Having a pool at home keeps your family and friends entertained and cool, especially on hot months of summer. Most pool owners have above the ground pool in their home because it is less expensive, and it is easy to maintain.
No matter what type of pool you have, it is essential to maintain its cleanliness. A clean pool is an enticing pool. Of course, no one wants to dip and swim in a filthy pool. Also, a dirty pool might be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
There are professional pool cleaners you can hire to clean your pool, or you can do it by yourself.
For DIY cleaners, there are different types of above ground pool cleaners available on the market today. But how will you determine which is the best above ground pool cleaner and which particular type will work for your pool?
Read on to the next section of this article and find out.
Top 7 above Ground Pool Cleaners Today!
Contents
A wide variety of above ground pool cleaners are available on the market. We have conducted reviews on 7 products to help you choose the best pool vacuum.
1. Intex Automatic Above Ground Swimming Pool Vacuum Cleaner
The Intex Auto Pool Cleaner is a vacuum that cleans the floor surface of swimming pools automatically. It is manufactured by the Intex company. The company has years of experience of providing trust worth pool cleaning appliances.
The Pros of This Intex Auto Pool Cleaner
- It is retailed at an affordable price.
- It is automatic so you can leave it all alone and it will clean your pool for you.
- Powerfully vacuum that removes almost all of the pool gunks.
- Durable and long-lasting.
Cons of The Intex Pool Cleaner
- Difficult to assemble.
- The pump is not strong enough depending on the size of the pool.
- Pool compatibility issues.
- Filters easily tear overtime.
Verdict:
If you have an above ground pool then you should totally get this. It will save you time, money and effort cleaning your pool.
Who Should Buy This Product?
Here are individuals who should buy this product:
- Homeowners with Swimming Pools: If you happen to be a homeowner who has a swimming pool in your backyard then this equipment is definitely for you. Although buying it can be costly but owning it will save you money from hiring pool cleaners to do the job for you.
- Pool Cleaning Service Business Owners: It is important for business owners to invest in the latest technological advancement to further their production. With this automated pool cleaners, pool cleaning service business owners will mitigate cost of labor as they have a piece of equipment that will do the job for them with minimal supervision required.
Key Features
- Accessible replacement parts sold on Amazon, Ebay, and Walmart: Pool cleaners usually require parts such as hose and filters frequently as they are the ones more to wear and tear after several usages. The good thing about Intext Auto Pool Cleaner is the fact that replacement parts can easily be ordered from Amazon and delivered straight to your doorsteps.
- The unit comes with 24 feet and 7 inches hose that can be easily attached to the swimming pool’s inlet: Having a long hose is important for a pool cleaner so that it can effectively reach all the surfaces of the pool without stopping. Some pool cleaner equipment only includes up to 12 feet of hose and you would need to purchase a longer one if that is what you would prefer.
- Filter pumps at 1,600 to 3,500 gallons flow rate per hour: A higher water flow rate is more efficient because it means that the pool will be cleaned faster. For the Intex auto pool cleaner, cleaning 1,600 to 3,500 gallons flow rate per hour is excellent.
- Automatic direction reverse functions: Some pool cleaners would require you to manually reverse the direction of the water flow but with Intex Auto Pool Cleaner, all you need to do is click a button and the equipment will automatically do it for you.
Customer Reviews
Here are some Intex auto pool cleaner reviews that you have to take note of:
- “The moment I bought this pool cleaner, I was automatically impressed. However, I found out that I did not have enough GPH on my filter but what I did was recheck the hose connection and ensure that the screen was not full and everything work perfectly from then on.”
- “My old rechargeable pool vacuum can finally rest well. The Intext auto pool cleaner is so fun to watch especially when it scuttles around the pool. In just about an hour, my pool was entirely cleaned.”
