Are you looking for the best pressure-side pool cleaner? The most important factors to consider are its pump compatibility, hose length, and traction. Below, I will discuss my favorite products based on these features. Read on to learn why they might suit your pool maintenance needs.
When I am shopping for a pool vacuum cleaner, it is really important to me to check its type and how it works. The last thing I want is to buy an item that is incompatible with my pool type and pump.
Fortunately, I came across pressure-side pool cleaners. This type of automatic pool cleaner offers the right balance between power, energy use, and price. It helps you remove grime and sediment to ensure a clean swimming pool.
Below, I will discuss my favorite pressure vacuum cleaners on the market. I will include a detailed review and a rundown of their pros and cons for easier comparison.
I will also walk you through the factors to consider when choosing a pool cleaner. Hopefully, this buying guide will help you make the right purchasing decision.
Finally, a handy FAQ section awaits you below, where I will be answering some questions about pool maintenance.
Let us get on with the article!
How Does A Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner Work?
Before I dive right into my top picks, I would first like to discuss how a pressure-side cleaner works.
Pressure-side pool cleaners require connection to the pressurized side of your pump system, hence their name. The water returning into the pool pump can thrust the vacuum cleaner into the pool’s depth. Then, the cleaner moves along the pool floor and walls in a random pattern to keep the water clear.
There are two types of pressure-side pool cleaners—high-pressure and low-pressure.
High-pressure or booster pump cleaners draw power from a separate booster pump. They enjoy consistent water flow from the pump. Additionally, they offer scheduled cleanings and an automatic on/off operation. Hence, they prevent wear and tear on the cleaner and ensure lower electricity costs.
Meanwhile, low-pressure pool cleaners do not require a separate booster pump. Instead, they need a large hose to connect to the pool pump and filter system. They are cheaper to install compared to high-pressure cleaners. However, they are too dependent on the pump filtration system, which significantly affects suction power.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| Image | Product | Details | ||
| Editor’s Pick |  | Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure-Side In-ground Pool Cleaner | Material: Plastic Dimensions: 20 x 23 x 10 inches Weight: 6.20 pounds Feed Hose Length: 31 feet | Check price |
| Best Debris Bag |  | Hayward TriVac 500 Pressure Pool Cleaner | Material: Plastic Dimensions: 22.5 x 19.8 x 15.9 inches Weight: 15.9 pounds Feed Hose Length: 34 feet | Check price |
| Best Traction |  | Pentair LL505G Kreepy Krauly Legend Pressure-Side In-ground Pool Cleaner | Material: Plastic Dimensions: 23.5 x 23.5 x 11 inches Weight: 22 pounds Feed Hose Length: 30 feet | Check price |
 | Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport Pressure In-ground Pool Cleaner | Material: Vinyl Dimensions: 24 x 11 x 24 inches Weight: 10.1 pounds Feed Hose Length: 31 feet | Check price | |
 | Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure In-ground Pool Cleaner | Material: Plastic Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 22.75 inches Weight: 14 pounds Feed Hose Length: 31 feet | Check price |
5 Best Pressure Side Pool Cleaners
Below are my top recommendations for the best pressure-side cleaners available today. Each one can effectively clean your in-ground pool, so you can safely take a dip into the waters whenever you want.
1. Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure-Side In-ground Pool Cleaner – Editor’s Pick
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure-Side In-ground Pool Cleaner is the first one on this list of the best pressure pool cleaners.
It boasts dual venturi jets that provide strong vacuum power when connected to a separate booster pump. This pool cleaner can clean in-ground swimming pools in less than three hours.
Additionally, the Vac-Sweep 280 comes with a large 2.25-inch inlet. It can easily pull in both large and small debris that other vacuum cleaners cannot.
Furthermore, this in-ground pool vacuum offers complete cleaning coverage. It can effectively sweep and scrub the walls and floor of your pool.
There is even an all-purpose debris bag. It can trap all kinds of sediment before they reach your pump basket or filter. It can ultimately extend the lifespan of your filtration system.
The Vac-Sweep Cleaner is also safe to use in different pool shapes and surfaces. It is compatible with concrete, fiberglass, gunite, pebble, and tiled swimming pools.
Finally, this pool cleaner includes a 31-feet feed hose kit. It lets you reach and clean the maximum depth of your pool.
All these benefits led to positive reviews from thousands of customers.
However, there are still a few valid criticisms. First, some users noticed that the cleaner occasionally gets stuck on pool stairs and curved surfaces. Second, a few customers said that the hose kept getting tangled.
