If you are looking for the best pool cleaner, the most important factors to consider are the type and size of your pool, debris, and weight. With these features in mind, I have summarized my favorite products below. Keep reading if you want to learn more about why they might be important to you.
When I think about cleaning my pool, I cannot help but feel unmotivated as soon as I see the debris floating in the water. I have always longed for crystal-clear water, but cleaning my pool simply takes too much time and effort.
Fortunately, I came across pool cleaners. These handy tools can help me scrub the swimming pool with minimal effort. They can also do the task quickly to save time doing other productive things.
Below, I will discuss the best pool cleaners available today. I will include a detailed review and a list of pros and cons to help you choose the right product for your needs.
This article also includes a handy buying guide below. I will walk you through the factors to consider before purchasing the pool cleaning device.
Finally, I will answer your frequently asked questions about pool cleaners in general.
Without further ado, let us jump right into my top picks!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| Image | Product | Details | ||
| Editor’s Pick |  | Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner | Pool Type: In-Ground Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 16 inches Weight: 19 pounds | Check price |
| Runner-Up |  | Dolphin E10 Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner | Pool Type: Above-Ground Dimensions: 22 x 17.5 x 13 inches Weight: 13.8 pounds | Check price |
| Best for Above-Ground Pools |  | Dolphin Escape Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner | Pool Type: Above-Ground Dimensions: 22.44 x 17.8 x 13 inches Weight: 14 pounds | Check price |
| Best Premium Pool Cleaner |  | Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner | Pool Type: In-Ground Dimensions: 23.58 x 19.84 x 14.02 inches Weight: 35.3 pounds | Check price |
| Best Budget Pool Cleaner |  | Zodiac G3 Automatic Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Vacuum | Pool Type: In-Ground Dimensions: 9 x 41 x 19 inches Weight: 17.91 pounds | Check price |
 | Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure-Side In-Ground Pool Cleaner | Pool Type: In-Ground Dimensions: 20 x 23 x 10 inches Weight: 6.2 pounds | Check price | |
 | Dolphin Proteus DX3 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner | Pool Type: In-Ground Dimensions: 22 x 18 x 13 inches Weight: 27.5 pounds | Check price |
7 Best Pool Cleaners
Below are my top recommendations for the best pool cleaners on the market today. Each product can help clean your pool to ensure crystal-clear water without requiring too much of your time and effort
1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner – Editor’s Pick
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner is the first product on this list of the best pool cleaners.
This robotic cleaner boasts a powerful suction rate of 4,500 gallons per hour (GPH). It can scrub in-ground pools up to 50 feet and leave them squeaky clean in just two hours. Thus, it lets you enjoy your swimming pool for longer periods and spend less time cleaning.
Additionally, the Dolphin Nautilus Cleaner features dual scrubbing brushes and great filtering abilities. They can clean dirt, dust, and other debris stuck on your pool floor and pool walls in no time.
Moreover, this best pool vacuum offers three cleaning settings. Feel free to choose the sanitation frequency—every day, every other day, or every third day—depending on how dirty your pool gets and your schedule.
There is also no need for additional pool equipment to achieve crystal-clear water. The Dolphin Nautilus is an independent cleaning machine that gets the task done in no time. Hence, it can save energy and money with every pool cleaning schedule.
Plus, a 60-feet cable is included in the package. It is tangle-free to allow you to navigate the pool with relative ease.
Finally, Dolphin offers a two-year warranty on this particular model. It can guarantee product quality. There is also an extended warranty available to ensure peace of mind.
With all these benefits in mind, it comes as no surprise that most customer reviews for this product were positive. If there is any criticism, it would be its tendency to get stuck on the swimming pool steps and bottom drains. A few users also wished for more features for the phone app to control the Wi-Fi variant of this model.
But as you can tell, the pros far outweigh the cons.
As such, I picked the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner as the best pool cleaner today.
Pros:
- The powerful suction rate of 4,500 GPH can keep your pool squeaky clean in no time
- It comes with dual scrubbing brushes and superior filtering capabilities
- It allows you to choose the best time and frequency to operate the pool vacuum
- A tangle-free long cable ensures easy movement within the pool
- It does not require extra pool equipment to save energy and electric bills
Cons:
- The robotic pool cleaner tends to get stuck when navigating the pool steps and bottom drains
- Some users wished the smartphone app had more features and capabilities
2. Dolphin E10 Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner – Runner-Up
Those who want a high-quality pool cleaner at a relatively affordable price might like the Dolphin E10 Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner.
Similar to the previous pick, it features a highly capable suction rate, but only up to 4,000 gallons per hour. Nevertheless, it can still polish and scrub your above-ground pool as quickly as an hour and a half.
