Best Overall
Pool Blaster Max Cordless Pool & Spa Vacuum
Best Bang For The Buck
Intex 28620EP Rechargeable Handheld Pool Vacuum
Best for Inground Pools
Efurden Handheld Rechargeable Pool Cleaner
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Handheld pool vacuums make it well-heeled to keep pools and spas free of dirt and rubble . These stocky , maneuverable puppet are complete for above - ground and smallpools , and they ’re often more affordable than larger consortium cleaning system . Whether you ’re lot with fine Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin , stubborn dirt , or blow leaves , a quality handheld pool vacuum can simplify maintenance and keep the water crystal clear .
Since not all handheld puddle vacuums are created adequate , it ’s important to observe one that suit your needs . Options range from cordless , rechargeable mannikin to those power by an electrical wall plug , and some even descend with telescoping handles for reaching deep into large pool . After testing several top - rated hand-held pool vacuums , we found that thePool Blaster Maxstood out for its powerful sucking and tenacious barrage life . We also distinguish other swell selection base on our hands - on testing , ensuring there ’s a pick for every budget and syndicate case .
To serve regain the upright hand-held pool vacuum , we ’ve broken down fundamental features to consider before buying . Keep reading for our top recommendations and expert shopping tip .
Handheld Pool Vacuums Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
Based on our testing and inquiry , these are the best hand-held pool vacuums on the food market today . We made certain to let in options across a chain of categories , including models for above and inground pools , for cleaning up leaves , and for kitty owners on a budget .
The Pool Blaster Max stands out for its potent suction , repose of function , and reliable performance . This cordless manual void count just 5.5 pounds and excels at picking up fine dirt , leaves , and debris . Setup learn around 15 min , with most of that time drop figure out the charger . After a full 4 - minute commission , it was ready to tackle the pool .
The vacancy requires a received telescope pole ( sold separately ) and runs for up to 60 minute per charge . However , we found that it cleaned an entire pool in about 15 minute , and was specially ideal for quick spot - cleanup around ladders , steps , and nook . While it ’s on the pricy side for a manual vacuity , its ability to remove junk that even some machinelike vacuum cleaner miss made it worth the investment .
The reusable filter cup of tea , made of clothlike material , can tarnish after nibble up hunky-dory grime and sludge , though this does n’t impact performance . It rinses clean with a hosepipe but is n’t machine washable . We also noticed condensation inside the vacuum after use , so leaving it unfastened to dry out is a smart move .
For those who want a reliable , high - carrying into action handheld void , the Pool Blaster Max is an excellent selection . It ’s also a nifty companion to a robotic vacuum , much like using a hand-held emptiness alongside a Roomba for a spotless place .
What our examiner says:“Despite being a second pricey for a manual vacuity , we loved how it chop-chop and easy clean some areas the other robotic vacuums missed even after hour in the pool . ” — Lisa Galek , mathematical product Reviews author and quizzer .
Get the Pool Blaster Max Li handheld pool vacuum atAmazonorLeslie ’s .
Striking a balance between affordability and functionality , the Intex handheld pool vacancy is a self-colored choice for small pools , raging tubs , and budget - witting buyers . This compendious model is easy to stack away in a shed or garage and is lightweight enough for quick cleansing . While it performs well with fine dirt and debris , it sputter with heavier piece like little pebbles , command some excess effort to foot them up .
Right out of the box seat , the vacuum had zero charge , and unfortunately , it does n’t admit a charging plug — only a USB cable television service . Once fully charged , it was quick to go , but its suck power was not the strongest . It effectively handled clean debris but required inveigle to pick up cloggy particle . The canister is also quite little , meaning frequent emptying during longsighted cleaning sessions .
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila
On the plus side , the Intex comes as a arrant kit , including two exchangeable brush heads , a 94 - column inch telescoping aluminum pole , and a pole adapter . However , it must be in full submerged to function properly , so you wo n’t be capable to vacuum up any float leaves . Despite its limitations , it ’s a budget - friendly choice that knead well for routine maintenance — just do n’t anticipate it to harness leaden - responsibility messes .
Get the Intex shelling - power pool vacuum atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
For inground pool owners , a handheld vacuity ca n’t fully replace a full - size of it hosed vacuity , but it can be a worthful tool for warm smirch cleaning between inscrutable cleans . The Efurden handheld pool cleaner stands out as one of the unspoiled for this purpose , thanks to its unassailable suction , scrubbing bristles , and comfortable - to - exercise design .
