The 8 Best Pool Vacuums—And How To Choose One For Your Setup

Type: Robot | Pool type: In ground | Pool length: Up to 50 feet | Weight: 35.7 pounds | Cable length: 60 feet | Filter: Cartridge, regular and fine

Pros:

• Filters are easy to clean
• Can clean walls and waterline
• App allows for scheduled cleaning
• Powerful, effective suction

Cons:

• Sometimes gets stuck on steps

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robot pool vacuum is our top pick for pool owners overall for several reasons: its plug-and-play operation, a smart navigation system, its facility with climbing walls, and its own pump and filter system. Though it’s one of the higher-priced recommendations on our list, you’ll find many pool owners say it more than pays for itself in the long term—particularly when you add up the costs of regular professional pool cleaning or the intensive labor of regular manual vacuuming.

Operating the Nautilus CC only requires plugging it in and dropping it into your pool. The vacuum takes care of the rest, thanks to its smart navigation technology that helps ensure complete coverage of the pool floor, including walls, the waterline and any steps. Its cable, is extra-long at 60 feet and comes equipped with a swivel to resist tangles during its two-hour cleaning session. Several users highlight that it uses its own water pump (no need to connect it to your pool pump) and praise the efficacy of its fine filters, which help ease the load on your pool’s filters. Its filter system is also easy to maintain due to the top-load access. Just note that, at almost 36 pounds, this device is quite heavy and occasionally has trouble with steps; make sure to store it in an enclosed area when not in use.

What our testers say: Alex S., a pool owner in East Brunswick, New Jersey, uses the Nautilus CC, the non–WiFi-connected version of the Plus (a model better suited to smaller in-ground pools). He shares, “It’s very easy to clean and maintain. This vacuum has a large leaf bag and the filters can be cleaned with ease. It is very thorough, cleaning all pool surfaces during its two-hour cleaning cycle. I highly recommend this robot!”

Type: Robot | Pool type: In ground | Pool length: Up to 33 feet | Weight: 14.6 pounds | Cable length: 50 feet | Filter: Cartridge, fine

Pros:

• Can be programmed in advance of cleanings
• Relatively lightweight
• Easy to operate

Cons:

• Cleaning cycle doesn’t stop when basket is full
• Sometimes gets stuck on steps

The Dolphin Explorer E20 is our choice for the best robotic pool cleaner overall because of its ease of use and high efficiency. (Its features also won it a spot in Forbes Vetted’s Best Product Awards in 2024.) It has several similarities with the Nautilus CC Plus—but has a lower sticker price and covers slightly less ground, making it perfect for those with small or medium-sized pools. The Explorer E20 has many of the Nautilus CC Plus’ advantages: a plug-and-play design, a cleaning time of two hours or less and the ability to run on regular cleaning schedules (it has three). It can also clean walls and the waterline in addition to your pool floor, although it has a trickier time when it comes to steps or corners. Once the cleaning cycle is complete, there’s a quick-release button that facilitates the emptying of water while retaining all captured debris.

One thing to note with this model, based on feedback from senior updates editor and pool owner Karen Tietjen, is that there’s no way to tell whether the basket is full except to pull the robot out and check and empty it manually. “The cleaning cycle doesn’t stop when the basket gets full; it just keeps going, which is a bit futile,” she says. Despite those caveats, many reviewers still recommend the Explorer E20 for cutting down their pool maintenance by a considerable margin.

What our editors say: “This unit is super easy to use, and although a little bulky, is also fairly lightweight. Just plug it into the included power supply (which is then plugged into an outlet), press the on button, and drop it into the pool for the cleaning cycle to automatically begin,” says Tietjen.

Type: Manual | Pool type: In ground, above ground, hot tubs | Pool length: Up to approx. 30 feet (with pole) | Weight: 5.1 pounds | Cable length: None (rechargeable battery) | Filter: Reusable bag, multi-layer

Pros:

• Extra-fine filter tackles algae, silt and small debris
• No cords or hoses
• Can get into corners that larger pool vacuums can’t
• Relatively lengthy charge

Cons:

• Not ideal for larger debris like leaves
• Telescoping pole needs to be purchased separately

Above-ground pools don’t require exactly the same upkeep as their in-ground counterparts, but a top-notch vacuum designed to maintain them helps. If you prefer to clean your pool by hand, the handheld Water Tech Pool Blaster is an economical but powerful option that’s free of cords and hoses. The machine works a lot like a stick vacuum: Simply charge it up before use, then manually run it along the surfaces of your pool, including the steps. It has  a high-capacity debris chamber that helps trap larger particles and leaves (ideal if you don’t keep your pool covered), while the filter bag that captures smaller particles can be cleaned and reused. And unless you take it into a large pool, it’s unlikely to die on you: The vacuum has enough power to last for about an hour of cleaning before needing a recharge.

