Best Overall
Dolphin Nautilus CC Pool Cleaner
Best Bang For The Buck
Bublue Bubot 300P Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
BEST FEATURES
Polaris P70 Robotic Pool Cleaner
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Diving into a cool pool is a immense benefit on blistering days . Still , above - ground puddle ownership include a tilt of maintenance province , include pick the inside . We latterly tested 10 products to feel the just pool vacuum for above - priming pools . These vacuums help remove dirt , insects , grass , leaf , and other debris that fall to the bottom of a syndicate . A timber pocket billiards vacuum dry cleaner can help keep your consortium ’s filtration system from working overtime all season long .
It ’s important to find a calibre above - ground pool cleanser to maintain a clean and gratifying swimming environment . After testing , we discovered that theDolphin Nautilus CC Pool Vacuumstood out thanks to its straightforward features and powerful cleanup ability . It scrubs the floor and walls of the pool during a 2 - 60 minutes cleanup Hz , capturing scandal in a convenient top - load reclaimable filter . Best of all , pool owners wo n’t postulate to recharge the vacuum in between uses .
This guide explore the agent to turn over when you ’re shopping for the best above - ground pool vacuum cleaner . It also provides recommendations and reviews for some of the top Cartesian product on the grocery . Our hands - on examination help guarantee the products we recommend will execute as anticipate so you’re able to make an informed decision and recover the best above - ground kitty vacuum for your needs .
Our Top Picks
Here ’s a looking at some of the top options on the market that we hands - on tested . This listing admit a range of pool vacuums , admit choices for manual , automatic , and suck side , to help shoppers find the best above - footing kitty vacuity cleaner to keep their pool sporting .
BEST OVERALL
Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Cleaner
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Effectiveness4.8/5 ; Value3.7/5
The Dolphin Nautilus CC simplifies puddle sustentation for both above - ground and inground pools . apparatus is immediate and straightforward , taking less than 10 moment from unbox to operation . The vacuity never requires charging — just secure it in and crusade a button for an entire 2 - hour cycle . The robot parking area on the wall when cleaning is consummate .
The top - cargo obliterable filter is easy to rinse off after each cleanup cycle , though its square shape can trap debris . We require to spray the filter at multiple Angle to clean it fully . The Nautilus CC efficiently foot up both small and heavy debris . However , it can become overloaded ; when we lifted the 14 - pound vacuum out of the water after cleaning , the filter was very full and released some captured dirt back into the pee .
While the vacuum does a unspoilt line of work cleaning the consortium itself , it struggles around the ravel sphere , so we had to clean that section manually with a brush . We also have mixed feelings about the wall - climbing feature film — it seems like overkill for above - ground pool . Because of its higher monetary value rag , it might be a well primed for owner of inground pools or folks who prize ease of use over everything else .
Despite these issue , the Nautilus CC ’s ease of use and effective cleaning make it a strong option forpool maintenance . Those who choose in advance features like programming may require to regard the more expensiveNautilus CC Promodel .
Get the Dolphin Nautilus above - ground kitty vacancy atAmazon .
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Bublue Bubot 300 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
Our rating : Ease of Use5/5;Effectiveness4.8/5;Value4.3/5
The Bublue Bubot 300 pool cleaner stand out for its powerful cleaning and user - friendly features . It comes fully charged and ready to use — it can be out of the loge and in the pool blow up dirt in less than 10 minute of arc . While it seemed to shroud the pool area fine , the vacuum on a regular basis bumped into the walls to alter path . Weighing a picayune under 11 pound , the Bubot 300 is well-fixed to remove from the puddle . It fall with a floating handle attached to the vacuum or a sweetener , which can be attached to a telescoping pole ( not included ) .
The vacuum has an 80 - minute battery life and will dock against the rampart when the battery run low . We discover it running longer than 80 minutes during both cleaning tests . The four - color index light on the top of the vacuum shows the robot ’s operational status , which was helpful during charging and cleaning . However , during one test , it block up halfway into the cleaning cycle . It was n’t obvious what it was adhere on , but when we push on the float handle , the vacuum started moving again and complete the cleaning round .