- “I had trouble setting up the hose connections of this product. It was either I did not really read well the manual or the instructions were not clear enough. However, after countless youtube videos and online searches on how to install it, I finally made it work and its been work well so far.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where to buy the product? You can order the Intex auto pool cleaner through Amazon.
- How to use the product? The product comes with a manual. However, if it is not clear enough for you, you could check out youtube tutorials on how to properly install the Intex auto pool cleaner, reviews can also be checked there also.
- How much is the delivery fee and how long will the delivery process take? The shipping fee is free but the delivery process will vary depending on your location.
INTEX POOL CLEANER ( VACUUM ) Does the Intex Pool Cleaner really work? We put it to the test
2. Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner
The Zodiac Baracuda G3 is an automatic side pool cleaner that is designed to keep you pool clean without much effort. This suction cleaner does an excellent job of sucking in small and medium-sized dirty and debris from in-ground pools.
This versatile suction cleaner is from the Zodiac Pools Systems Inc, a brand that has made a name for itself when it comes to pool cleaners.
The Pros of This Baracuda G3 suction cleaner
- Innovative technology
- Affordable
- Easy to use and install
- Quiet operation
- Low maintenance
Cons of The Polaris Pool Cleaner
- Not suitable for large debris
- Tends to get stuck on pool liners
Key Features:
- Type: Suction side
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Long-life diaphragm
- 39-feet feed hose
- 36-fin disc
Although it has its cons, the Zodiac Baracuda G3 is clearly the best pool cleaner for in-ground pools.
Who is This Product For?
The Zodiac Baracuda G3 is an ideal pool cleaner designed for homeowners who are after an automatic, affordable, and powerful suction cleaner. You should purchase it if you are after a pool cleaner that will deliver super performance in your in-ground pool without breaking the bank.
Key Features and Benefits of the Product
Here are some key features and benefits of this cleaner.
- Flow-Keeper Valve: In most cases, a suction cleaner is likely to decline in performance when the water pressure drops. Thankfully, this suction cleaner from Zodiac is equipped with a flow-regulating feature that ensures peak cleaning performance even when during low water pressure.
- 36-Fin Disc: An impressive feature of the Zodiac Baracuda G3 is the 36-fin disc that allows the cleaner to adhere to any surface. It gives the cleaner an extensive cleaning passage, which then increases the surface area to be cleaned. This feature also comes in handy to prevent the bot from getting hung-up on fittings, lights and drain covers.
- Long Life Diaphragm: Interestingly, this suction cleaner features only one moving part. Consequently, your diaphragm will last longer. Also, you won’t need to worry about the cost and hassles involved in maintaining other parts like wheels, gears and flappers.
- Wheel Deflector: With this cleaner, you can clean walls of different pool surfaces including fiberglass, vinyl, gunite and tile with great agility. The wheel deflector feature allows great mobility even in hard-to-reach areas of the pool like corners.
- Quick-Release Cassette: Worried about the maintenance of the cleaner? The quick-release cassette allows you to reach the diaphragm so you can do daily maintenance with ease.
- 39-Feed Hose: Something else that makes this cleaner a great choice for your pool cleaning needs is its long hose. This hose is easily adjustable, allowing you to change the length based on your preference. Plus, it is scratch resistant, and it won’t leave any marks on your pool floor.
- Quiet Operation: If zero noise pollution matters to you, then you will most likely appreciate the fact that the G3 does not include any moving parts that may cause vibration or loud noise. Unlike most cleaners in the market, this model only requires to be connected to the suction area of the circulation. Hence, you will not only enjoy a hassle-free operation, but quiet operation as well.
- Automatic Operation: Are you tired of the hassles involved in manually cleaning your pool? Well, the G3 is automatic and it eliminates the need for manual operation.
Customer Reviews
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have complied some of the zodiac barracuda g3 w03000 reviews.
- “I purchased the Zodiac G3 after my previous model; Hayward Navigator, required new parts every year. I have managed to keep the Baracuda for 17 years.”
