10 Best Above Ground Pool Vacuums – Our Top Picks And Reviews

A state-of-the-art pool can be the highlight of your house that you and your guests can indulge in. However, cleaning it can be a time-consuming and regular activity requiring lots of effort. To ensure it gets cleaned without any hassle, you will need the best above ground pool vacuums.

I’ve used numerous pool vacuums over the years, and let me assure you, it is a piece of essential equipment that can quickly scrub your pool without having to drain it. It can not only save you time and money but also keep your pool impeccable and save you embarrassment.

But which is the best above ground pool vacuum? I have curated a list of the best vacuums available on the market today and reviewed them to help you find one that suits your needs well. Dive right in to find out!

10 Best Above Ground Pool Vacuums

• Overall Best – Dolphin Escape Above Ground Pool Cleaner
  “Large filter, Advanced scrubbing brush, Clean quick”
• Best Consistency – Hayward W3900 Above Ground Suction Pool Cleaner
  “Offers full coverage, Affordable, Easy to operate”
• Best Performance – DOLPHIN E10 Above Ground Pool Cleaner
  “Automatic pool cleaner, Power saver, Good suction”
• Best Smart Cleaner – Nu Cobalt NC23 Smart Logic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
  “Easy to use, Cleans even tiny trash”
• Best Pressure Side – Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 6-130-00 Above Ground Pool Cleaner
  “Jet sweep assembly, Efficient random cleaning, Cleans in three hours”
• Best Small Vacuum – AIPER Cordless Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
  “Cordless, Strong suction, Lightweight”
• Most Powerful – Intex 28005E ZX300 Deluxe Above Ground Pool Cleaner
  “Pressure-sided action, Dual scrubbing”
• Best Value for Money – Intex Automatic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
  “Pressure-side cleaner, Comprises a debris net”
• Best Suction-Side – Zodiac Ranger Above Ground Pool Cleaner
  “Pre-assembled, Quiet and effective cleaning”
• Best to Skim – Pentair K50600 Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac Above Ground Pool Cleaner
  “Hydraulics and a form sweeper, Easy maintenance”

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1) Dolphin Escape Above Ground Pool Cleaner

The Dolphin pool cleaner is equipped with a clever navigation system that allows the robot to check the bottom of your pool for dirt and debris. The scrubbing brush additionally enables you to hoover up difficult-to-remove algae, debris, and leaves.

Features and Benefits

This Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool cleaning apparatus includes a debris cartridge, which can carry up to 60% more mess than a typical pool vacuum with a mess bag. As a result, you won’t have to bring this robot out as frequently, ensuring thorough pool cleaning.

The exciting aspect is that it is energy-efficient. This robotic vacuum uses just 180 watts of power to function, which decreases the electric bill and cuts costs. All these features make it one of the best above-ground pool vacuums.

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2) Hayward W3900

This Hayward W3900 Pool Cleaner, when combined with Hayward’s SmartDrive program steering system, utilizes the pool’s filtration system to provide consistent and satisfactory results. It is simple to install and functions silently, improving water flow as it glides down the bottom, functioning as another main drain.

Features and Benefits

Set at a reasonable cost, this intriguing pool cleaner comes with a powerful turbine cleaner fixed under the hood that is appropriate for above-ground pools of all shapes and sizes.

One distinguishing feature is the outside bumper ring, which assists it in moving away from obstructions and returning to the present course without delay. If you’re looking for the best above-ground pool vacuum, this is an ideal selection on a budget and suitable for beginners.

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3) DOLPHIN E10

For those with a tiny above-ground pool, the Dolphin E10 Vacuum Pool Cleaner is excellent. It is far less expensive than other typical options on the market and supports a plethora of more current cleaning technologies, including a relatively dynamic and modern brushing mechanism.

Features and Benefit

The self-cleaning above-ground pool vacuum weighs 13.7 pounds, making it easy to handle and raise without using a caddy. It is operated with a single button click and has a single button on the control board to switch the machine on or off, making it incredibly straightforward to use.

The Dolphin E10 employs superior filtering and robust floor scrubbing features to clean the pool without any hassle. The cleaner can remove almost all sorts of debris accumulated in the upper ground pool. Its innovative brush eliminates algae and germs rapidly.

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4) Nu Cobalt NC23

The Nu Cobalt NC23 Smart Logic Robotic Pool Cleaner is a bit more automated than the many pool cleaners available in the market. If you want to try a cleaner that isn’t connected to the filtration system, go for this.