Photo: Lisa Galek for Bob Vila
Thereusable filterwas easy to gargle and polish off . Like other cordless vacuums we essay , this one had to be charged for around 3 minute after each use , which is something to consider when it come to finding repositing near an mercantile establishment .
Get the Bublue above - ground pond vacuity atAmazon .
Our rating : Ease of Use5/5;Effectiveness4.5/5;Value3.7/5
Photo: Lisa Galek for Bob Vila
The Polaris P70 robotlike consortium dry cleaner is design for above - ground and elementary inground pools . Like most automatic pool vacuums , setup is comfortable . catch it from the boxwood to the pool took less than 10 minutes . While it does n’t climb walls , the vacuum clean the floor and cove , so it wheel up the side of the pool to vacuum dirt pin at the sharpness . In fact , sometimes the robot moved so apace across the pool floor that it perform little wheelies on the bottom .
The vacuum has a lucid lid , give up users to see filth and debris collected while it ’s running , making it easy to know when it needs to be emptied . We could clean the reusable filter within sec by spray it with a garden hosiery .
However , the Polaris P70 has some drawback . At 22 pound sign , it ’s by far the heaviest model we tested . It released a humble amount of capture grease back into the pool when we removed it at the destruction of the rhythm . It ’s also worth noting that the vacuum got stuck on our puddle wall and ladder twice the first sentence we examine it , and we had to give the electric cord a quick tug to get it hightail it again . However , during subsequent cleanings , it ran the 2 - hour cycle without incident . Overall , the Polaris P70 is a robust cleaner that suck in a significant amount of dirt and cause pool maintenance extremely prosperous and efficient .
Photo: amazon.com
What our quizzer says:“Small but effective , the vacuum offers a luck of suck mogul and expectant scrubbing action with its single light touch . We were impressed by how much material it inhaled into its top - loading basketful , which was a walkover to unload and empty . The trade name call that this social unit will clean your pool in less than 2 hours . We found that claim to be true , as it cleaned our 28 - foot pool in about 90 minutes . The detritus basket features a transparent palpebra so you may well see when the hoop is quick to be emptied . slay the field goal was extremely easy , and cleaning took seconds with our hosepipe . We especially liked how the Polaris machinelike pool cleansing agent includes a mesh filter around the intact debris basket , which is helpful in gamey - allergic reaction seasons . ” — Stephanie Cronk , executive editor of Product reexamination
Get the Polaris above - solid ground syndicate vacuum atAmazon .
BEST MANUAL VACUUM
Pool Blaster Max Li Cordless Above-Ground Pool Vacuum
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Effectiveness4.8/5;Value4/5
The Pool Blaster Max Li is a cordless manual vacuum designed to clean pond expeditiously . librate 5.5 pounds , this lightweight vacuity is highly effective at pick up o.k. stain , leaves , and foliage . The setup took about 15 mo , though we spent most of that time compute out how to plug in the charger . After it blame for about 4 hour , it was quick for use .
The vacuum requires a stock telescope pole ( not include ) . Though it runs for up to 60 minutes on a full charge , we easily cleaned the intact pool in about 15 minute . It ’s splendid for spot - cleanup around ladders , edge , and other tough - to - reach area . Despite being a bit pricey for a manual vacuum , we loved how it quickly and easy cleaned some areas the other robotlike vacuums missed even after hours in the pool .
Photo: Amazon
The filter bag , which is made of clothlike material , can get very dirty if it ’s picking up ok filth or sludge . While it can be rinsed out with a hose , it ’s not machine washable , so our filter was slightly stain after just two America . This did n’t affect the performance , and permutation filters are usable online . After gargle the filter , we close up the vacuum and saw that compression was forming inside . For this reason , leaving the product unassembled during drying may be beneficial .
This vacuity would twin well with a robotlike mannikin for comprehensive pond care , similar to how you might use a Roomba for daily cleaning and a handheld vacuum for spot - cleansing .
