The pole lets you hold the vacuum much like the pole of a household vacuum. The pool vacuum hose gives a way for the water to circulate through the system.
To use the manual pool vacuum, just hold the opposite hose end with your hand and put it before water intake in order to fill up the hose with water.
When the water flows through the hose, then it sinks below the water’s surface. By doing these steps you have created a suction. You are now ready to vacuum the pool.
Vacuum up the tiny debris first if you can and save big pieces of debris for the end of the vacuum cycle. Saving the larger pieces for last will prevent clogging the vacuum. Also, collect any large trash from the pool with a skimmer before you start the process.
When you are done cleaning the pool, you are free to store the pool vacuum after disconnecting the hose off the filter.
A manual pool vacuum cleaner is an inexpensive option for above ground pools as it does not require any automatic motors or other features.
As we all understand, a manual vacuum is equally essential in a pool cleaning, despite having an automatic pool vacuum. The main reason is because, sometimes you will have to manually remove large debris before you clog an automatic pool cleaner or pool pump system.
Top 3 Best Manual Above Ground Pool Vacuum Reviews
1. Water Tech Pool Blaster Catfish
This handheld battery operated pool cleaner is suitable for various types of swimming pools regardless of their sizes. With no restrictions for which kind of pool you are cleaning, the end result is what make a vacuum worth possessing. It might be a kiddie’s pool, an extra-large above ground pool or a spa tub.
The Water Tech Pool Blaster may serve you right with its ability to clean independently from the main pool filter. Besides it has a 33 gallon per minute cleaning ability.
This portable pool vacuum is very simple to use. When attached to the telescopic pole (an extra accessory), the Water Tech Pool Blaster can reach every corner of your pool. You will be able to clean the entire pool without using hoses or additional pumps.
The Pool Blaster Catfish features a rechargeable battery that can operate for 45 minutes in just a single charge. The filter bag can be cleaned and reused. This cordless pool vacuum has sufficient power to easily remove sand, leaves, and germs that can contaminate your pool and cause disease.
Features:
- Lightweight: the Water Tech Pool Blaster has a very manageable weight. Carrying or lifting the pool vacuum around would not be a big issue due to the light weight.
- Battery Recharger: this charger adopts a smart technology with a battery status sensing ability. It emits different colors of light when it is charged fully. This light emission is automated. It features a fast charging feature of less than 4 hours to charge completely.
- Excellent Filter Bag: the outstanding filter bag makes it easy to collect dust and dirt from your pool. When you use the included filter bag, you will find this process very simple. And, best of all, the bag is reusable.
- Independence from the Pool Filter System: this vacuum runs without depending on the main pool filter system. You do not have to attach the pool cleaner to the other filtering systems.
2. Intex Rechargeable Handheld Vacuum (28620E)
This Intex above ground pool vacuum has a rechargeable built-in battery. The battery can produce a powerful suction which ensures an efficient cleaning task. One great feature of this handheld vacuum is that it does not require a hose or cable. All you have to do is allow the battery to charge, fasten the telescopic shaft made from durable aluminum, and you are ready to vacuum!
With an adapter for the shaft and two different brush heads, the vacuum is very handy. This cordless pool vacuum is designed to be most useful for 18 foot above ground pools or less. With the included USB connection and cable, you can charge it anywhere.
Features:
- Usable in all 18′ diameter or less above ground swimming pools and every PureSpa.
- Built-in Ni-MH battery (rechargeable) which assures strength during suction.
- Included tools and accessories: two compatible brush heads, recharging cable (USB), 94-inch lightweight telescoping shaft made from aluminum, and a shaft adapter to make the telescopic shaft wider or longer.
- Feature an Auto Off option incase the vacuum is on and out of the pool. Its IPX8 waterproof switch increases protection. It is made to only work when submerged in water.
- Helps keep the pool clean by suctioning out all debris and dirt.
3. Kokido Telsa 5 Rechargeable Handheld Electric Pool Vacuum
The Kokido Telsa 5 manual pool vacuum removes any small pebbles, sand, and twigs from your spa or pool. This hoseless pool vacuum automatically starts to work when it is submerged in the pool water. Its filter bag is easily accessible. In addition, its filter cover is transparent, which lets the user to see the level of debris. The Kokido Telsa 5 features a rechargeable battery. The battery lasts for about 30 minutes per charge. This handheld pool vacuum is most suitable to use in hot tubs and small pools. In larger pools, it is ideal for spot cleaning.
Features:
- Starts automatically when submerged in water.
- Does a great job of removing small pebbles, sand particles, and twigs when filtering the pool water.
- Especially useful for hot tubs or small pools.
Automatic Above Ground Pool Vacuums
Robotic Pool Cleaners
If you would like to use a cleaner that does not depend on your pool’s filtration system, the robotic pool cleaner will do the job for you. This unit is self-contained and may run according to a set schedule. If the robotic cleaner is operated via remote control, cleaning can be managed from wherever you happen to be located. With a pump, self-propulsion system, and filter onboard, these automatic pool vacuums are self-sufficient. Within a 2 hour time frame, your average sized pool will be completely clean.
