The Best Automatic Pool Cleaners of 2021

I think you’ll agree with me when I say:

A dirty pool with algae grown in it can be a royal pain in the butt to clean.

Or is it?

Well, it turns out that a good pool cleaner can make life easy. But the million dollar question is: what is the best pool cleaner on the market?

The overabundance of different makes and models make it very hard to find the right cleaner for your pool, especially if you don’t have a lot of knowledge and experience with the pool cleaners.

Don’t miss out on this guide if you want to find the right pool that gets the job done without breaking the bank. 

Here are our picks for the pool cleaners you can buy:

• Best cleaner overall Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
• Best Robotic Cleaner Dolphin Premier
• Best Suction Cleaner Zodiac Baracuda G3
• Best Pressure Cleaner Polaris Vac-Sweep 280
• Best Cheap Pool Cleaner XtremepowerUS

Reviews of The Best Robotic, Suction And Pressure Pool Cleaners 

After careful analysis, thorough research, and surveying people who own pool cleaners, we have compiled a list of 15 affordable pool cleaners with top-line features. Without further ado, let’s check them out:

The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners

Let’s start with robotic or automatic pool cleaners:

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic cleaner is like a suction machine but it uses the CleverClean technology for optimizing the cleaning path. It doesn’t run in random patterns. 

It’s 8 times more energy-efficient than other suction and pressure pool cleaners. It’s affordable and best in class. The dual scrubbing brushes under the hood add more friction to pick large and small debris. If you have ever watched a housekeeper clean a large fish tank at an aquarium, Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus kind of works like that.

Pros

• Set and forget with scheduled cleaning 
• Brushes don’t leave tough grime behind 
• Smart navigation for optimal pool cleaning  

Cons 

• Doesn’t clean pool steps efficiently 

Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Nautilus CC is the king of hassle-free cleaning. With brushes that spin 2 times faster, you won’t see stubborn dirt on the floors and walls of the pool. Set the cleaner and come back again after 2 hours to find your pool as good as new. 

It’s designed for pools up to 33 feet in size. It has a swivel cord that prevents knots and tangles. The top-loading filter is simple to remove, empty, clean and load. This machine lives up to its claim of making pool owners enjoy the pool rather than worrying about cleaning it.

Pros

• Cleans the walls and floors efficiently
• Short cleaning cycle 
• Moves in a pattern to smartly target the entire pool

Cons 

• May not reach the shallow end of the pool

Dolphin Triton PS Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner

Would you like a cleaner that spot cleans? Dolphin Triton PS would do the job right away. Don’t let the old barrel shape design with handle fool you. It’s lighter than its predecessors and more powerful as well.

The two spinning brushes at the front and back swipe clean the pool surface like a pro. It uses the Powerstream technology for that. A cool thing about Dolphin Triton PS is that you can connect it to your smartphone through Bluetooth for remote operation. 

Wait there is more, along with cleaning the pool’s surface, it cleans the pool water as well. This is done through an extra-large top-loading filter that traps debris, dirt, and leaves.

Pros

• Quickly cleans circulating water 
• The filter traps all kinds of debris 
• Superior scrubbing power

Cons 

• Suction is not that impressive 

Polaris F9350 Sport Robotic In Ground Pool Cleaner

Pools with tight corners are a task. An ordinary automatic pool cleaner won’t be enough. The one with four-wheel drive would do justice. Polaris F9350 Sport is the best automatic pool cleaner for this job. Don’t worry, those bulky aqua track tires won’t do any harm to the pool’s surface. 

With its rear water propulsion technology, the cleaner tackles all nooks and crannies. Got a large pool? No problem again! ActivMotion Sensor Technology takes care of that through its advanced navigation technology.

Polaris F9350 Sport doesn’t disappoint on suction either. It uses Vortex vacuum technology to suck up large and small debris.  

Pros

• 25% more powerful than other cleaners
• Cleans floors, walls, stairs, waterline, and coves
• Easy to transport and store

Cons

• A bit complicated to program for novice users

Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner

If you live in a windy region and all kinds of dirt and debris land in your pool, you most definitely need a pool cleaner with a large cartridge. In your case, Dolphin Escape Robotic would be the best value for the money. 