This best pool vacuum cleaner also offers a high-speed scrubber. It can keep your pool floor, walls, and steps clean in no time.
Furthermore, the Dolphin E10 Pool Cleaner includes a fine filter basket. It can effectively trap dirt, dust, leaves, twigs, and other debris. Thus, it leaves your pool water crystal clear.
There is also no need for complicated installation and other pool equipment. Simply plug the pool cleaner and drop it in the pool to start the sanitation process.
And once you are done, you can take advantage of the quick water release feature. It allows you to remove the robotic cleaner from the depths of the swimming pool with ease. Do not worry. as it only lets the water out and keeps the debris in the filter basket so that you can clean it later on.
On top of all these benefits, the Dolphin E10 comes with two-year quality assurance. Feel free to ask for a product refund or return if it does not meet your expectations.
But before buying this best pool vacuum cleaner, it is best to consider its downsides. First, it does not offer multiple cleaning cycle times—you are stuck with the 90-minute option. Second, a few users complained about the wire constantly getting tangled.
Overall, though, the Dolphin E10 is still among the best pool cleaning devices you can buy today.
Pros:
- A maximum suction rate of 4,000 GPH can scrub your pool clean in under 1.5 hours
- The fine filter basket effectively collects dust, dirt, and debris
- It does not require complicated assembly
- The quick water release feature makes the device easy to remove from the pool
- A long cable allows you to clean above-ground pools up to 30 feet in length
Cons:
- The 90-minute cleaning cycle might be too short for some users
- A few customers said that the included wire constantly gets tangled
3. Dolphin Escape Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner – Best for Above-Ground Pools
If you own an above-ground pool, then the Dolphin Escape Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner might suit your needs.
This robotic pool cleaner features smart navigation and scanning software. It utilizes advanced algorithms to scrub your pool with unmatched efficiency. It can also sense pool walls, ladders, and drains to ensure uninterrupted cleaning.
Additionally, the Dolphin Escape uses low-voltage motors that operate on nearly 90% less power than suction pool cleaners. It only requires 180 watts of power, which can significantly reduce operating costs.
What’s more, this above-ground pool cleaner has continuous rubber tracks. They prevent slipping on the pool floor to eliminate wasted energy.
There is even a maximum suction rating of 4,000 GPH. It can handle swimming pools up to 30 feet in size.
Besides vacuum, the Dolphin Escape also employs a scrubbing brush. It helps remove stubborn algae and other build-ups attached to the pool’s floor and walls.
Finally, this smart cleaner comes with a huge filter cartridge that can be accessed from the top. It eliminates the mess from traditional pool cleaners.
Despite these benefits, there are still a few downsides to this product. First, some users experienced the motor automatically going to sleep mode. Second, a few customers said that the basket cover was a little flimsy and tended to pop open.
Nevertheless, the Dolphin Escape is still worth considering. It is my top recommendation if you are looking for the best above-ground pool cleaner.
Pros:
- The smart navigation and scanning software deliver efficient pool cleaning coverage
- The onboard motors use low voltage to ensure low operating costs
- It comes with slip-free continuous rubber tracks
- An active scrubbing brush can clean algae and other stubborn stains
- A massive filter cartridge can trap all kinds of debris can be accessed easily from the top
Cons
- The unit automatically goes to sleep mode, according to some users
- A few customers were disappointed with the flimsy basket cover as it tends to pop open
4. Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner – Best Premium Pool Cleaner
Are you looking for a smart pool cleaner with premium features to minimize human interaction? Then, consider buying the Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner.
It boasts CleverClean technology. This smart navigation software uses advanced algorithms to ensure complete pool coverage.
And when paired with twin motors, the Dolphin Premier can leave your pool squeaky clean. It also uses 90% less energy than traditional suction and pressure cleaners.
Additionally, this robotic pool cleaner offers a maximum suction rate of 4,500 GPH. It is ideal for swimming pools up to 50 feet in length.
Furthermore, it includes three media types, namely micro-cartridges, standard cartridges, and an oversized leaf or debris bag. They can collect all kinds of debris to ensure a spotless pool. Meanwhile, the full filter indicator lets you know when it is time to clean your filter.
There are even dual scrubbing brushes. They can remove stubborn stains stuck on the pool floor, walls, or waterline in no time.
Plus, the Dolphin Premier has a convenient weekly scheduler. Feel free to set the frequency depending on your needs.
Finally, the manufacturer provides an extended three-year warranty. This coverage ensures the product will last you for years to come. It also allows you to ask for a refund or return if it does not meet your needs.
All these benefits come at an expensive cost, though. A few users also complained about the weight and size of the cleaning device.