The independence of robotic pool cleaners is made possible by using an outside power source rather than your pool filter system. It can be described as your pool’s Roomba. Usually, a robotic pool cleaner features wheels or treads like those on tanks. They also have filter bags which are removable and reusable.
With no human interaction, pool robots operate to get rid of sediment, large and small debris out of the pool.
Robotic pool cleaners are the most expensive vacuums for above ground pools basing the fact that they save time and they do not need human hands to make the pool clean.
Top 3 Best Above Ground Pool Robotic Cleaner Reviews
1. Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Escape first appeared in the market in 2016. Its friendliness in usability is portrayed in its plug and play feature. Once you purchase this pool vacuum robot, you do not have to go round buying other accessories. It is quite simple. Simply plug the provided cord (40 feet long) into an electrical outlet and place the cleaner in your above ground swimming pool. This automatic pool cleaner has a very efficient motor that consumer quite a bit less energy than other cleaners. And, it works quickly. Most pools are clean in about one and a half hours – or sooner!
Its navigation system is fine. The Dolphin Escape robotic pool cleaner is a pro at covering the entire pool bottom very quickly. However, this cleaner does not have the ability to climb the walls of the pool. The treads don’t let it get stuck in a slick or folded area. You can trust it – it will not rip up the bottom of the pool! This automatic pool vacuum is portable because it is very lightweight. When you utilize the release valve and empty the water, the cleaner becomes lighter and even easier to carry. Its filter cartridge gets hold of debris not leaving out algae, although things get a little challenging when encountering thick algae layers.
When you purchase this above ground pool vacuum from an authorized dealer, you receive a return policy (30 days) and a warranty (1 year).
Individuals who wish to have the best above ground pool robotic cleaner at a mid-range price point will surely select this pool vacuum robot.
2. Aquabot Pool Rover Jr.
The Aquabot Pool Rover Jr vacuum cleaner is mostly recommended for smaller above ground pools rather than large ones. This pool vacuum robot includes a long floating cable (40 feet). It cleans all the above ground pools with flat surface.
The Aquabot Pool Rover Jr collects all debris quickly from the pool bottom. You can count on it to collect debris such as twigs and leaves; however, when it comes to silt or dirt, it does not do a very good job. Its filters and debris bag are very easy to clean.
This automatic pool cleaner does not need the pool pump system for power, as it has a 24-volt pump which is sufficient for its operation. This feature is excellent because a vacuum that is powered by the pool pump system may require the pool owner to install a more powerful pump for their pool. Its advantage also pops in when you need to do some housekeeping in your swimming pool when the pool pump is off. To conserve electricity, the Aquabot Pool Rover Jr includes a shut off after two hours of use.
Features:
- Includes a floating cable that is 40 feet long, a power supply transformer, and an onboard reusable 2-micron filter bag.
- Automatically cleans above ground pools with a flat surface in an hour and does not use hoses.
- Includes a pump motor (24V) that vacuums effectively.
- Features wheels that are wide and safe for your pool surface along with an E-Z swivel mechanism that keeps the cable free from tangles.
- To conserve electricity the vacuum shuts off after two hours of use.
3. Smartpool NC22 SmartKleen Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Smartpool NC22 SmartKleen robotic pool cleaner uses a similar intelligence as the Roomba vacuum. It determines the shape of the swimming pool and its location, which enables it to cover the whole pool. This automatic pool vacuum is capable of altering its direction. It would rarely be trapped while in action. The Smartpool NC22 SmartKleen is suitable for vinyl pools due to its light weight as compared to other robotic pool cleaners. There would be no risk in using this vacuum cleaner in a fiberglass or concrete pool.
The Smartpool NC22 SmartKleen vacuum cleaner is not recommended for use in deep in-ground swimming pools. However, it performs well in above ground pools that are up to 28 feet in length and 6 feet in depth.
Perhaps the biggest obstacle you may face when using this pool vacuum is service. Finding spare parts and service seem to be challenging for most owners of this robotic pool cleaner.
Top Rated Intex Automatic Above Ground Pool Vacuum
1. Intex Auto Pool Cleaner
The Intex Auto Pool Cleaner is manufactured for the owners of Intex above ground pools. This automatic pool cleaner vacuums the bottom of the pool efficiently and with little maintenance.
Intex is considered the market leader for the above ground swimming pools. When you buy Intex, you can be sure you are buying the best products available. To attach the pool cleaner, you will need to screw the adaptor for the hose to the connection inside the Intex pool. By using pressure from pumping water back into the pool, the cleaner rids your pool of all dust and debris.