It comes with an oversized debris cartridge that can hold up to 60% more debris than other robotic pool cleaners. Say goodbye to messy bags and the need for emptying the basket again and again. 

This model doesn’t slip and slide. The HyperGrip Continuous rubber tracks offer improved traction. It allows the cleaner to move steadily even while climbing the walls.

Pros

• Large filter basket 
• Hyperbrush active brushes scrub away stubborn contaminants
• No slipping or falling 

Cons 

• Doesn’t do steps

The Best Suction Pool Cleaners

After the review of automatic pool cleaners, now let’s dig into the best suction pool cleaners:

XtremepowerUS Automatic Suction Pool Cleaner – 75037

This cleaner doesn’t look at the shape of your pool, it just promises exceptional cleaning. It’s a great value for money if you are looking for a unit with sheer functionality. It requires 1 hp swimming pool pump to operate though. 

It’s highly adjustable which makes it perfect to use in different options. The built-in flapper prevents debris clogs. If you need more length, add extra hose sections to reach the ends of the pool.

The cleaner attaches to the existing pool filtration system, no electricity is required for operation. It moves in the pool at the rate of 8 to 12 feet per minute. 

Pros

• Cleans the pool gently and thoroughly 
• Smart design makes it easy to maintain 
• Works with the existing pool filtration system

Cons

• Flappers need frequent cleaning

VINGLI Automatic Pool Cleaner

If you are looking for a pool cleaner with a smart and hassle-free design, Vingali is just about right. It works in silence so if you have a baby in the house who loves to sleep, it won’t interrupt. 

Keep your eyes on the baby, not the cleaner. You don’t even have to be there to scrub the floor. It is priced under $500 to fit the budget of most homeowners. Sand, dirt, debris and unwanted hair from the pool will be gone in no time.

You will have to connect it with a ¾ hp to 3 hp pump to work. 10 hoses are provided for cleaning large pools. 

Pros

• Simple design for optimal cleaning 
• Quiet operation 
• Powerful suction 

Cons 

• Delicate built makes it prone to damage  

Zodiac Baracuda G3 Kit with Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Wall

Don’t need a pool cleaner that gets stuck and requires constant supervision? Zodiac Baracuda G3 Kit will free your worry. Set it up to clean the pool and in the meantime, feel free to watch an episode or two of The Witcher or any other series you are binge-watching these days.

Baracuda G3 is equipped with a wheel deflector to prevent it from getting stuck. It does a commendable job navigating tight corners. Hence, eliminating the need for constant supervision. Its suction game is strong. It leaves no small and medium-sized debris behind. 

Pros

• Quiet operation 
• Thoroughly cleans the floor, walls, and steps 
• Powerful suction targets debris well

Cons 

• Might not last for long without proper maintenance  

Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner

Zodiac MX6 crawls on the walls like a spider. The Cyclonic suction and turbine blades make aggressive wall climbing possible. It even has the juice to reach those nooks and crannies that ordinary cleaners can’t. It puts lots of muscle behind cleaning to leave a squeaky clean pool. 

This cleaner is like having a mini robot. With the X-Drive Navigation, it controls the tread on its own and even makes sharp turns. It’s equipped with an MX flow regulator to control excess water flow and prevent waste of energy. 

Zodiac MX6 operates at a low speed as well. It’s ideal to use when you are cooking a meal and want the cleaner to keep on doing its work.

Pros

• The attached handle makes it easier to pull it out of the pool 
• Works at variable speed 
• Climbs walls aggressively 

Cons 

• You might find the hose short 

Hayward Poolvergnuegen 896584000-518

Hayward pool cleaners are hungry for dirt. The self-adjusting turbine vanes of this model allow the passage of large debris. Most pool cleaners are designed for forward steering but not Poolvergnuegen 896584000-518. It can even turn the wheels reserve, making the unit rotate in every direction. 

The cleaner has multiple pre-programmed internal steering sequences to cover the entire pool. It smoothly rolls over uneven surfaces. Patented tires make it super-efficient at climbing walls and tackling obstacles in the way.