However, the Dolphin Premier might be worth it if you can maximize all its smart features. It is one of the best robotic pool cleaners available today.
Pros:
- The CleverClean technology ensures complete pool coverage
- Powerful twin DC motors can keep your pool squeaky clean
- It offers three different media types to remove all kinds of debris
- A smart control weekly timer lets you choose the cleaning frequency
- The extended three-year coverage gives you peace of mind
Cons:
- The most expensive item on this list
- A few customers found the cleaner difficult to store due to its weight and large size
5. Zodiac G3 Automatic Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Vacuum – Best Budget Pool Cleaner
If you are on a tight budget, consider looking at the Zodiac G3 Automatic Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Vacuum.
It offers several advanced features at a significantly lower price.
First, the Zodiac G3 has a powerful yet silent suction cleaner. It can trap small and medium-sized debris for crystal-clear water.
Additionally, this suction-side pool cleaner features a FlowKeeper Valve. It can effectively regulate water flow to ensure peak cleaning performance, even when using pumps with lower horsepower.
This automatic pool cleaner also comes with Long Life hoses that eliminate scuffs on different pool surfaces, including tile, vinyl, gunite, and fiberglass pools.
There is even a 36-Fin Disc that improves adhesion to any pool surface. At the same time, it prevents the cleaning vacuum from getting stuck on drain covers, fittings, and other pool features.
Finally, it is easy to install and maintain, owing to the patented quick-release cassette.
However, before buying this pool vacuum, it is best to consider its downsides. First, it requires additional pool equipment, such as a pump, to work. Second, it tends to focus on the perimeter of the pool instead of the middle when cleaning.
With that said, the Zodiac G3 is hard to beat, especially for its low price. It is one of the best pool vacuums you can buy on the market today.
Pros:
- It works with low-speed pumps to eliminate pool debris
- A FlowKeeper Valve maintains peak cleaning performance
- Long Life hoses can remove scuffs on various pool surfaces
- It comes with a 36-Fin Disc to increase adhesion to the pool
- The pool vacuum is easy to install and maintain
Cons:
- It requires you to buy a separate pool pump to work
- A few users noticed that the pool vacuum tends to stick to the pool’s perimeter instead of the middle when cleaning
6. Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure-Side In-Ground Pool Cleaner
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure-Side In-Ground Pool Cleaner is another high-quality pool cleaning device.
It features dual venturi jets that produce strong vacuum power to eliminate pool debris in under three hours. These jets draw power from a separate Polaris booster pump.
Additionally, the Vac-Sweep 280 comes with a large 2.25-inch inlet. It can effectively collect large debris, such as leaves, pebbles, and acorns. At the same time, it can trap smaller and finer particles.
Furthermore, this pool vacuum cleaner has a single chamber filter bag. It removes contaminants before it reaches your pump basket. Thus, it extends the lifespan of your filtration system.
There is even an included 31-foot feed hose. It allows you to reach corners of your swimming pool with relative ease.
Finally, the Polaris In-Ground Pool is safe to use in most pool shapes and surfaces. It is compatible with tile, gunite, fiberglass, pebble, and vinyl-lined pools.
However, it requires you to purchase a separate pool pump to power the vacuum jets. A few users also said that the wheels were cheaply made.
Nevertheless, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 still deserves a place on this list of the best pool cleaners.
Pros:
- The dual venturi jets effectively clean the pool
- It has a large inlet to pick up bigger debris
- A single chamber filter basket prolongs the life of your filtration system
- The long feed hose can easily reach corners
- It can work on different pool surfaces
Cons:
- It requires a separate pool pump if you want the vacuum jets to work
- A few users were disappointed with the wheels because they easily broke
7. Dolphin Proteus DX3 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Proteus DX3 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner offers an impressive suction rate of 4,000 GPH. It can clean swimming pools up to 33 feet in just two hours.
Additionally, this automatic pool cleaner has a high-speed front scrubber. It can climb and brush off the grime and dirt stuck on the pool walls.
Meanwhile, the included fine filter basket can effectively trap debris to ensure clear and healthy water.
Furthermore, the Proteus DX3 features a weekly scheduler. It allows you to choose the cleaning frequency, whether every day, every other day, or every third day.
And unlike pressure and suction cleaners, this best robotic pool cleaner does not require additional equipment. Thus, it can help you save on energy costs.
Finally, the Dolphin Proteus DX3 is compatible with all pool surface types. There is no need to worry if you own a tile, vinyl, or fiberglass pool.
There are still a few downsides to this product, though. First, the robotic cleaner is relatively heavy, making storage difficult. Second, a few users noticed that it missed cleaning some parts of the pool.
But overall, the Dolphin Proteus DX3 is a highly capable pool cleaner to consider.
