Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaners: Our 7 Picks in 2023

7 Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaners in 2023

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Top Picks: Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaners 2023

best pool cleaner

Best Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner​:

Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner​

best pressure pool cleaner

Best Pressure Side Pool Cleaner​:

Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner​

Best Pool Cleaner for Intex Pools

Best Suction Side Pool Cleaner​:

Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner Blue/Gray​

Best Pool Cleaner for Intex Pools

Best for Intex Pools​:

Intex Auto Pool Cleaner​

Pool Leaf Vacuum cleaner

Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum for Leaves​:

Poolmaster 28300 Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum

Best Pool Wall Cleaner

Best Above Ground Pool Cleaner that Cleans Walls:

Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Vacuum Cleaner​

Manual Swimming Pool Cleaner

Best Manual Above Ground Pool Vacuum​:

XtremepowerUS Climb Wall Pool Cleaner

Our Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaners Guide will cover everything you need in a new pool vacuum cleaner. We made sure to consider everything you will need to know, so make sure to keep reading if you have an above ground pool that needs to be cleaned.

When you have a nice pool, you want to make sure that it lasts you a long time. Regular cleaning is going to be an essential part of your routine. However, not everyone is going to have enough time to do that by hand. Plus, without one, debris can build up quickly at the bottom of your pool.

There are many different types of pool cleaners. There are automatic ones that move around the bottom of the pool during the day and there are options to clean the pool yourself. Each has different price points and plenty of other factors to consider.

These vacuum cleaners come in many different styles, designs, and colors. We will be reviewing all of the best options below. That way, you can easily choose something that will suit all of your needs, without too much hassle.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Benefits of Owning an Above Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaner

Owning a pool vacuum has many benefits. These are some of the most important reasons to get one:

  • Remove debris from hard to reach areas
  • Clean all nooks and crannies
  • Prevent debris build-up
  • Keep your pool in good shape
  • Easier cleaning (can be automatic)
  • Helps your filter system last longer

Overall, these tools make it much easier to maintain your pool. If you invested a good amount of money into it, then they are worth getting.

The Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaners

We are going to be reviewing a variety of vacuum cleaner designs. That way, you can find a particular model that suits your needs the best. It is important that you consider the size and shape of your pool so that your model can fit within the pool’s depth.

You will first want to consider whether you want an automatic vacuum or one that you use by hand. The automatic vacuums move around the pool on their own as they remove debris. They are usually more expensive but are better for very deep pools. Hand vacuums require that you hold and push them yourself. They cost less and are easy to use in shallow pools.

Once you have reviewed the Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum, be sure to keep reading for the Buyer’s Guide. We made sure to gather all of the information you will need into one place.

Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner

If you have a deep pool, you will want something that can reach the floor easily- without you having to push it yourself. The Dolphin Escape robotic above ground pool cleaner is just what you need. It delivers the best performance inside of above ground pools.

The cleaner easily scoots along the pool’s floor, removing debris. It can hold around 60% more debris than other pool vacuums as well. If you have plenty of trees in your yard, then this will help with clearing out leaves that can fall in. 

The design of this unit is also very unique. It comes with Hyperbrush Dual Scrubbing Brushes, which can remove all sorts of dirt, no matter how packed in it is. The continuous tracks also function better than wheels. Imagine a small tank cleaning your pool- there is nothing that can stop it!

The robot is also very light, only weighing about 14 pounds. That makes it easy to move and set up. Most users will run it while outside the pool for deep cleaning, then take it out when they are ready to swim.

Features we love:

Consider:

Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner

This model is designed to work with all pools. It has plenty of ample storage space for holding large amounts of debris within the unit. It can connect to a 1.5-inch pressure cleaner line, which provides you with powerful cleaning for your pool.

Many customers enjoy using this to clean the sides of their pool. It is the best option when you want to prepare for summertime swimming again after a few months away. The unit can last you many years- customers reported that their vacuum lasted about nine years with consistent use.

The only downside is that the brand provides limited instruction on how to use it. You will want to look up guides online to ensure you are using them correctly. That being said, once you know 

The cleaner is very easy to install and arrives promptly. You can feel confident that you are going to get your money’s worth from this machine too. It will work very hard for you.

Features we love:

Consider:

Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner Blue/Gray

The unique and new design makes this ideal for pools that use multiple speed pumps and filtering systems. It has a lot of traction in the treads, allowing it to easily maneuver any outdoor pool with ease. The Zodiac also includes a powerful suction and turbine system that allows it to climb the sides of your pool.

This machine is automatic. You can easily set it, then forget it. The unit can store a lot of debris as well, allowing you to step away from it without any worries. The hoses are easy to set up and the vacuum will clean without much setup needed.

It is perfect for cleaning the bottom of deep pools as well. Many customers mentioned that their pools looked much clearer after use, plus, they come with additional hose attachments. If you need something that can climb walls, then this would be the best unit for you. It is worth noting that it can not clean stairs or pool seats. At least, without a little help from you.

