Pools sure are fun, but cleaning them… well… not so fun. One fantastic invention of the modern era is the automatic pool cleaner! With an automatic pool cleaner, you can set up this handy device and then go about your day while the leaves, dirt and grime in the bottom of your pool magically disappear! Sound good? We think so!
There are different types of automatic pool cleaners with varying capacities and uses. For helpful information about how to choose the best automatic pool cleaner for your needs, check out our detailed buying guide below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an automatic pool cleaner work?
There are basically two common types of automatic pool cleaners: vacuums that hook to your pool’s filter pump, and vacuums that operate independently. The pool cleaners that hook up to your existing filter pump are units that navigate around the pool by themselves, sucking up dirt, algae, leaves and bugs, and sending this debris through a hose to your pool’s filtration system. In contrast, independent units may be cordless or have a power cord, and these smart robotic vacuums go around the pool and suck up dirt that then goes into their self-contained collection bins. These cleaners operate free from hoses. The debris bins on independent pool vacuums need to be emptied regularly, though. Both types of automatic pool cleaners have pros and cons, but all automatic pool cleaners use technology that allows them to systematically move around your pool to clean it up while you can use your time and energy for more enjoyable things.
How much does an automatic pool cleaner cost?
As with many outdoor recreational products, there is a wide range of prices when it comes to automatic pool cleaners. The least expensive models cost around $100 or less. On the other end of the spectrum, the most advanced automatic pool cleaners can cost up to $1000 or more. Sometimes the price is tied to the capabilities of an automatic pool cleaner. For example, if you have a large in-ground pool with a sloping depth, you may need to spend more than the low end to get a vacuum that can handle a large pool.
What parts of the pool do automatic pool vacuums clean?
Many of the automatic pool cleaners on the market vacuum not only the pool bottom, but also the pool side walls. Check the manufacturer’s product description for information about what specific parts of the pool an automatic pool vacuum covers. Some high end robotic cleaners even clean pool stairs. However, stairs are a special case, and some even more advanced models do not have the ability to successfully navigate stairs. Luckily, it’s easy to find automatic pool cleaners that clean both the pool floor and walls.
Buying Guide
Pools are definitely one of the joys of life, but their care and maintenance can have a bit of a learning curve. While you shop for a new automatic pool cleaner, keep in mind the following important considerations as you sift and sort through the details and narrow it down to your final choice:
- Style: First, you’ll have to decide whether you’d like an automatic pool cleaner that works in conjunction with your existing filter pump, or if you’d prefer an independent hose-free pool cleaner. The independent robot units are less cumbersome than the filter-attached models because they don’t need an attached hose, but these handy little robots have debris bins that must be emptied. Independent automatic pool vacuums come in both corded and cordless models, so if you’d like a truly cordless, hoseless pool vacuum, you’ll be able to find this type of pool cleaner. If you’re considering an automatic pool cleaner that works with your filter pump, then you’ll need to know the power of your filter before you buy.
- Size & Type of Pool: There are a lot of automatic pool cleaners on the market, but many come recommended for only certain types of sizes of pools. For example, some automatic pool cleaners are recommended only for pools under a certain size, and aren’t sufficient for large pools. Other automatic vacuums are specifically recommended for only above ground pools. Check the seller’s product description to make sure that the automatic pool cleaner is right for your size of pool, and whether it’s above ground or in ground.
- Filter Pump: If you’re purchasing an automatic pool cleaner that attaches to your existing pool filter pump, you’ll need to check the specifications from the vacuum manufacturer. Many automatic pool cleaners do not operate optimally with weaker filters of a low GHP or horsepower, and require a pump of a certain strength to work well. Be sure to know the power of your pool’s filter pump before purchasing an automatic pool cleaner that works with your pump.
Soon you’ll be jumping into your sparkling clean pool, with minimal effort on your part! Before you make your final choice in a new pool vacuum, take at look at our top picks for the best automatic pool cleaners:
AIPER Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
Best Overall
Hoseless & Cordless Ease
Cleaning your pool instantly becomes much easier with this cordless robotic pool vacuum that picks up both leaves and fine particles.
This automatic pool cleaner from AIPER is a robotic unit that runs on a rechargeable battery and vacuums your pool while you relax. There are no messy hoses or cords to connect or worry about; this pool cleaner sucks up dirt and leaves for up to 50 minutes, and has dual action suction power.
Pros:
- Easy cordless operation
- 2 motors and 2 bottom scrapers
- Fine filter picks up small particles
- Self parks with completion or low battery
Cons:
- Only recommended for in-ground pools that are single depth
- May have trouble picking up leaves
VINGLI Automatic Pool Cleaner
Quietest
Low Noise Automatic Vacuum
This automatic pool vacuum cleans not only the pool floor, but also its walls as the spinning head rotates and makes its way around your pool.
This automatic pool cleaner from VINGLI is made for in-ground pools, and it attaches with a hose to your existing pool pump. Its spinning wheel crawls around your pool, sucking up debris through the hose from both the pool floor and also its walls.
Pros:
- Quiet operation
- Strong suction successfully picks up debris
- Won’t scuff pool walls
- Fast, easy set-up
Cons:
- May not hold up for the long term
- Hose somewhat short
Intex 28001E Auto Pool Cleaner
Best Small Pool
Efficient Cleaning for Above-Ground Pools
This automatic pool cleaner works with your filter pump to methodically vacuum the whole floor of your above-ground pool that’s 24-feet across or less.
Intex is a company that’s well established in the world of water recreation, so you can bet that this automatic pool cleaner will get the job done. This pool cleaner hooks up to your filter pump with a hose, and has a brush on its underside to sweep up dirt and leaves easily.
Pros:
- Lightweight 18.2-pound vacuum for pools less than 25 feet wide
- Automatically reverses direction to cover the whole pool floor
- Includes skimmer basket for floating debris
- Brush sweeps in debris
Cons:
- Doesn’t work well with low-powered filter pumps
- May not fit the intake of some pools
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner
Most Advanced
Actively Scrubs Pool Floor & Walls
This feature-packed automatic pool cleaner has a turning brush that gets your pool sparkling clean, and needs no water hoses.
Dolphin’s Nautilus CC Plus is a technologically and mechanically advanced automatic pool vacuum with impressive features. Its smart navigation sends the scrubbing unit around the pool and up the walls, and this cleaner can be used with in-ground pools of up to 50 feet, unlike many of its competitors.
Pros:
- Cleans large pools in only 2 hours
- Independent unit – no hose or pump required
- Can be programmed on a schedule
- Actively scrubs with turning brush
Cons:
- Debris containers are relatively small
- Doesn’t vacuum stairs
XtremepowerUS Premium Automatic Pool Cleaner
Most Versatile
Works with Above or In-Ground Pools
A good fit for a variety of pool sizes and types, this automatic pool cleaner vacuums up debris while you relax.
This pool cleaner from XtremepowerUS comes with 10 hoses that can be connected to cover up to a 30-foot pool, and it works with both above-ground and in-ground pools. This vacuum hooks up to your existing pool filter, and self-navigates around your pool with high efficiency. It’s also low maintenance and easy to assemble.
Pros:
- Works with your pool’s existing filter – no electricity needed
- Set up and operation requires no tools
- Sucks up dirt, algae, bugs and leaves
- Eco-friendly, efficient operation
Cons:
- Needs a pump of at least 1600 GHP
- May clog easily