With that said, the pros far outweigh the cons. For this reason, I picked the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 as the best pressure-side pool cleaner available today.
Pros:
- Dual venturi jets with strong vacuum power can clean an in-ground pool in three hours or less
- A large vacuum inlet can effectively pick up large debris
- It has a single chamber filter bag to trap all kinds of pool contaminants
- It is compatible with different pool surfaces, including fiberglass, pebble, tile, and vinyl
- The package includes 31 feet of feed hose to reach all heights
Cons:
- The vacuum cleaner sometimes gets stuck on the pool steps and any curved surface
- A few customers said that the hose tends to get tangled
2. Hayward TriVac 500 Pressure Pool Cleaner – Best Debris Bag
The Hayward TriVac 500 Pressure Pool Cleaner is another automatic pool vacuum to consider.
It features three high-pressure water jets. These produce strong suction power to pull in different kinds of debris.
Additionally, this pressure-side pool cleaner has patented AquaDrive technology. Together with the unique backup sequence, it can help the vacuum stay on track for faster cleaning coverage.
Furthermore, the TriVac 500 uses low-impact and super-grip tires. This wheel system ensures a non-slip grip on your pool floor and walls. At the same time, it prevents wear and tear on your pool surface.
And speaking of, it can handle different in-ground pool surface types. It can safely clean fiberglass, gunite, pebble, tile, and vinyl-lined pools.
Plus, this pressure-side pool cleaner is compatible with most booster pumps. It works best with the Hayward Booster Pump (sold separately), which uses less electricity than other booster pumps.
There is even a 34-foot feed hose kit included in the package. It is suitable for in-ground pools up to 20 x 40 feet in size.
On top of all these benefits, the TriVac 500 includes a patented extra-large debris bag. Its large capacity allows you to clean the pool for longer periods without the need to empty the bag. It also comes with a unique float system. Simply remove this from the top to access the filter opening. Then, rinse the debris off using a garden hose.
However, it is still best to consider the cons of this product. First, some users noticed black scuff marks on the feed hose. Second, a few customers also struggled to open the debris bag for cleaning.
Nevertheless, the Hayward TriVac 500 is among the best automatic pressure-side cleaners today. It is my top recommendation if you want a high-capacity and reliable debris bag.
Pros:
- It uses three high-pressure water jets for optimum suction power
- A patented AquaDrive technology can help the cleaner find its way across the pool
- Extra-large and easy-open debris bag ensures convenient vacuum maintenance
- Low-impact and super-grip wheels to reduce wear and tear on different pool surfaces
- It includes a 34-feet feed hose
Cons:
- Some users received a feed hose with black scuff markings
- A few customers had difficulty detaching the debris bag from the sliding plastic mechanism
3. Pentair LL505G Kreepy Krauly Legend Pressure-Side In-ground Pool Cleaner – Best Traction
Are you looking for a high-quality cleaner that does not fall over the pool steps? Then, consider the Pentair LL505G Kreepy Krauly Legend Pressure-Side Inground Pool Cleaner.
It features a four-wheeled design, unlike most pool vacuum cleaners. These treaded wheels offer superior traction. At the same time, they can prevent tipping and random stops on curved or sloped surfaces. They ultimately ensure uninterrupted cleaning performance.
The Legend Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner is also compatible with most booster pumps. It provides reliable suction power at a value price.
Furthermore, this automatic pool cleaner has a large intake throat. It helps you pull in different kinds of sediment in a single sweep. It can also effectively remove large debris such as leaves, twigs, and pebbles.
There is even a high-capacity filter bag. It can trap all types of pool contaminants to prolong the life of your pump and filtration system.
Finally, the Kreepy Krauly Legend offers a 30-feet feed hose for cleaning hard-to-reach areas of your pool. It is available in either gray or white housing. Feel free to choose one that best suits your needs.
Despite these benefits, it is essential to consider the drawbacks of this pool cleaner. First, some users said that the hose tends to tangle. A few customers also did not receive the debris bag in the package.
Fortunately, these are isolated cases. The Pentair LL505G Kreepy Krauly Legend is still worth considering for its excellent traction on your swimming pool surface. It is one of the best pressure-side cleaners for in-ground pools.
Pros:
- The front-wheel design offers maximum traction on inclined pool surfaces
- Treaded tires prevent tipping to ensure uninterrupted cleaning
- A large vacuum inlet can pull in all kinds of debris for a cleaner pool
- The package includes a high-capacity filter bag
- 30-feet long feed hose in either gray or white housing
Cons:
- The feed hose has a tendency to get tangled
- A few customers said that they did not receive the debris bag in the package
4. Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport Pressure In-ground Pool Cleaner
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport is another high-quality pressure-side pool cleaner.