Features we love:

Consider:

Intex Auto Pool Cleaner

Intex designed this for their pools, making it the best choice to use if you own a pool from this brand. This is an automatic above ground pool vacuum cleaner and does not take much effort to run. It also should be able to reach the bottom of most Intex pools. It changes directions on its own, allowing it to remove debris from the entire pool without you having to move it.

Plus, if you have an Intex pool, it should be easier to integrate this into your cleaning system. The unit comes with a 24 ft 7 in hose, which can be connected to the pool inlet you already have. It works with filter pumps as well.

This little machine works hard. It comes with a flow rate, or the amount of water passing through it, of about 1,600 to 3,500 gallons of water per hour. This is a very impressive feat!

Features we love:

Consider:

Poolmaster 28300 Big Sucker Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum

If your pool is near some trees, this tool would be very beneficial for you to have. It is made to remove large leaves and dirt. It can hold a significant amount of debris and uses a unique Jet Vacuum to pick up even the tiniest pieces of debris.

The vacuum is built to last and comes with a durable handle. The bottom of the vacuum also utilizes eight water jets and four wheels, allowing it to traverse the deepest ends of your pool and remove debris build-up with ease.

The leaf bag is also reusable. This allows you to save money and throw out less plastic waste. Overall, this product is wonderful for any outdoor pool owner to have at home.

Features we love:

Consider:

Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

The Nautilus is excellent for cleaning the walls of a poll. All you need to do is put it in the water, turn it on, and the machine will roll up and down the walls for you. It can work in pools up to 33 feet deep and is easy to use. It takes about two hours to complete a full cleaning cycle, so many people turn it on before they swim later. 

It includes amazing cleaning and filtering systems, so you can be confident that your pool is clean and safe to swim in. It also is much more efficient than other cleaners. The unit uses less energy and does not need to be connected to your pool’s pump to complete the job. This allows you to save plenty of energy with each clean.

The vacuum has a very large capacity. It can hold a large amount of debris and will last you years. Many customers who have used this option say that they will never go back to their previous models.

Features we love:

Consider:

XtremepowerUS Climb Wall Pool Cleaner

This model is more cost-efficient than the automatic vacuums. It works well to clean the bottom of your pool, as well as the wall. You will need to attach it to your current filtration system. It is worth mentioning that it can also be used to reach depths up to 30 inches.

You will need to get a separate swimming pool pump to use this tool if you do not have one already. However, this vacuum works exceptionally well and is mostly low effort to use, making it well worth it.

The pool cleaner can easily be used on the walls. It will attach to them, giving you a deep clean as it scrubs. The machine can handle dirt, debris, algae, and more. Plenty of customers felt that it worked excellent- maybe better than hiring a pool cleaning service to do the job.

Features we love:

Consider:

Pool Vacuum Buyer’s Guide

Three Types of Swimming Pool Vacuums

There are three different styles of swimming pool vacuums, each has different benefits to offer you. You will want to consider your needs and determine which model is going to benefit you the most.

There are manual pool vacuums, automatic pool vacuums, then finally, the robot vacuums. There are pros and cons to each.

Manual Pool Vacuums

These units are the cheapest option, but they take the most effort to use. You will need to be in the pool pushing it like you would a normal vacuum. They collect debris from the floor and walls of the pool and can even provide you with a great workout in the water.

Automatic Pool Vacuums

These vacuums have you stand by the side of the pool and push the vacuum around. They do start working on their own once you have them completely set up. They use suction to travel along the wall and floors of the pool, cleaning debris on the way.

Robotic Pool Vacuums

These ones do all of the work on their own, making them the best (and most costly) options for pool owners. You will not need to do much, except turn on the machine and toss it into the pool. From there, it cleans and removes debris without needing your help. They are great if you have a deep pool where you can not stand to use a manual vacuum.

FAQ

What is the best way to clean above ground pools?

To keep your pool at its best, you will want to follow this short how-to guide each week:

  • Skim the surface of the water
  • Brush the bottom and the walls
  • Vacuum the pool
  • Test for alkalinity levels
  • Add a chlorine shock, clarifier, or algaecide if required
  • Add chlorine tablets if required
  • Clean the filter

What is a pool vacuum? What does a pool vacuum do?

A pool vacuum is used to clean the inner walls and floor of a pool. Leaves, dirt, sticks, and other debris can build up there. If not taken care of, they can cause a puncture. A pool vacuum safely removes debris.

They usually connect to a pool skimmer or a suction line. Then, they can roll around your pool and clean on their own- depending on the model.

What do you need to vacuum a pool?

You will need:

  • Vacuum hose
  • Vacuum plate or skimmer plate
  • Vacuum head and telescopic pole
  • A pool filter

What is the best pool sweep?

The Dolphin Robotic Above Ground Pool cleaner we discussed above would have to be the best option. It has plenty of cleaning features and benefits that will work for you. You can feel confident that your swimming water is effectively cleaned each time you turn it on.

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