This pool cleaner is available in 2-wheel drive for cleaning pools up to 16’ x 32’.

Pros

• Ideal for most average-sized pools 
• Makes the pool spotless in less than 24 hours
• Enhanced climbing and obstacle management

Cons 

• Jams in between operation sometimes 

The Best Pressure Pool Cleaners

Looking for pressure pool cleaners? These are your top options:

Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner

Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 is for those who want a lightweight cleaner that’s powerful enough to tackle unique pool shapes. 

The cleaner uses an additional pump to generate high-pressure flow for driving the unit through the water and suck the large debris. It is also perfect for leaves and small rocks. With the amount of pressure it uses, you will be done cleaning the pool in 3 hours. 

You would see a cute little tail behind its back. It’s called tail sweep that enables the cleaner to reach tight corners and spots where wheels can’t go.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design
• Vacuums, sweeps, and scrubs the floor and walls
• Collects debris before it reaches the pump basket

Cons 

• Some of its parts wear out within a year

Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport Pressure Side Pool Cleaner

Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport is sporty indeed. It is packed with power, convenience, and performance. It doesn’t spray water outside the pool so there won’t be any extra mess. 

Who wouldn’t admire a cleaner that frees itself when it gets stuck? Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport doesn’t claim it doesn’t get stuck. Whenever it does, it uses the auto-reverse technology to free itself. 

Like other Polaris models, this one features TailSweep Pro to blow debris from the corners. It requires a booster pump for operation. Polaris recommends connecting it with the PB4-60 booster pump for maximum performance. The cleaner works well for all in-ground pools.

Pros

• Reaches tight corners
• Auto-reverse technology enables it to free itself 
• Comes with 50 percent more torque 

Cons

• Gets stuck on the steps

Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 6-130-00 Pressure Side Automatic Pool Cleaner

It’s pretty cool how Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 6-130-00 works. It uses gentle jets of water for catching dirt and debris in the bag. 

It is perfect for pebble tec. Its unique filter bag sucks up the debris, leaves, twigs, and pebbles before they reach the pump. Only a few minutes are required to set it up and operate. It works with pumps and filtration systems which are normally found on above ground pools. 

Within 3 hours or less, this automatic cleaner will clean the bottom and sides of your pool. Its patented jet sweep assembly throws water against the wall of the pool to loosen up the debris.

Pros

• Captures large debris items 
• Loosens up stubborn debris on floor and walls
• Easy to remove filter bag

Cons

• The hose gets coiled and tangled when in use

Pentair 360228 Kreepy Krauly Racer Pressure-Side Inground Pool Cleaner

Pentair 360228 Kreepy Krauly Racer pool cleaner is very aggressive in sucking dirt and debris. It has a sport and advanced design. Those who are an admirer of speed would find it 30% faster than ordinary pressure side cleaners. 

It’s highly efficient in its deep cleaning function. Within less time, your pool would be as good as new. Its built-in rotating brushes give a new finish to your pool.

If you live in a sandy environment, this pool cleaner will not let you down. It has all the power required to suck tiny grains of sand.

Pros

• Rotating brushes offer deep cleaning
• The large filter basket can capture all sizes of debris 
• Ultra-bright LED light enable night cleaning 

Cons

• A bit disappointing in terms of durability 

XtremepowerUS Pressure Side Pool Water Bot Floor Automatic Pool Vacuums Cleaner

It’s one of those pool cleaners that don’t just thoroughly clean the pool but filter the water and release it back into the pool.

It connects to a dedicated pool pressure line to start operating. You will need a booster pump to power it. The filter bag removes debris before it reaches the pump. This prolongs the life of the filtration system. 

The cleaner might not be that great in design but it does a good job cleaning the pool and filtering the water. 

Pros

• Sweeps, scrubs, and vacuums the pool 
• Filters the pool water
• Easily connects to a dedicated pressure line

Cons

• Replacement parts are not easily available 

Buyer’s Guide – What Features To Look For In A Pool Cleaner?

Before settling on a model, check out some of the must-have features in a pool cleaner:

• Lightweight 

Choose a lightweight cleaner because you will be frequently lifting the unit and loading it into the pool. 