It boasts an all-wheel PosiDrive system that drives the vacuum cleaner across the pool. It can also deliver 50% more torque to guarantee maximum performance.
Additionally, this automatic pool cleaner has innovative auto-reverse technology. It can instantly free itself if it gets stuck on the pool steps or drains. It can ultimately save you time in pool maintenance.
Moreover, the Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport uses triple venturi jets. These produce strong vacuum power to keep your pool clean.
Meanwhile, the large 2.5-inch vacuum inlet can pick up both large and small debris. It also moves fluidly to scrub the bottom and sides of your pool.
There is even a dual chamber filter bag. It has a maximum capacity of five liters. Thus, it can collect all kinds of large debris, such as acorns, dirt, leaves, pebbles, twigs, and more. At the same time, it can prolong the life of your filtration system.
Plus, this pressure-side vacuum cleaner can handle in-ground pools made from different surfaces. These include fiberglass, gunite, pebble, tile, and vinyl pools.
Finally, the package includes 31 feet of feed hose. There is also a bonus TailSweep PRO accessory to prevent accidental spraying of windows and walkways.
However, all these benefits come at a high price point. A few users also complained about the quality of the filter bag. It can easily be punctured, which requires you to replace it with a new one.
Overall, though, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport is still worth considering if you want something powerful and mobile. It is one of the best pressure-side in-ground pool cleaners available today.
Pros:
- The all-wheel PosiDrive system ensures maximum performance under the water for efficient pool cleaning
- It uses triple venturi jets for strong vacuum power
- The large vacuum inlet offers complete cleaning coverage
- A dual-chamber filler can capture both small and large debris
- The package includes a feed hose and a TailSweep accessory for preventing accidental spraying of water
Cons:
- It is the most expensive vacuum cleaner on this list
- A few users were disappointed with the filter bag because it easily got punctured
5. Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure In-ground Pool Cleaner
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure In-ground Pool Cleaner is the last product on this list of the best pressure pool cleaners.
Unlike other pressure-side vacuum cleaners, this model does not require a separate booster pump. Instead, it takes advantage of the water pressure from the pool pump’s return line. It is where the Vac-Sweep 360 draws power to move across the swimming pool and clean it.
Additionally, this best pool cleaner features three venturi jets. They produce strong vacuum power to eliminate algae and other sediments from your pool.
Furthermore, the Vac-Sweep 360 comes with a large 2.25-inch vacuum inlet. It can effectively pull in both large and small debris. It also offers a large cleaning coverage to ensure quick pool maintenance.
The package even includes an all-purpose debris bag. It captures algae, dirt, dust, leaves, and more before they reach your pump basket or filter. Hence, it can prolong the life of your pool filtration system. At the same time, it uses a hook and loop closure that makes it easy to open and empty out the debris.
Finally, this automatic pressure-side cleaner has 31 feet of feed hose. It can easily reach the maximum depth of your pool.
Despite these advantages, it is best to consider the cons of this vacuum cleaner. First, it struggles when climbing up pool walls. Second, a few customers were disappointed with the hose connectors because of their cheap and flimsy build.
Nevertheless, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 is still among the best pressure-side pool cleaners. It can save you money in the long run since it does not depend on a separate booster pump.
Pros:
- It eliminates the need to install a booster pump
- The three venturi jets provide reliable vacuum power to clean your pool
- A large vacuum inlet can easily pick up all kinds of debris
- The package includes a large filter bag to prevent dirt and other sediments from damaging your filter system
- It has a 31-foot feed hose kit
Cons:
- The pool vacuum cleaner had difficulty climbing up the walls or any inclined surface
- A few users said that the hose connectors have a cheap and flimsy build
How to Choose the Best Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner
If you are still struggling to choose the best pool cleaner for your needs, do not worry. Read on below as I discuss the factors to consider before buying a pressure-side cleaner.
Pump Compatibility
The compatibility with a pump is perhaps the most important factor to check when buying a pressure pool cleaner.
Does it require you to install a separate booster pump? If so, what kind of pumps and pools does the vacuum cleaner work with? You will also need to choose the right pump depending on the style of the pool you have, whether in-ground or above-ground.
Finally, it must match up with the right pool cleaner. For instance, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 will work with the Polaris booster pump.