Features and Benefits

To clear up leaves and debris from the pool, the NC23 employs an excellent vacuum suction. It also has a filtering mechanism with a large filter basket. This machine features sturdy, durable wheels that let it maneuver around obstructions and climb the pool walls.

It can reach depths of 8 feet, and its 40-foot power line makes it ideal for usage if your power source is located at a considerable distance from the water. The NC23 is perfect for medium to large above-ground pools and most in-ground pools as it collects even the tiniest trash.

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5) Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 6-130-00

Polar Vac-Sweep Automatic Pool Cleaner is quite different from the other machines I’ve reviewed. This machine floats over the water in an unpredictable pattern and cleans the pool better than many other comparable vacuums since it does not move in a straight line.

Features and Benefits

The cleaner comprises an innovative filter bag that prevents larger gravel and twigs from reaching the pump. It contributes to the filtration system’s longevity. Since it is a pressure-side vacuum, the filter and skimmer remove impurities with the pressure of the pumped-back water.

It cleans both the sides and bottom of your pool in a hassle-free manner within three hours. This vacuum’s unique jet sweep mechanism cleans trash caught in hard-to-reach places. The water blowing helps to dislodge the particles on the surface, making it easier to clean and sweep.

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6) AIPER Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

Do you find pool vacuums complex? You may address your concerns by switching to the Aiper Smart Cordless Pool Cleaner robot. It is one of the finest and most technologically sophisticated equipments for small or medium pools.

Features and Benefits

It is the newest cordless robotic pool cleaner, with an exceptional run time of 90 minutes owing to its 8600mAh battery, and it takes 8 hours to charge. Because of its impressive 4-wheel drive system, the Aiper has cutting-edge technology in terms of wall-climbing ability.

Its built-in sensors enable it to plan out the most effective cleaning path. This Aiper Clever pool cleaner can return to the pool’s edge once the battery runs low, saving you from having to go for a swim to collect it.

This efficiently cleans the pool to a top standard with the help of its dynamic twin scrubbing brushes and strong triple-motors, which allow it to achieve maximum suction strength on any pool surface.

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7) Intex 28005E ZX300

Intex 28005E ZX300 Deluxe Automatic Pool Cleaner deserves a place on this list for its appreciable performance. The 700 gal/hour water-driven suction keeps the pool clean, and the water-powered all-wheel drive offers quick cleaning action and great wall-climbing ability.

Features and Benefits

Intex 28005E ZX300 Deluxe Automatic Pool Cleaner requires an Intex pump with a flow rate ranging from 1,600 to 3,500 gal/hour. The spinning twin dirt scrubbers are great for cleaning, even for the most challenging to remove debris from the pool floor up to the waterline.

The mesh filter is designed to capture the minuscule particles ensuring thorough and effective cleaning. You will get a non-tangle hose measuring 21ft 4in, making it the best above ground pool vacuums.

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8) Intex Automatic Above Ground Pool Cleaner

Intex Auto Pool Cleaner is among the best pressure-side cleaners, and it operates differently from a typical suction-side cleaner. It cleans the pool using the pressure of water that is pushed back into it. It works well to clean Intex pools, just as the name implies.

Features and Benefits

This is compatible with all Intex above-ground pools with a 1.5-inch hose fitting. It will clean and vacuum the whole pool floor automatically, leaving you with very little work to do. It includes a compact brush.

This brush begins cleaning every dirt and particle on the pool surface when the automatic vacuum starts rolling. The water pressure washes off the remains of the filth. The jet pressure blows away the dirt, and the debris is collected in the cleaner’s filter bag.

Both the pump filter and the debris bag need to be cleaned thoroughly every time you vacuum. You would require a filter pump and a flow rate between 1600-3500 gallons per hour to operate this device. It comes with a 24-foot hose that is easily attachable to inlet connectors.

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9) Zodiac Ranger Automatic Above Ground Pool Cleaner

The Zodiac Ranger Pool Cleaner features a clever design. It comes fully built, and you will be able to install it in a matter of minutes and begin cleaning the above-ground pool right away. The self-cleaning vacuum continuously bounces around to clean the pool and works impressively.

Features and Benefits

It is built with one moving part technology, meaning that only one part, that is, the diaphragm, will move. As a result, no gears, flappers, or wheels are required and ensure a noise-free cleaning tool.

This is the most extraordinary above-ground pool cleaner since it comes with a 32-foot feed hose. Hence, it can easily cover a large pool. It includes a deflector wheel, a Flowkeeper Valve, an AG disc, and a small self-adjusting flow control valve called the Insta-Skim.