Get the Pool Blaster above - ground pond vacuum atAmazon , The Home Depot , orIn the Swim .
Photo: Amazon
BEST SUCTION-SIDE
Hayward W3900 Wanda the Whale Pool Vacuum
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5 ; Effectiveness4.8/5;Value4.7/5
We have personally owned and used the Hayward Wanda the Whale puddle vacuum cleaner for 2 years and are very happy with its performance . We run away this pool vacuity in our 24 - animal foot round above - priming pool about once a week . As long as it does n’t lose suction , you’re able to allow it to run for several hour to ensure the syndicate gets really clean . Hayward does n’t advocate this pool vacuum for magnanimous junk , and the hose will get clogged if you apply this vacuum to blame up lots of leaves . However , it works alright with an medium amount of foliage .
Hayward ’s above - ground suction - side series feature of speech models in the build of a glitch , penguin , and whale . apart from their appearance , these vacuums are mostly the same . One topic alone to Wanda is its quarter , which constantly strike off in the pocket billiards . fortunately , it ’s just a ornamental ingredient and does n’t impact the effectiveness of the vacuum . Wanda come with 32 feet of sectional hosiery ; the sections prevent the hose from dry out out and cracking as a undivided long piece is prone to do . While the hoses can be hard to join , they slide together well if the sections are wet first .
Photo: Amazon
The Wanda emptiness has everything needed to link up it directly to the user’spool pump . Suction - side vacuums require more setup and teardown than robotlike models , and user can expect to pass about 10 minute getting this vacuum in and out of the water each time it ’s used . Overall , Wanda the Whale has been a reliable and wizard improver to our pool .
Get the Hayward above - ground pool vacuum cleaner atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
EASIEST TO USE
Dolphin Escape Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
Our military rank : rest of Use4/5;Effectiveness4.3/5 ; Value4.5/5
The Dolphin Escape automatic pool cleansing agent is plan specifically to clean above - footing pool . While it does n’t wax walls like the Nautilus CC , it effectively scrub up floors made of gunite , poultice , vinyl , and fiberglass in pool up to 30 feet long .
Equipped with two scratch brushwood , the Dolphin Escape features a expectant - capability filter that traps low and big rubble during its 90 - minute of arc cleaning cycle . Setting up the vacancy was a piece of cake , taking less than 5 minutes to get it from the box to the pool . To activate the cleanup cps , just iron a button on the power adaptor , which lights up a down luminosity to indicate the vacuum is in operation . Once the cycle is complete , the vacuum stops , and the twinkle turns off . Since this unit is electrical , there ’s no need to recharge in between cleaning cycles .
Photo: amazon.com
It ’s important to note that the power adapter is not rainproof , so it ca n’t be drown or leave out if it starts to rain . During testing , we mark the adapter on our pool filter or pool deck to keep it dry .
The only downside we encountered was the challenge of removing the vacuum from the pool . When the machine complete its 90 - instant rhythm , it sometimes stops in the midsection of the pool . It ’s easy enough to retrieve by lightly tugging the index corduroy to pull the building block nearer to the bulwark . However , the emptiness weighs 14 pounds and gets even heavier when it ’s full of water , so we had to lease it full drain before pulling it onto the pack of cards or over the pool wall .
What our tester says:“The Dolphin Escape was passing prosperous to set up , and it was up and run in less than 5 minutes . To aerate the 90 - minute of arc cleaning cycle , all that ’s required is to plainly push the button on the power adapter . The release will then illume up blue to indicate the vacuum is clean . Once the bike is finish , the vacuum stops and the light turns off . This whole is also electric , which means there ’s no waiting for it to recharge . ”—Stephanie Cronk , executive editor of intersection Reviews
Photo: amazon.com
Read our full critique : Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner
Get the Dolphin Escape above - ground pocket billiards vacuum atAmazonorWalmart .
