![8 Best Automatic Pool Cleaners in 2022 [Review]](https://www.newswatchngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1-24.jpg)
8 Best Automatic Pool Cleaners in 2022 [Review]
Many of us enjoy a dip in the pool especially the kids. It’s just refreshing and fun to be in the water especially if you have some company. However, keeping it clean all the time is not that easy. Yes, you can make use of those skimmers, vacuums, and pool brush. However, you have to prepare yourself in investing a lot of time and effort when it’s time for cleanup. Thus, we are here to help you through this guide when it comes to finding the best automatic pool cleaner. Instead of wasting so much energy on scrubbing, your life could be so much easier if you have an automatic pool cleaner. Though these cleaners vary in size, type, shape, and price, they are all handy to keep.
Top Automatic Cleaners Reviews 2022
#1. Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000 Suction Side Pool Cleaner
When it comes to suction pool cleaners, this Zodiac Baracuda model is the real deal as the Editor’s Choice. It is hassle-free to install and to maintain. It navigates tight corners with improved agility, which allows it to move around the pool with ease without leaving small to medium-sized debris. It can scrub and vacuum the pool’s floors and walls with the help of its long life diaphragm feature. You can connect to a skimmer or a dedicated suction line with its included 36’ inches hose. Moreover, it is compatible with low-speed pumps and works efficiently without making a loud noise.
Features and Specifications:
- Weighs 18.2 pounds with 41.5 x 8 x 18 inches product description
- The in-ground suction design allows it to deliver a superior cleaning performance all the time
- Long Life Diaphragm provides it with superior reliability when cleaning
- Quick Release Cassette makes it easier to access to diaphragm whenever it is necessary
- 36 Finned Disk provides it with a wide cleaning path that can handle different pool surfaces
- Wheel Deflector prevents it from getting stuck to corners or edges so it can finish its job efficiently
Built with simple and direct features, this suction pool cleaner makes a great investment for its price. It is built with a powerful suction power that can keep any pool spotlessly clean. As long as it doesn’t have a complicated shape, it can keep on working and maneuvering around until it covered every inch of the pool. Thus, we recommend it for budget-seekers.
Pros:
- Compatible with a wide range of speed pumps
- Uses a FlowKeeper Valve that regulates the water flow automatically
- Operates quietly with maximum efficiency
- Gets rid of both small and medium-sized debris on the wall, floor, and pool steps
Cons:
- Not suitable for dealing with bigger debris like acorns
- Tends to get stuck more often on pool tubing and stairs
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 F5 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
This Polaris Vac-Sweep model is perfect if you have an in-ground pool. Regardless of its size and shape, it can clean everything up from small to large debris. It can even pick up your kids’ diving toys and nose plugs without clogging. Thus, you don’t have to clear the pool before running it and simply retrieve it from the filter bag later. This also helps prolong the life of your filtration system since it gives it a break from all the hard work. It also includes a 31’ feed hose and a drive mechanism to make it easier to use.
Features and Specifications:
- Weighs 18.5 pounds with 20 x 23 x 10 inches product description
- Pressure cleaning design for cleaning in-ground pools allows it to connect to a dedicated pressure line to work
- Iconic three-wheel helps to scrub, vacuum, and sweep the walls and bottoms of any pool
- Powerful debris venturi jet vacuum intake with large opening allows it to suck small to big debris like leaves, pebbles, and acorns
- Large capacity filter bag collects all debris before it goes to the pump basket and pool filter
- In-line back-up valve frees it in case it gets stuck
For all those customers who are looking for the best pool cleaner model that complements dark-bottom pools, this is it. It is available in a BlackMax model and it has its own filtration bag which a plus point. Most importantly, it is powerful enough to handle any type of pool regardless of its size and shape.
Pros:
- Helps reduce filter cleaning by having its built-in filter bag
- Prolongs the life of your existing filtration system in the pool
- Sucks in small to large debris on any type of pool
Cons:
- Requires a separate booster pump to work efficiently
- The included documentation and instruction are a little hard to follow
Hayward Poolvergnuegen 896584000-020 Suction Side Pool Cleaner
After more than 8 decades of helping customers to maintain the cleanliness of their pools, Hayward is back with more. This PoolCleaner model is designed to provide a technologically advanced pool cleaning tool for everyone. Its adjustable skirt and tire threads work in harmony together with programmed steering to ensure its maximized cleaning coverage. Thus, you can leave it cleaning and get busy with more important stuff then come back later to check it. No need to monitor its every move since it can navigate around the pool area smoothly.
