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The Best Pool Cleaner

Last updated on January 21, 2022

We looked at the top 13 Pool Cleaners and dug through the reviews from 81 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Pool Cleaners.

Best Pool Cleaner

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Keeping a swimming pool clean is hard work, but it’s well worth it for the hours of fun every summer. With the right automatic pool cleaner, you can cut down on those hours of work, grabbing any dirt and debris and keeping all surfaces clean.

Pool cleaners have so many features, though, it can be easy to feel a little overwhelmed as you start shopping. Your first concern will no doubt be efficiency. After all, a pool cleaner that doesn’t actually clean anything isn’t worth having. One thing that factors into how well your pool cleaner performs is pressure. Just as a pressure washer can power off stains on your home’s exterior, the right amount of pressure can blast away all of that grime on your pool’s surface.

Large debris is another challenge your pool cleaner will face. This generally comes down to suction. The stronger suction your pool cleaner has, the more likely it will be able to collect those more stubborn items, particularly leaves. Some cleaners have parts you can interchange on those days when you notice larger debris in the pool.

In order to maneuver around your pool, though, your cleaner will need to be lightweight enough to scale walls and climb stairs. It will also need to have sensors built in that can determine exactly which areas of your pool need to be cleaned on any given day. The more automatic this process is, the less time you’ll have to spend worrying about keeping your pool clean.

Even with the best pool cleaner, though, you may find it will occasionally get stuck. Pay close attention to these problem areas, and make sure you check in on your pool during the warm months of the year to ensure your cleaner isn’t stuck.

Certain pool cleaners can also tend to damage the pool’s surface, particularly if your pool is made of more sensitive materials. In some cases, you’ll be able to buy special wheels that will ensure your pool remains in great shape without sacrificing any cleanliness.

Our Picks For The Top Pool Cleaners

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Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Best Overall

POOLWHALE Stain Removing Garden Hose Pool Cleaner

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POOLWHALE

Stain Removing Garden Hose Pool Cleaner

This pool cleaner is easy to assemble and has a long pole that is able to reach up to 48 inches. It connects to most garden hoses and is able to successfully remove everything from dirt and leaves from the bottom of your pool. In addition to your pool, this valuable tool can also be used to clean a fountain, pond or spa.

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly OptionAlthough this pool cleaner has an affordable price tag, it's still powerful and able to remove tough stains.

 Easy and Effective

XtremepowerUS 75037 Non-Electric Self-Navigating Pool Cleaner

XtremepowerUS

Non-Electric Self-Navigating Pool Cleaner

All you need to do to use this pool cleaner is attach it to your filter system. The unit is designed to operate automatically using self-navigation, which makes washing the sides and floor of your pool a breeze. Since the cleaner comes with 10 hoses, you can use it in a pool as big as 30 feet.

Overall Take

No Electricity NeededThis pool cleaner can clean an 8-foot area in just 60 seconds.

Pros
" This effective cleaner is budget friendly and clean both the bottom and walls of a pool."
Cons
"As with most suction side cleaner units, this automatic suction vacuum pool cleaner might get stuck in a corner while cleaning the surface."
 Upgrade Pick

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Dual Scrubbing Pool Cleaner

Dolphin

Nautilus CC Plus Dual Scrubbing Pool Cleaner

Double scrubbing brushes make this pool cleaner more efficient than other pool cleaners at tackling stubborn stains. It uses sensors to map the best cleaning path, making it more efficient in the long run. A built-in swivel keeps the cord from tangling, reducing the number of times you'll find it stuck.

Overall Take

Efficient ChoiceA high-tech pool cleaner that uses sensors to map the most efficient path.

Pros
" A top-selling robotic model that provides multiple cleaning techniques in one – filters debris, scrubs the pool, and vacuums particles."
Cons
"What it won’t do is scrub the waterline."
 Triple Jets

Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 In-Ground Multi-Surface Pool Cleaner

Polaris

Vac-Sweep 360 In-Ground Multi-Surface Pool Cleaner

This pool cleaner is designed for use with in-ground pools. Pool owners will appreciate that the cleaner is able to sweep and scrub both the pool's floor and walls. It has triple jets for extra power and is able to automatically free itself if it gets cornered.