CLASSIC PICK
U.S. Pool Supply 16-Inch Weighted Pool Vacuum Head
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Effectiveness4.8/5;Value4.7/5
This weighted pool vacuity brain with nylon bottom and side thicket is a budget - friendly choice for those willing to purchase additional accessories . Weighing just 16 ounces , this vacuum head require a 1.25 - in or 1.5 - inch hosiery to adopt sucking from the puddle ’s filtration organization and a telescoping pole to steer it along the pool bottom ( celestial pole and hosiery sold separately ) . The advantage of buying these parts one by one is the ease of replacement — when the bristle put on out or the hose breaks , those single items can be replaced rather than the entire vacuum .
This vacuum cleaner head perform well in tests , covering the entire puddle in 10 to 15 hour . The nylon bristle relax dirt and debris , even in hard - to - pass on places . It ’s particularly utile for scrubbing off stuck - on dirt or algae stain , which robotic vacuum often miss . The weighted purpose ensures it maintains contact with the puddle floor , and there ’s no need to keep pushing down on the emptiness to maintain pressure .
Photo: amazon.com
Some user have account that this vacuity falls aside over sentence . While we have n’t used it long enough to have experienced this issue , manual vacuum head do run to fall apart after a few seasons and will need to be replaced . However , this vacuity is an low-cost and unsubdivided selection for syndicate owner , and it ’s ideal for vinyl group - run along pools . particularly for those who are n’t certain which hoover to choose , it ’s an excellent starter alternative . Even if you choose a more expensive robotlike option later , having a manual void drumhead is never a forged idea .
Get the U.S. Pool Supply 16 - column inch above - ground pool vacuum atAmazonorWalmart .
BEST CORDLESS
Aiper Scuba SE Above-Ground Pool Vacuum
Our rating : Ease of Use5/5;Effectiveness4.3/5;Value3.3/5
The Aiper Scuba SE offer effective and exploiter - friendly solutions for above - earth pool with flat bottoms . Weighing just 8 pounds , this cordless vacuum is easy to deal and requires about 5 minute from unbox to submersion in the kitty . Before its first use , we needed to accuse it for about 4 minute ; it then provided 90 minutes of cleaning clock time .
The vacancy like an expert sucked up large and small debris , and the reusable filter was easy to transfer and unobjectionable . It ’s equipped with an machinelike self - parking feature and stops near the pool ’s boundary when the cleansing cycle ends or the stamp battery run for modest . Removing it from the puddle requires using the included crotchet and a telescope pole ( the telescoping pole , however , is not admit ) .
Photo: Amazon
While the cordless design allows users to swim while it works , the vacuum sometimes gets stick around obstruction . Some reviewers describe the vacuity getting wedge in wrinkles in the pool . During one cleanup bike , the Aiper Scuba SE got hung up on the textured mat under our pool ladder , and we had to drive it free with the telescope rod . Because the vacuum must be fully charge after each cleaning cycle , charging and storage can be a challenge , as it was for us .
Get the Aiper above - ground consortium vacuum atWalmartorAiper .
BEST FOR SMALL POOLS
Wybot Osprey 200 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
Our rating : Ease of Use5/5;Effectiveness3.8/5;Value3.3/5
The Wybot Osprey 200 cordless automatonlike puddle dry cleaner is ideal for small above - ground pool up to 538 square feet . In our 24 - foot round consortium , the robot did an first-class job pluck up both small and large debris . However , we ’re guessing it would skin in enceinte consortium or those that get peculiarly dirty . That ’s because the vacuum cleaner melt down for a 60 - minute round , the short of the above - priming coat automatic pool vacuums we tested . This likely would n’t be sufficient to cover the floor in a bigger pool with heavier grunge traffic .
weigh around 10 pounds , this cordless vacuum cleaner takes about 6 minute to set up , though it requires 3 to 4 hours of charging between uses . While some commentator report that the vacuum stamp battery died before the time of day - farsighted wheel was completed , or that it get stuck on wrinkles , we did n’t experience these issues during testing . The cordless designing is gravid because it eliminates the fuss of cables and hosepipe . Unfortunately , the vacuum requires several hours of charge after each bicycle . We find that storing and recharging a wet vacuum near an indoor outlet was take exception .