The deflector wheel allows the vacuum to clean the bottom of the pool, around stairs, ladders, and corners without becoming entangled. The AG disc, on the other hand, allows for easy gliding of the vacuum and cleaning the entire pool.

Both of the valves employed in it assure maximal vacuum performance. They automatically control the flow of water, making it very efficient.

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10) Pentair K50600

The Pentair K50600 Kreepy Krauly is a device that has secured a position among the best above-ground pool vacuums due to its efficiency and ease of use. This machine operates using hydraulics rather than multiple moving components, making it a fast and safe system.

Features and Benefits

The Pentair Kreepy Krauly runs on hydraulics and a form sweeper rather than a lot of moving components. It sweeps in completely random patterns to make your pool as spotless as possible. The operating approach allows you to use it in any shape or size of the pool.

It is powered by the pool’s pump and skimmer. These features provide you more time to enjoy your pool rather than fretting about the time. It is also quite popular due to the minimum upkeep required.

If you would like to get reviews of other popular vacuum cleaners, kindly visit our Guide page.

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Types Of Above Ground Pool Vacuums

There is a multitude of options in the market when you seek the best above ground pool vacuums. You can choose the best-suited device for you, depending on your requirements.

Robotic

Robotic vacuums can clean the whole bottom of an above-ground pool on their own, making them an excellent choice for those who like automatic services. Most robotic vacuums include a customizable timer, so you’ll know when they’re done cleaning the pool.

These gadgets may run on a battery or connect to a power outlet via a lengthy, waterproof extension wire.

Battery Powered

Rechargeable batteries are used in battery-powered pool vacuums. Because there are no long cables or wires to tie you up while cleaning, they are typically more portable. They are available in a variety of price ranges and enable versatile cleaning.

However, it would help if you considered the battery life since the operating time should be long enough to clean the entire pool.

Pressure Side

Pressure-side pool vacuums feature wheels that allow them to travel all around the bottom of the pool. These vacuums employ a pressured water cycle to pull in pool water and retain dirt and debris, allowing the vacuum to attach to the bottom of the pool.

Suction Side

Suction side vacuums suck up the water and travel around the pool by using pressure from the pool’s intake. The dirt, leaves, hair, and debris are then sucked into your pool’s filtration system and may be removed from the filter basket.

However, these vacuums do not have a collecting bag and rely exclusively on the filtration system to manage trash from the pool’s bottom.

Things To Look Out For While Choosing Above Ground Pool Vacuums

Besides the types, there are certain features that you must take into consideration while choosing the best above-ground pool vacuum:

Type of the Cleaner

Firstly, you must consider the type to buy. Weigh the pros and cons of the varieties, such as battery-powered, robotic, suction-side, and pressure-side. Some are cost-effective, while others perform better. It would be best to choose something that is most advantageous for you.

Power Consumption

You must establish a balance between power consumption and operating time to keep swimming pool maintenance expenses reasonable. Suction-based systems have a lower power rating in exchange for longer cleaning cycles and the addition of a powerful pumping mechanism.

Size and Shape of the Pool

The size of your pool will strongly influence the efficacy of your pool cleaner. Many pool cleaners have an optimal size ratio and will not clean larger pools properly. Bigger pool cleaners can often cover a larger area.

Filtration Rate

The filtration rate of your machine is an important measure that will affect the quality of your water once the task is finished. A 70 to 75 gallons per minute filtration rate is a decent starting point for most swimming pools.

Physical Weight

Weight is incredibly significant for portable or manual pool vacuums. Make sure you can manage it because you’ll be holding it as it cleans. Weight counts, even for robotic ones, because you’ll need to move them about as well.

Types of Dirt to be Cleaned

You must also look at the kind of dirt that the vacuum gathers. Whether the size of the debris is tiny or substantial, and whether the device can manage the exact sort of dirt that clogs up your pool the most frequently.

Cord Length and Tough to Reach Spots

Choose a pool vacuum with a lengthy cable. It allows your cleaner to sweep freely from one location to another. Luckily, every electric-powered robotic cleaner comes with a long cord. As a result, you won’t need to buy a separate cord.

Ease of Use

A cleaner should, at the very least, be simple to operate. It must have a straightforward approach so that you can work effortlessly and without much hassle every time. It should also be able to do a variety of jobs with ease.

Final Thoughts

Given the sheer number of options, choosing the best above ground pool vacuums can be a daunting task. You must consider not only the brand or price but also your pool’s size and type to figure out the right pool cleaner for you.

Carefully consider your requirements and then choose the best from these excellent options mentioned above!