While the vacuum does require a little more work than a robotic version, we particularly like this one when used with the telescoping pole for tackling above-ground pools and pools with hard-to-access corners. (The pole is available separately, though some reviewers have old poles that have worked well with the Pool Blaster Max). Users who already own robot pool vacuums also like the Pool Blaster for touch-ups.

What the reviews say: One user shares, “I have a 24-foot above-ground [pool] and one charge cleans it all. It picks up dead algae and lots of fine particles. I would use a skimmer sock with it to extend the life of the filter.”

Type: Suction-side, automatic | Pool type: In ground | Pool length: Up to 39 feet | Weight: 17.7 pounds | Cable length: 39 feet | Filter: N/A (connects to pool filter system)

Pros:

• Thoroughly cleans walls and steps
• Efficient and easy to use
• Few moving parts that need maintenance

Cons:

• May be a better value on sale

The Zodiac G3 is one of the top contenders in the suction-side category due to its reliability and midrange price (you’ll find pool owners who’ve owned one of these gadgets for over 10 years before having to replace it). Several reviewers also attest to its parts’ durability; for instance, one owner has been using the hose that came with their G3 for 15 years.

With its 36-fin disc head, this suction-side cleaner firmly adheres to the floor, walls and steps of your pool. (One user shares that it was “the only pool vacuum of this type that has actually climbed the walls of my pool all the way to the water’s edge.”) Moreover, its wheel deflector helps it navigate around tight corners. Using the Zodiac G3 is straightforward; you’ll only need to attach its hose to your existing pump and filtration system for it to begin its cleaning process. It also works on several pool surfaces, including tile, vinyl, gunite and fiberglass. For pool owners who value a thorough, robust cleaning and simple maintenance—and don’t mind a couple flaws, like the G3’s tendency to get stuck in corners—this pool vacuum is a great value. “Zodiac G3 is efficient, durable and works well with low-speed pumps, making it energy-efficient. It is ideal for homeowners with in-ground pools who want a reliable, low-maintenance cleaner. Note that it handles small to medium debris well, but may struggle with larger debris.”

What our experts say: Merrick Miller, a pool care education and content leader at pool retailer Leslie’s, highlights the G3’s compatibility with low-speed pump settings. He also points out its agility around pool floors and walls due to its 36-disc fin design. “[It maneuvers] with ease around various obstacles such as lights, drain covers and fittings,” he notes. “Another key callout … is its FlowKeeper valve that optimizes water flow for consistent cleaning performance and efficiency.”

Type: Robot, pressure-side | Pool type: In ground | Pool length: Up to 33 feet | Weight: 21 pounds | Cable length: 70 feet | Filter: Cartridge, fine

Pros:

• Simple assembly with clear instructions
• Easily climbs walls
• Can be controlled via remote or app
• Lengthy power cord
• Has an extra-large basket

Cons:

• Relatively expensive

The Polaris 9650iQ Sport is the most expensive pool vacuum on our list, but it’s also equipped with several time- and labor-saving features that make it worth the investment for many pool owners—particularly those whose pools stay uncovered or are situated near trees. For starters, the 9650iQ Sport is a smart vacuum that connects to your Wi-Fi, so you can control or monitor it via the Polaris app or Alexa and create custom cleaning schedules—a convenience whether you’re indoors or away from home. 

It’s also well-equipped for thorough cleaning: It uses four-wheel drive to efficiently clean the walls and waterline, includes a tangle-resistant 70-foot cable and has three cleaning modes to customize your cleaning routine. Additionally, its rear water cleaning stream effectively removes dirt and debris from stairs and tight corners—a feature rarely found in other vacuums. When it’s time to empty the canister, users highlight the vacuum’s easy-lift removal system, which dispels water and makes handling it easier (helpful since robot vacuums shouldn’t be left in the pool when not in use).

What our experts say: Ross Pascale, director at Neeet House Cleaning in Melbourne, Australia, says robotic pool cleaners like this one, with a large debris basket, “excel at tackling leaves, twigs and other bulky debris. Look for models with powerful suction and ample filtration capabilities.” Rafi Friedman, president of Florida-based