• Quality Brushes

It’s hard work to remove dirt and debris from the walls and floor. A good pool cleaner with hard bristle rotating brushes can eliminate the need for manual scrubbing.

• Wide Tires 

A pool cleaner with wide tires made of rubber is perfect. If you can afford a 4 wheel drive model, that’s preferable. They facilitate easy navigation even if there are bumps in the way. Additionally, the cleaner won’t fall if it has to climb slippery walls.

• Swivel Cord

Cords easily get tangled when you are moving the pool while cleaning. That’s not a problem when you have a swivel cord. It prevents tangles and increases the life of the cord.

• Climbing Capabilities

It’s good to have a pool cleaner that can climb the stairs, waterline, and walls for a thorough cleaning job.

FAQs About Pool Cleaners

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about pool cleaners, check these out for valuable information. 

How Do Automatic Pool Cleaners Work?

Automatic pool cleaners are pretty much similar to vacuum cleaners when it comes to operation. The bot sucks debris from the pool. The filter ensures clean water is circulated into the pool. These cleaners have rotating brushes under the hood to dislodge stubborn dirt and algae.

How Does Polaris Pool Cleaner Work?

Polaris pool cleaner has a large filter bag where all the dirt and debris are gathered before reaching the pump basket. The in-line backup valve automatically releases the pool cleaner if it gets stuck. This means you will enjoy uninterrupted cleaning. The cleaner can rub, wipe, and vacuum the pool automatically. 

Why Is My Polaris Pool Cleaner Floating? 

There could be several reasons behind it. The cleaner might be damaged by tree branches or even UV rays. This is likely to happen when you have left the cleaner inside the pool and it’s not in use. Other possible causes include bad belt, disconnected internal tube or tangled cord.

Can You Leave The Pool Vacuum In The Pool? 

It is safe to leave a pool cleaner inside the pool when you are not using it. However, it’s not recommended to leave the cleaner inside the pool for an extended period of time.

How Much Do Pool Cleaners Make? 

In 2019, Spring Board Pool Route Brokers published a report claiming that pool cleaners earn $50-$60 per hour. If they do some maintenance and equipment repair job, then their per hour earning can be as high as $200.

How Much Does A Pool Raise Your Electric Bill? 

Energy consumption is linked to the size of the pool, the filtration system, and the lighting system to some extent. A pool can add up to $300 to your existing bill. To calculate the right consumption, just know how many kW the pump absorbs in an hour and multiply this by the number of hours the pump runs daily. 

How Do You Vacuum An Above Ground Pool? 

If you are using the manual vacuum to clean the above ground pool, then stand in a position where you can see the bottom of the pool clearly. Move the head of the vacuum back and forth slowly. Clean the bottom of the pool by keeping the head underwater all the time. Continue this process until the bottom of the pool is completely clean. If you don’t like a manual vacuum, then you can use rechargeable vacuum that does not require any installation. These units do not connect to the skimmer or require external pumps. They are ideal for cleaning the bottom of the pool, steps, and corners.

How Often Should A Pool Be Cleaned?

It is recommended to clean your swimming pool once a week to prevent dirt and debris from sticking to the surface. 

Why Is My Pool Vacuum Not Suctioning?

Clogged tubes are one of the main reasons why a pool vacuum might not be suctioning. A pool vacuum cleaner contains a bag that stores all the debris and dirt. If the bag is full of dirt, the cleaner will lose its suction power. 

Why Is My Pool Cleaner Not Moving?

Congested pool filter, skimmer basket or clog in the mouth could be halting the operation of a pool cleaner. Sometimes, a leak in the hose is also the culprit. 

Final Words

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus automatic robotic pool cleaner is our top pick among all pool cleaners. It has brushes under the hood, you can schedule it for automatic cleaning, it comes with a swivel cable and lots of other features that make pool cleaning simple and fun. Plus, it’s not heavy on the pocket.

While Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus takes the lead among the rest, other pool cleaners have their own unique features that make them stand out. They too can be ideal depending on your needs and the benefits they offer.

I hope you have found all the help you need. Good luck with finding the right pool cleaner.