Features and Specifications:
- Weighs 19.1 pounds with 41 x 13 x 13 inches product description
- Suction cleaning design available in 4-wheel drive handles cleaning tasks on any pool
- Patented Self-Adjusting turbine vanes guarantee its maximum cleaning power at any flow rate and effortless debris management
- Patented and robust tire treads give it an advanced ability to climb walls and maneuver obstacles with ease
- Multiple programmed internal steering systems allows it to turn and move into different directions for a full pool coverage
- 3 interchangeable throats promote optimization of its suction performance at any lower flow
What we like about this automatic pool cleaner is its cool steering system. It has multiple pre-programmed internal sequences that allow its wheel to reverse periodically. Regardless of our pool’s size, it can cover it pretty well with optimized suction power. Most importantly, it’s hassle-free to operate and to maintain.
Pros:
- Ideal suction pool cleaner that is compatible with variable speed pumps
- Designed with programmed steering to climb walls and manage obstacles
- Guarantees an efficient and full pool coverage
- Requires low maintenance and doesn’t get stuck
Cons:
- Doesn’t have its own filter bag to collect everything it picks up
- Can’t scrub off algae from the surface and suck it in
Pentair GW7900 Suction Side Pool Cleaner
If you’re looking for an automatic pool cleaner that does not require any assembly, this might be the one for you. This Pentair model is literally a “ready to use” cleaning equipment right out of the box. The only thing you have to do is attach its sealed hose, put it in the pool and let it do the work. It has a wide body cut design with broad 12 inches cleaning path for a faster and efficient cleaning job.
Features and Specifications:
- Weighs 14 pounds with 13 x 13 x 13 inches product description
- Two way cleaning action with superior footpad design scrub helps it dislodge debris from its surface
- Power vacuum function increases its suction power when cleaning walls and floors
- SmartTrac Programmed Steering mechanism helps it maneuver around obstacles for a full cleaning coverage
Pros:
- Includes a free 34.5’ hose
- Ideal for cleaning all in-ground swimming pools
- Perfect for cleaning both vinyl and fiberglass surfaces
- Provides a full cleaning coverage up to the waterline
Cons:
- Can’t climb up on steep vertical walls and stairs
- Performs slower than expected
Hayward RC9740 SharkVac Robotic Side Pool Cleaner
If you’re a fan of Hayward then there’s a big chance that you’ve heard about this model already. This model has easy access to the cartridge which keeps its collected dirt and debris until you empty it. But unlike other models, you don’t have to turn it upside down just to remove empty its filter. You can wash it using a garden hose and reuse it without a booster pump.
Features and Specifications:
- Weighs 42 pounds with 30 x 24 x 18 inches product description
- Top access to the debris container allows you to remove its cartridge filters easier for a hassle-free debris cleanup
- Scrub and vacuum function provides a more efficient cleaning coverage on coves and pool floors
- Microprocessor-based technology provides a more superior and effective cleaning pattern
Pros:
- Easy to use without any required tools for assembly
- Gentle and compatible with any pool surface
- Built with enhanced cleaning technologies
- Uses the same energy as a standard light bulb
Cons:
- Not that effective on getting rid of stubborn dirt and algae
- Requires maintenance after every single use
- No plug cord protector
Zodiac F5B Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Black Max Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
This Zodiac model works independently with the aid of its booster pump. You can connect it to a 1.5 inch dedicated pressure cleaner line to operate. It automatically scrubs, sweeps, and vacuums the entire pool in just 3 hours or even less depending on its size. All its collected debris goes straight in its built-in filter bag before to prolong the life of your filtration system. Most importantly, it has a large opening to fit in small to medium-sized debris.
Features and Specifications:
- Weighs 16.3 pounds with 9.7 x 19.6 x 24.7 inches product description
- Classic pressure side pool cleaner design allows it to aggressively clean any in-ground pools
- BlackMax style makes it a perfect complement for dark bottom pools
- Built-in cleaning cycle takes up to three hours only to finish its task
Pros:
- Includes a free 31’ feeding hose
- Compatible with cleaning all types of pool surfaces
- Prevents the filter from clogging by collecting debris in its own bag
- Cleans better and faster with double jets
Cons:
- Requires an external booster pump to operate efficiently
- Requires assembly which can be a little hard for first-time buyers
Polaris F9450 Sport Robotic Side Pool Cleaner
If you want a robot cleaner with an ActivMotion sensor, this might be the one you’re looking for. It can work on its own by changing its positions and avoiding getting stuck in one area to interrupt cleaning. It also has a 4-wheel drive technology which allows it to scrub every inch of your pool’s floor and walls. Most importantly, it has a 4x canister capacity to collect debris.
Features and Specifications:
- Weighs 43.6 pounds with 22 x 18.5 x 22 inches product description
- Easy life system automatically evacuates water when out of the water with a touch of a button
- Vortex vacuum technology keeps all debris suspended for more powerful suction and cleaning performance
- Easy clean filter canister keeps all its collected debris inside until you empty it
Pros:
- Cleans all pool surfaces
- Uses a simple shake and spray cleaning canister convenience
- Includes a 7-day programmable cleaning cycle
- Offers 4x filter canister capacity
Cons:
- Very expensive compared with its competitors
- Tends to flip over and turn off sometimes
Pentair 360032 KreepyKrauly Prowler 830 Robotic Side Pool Cleaner
Perfect for heavy-duty cleaning, this Perntair model can handle cleaning walls and slopes. It also has a built-in inner cartridge which is larger than average pool cleaners. It has up to 4,233 GPH filter capacity and a full cartridge indicator. Despite its size and powerful motor, it uses 24V when operating. Moreover, it includes a wireless remote to offer convenience to users.