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila
Right out of the boxwood , the Efurden impress us by including both a charger and a long telescoping perch , so there ’s no need to buy extra accessory . One thing to note about the rod is that the connexion feel a piddling on the flimsy side , but they hold together even during impenetrable scrubbing . The unit itself is larger than most hand-held models , which gives it a sturdy smell without being too bulky . During testing , it picked up diminished debris effortlessly and even handled pebbles astonishingly well — a task that many hand-held vacancy struggle with . The side and bottom bristle did a great job loosening dirt and alga , pull in it one of the best option for both suck and scrub .
The braggy , easy - to - use controls are a gracious touch , and the canister remotion process is childlike , making empty and cleaning scuffle - free . However , one rum quirk stood out — there ’s no branding anywhere . The corner , direction , and vacuum itself do n’t advert “ Efurden ” at all , which feel strange for a product of this tone . Despite this mystery , the vacuum ’s execution utter for itself . If you ’re look for a hefty , easy - to - enjoyment hand-held consortium vacuum that excels at both suction and scrub , this one is a top contender .
Get the Efurden hand-held pocket billiards vacuum atAmazon , Walmart , orEfurden .
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila
Easiest To Use
Aiper Pilot H1 Cordless Pool Vacuum
Handheld vacuums are some of the most versatile and convenient kitty appliances out there , and the Aiper Pilot H1 cordless vacuum instance this . Designed to decimate the hassle of hoses and cord , this battery - powered good example makes cleaning pools easy and more effective . With a 60 - hour barrage fire life on a undivided charge , it ’s desirable for a range of pool size , from minuscule watering hole to tumid inground pools .
The Aiper is incredibly uncomplicated to meet , with all parts snap into situation effortlessly . The vacuum is lightweight , weighing only 3.5 Cypriot pound , and is easy to control . It also comes with modest scrubber bristles on the vacuum brain , which work well for tease apart debris . The suction major power is near , but it ’s difficult — though not inconceivable — to pick up floating junk , which is not really its intend use . That said , it ’s a good pool sportsmanlike for picking up anything from the pool trading floor — even prominent pebble .
One issue we encountered is that the front sucking part twists on and off easy , so it sometimes come off during role . It does n’t lock firmly into place , which can be a bit frustrative when moving the vacuum around . While the vacuum does n’t include a telescoping pole for deep area ( which would ’ve been a skillful addition ) , it ’s still compatible with most standard pocket billiards pole . The filter bag is one of the easiest to clean out , as it use a bare elastic striation to view as it in place . However , over time , the elastic may subvert .
Photo: Amazon
Overall , the Aiper Pilot H1 is a lightweight , well-to-do - to - use cordless vacuum , but the lack of an extension pole may define its power to cover larger pools or heavy - tariff cleaning . That allege , it ’s large for small debris and spot cleaning , especially in smaller pools or watering place .
What our tester says : “ This was my favorite good example to test because it glide through the water like a whale shark , easily scooping up anything in its path and looking great while doing it . The electric battery life and scrubber brushes are a great plus . ” — Paul Rankin , Product Reviews author and quizzer .
Get the Aiper rechargeable consortium vacuum atAmazon .
Photo: Amazon
Best For Above-Ground
Wybot Hyson 100 Handheld Pool Vacuum
The Wybot Hyson 100 is a compact and powerful hand-held pool cleaner designed for smaller pool , spa , and hot tubs . It comes fit out with a 59 - in telescope pole , which provides flexibility for cleaning in various situation , from hot tubs to tighter corners . It has a removable void pass , which can be swapped out for a olfactory organ cone shape head to give crafty expanse like steps and corners .
It has good suction baron , effectively picking up dirt , sand , and leaves . However , one of the downsides we come across was the spinning mechanics that make the suction . While the suck was inviolable , the rotating part that generates the vacuum power often got gravel on small pebble , causing it to cease working until clear up . This figure flaw is frustrative , especially give the small size of the obstructions . to boot , the scrubbing brush bristles are fair easy , so while they may do work for light detritus , they do n’t allow for a great scrubbing action for more unregenerate dirt .
Overall , the Wybot is a solid choice for light , immediate cleaning in smaller spaces , but the pathetic design of the splay suction part and the lack of in effect scrubbers may limit its effectiveness in more demanding cleaning project . Still , its easy maneuverability and stamp battery animation make it a convenient tool for spot cleaning and also one of thebest above - footing pool vacuum cleaner .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Wybot portable pool vacuum atAmazon .
More Great Options
In addition to our manus - on tested picks , we ’ve found a few other puddle vacuum cleaner worth considering . found on extensive research and user reviews , these models offer great features and performance for kitty owners .
Best For Small Spaces
PoolSupplyTown Pool Spa Jet Vacuum Cleaner
For a very unproblematic pool cleaning resolution , look no further than this jet vacuum from PoolSupplyTown . Unlike most other handheld vacuums on the grocery that are battery- or cord - powered , this model need no electricity at all . alternatively , it utilizes the water pressure from a standard garden hose , which create aVenturi effectwhen connected to the brush head , grow enough suction to draw leaves and other detritus into the web bag . It ’s a minimalist vacuum that ’s swell for thoroughly cleaning health spa , hot tub , and small above - background pools , and it ’s also effective for blot - cleaning enceinte inground pool .