Pros:
- A powerful suction rate can clean swimming pools up to 33 feet in two hours
- The high-speed scrubber eliminates dirt and grime
- It offers a fine filter basket
- The weekly scheduler allows you to set the cleaning frequency
- It works on all pool surface types, including tile, fiberglass, vinyl, and pebble
Cons:
- The robot cleaner was heavy
- Some customers said that it missed scrubbing some parts of the pool
How to Choose the Best Pool Cleaners for Your Home
If you are still unsure which pool cleaner to buy, do not worry. Below, I will walk you through the factors to consider before finalizing your purchasing decision.
Type of Cleaner
The first factor to consider when buying a pool cleaner is its type. There are three common styles to choose from, namely suction, pressure, and robotic. Each one offers unique advantages, so it is up to you to choose which one best suits your needs.
Suction pool cleaners are the most affordable option upfront. They require a pump, a long hose, and a skimmer to suck up debris. However, suction cleaners can increase your electric bill due to the pump connection.
Meanwhile, pressure cleaners also depend on the pump and filter, which can increase your electric bill. But unlike the suction cleaner, this type of pool cleaner uses a booster pump to increase water pressure. This helps clean the pool walls. Another advantage is the included waste bags, which extend your pool filter’s lifespan.
Finally, robotic cleaners do not require additional pool equipment. They use software to clean your pool. The only downside is their high price tag.
Pool Type and Surface
Besides the type of your cleaner, you also have to take your pool type into consideration.
Determine if you have an above-ground or in-ground pool. Then, choose the appropriate cleaner that can handle the depth and size of your pool.
You might also want to think about your pool surface. Note that different materials will require distinct cleaning and maintenance needs. For instance, if you have concrete or tile pool flooring, a pool vacuum might work. However, vinyl and fiberglass surfaces tend to trap debris, so a vacuum might not be as effective.
Weight
The weight of the pool cleaner is often an overlooked factor. But it is important to consider since you will lift the unit out of the pool after cleaning. You also have to think about the collected debris, which can add weight to the device.
Thus, it is best to invest in a lightweight model to make cleaning and storage easier.
Filtration System
If you want to buy a pool cleaner with a filter, you must think about the type of debris on your pool. Do you want to simply get rid of the leaves and fallen twigs on the water? Or are you looking for something that can also remove fine dust and dirt?
Once you have recognized your needs, you can easily choose from different filtration systems. The most common ones are cloth filters, filter baskets, and cartridges.
Cable Length
It is essential to consider the cord length of the pool cleaner. This factor will determine how far or deep the cleaning device can reach.
If you own a large or deep pool, you will need a longer cord. Avoid buying a short cable because it requires you to move the power supply when cleaning one side of the pool.
Warranty
Finally, it is best to purchase a pool cleaner backed with a warranty. Look for longer coverage, as it guarantees the product quality for years to come. You will also find it easier to ask for a refund or return if the cleaner does not meet your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a pool cleaner work?
Automatic pool cleaners remove dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris from your swimming pool to ensure its cleanliness.
Suction and pressure pool cleaners connect directly to your pool skimmer to pull water into the pump. Then, they move around the pool to suck up contaminants.
Meanwhile, robot cleaners work by creating suction using their built-in electric motors. They can climb up pool walls and steps to effectively clean your pool. Most models also come with rotating brushes to remove more stubborn dirt.
How long do pool cleaners last?
You can expect high-quality pool cleaners to last you for four or five years. You can also get them to serve you for up to eight years if you properly maintain them.
However, several factors can affect the lifespan of pool cleaners. These include the brand, the pool cleaner type, the maintenance, and the warranty coverage from the manufacturer.
How often should I clean my pool?
If you swim every day, it is best to clean your pool daily as well. You might also want to deploy your suction, pressure, or robotic cleaner every day if your pool is located near trees and shrubs.
However, those who do not swim frequently can run the pool vacuum once a week. But avoid leaving your pool alone for a long time. More stubborn grime and algae will accumulate, making it difficult for your cleaner to remove.
Are robotic pool cleaners worth it?
Robotic pool cleaners offer advanced features and smart capabilities that can cost you a lot. However, these premium benefits might be worth it if you do not have the luxury of time to clean your pool manually or effectively remove stubborn stains.
Conclusion
That sums up my top picks for the best pool cleaners available today! Each one will help pool owners have crystal-clear water.
However, my favorite product is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner. It creates a powerful suction that can clean my pool in just two hours. Meanwhile, the dual scrubbing brushes and superior filter can remove stubborn debris stuck in the pool. Furthermore, this robotic pool vacuum lets you choose the cleaning schedule. Finally, the two-year warranty can guarantee product quality.