Features and Specifications:
- Weighs 45 pounds with 23.5 x 19 x 19 inches product description
- Superior swivel prevents its cable from tangling to move better in the entire pool
- Built-in weekly timer keeps it cleaning under scheduled cleanings even when you’re away
- Powered tracks keep it on the move to clean slopes and walls
Pros:
- Includes free 60’ power cord
- Removes algae when vacuuming
- Built with a large self-contained inner cartridge
- Costs less than 20 cents to operate per day
- Fast and easy to operate
Cons:
- Quite bulky and heavy to lift from the pool
- Very pricey
- Needs to be turned over to clean its filter
Buying Guide
Keeping your pool clean and enjoyable does not have to be so exhausting all the time. At the same time, it should not keep you scrubbing all day instead of spending happy hours with your family. This is why automatic pool cleaners are getting more popular nowadays especially in public and private resorts. So, check out this guide to know what to keep in mind when shopping for a pool cleaner:
Types of Automatic Pool Cleaner
To make it easier for pool owners to maintain the cleanliness of their pool, manufacturers have tried lots of new methods. Of course, this includes experimenting to offer different types of pool cleaners below:
- Suction – this is the most common type of automatic pool cleaner that is attached to a skimmer box with a hose. Its hose length is also longer to scale larger pools better including its walls. It uses the current pump of the pool to suck the dirt and debris and send it to the pool’s existing filter. It also has subtypes which include the inertia driven suction and geared suction cleaner.
- Pressure – unlike the suction cleaner, this cleaner uses your pool’s plumbing system to access water pressure. Basically, it uses water pressure to push and pull itself while cleaning the entire pool. It also includes its own bag where collected dirt and debris goes instead of the filtration system. It also uses an external booster pump which requires an extra hose to increase its pressure and power. Thus, it is considered more powerful than the suction pool cleaner.
- Robotic – as its name suggests, this type of cleaner is the most advanced version among the three. It can operate on its own once everything is set up and connected to the plumbing and filtration system. To ensure your safety, it operates under low voltage. It also has an internal pump, motor, and control unit to keep it working independently. Most importantly, it can master the size and shape of the pool to work faster and more efficient.
Type and Size of the Pool
Are you planning to buy an automatic pool cleaner for residential or commercial use? In this case, take note that commercial pools require a more heavy-duty cleaner. This is vital if it needs to clean more than 1 pool regularly since ordinary cleaners won’t last long. Not to mention if the pools are built with an Olympic size which requires more time to clean thoroughly. If your pool has slopes, steps, or inclines, get a cleaner that can match your needs and handle them smoothly.
Amount of Debris to Clean
Overlooking this aspect might mess up any automatic pool cleaner in case bigger debris gets stuck in it. Bigger debris requires an automatic cleaner that can get rid of both floating and sunk debris in the pool. At the same time, its filter bag should be enough to handle a bigger amount of debris. Thus, small cleaners with small suction and filter bags might have a problem dealing with bigger debris. Unless you will get rid of the bigger debris first, your pool won’t be cleaned 100%.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why opt for an automatic pool cleaner?
For those who want to clean a swimming pool without a hassle, an automatic pool cleaner is a must. As its name suggests, this pool cleaner is obviously more efficient if you want to save time cleaning.
- Are all pool cleaners the same?
The answer is no. There are different types of pool cleaners on the market wherein each type may still vary depending on its model. Thus, each pool cleaner on the market is pretty much unique to cater to customers’ specific needs.
- Does a robotic pool cleaner consume a lot of energy?
Though this automatic pool cleaner’s name already gives it a big edge to showcase its quality, it’s not that greedy. It may allow you to clean the entire swimming pool without breaking a sweat, but it won’t use too much energy. Contrary to what most people think, it typically requires a low voltage to operate. Thus, you don’t need to worry about your electric bill anytime soon unless you have a resort with multiple pools.
- Do automatic pool cleaners have the same features?
Each type of automatic pool cleaner has its own ability but each product may also have more features than others. This depends on its model and brand since some may still have more features than its competitors. Regardless, the more features and functions your automatic pool cleaner can offer the better.
- Which type of automatic pool cleaner should I buy?
This depends on your specific needs. Thus, you can’t base your judgment on the cheapest or the most expensive model on the market. For instance, you can settle with a robotic pool cleaner if you have a big pool to clean. This way, you can simply set it through its control unit and let it do its job while you do something else.