Of course , such a simple plan does have its drawback . The manual pool dry cleaner is n’t quite as hefty as some galvanizing mannikin on the market , and while it does n’t command barrage fire or charging , it does postulate to be hooked up to a garden hose . Also , while the emptiness works with any standard 1.25 - in telescopic pool pole , that part is not included . But since the building block cost just a fraction of most other hand-held vacuums on the market , it ’s still a great value .
Get the PoolSupplyTown hand-held pool vacuum atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: Amazon
Best For Leaves
Pool Blaster Battery-Powered Leaf Vac
Pools that are locate under trees can collect a destiny of leafage , which typical hand-held vacuums may not be able-bodied to treat . Most of these vacuums are project to pick up only small quantity of debris at a prison term and may struggle to obtain big amounts of big jetsam . That ’s where the Pool Blaster assault and battery - powered leaf vacuity comes in . It is especially contrive to take up up magnanimous clumps of leaves without nonplus clogged or bogged down like other hand-held vacuums .
This vacancy ’s innovational design consists of a magnanimous mesh bag connected to a fan - based vacuum that effectively nurse up leaves and other junk as it passes over them . Unlike most electric vacuums out there , it ’s not rechargeable , or else endure on eight AA batteries . But it does sport a longer runtime — up to 3 hour — than competing vacuums . It ’s also extremely lightweight at just 2.35 Irish pound . Unfortunately , it does not come with a need puddle pole , but once attached to one , it becomes quite versatile , open of being used both as a floor vacuum and as a skimmer to remove leave-taking from the surface of the pool .
Get the Pool Blaster electric battery - power hand-held pool vacuum atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Handheld Pool Vacuums
To determine our top puddle vacuum picks , we considered over 20 different theoretical account from lead brand in the industry . Our valuation was based on fundamental factors such as suction power , battery living , relaxation of employment , lastingness , and eco - friendliness . We also take terms into chronicle to ensure our recommendations propose the full value .
During testing , each emptiness was assess on its performance with various dust , include leaves , dirt , and minor pebble , to measure suction posture and efficiency . We also evaluated the serviceableness of each model , consider how well-heeled it was to assemble , operate , and fair . We checked battery life to see how long the vacuum hold out on a full charge , and assessed feature like filtration organisation and append accessories ( such as telescoping rod and scrubber heads ) . Durability was tested by evaluating the fabric used and how well the emptiness held up after cover utilization .
Each Cartesian product was range on comfort , simplicity of maintenance , clean public presentation , and extra features to help us determine which modeling pop the question the best overall value .
Photo: Amazon
What to Consider When Choosing a Pool Vacuum
Various factors touch on a hand-held pool vacuum ’s execution , so it ’s significant for pool possessor to consider their particular pool setup and needs while stag for one . Like most pool void cleansing agent , includingrobotic pond cleaners , handheld models can vary in full term of design , peculiarly when it comes to their power source .
While there are many rechargeable handheld pool vacuums on this list , some may take standard batteries , stop up into a wall outlet via an electric corduroy , or run on weewee pressure sensation provided by a hose . Some may be design for specific pool size , from modest above - ground pools to large inground ones . They may also comprise filters design to handle unlike types of debris , from fine dirt and sand to heavier leave-taking and sticks .
No matter the syndicate size or design in inquiry , buyers may also want to consider their own budget , as thesepool criminal maintenance toolscan vary greatly in terms of price and note value .
Photo: Amazon
Pool Type
One of the most crucial factor to moot when shopping for a hand-held pool vacuum is consortium case , and , specifically , puddle sizing . Pools get in various material body and size , and some handheld vacuity might be more suited for smaller or irregularly shaped pools , while others may work best for bigger or more standard pool designs . feature such as the presence of whole step , corner , or strange shapes may affect the maneuverability and range of the handheld vacuum . These vacuums can also vary in terms of hold length , which can involve how far the machine can contact across a pool . For example , above - soil handheld syndicate vacancy may comprise short handles subject of reaching only a few feet into the water , while handheld inground puddle vacuums may make out with longer telescope handles that are able-bodied to reach the bottom of the deep last of big pool .
Where a pool is situated can also watch the type of hand-held pocket billiards vacuity that is necessitate . Pools that are located under trees or near other plants may pile up more debris than others , which will call for a emptiness capable of handling larger amount of leaves and sticks . likewise , pool that are locate near beaches or the like may be given to garner backbone and small debris , which will require a vacuum with a finer filter . A pool ’s surface may also charm a vacuum ’s performance — above - ground pool are often made of lenient and elastic material like vinyl , while inground pool typically have tough surface , such as concrete or fiberglass .