Photo: Amazon
When the cleaning wheel is complete , the vacuum parks itself near the rampart and can only be removed using a come-on that attaches to a telescope pole ( not include ) . Despite some minor drawbacks , the Wybot Osprey 200 is still a satisfying choice for small to average - size of it pool , offering effective and bother - gratis cleanup .
Get the Wybot above - ground pool vacuum atAmazonorWalmart .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Above-Ground Pool Vacuums
We spent about a calendar month testing vacuums in a 24 - foundation unit of ammunition above - priming coat pool to encounter the good ones on the market . During that meter , we kept the nighttime consortium cover off the pool , lease foliage and blossom flower petal from nearby trees swim into the pool . Our rest home is also frequented by three children and their champion , who drag a lot of dirt , whisker , and sand into the pool . We measure vacuum from 10 unlike company in three styles : robotic , suck - side , and manual .
We first considered ease of use , value how easygoing each vacuum was to gather . We also depend at how childlike it was to clean the vacuum after employment . Next , we rated effectiveness by test how well the vacuums picked up large debris ( leaves and foliage ) and small debris ( fine stain and pebbles ) . For automatonlike cleanser , we also take into story the product ’s ability to compensate the entire pool and total cleaning clip . Finally , we rat the value , considering extra features and accessary . We also took into story how probable we would be to use this vacuum again and if the vacuity seemed like a good time value for the price .
What to Consider When Choosing an Above-Ground Pool Vacuum
Whether you ’re consideringinstalling an above - ground poolor already own one , it ’s essential to consider the factors that can impact how thepool vacuumoperates and whether it ’s suitable for the sizing and shape of the consortium . This can let in the type of vacancy , the size and chassis of the pool , and whether the above - solid ground pond vacuum cleanser is cord or cordless , among other retainer .
Type
There are several types of puddle cleaners and hoover forabove - reason pools , including manual , robotic , pressure side , and suction side .
Pool Shape and Size
Before deciding on an above - ground consortium vacuum , head up outside and measure the pool if you do n’t already make love the sizing . take down the specific shape of the kitty to ensure that the measurements are correct . Typically , an above - ground pond will either be round or oval . Measure the diam or wheel spoke and meridian of a circular pool , and take length , width , and height measurements of an ellipse pond .
Using a pocket billiards vacancy that is destine for a littler pond may initially save some money , but the emptiness wo n’t be able to keep up with the demands of a bigger puddle , leave you with a dirty puddle . to boot , battery - operate pool vacuum may not be able-bodied to vacuum the total pool on a single electric charge . Conversely , pool vacuums give away for tumid pools are unnecessary for smaller pool and could even damage the walls if the vacuum is too heavy .
Skimmer Basket vs. Pump
If robotic syndicate vacuums are n’t of interest , you ’ll desire to decide between using the skimmer basket or the pool pump to power the vacuum . suck - side pool vacuums link through the pool Panama hat , using the suction powerfulness to get out debris into the filtration system . If the skimmer is well-situated to get at , this is an inexpensive option that may work well for your pool .
However , if the system already has a knock-down syndicate pump , or if you ’re willing to pay to instal an extra pump , a pressure - side pool vacancy is a great choice . It pull together dirt and debris in a vacuum bag or cartridge , order less stress on the filtration organisation .
Hose and Cord Length
The duration of the hose can be a prohibitive factor for an above - soil consortium vacuum . Before connecting the vacuum , measure the hose of the pool cleaner to verify it reaches every corner of the pool . If there is concern about the hose being too short , then consider purchase an extra hose you’re able to link up to extend the distance .
While automatic puddle vacuity do n’t swear on a hose for suction or pressure , some products have power cables that can face the same trouble . Before investing in a specific vacuum , remember to check the length of the cord to make certain it ’s appropriate for yourpool maintenanceneeds .