In order to use this Intex above ground pool vacuum, the manufacturer suggests using a filter pump with a specific range of flow rate. That is the range of 1,200 GPH and 3,500 GPH. However, some customers who already own this vacuum cleaner have singled out that a flow rate pump with 1,200 GPH is quite insufficient. We highly recommend that you go for a pump with a 2,500 GPH flow rate.
The Intex Auto Pool Cleaner comes with a 24 feet hose. So, if your swimming pool is round, its maximum potential will be 24 feet. On the other hand, for pools that are rectangular in shape, 18 feet is largest pool size that this cleaner will accommodate.
This Intex automatic pool vacuum works on surfaces that are smooth. The cleaner’s 4 wheels made from plastic can only get adequate traction on a pool bottom that is smooth. Please note that these little wheels aren’t powered so they will not scratch the vinyl pool liner. If they encounter a wrinkle in the pool liner, they simply stop moving.
Suction Pool Cleaners
A suction-side pool cleaner is an automatic pool vacuum that uses the pump and filtration system of your swimming pool. They utilize the suction that comes from the pump in the pool to draw water in and capture debris.
To use these cleaners, they must be attached to the plumbing on the pool’s suction side. The suction side is the various fitting and pipes that work together to take water from the pool out for filtering. The water is sucked out from the pool by the help of the pool pump.
A suction cleaner works just like a vacuum that attached to the pool filtration system. The suction-side pool cleaner moves around the pool floor and collects debris, trash, and algae. They are not designed to climb pool walls like the robotic pool cleaners. Although they does spectacular work at the bottom of the pool.
Suction pool cleaners have a few disadvantages. First, if your pool has weak water pressure, the suction pool vacuum may not have enough force or power to move sufficiently around the pool. Second, because the suction cleaner is connected to the pool filtration system, you may be forced to clean up the pool pump basket and the skimmer more often. You may also have to change the pool filter cartridges about once a week. For efficiency, you may adjust the pool pump setting to increase the flow of water.
Top 3 Best Suction Pool Cleaners for Above Ground Pools
1. Zodiac Ranger Suction-Side Automatic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
The Zodiac Ranger pool cleaner comes completely assembled and ready for use. With more than 30 feet hose, all you have to do is connect it to a hose that propels it. This suction pool vacuum self-adjusts as the water flow changes because of the different demands on the cleaner. The cleaner would not stall in case the GPM flow rate is lowered temporarily.
You will find that the Zodiac Ranger suction-side pool cleaner is quick and dependable. You will not spend time fixing jammed or kinked hoses or moving the cleaner. Occasionally, you may have to remove the cleaner from a corner or to pull it out of the swimming pool, but the ring that surrounds the head causes this to be a very easy task. You will never have a problem with this cleaner getting stuck on the ladder or in the corners. This automatic pool vacuum also works reliably and perfectly in dished bottom pools. The vacuum cleaner is well capable of climbing the sides of the pool.
Be aware that the Zodiac Ranger is not recommended for use with swimming pools that have soft sides. Also, this automatic pool cleaner tangles with hanging Intex pool skimmers.
If the plastic disk on the head of the vacuum begin to curl due to wear, these parts can easily be replaced. However, by the time this happens, you are nearing the end of life for the entire pool cleaner.
2. Pentair K50600 Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac Suction-Side Above Ground Pool Cleaner
Since the moving parts are the areas that usually break, this cleaner should be very durable because it has just one part that moves. The included skimming valve runs at a steady speed no matter what the water pressure is. This automatic pool vacuum is recommended to connect to a pool pump that at least 3/4 hp.
Because this cleaner operates in a random pattern, you can be sure that it covers your entire pool. With 32 feet of hose, you can feel comfortable using it in large above ground pools. If needed, you can purchase additional hose and use the cleaner if the power of the pool pump can support it. The Pentair Kreepy Krauly is an excellent choice if you have a pool that has 2,000 gallons per minute or more powered pump.
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly automatic above ground pool vacuum is noisy when in action. For a quieter pool cleaner, select Hayward’s Wanda the Whale.
3. Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Suction Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
The Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale pool vacuum is designed much like a whale. That explains the name “Wanda the Whale”. You can also select another designs – “AquaBug” or “Diver Dave.” You will not notice a big difference in the performance regardless of the design.
The Wanda the Whale is highlighted here because this pool cleaner is the cheapest model in Hayward’s family.
The Wanda the Whale pool cleaner moves smoothly and silently along the bottom of the pool without disturbing pets or children. It covers most parts of the pool’s bottom.
This Hayward pool vacuum is user friendly and easy to install. The cleaner doesn’t need a booster pump in order to operate. This automatic pool cleaner can operate using the current pool filter as long as the power is sufficient. The Wanda the Whale needs about 1,500 GPM to operate at an acceptable speed.
You will not be satisfied with the performance of this cleaner if you have an above ground swimming pool with a wavy soft bottom. This surface will catch the cleaner and make its wheels spin. Spinning wheels set the stage for tearing a pool liner.