Power and Suction
Power and suction are other feature film that can greatly involve the performance of a swimming pool sweeper . As previously noted , some pools may garner more or different types of debris than others , so it ’s important to affirm that the vacuity is powerful enough to pluck up the objects in question . A more powerful motor generally leave in stronger suction , permit the vacuum to efficaciously remove both small and large particles . to boot , full-bodied sucking is essential for handling various types of detritus , including leaves , sand , algae , and other sediments that might finalize at the bottom or cling to the pocket billiards rampart .
When trying to ascertain a vacuum ’s power and suction , it ’s helpful to consider the building block ’s specific blueprint . Many hand-held vacuums rely on galvanic motor to create suck , and the size of it of the motor can often be found in the manufacturer ’s specifications for the product . Other vacuum may need to be connected to a pond heart or even a garden hosiery to generate sucking , which can vary according to the example ’s blueprint . It may also be worth noting how the mannequin is power : whether by recharged or standard bombardment , electric cord , or by water air pressure delivered via hose .
Additional Features
Many other feature can bear on the execution of a hand-held void . For handheld battery pool vacuum cleaner , runtime can be an important factor depending on the size of the pool , as larger pools typically take more meter to clean . Additionally , the design of the vacuum itself is worth look at , as shape , weight unit , and other ergonomics can affect the framework ’s manoeuvrability and ease of use — channelize a enceinte vacuity at the end of a long , skinny pole can be unmanageable .
Filter eccentric is another crucial feature to consider , especially in kitty that tend to collect either very large or very hunky-dory junk . Fine interlock filters are adept at capturing small particles like sand and silt , while pickup filter are effective at pull together fine debris but may require regular cleanup . The size of the filter is also important , as it determines not only the size of debris it can handle but also the amount .
Lastly , when it comes to handheld galvanizing syndicate vacuums in particular , it ’s crucial to note the sizing and length of the handle . Most hand-held pool vacuums are project to be portable and leisurely to control , result in shorter handles that may not be foresighted enough to get through the cryptic end of some pools . Many models are compatible with telescoping handgrip or pool poles that can increase their reach , though these accessories are not always include and may want to be purchased severally .
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila
Tips for Using a Handheld Pool Vacuum
Using a swimming puddle vacuum can remove much of the heavy body of work from pool cleaning , but there are steps user can take to make the process even more efficient . First and foremost , before vacuuming , it ’s significant to check that the pool water is at the right level to void air entering the system , as this can impede the vacancy ’s carrying out . to boot , cream off the surface and brushing the walls of the kitty to loosen and remove any junk that might obstruct the vacuuming process will make the cleansing more effective . When vacuuming , move the machine slowly and methodically across the pocket billiards floor and stop over any heavy accumulations to insure everything is captured . Do n’t forget to empty the filter regularly to defend the vacuum ’s sucking might and preclude rubble from circulating back into the pool water supply .
Regularly maintaining a cordless hand-held pocket billiards vacuum can also help ensure and increase its carrying out . That mean clean the vacuum filter or replace the filter cartridge as recommended by the manufacturer to foreclose clogs and uphold maximal suction power . Lastly , be certain to postdate the producer ’s instructions and guidelines for your specific hand-held pool cleansing agent to insure prophylactic and performance .
FAQs
If you ’re still wondering how to get the most out of your handheld pool vacuum , here are some normally asked questions about the various case of pool vacuums out there as well as some good exercise onhow to vacuum a poolin general .
you may use manual pool - cleaning tools , such asskimmersand nets , to remove any floating detritus in the syndicate . There are also manual pool vacuums available that generate suck using the water press from received garden hose .
The ideal variety of vacuum bet on the pool in head . Large inground pools that collect a sight of debris may require full - size pocket billiards pump vacuums to be thoroughly clean , but many smaller pools can be clean using more compact — and low-priced — portable pool vacuums .
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila
The fastest way to hoover a puddle is to use an efficient and sinewy pool vacuum system . Move the vacuum slowly and carefully across the pool bottom , making sure to pick up any debris allow behind .
syndicate vacuum cleaners typically last 3 - 5 years , depend on usage , maintenance , and quality of the unit of measurement .
Yes , it ’s recommended to shock your pond first and then vacuum after the chemical determine , typically 24 hours later , especially if there ’s an alga buildup .
Photo: Paul Rankin for Bob Vila
It ’s idealistic to vacuum your pool at least once a week , or more often if there ’s heavy debris or alga buildup .
Meet the Tester
Additional research provided by Chase Brush and Lisa Galek
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