Wall Climbing
rampart - mounting potentiality , common in robotic pool vacuums , can be a desirable feature — but only when the vacuum is used to clean an inground pocket billiards . These puddle vacuums may attempt to climb above - priming coat consortium walls , but the 90 - degree slant is often too shrewd for them to navigate , resulting in the vacancy falling off the wall .
Some pressure - side syndicate vacuum can wax wall , but these products are n’t desirable for above - basis pools . This is n’t to say that pool vacuum with rampart - climbing features are a bad selection . They typically require high levels of traction and sucking , which are also beneficial for cleaning the bottom of the pool . However , if they do n’t make it up the bulwark of your above - land pool , this should n’t be a surprise .
Additional features
The received occasion of an above - land pool vacuity is simply to pull in soil and dust from the bottom of the pool . However , many manufacturers seek to do good the substance abuser by admit extra features such as a remote , a hosepipe swivel , and a scheduling procedure .
FAQs
Keeping the pocket billiards clean and crystal clear is easier with the help of an above - footing pool vacuum . But if you are n’t completely sure how and when to use the puddle vacuum , then take a facial expression at the answer below to some commonly asked questions .
puddle emptiness and pool cleaners are both open of make clean a pool . However , syndicate dry cleaners use a pool ’s subsist circulation system for pick up debris and dirt , whereas a pool vacuum cleaner uses its own suction power for modest and large detritus .
you may vacuum the pool any time dust commence to conglomerate at the bottom — for illustration , after a heavy storm or any inclement weather condition . Forregular maintenance , plan to hoover it at least once per week to assist remove any supererogatory malicious gossip from the water .
Photo: Lisa Galek for Bob Vila
It calculate on the specific product . Some above - terra firma pool vacuums are made to remain in the pool for an extended point , but in universal , the vacuum should be removed after the pool is clean . Chemicals in the body of water can cause untimely wear on the pool vacuum if it ’s allow for in the body of water indefinitely .
Most robotic kitty cleaners are safe to apply on a pool ’s vinyl liner as long as the pool cleansing agent has no sharp edge . The rollers on robotic pond cleaners are easy enough not to induce any wearable and bust on the pool ’s wall and bottom . However , always be certain to take the maker ’s testimonial when using pocket billiards cleaner .
If the piddle is muddied after vacuuming , there is probable an issue with thepool filter . During vacuuming , many dust and turd speck can get kicked up by the movement of the vacuity , but a the right way function filtration system should pull these particle out of the body of water .
Spray down an above - primer coat pool vacuum after use to remove spare turd and rubble and rinse away chlorine . For any type of pocket billiards vacuum , the step are simple:1 . Remove any spare debris from the vacuum , vacuum bag , and brushes.2 . Clean the establish - in filter ( if applicable).3 . Wash any part of the vacuum that is exposed to consortium piss or debris from the pool . It typically takes only a few minute to properly clean a manual pool emptiness . However , it takes more clock time to pick a machinelike pool vacuum , as these models are larger and have brushes on the bottom and sides , which will need to be clean along with the filter and void bag , if applicable .
Above - ground pool vacuums typically last between 3 and 5 years , depending on the oftenness of use and whether they are properly maintain . For those who put in their pond vacuum right during the offseason or do n’t use it often , it can last for up to 8 year .
Meet the Testers
Lisa Galek is a author and editor in chief with over 20 years of experience . As a busy mom of three , she oversees her phratry ’s daily routines , include exert a 24 - foot - round above - ground pool during the short Ohio summers . She loves testing products and write reviews because it helps her find new mellow - quality , user - friendly items for her family .
As the executive editor of Commerce / Product Reviews , Stephanie Cronk has drop years research and testing mathematical product . She also brings over 12 year of mercantilism experience to the BobVila.com team , where her focus is on reviewing and examination products in a diversity of categories include DIY , dwelling melioration , home appliances , outdoor living , and more .
extra research provided by Timothy Dale .
Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
Keeping your dope unripe and your plant life thriving does n’t just take a unripe thumb — it start with the correct tool and supply .