Hose
It is also best to consider the hose length. It acts like the power supply of the vacuum cleaner. Hence, it must be long enough to connect the unit to the pool’s pump.
If it is rather short, make sure that the hose allows you to add extensions. Look for a model with hose connectors to extend its reach.
Traction
When shopping for a pressure-side pool cleaner, you need to look into its wheels.
If possible, invest in a model with four wheels to prevent tipping over the pool surface. You might also want to consider low-impact and non-slip tires. You can expect better traction with them, which ultimately ensures a more efficient pool cleaning process.
Debris Bag
The debris bags or filter containers are among the most important components of pressure pool cleaners.
Look for larger filter bags to collect bigger debris effectively. You can also clean and empty them less often.
It is also best to consider the material of the debris bag. Choose a durable material to handle leaves, twigs, pebbles, and anything else that your cleaner may pick up. Doing so can prevent the risk of punctures.
Budget
Pressure-side cleaners are available at different price points. Most models fall within the range of $200 and $900.
While you can find a good budget vacuum cleaner, you will enjoy more features and capabilities with an expensive model. Be prepared to shell out around $500 for a high-quality pool cleaner. But if you want to invest in advanced models with smart features, you will need at least $1000.
Warranty
Finally, consider a pressure-side pool cleaner with a warranty.
The longer the coverage period, the better. It indicates the quality of the vacuum cleaner. It also makes it easier to ask for a product refund or return if it does not meet your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to install a pressure-side pool cleaner?
All swimming pools have suction lines that pull water from the pool into the filter. They also have pressure lines that push water back into the pool.
You can connect the automatic cleaner directly to the pressure or return line of the pump. Or you can use a dedicated cleaner line or pipe to send water to the cleaner. This pipe draws power from a second pump called a booster pump.
Below is a step-to-step guide on how to install a pressure-side pool cleaner.
- Install a universal wall fitting into your pump’s dedicated return line.
- Measure the depth of your pool. Then, trim the leader hose according to the deepest part of your pool.
- Connect the leader hose to the feed hose. Meanwhile, attach the other end to the wall fitting.
- Pull the feed hose to the farthest pool edge from the return line. If it extends far past the edge, cut the hose according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Make sure the feed hose floats are evenly spaced.
- Attach the feed hose to the pool cleaner.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in securing the filter bag.
- Prepare your pool pump. If you have a booster pump, you can proceed to turn it on.
How to maintain a pressure-side pool cleaner?
Pressure-side pool cleaners use high-quality and durable materials that can last you for a long time. However, they still require routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Make sure to clean it regularly by doing the following.
- Remove the filter bag and leave it under direct sunlight to dry. Once the debris is fully dried, you can empty it out.
- Use a garden hose to spray the filter bag if it is clogged up.
- Remove the in-line filter from the filter assembly. Wash it with water.
- Attach the filter back inside the assembly.
- Inspect your sweep hose if there is any debris attached. Hose it down when necessary.
- Clean the openings on the end of your sweep hose to prevent clogging.
- Secure the hose connections by tightening them. Avoid over-tightening because it can strip the connectors.
What is the difference between pressure-side and suction-side pool cleaners?
When shopping for a pool cleaner, you might have come across two main types—pressure-side and suction-side.
Both kinds of cleaners offer reliable pool maintenance, with each one offering its pros and cons.
Pressure pool cleaners connect to the pressurized size of your water pump. They take advantage of this water pressure to move the unit around the pool and pick up debris. They also have powerful motors that can suck in larger pool contaminants, such as acorns, branches, leaves, and pebbles.
However, pressure-side cleaners usually require a booster pump. They can be expensive to install, especially if your pool is not designed for this type of cleaner.
On the other hand, suction-side pool cleaners connect to the pool skimmer or designated cleaner line. They use existing suction power from your pump to pull debris in the water and return it to the pump basket.
But since they direct all pool contaminants into the pump, suction cleaners need regular maintenance. If not properly maintained, they can cause wear and tear and ultimately shorten the life of your filtration system.
Conclusion
That sums up the best pressure-side cleaners on the market today. I highly recommend each product on this list for its strong and reliable suction power.
But if I can only suggest one, my top choice would be the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure-Side In-ground Pool Cleaner. It uses dual venturi jets that can remove pool debris in less than three hours. It also has a large 2.25-inch inlet to suck in heavier particles with ease. Furthermore, this in-ground pool cleaner comes with an all-purpose debris bag. It can collect all kinds of contaminants to protect your pump basket and filter. Finally, the 31-feet feed hose makes it easier to reach and clean your pool.