Overall Take

Won't Get StuckYou won't need a booster pump with this pool cleaner, as it operates on a circulation pump.

Pros
" Powerful suction. High-pressure water pump cleans all surfaces well. 31-ft hose is long enough for most inground pools."
Cons
"It lacks treaded tires for extra grip while cleaning."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
20

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the pool cleaners available to purchase.
13

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

81

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, Top Ten Reviews, Pool Done, Pool Cleaner Lab, Robotic Pool Cleaner.

62,285

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 13 Pool Cleaners and also dug through the reviews from 81 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Pool Cleaners.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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What to Look For

  • Pressure plays a big role in how efficient your pool cleaner is. Some models are powered by double jets. They not only dislodge the most stubborn debris, but they also do so in three hours or less. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus’s double scrubbing brushes also do a good job, but they do sometimes have difficulty cleaning the waterline.
  • Even the best pool cleaners can struggle to capture larger debris, like leaves. Look for a cleaner that lets you change out the suction throats to make sure it gets those larger pieces.
  • If you have steps, you may want to go with a more lightweight model, like the Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Side Pool Cleaner. It’s lightweight enough to handle the sides of your pool and your step.
  • Today’s cleaners use GPS to move around a pool. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus has built-in sensors that scan your pool and find the best route to take. This makes sure it gets the work done in the most efficient way possible. Other cleaners have a patented steering system that helps them get around the walls, stairs and other curves found in a pool.
  • In addition to pressure, suction is an important feature in a pool cleaner, helping you get those more stubborn items that other models won’t. Some pool cleaners have a three-jet suction design that helps them both capture bigger debris and resist clogging.
  • Your pool cleaner will work with your pump, which you should already have in place. For best results, you’ll need to make sure your cleaner is compatible with the pump you have. There are some that work just as well with a high-pressure pump as they do with a low-pressure one.
  • One thing you may not think about until you’ve had your pool cleaner for a while is cable tangles. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus has a swivel to keep the cable from twisting and coiling while it works. When a cable is longer, that’s a valuable feature to have.
  • As convenient as pool cleaners can be, they can be a pain if they get stuck often. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus does occasionally get stuck, as does the Zodiac BARACUDA Automatic Pool Cleaner.
  • When ease of use is a priority, the Zodiac BARACUDA Automatic Pool Cleaner delivers, serving as a welcome alternative to other pool cleaners. It’s easy to set up and has a self-adjusting flow valve. Other cleaners are easy to install and low maintenance, which means you’ll be able to put them in place and let them do their work.
  • Energy efficiency is another consideration. Look for a cleaner that makes the most of the water coming through it, reducing wasted energy.
  • The wheels on certain cleaners can cause damage to your pool liner. If you have vinyl or fiberglass, you’ll also want to consider tape tires to protect the surface of your pool.

Pool Cleaner Rankings

1. POOLWHALE Stain Removing Garden Hose Pool Cleaner

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 1

3. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Dual Scrubbing Pool Cleaner

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 11

5. Hayward W3PVS20JST Self-Adjusting Turbine Pool Cleaner

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 9

6. Dolphin Premier Automatic Anti-Tangle Pool Cleaner

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 9

7. Zodiac G3 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 10

9. Polaris 280 Adjustable Sweep Hose Pool Cleaner

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 10

10. Zodiac MX6 Low-Flow Turbine Blade Pool Cleaner

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 9

12. Polaris F9450 Long-Lasting Suction Swivel Pool Cleaner

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 7

13. Hayward W3500 Aquabug Vacuum Suction Pool Cleaner

Overall Score: 8.3
Reviews Included: 9

More to Explore

There are many myths surrounding pools and cleanliness, including the misconception that chlorine kills all germs. While the right combination of chemicals will get rid of germs, this process takes time. That means, that, unfortunately, some germs can survive even in a well-treated pool for days. In addition to keeping your pool surface clean using a pool cleaner, you also need the right pH balance and chlorine to keep it healthy. If you own your own pool, you should be testing the water every day before your first swim to make sure the levels haven’t dropped to an unsafe range overnight.

More to explore