- “This leaner is simple, solid and with great construction. It however cleans great with straight hoses.”
- “I purchased this unit based on other customer reviews. However, I was disappointed by the poor design that leads to failure.”
Zodiac Baracuda G3 Automatic Pool Vacuum Cleaner Reviews on Youtube:
FAQ & Additional Tips
- How does the G3 work around my pool? Well, thanks to its clever design, the G3 find its way to your pool with ease. It has only one moving part and it maneuvers with the help of the wheel deflector and 36-finned disc. It is user- friendly and will work to give your pool an impeccable look with no complications.
- Where do I purchase this product? The Zodiac Baracuda G3 is available for purchase on online stores like Amazon. These stores offer a wide of pool cleaners and it is easy to find what you are looking for.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to ensure maximum performance of the cleaner:
- Always keep the main drain closed.
- Conduct regular maintenance of the cleaner to ensure its effectiveness.
- Position the hose in a straight line for easy use.
- Connect a leaf catcher to the suction hose if the pool has a lot of leaves.
Read more: Baracuda G3 Suction Cleaner Reviews
3. Polaris Vac-Sweep 165 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
Polaris is an industry leader when it comes to pool cleaners and they have retained a solid reputation for producing quality products. The Polaris 165 pool cleaner is a great innovation loosens all the debris in places that are hard to reach with the help of the jet sweep assembly. It has a pressure side cleaner that sweeps all the sides and lowermost of the pool in three or fewer hours.
The Pros of This Polaris 165 Pool Cleaner
- Easy to connect
- Affordable price
- Efficient-Removes all debris
- Suitable for fiberglass or vinyl pools
- Has a 32 feet long hose
- Doesn’t need a booster pump to operate
- Designed for pools of 8 feet deep
- Contains 1-year warranty
Cons of The Polaris Pool Cleaner
- Coils into circles and tangles
- Tends to get stuck in the pool
- Not ideal for large or concrete pool surfaces
Key Features
- 32-feet hose
- Filter bag
- Patented jet sweep assembly
- Connects to 1.5” threaded return line
- Pressure side cleaner
Verdict
The pool cleaner works well and removes all the debris at the bottom of the pool. It is efficient since it will save you time and money. Due to its small size, this unit works well for smaller pools and is only suited to fiberglass and vinyl. Nonetheless, it is not a great option for large and concrete pools.
Who is this product for?
The Polaris 165 pool cleaner is designed for property owners who want to get rid of built up debris on unreachable surfaces in their in-ground pools. It is a great value for money if you want the efficiency and convenience of a pool cleaner to reduce the overall maintenance time of your in-ground pool.
This pool cleaner uses pressure to sweep off debris that could not be removed manually with ease. It is a high-quality machine that will do a decent job of cleaning your pool. If you spend the whole day cleaning the pool manually and still leave some debris on the ground, this product suits your needs.
Key Features and Benefits of the Product
Here are key features and benefits of the product:
- Jet Sweep Assembly: The jet sweep assembly is perfectly enabled to blow water with pressure to loosen the debris. It touches the surfaces that are hard to reach and sweeps the debris into the filter bag.
- Unique Filter Bag: The design of the filter bag enables it to remove the debris before it reaches the pump basket. Thus, it saves the filtration system from quick wear and tear.
- 36 Feet Hose: This pool cleaner is designed with a 36-feet hose that is long enough to reach the hard areas of the pool. However, a downside of the hose is that it easily tangles and tips over. It is also too stiff, and this can prevent better maneuverability of the cleaner.
- Easy Installation: The product comes with a manual that has easy instructions on how to fix the pool cleaner. Even for a first-timer, 5 minutes are enough, and after this, the machine is ready to work.
- Value for Price: Considering the perfect work that the machine performs, the price is considerable. You will have value for your money.
Customer Reviews
Polaris 165 pool cleaner reviews are plenty, with most customers indicating that the item served them well. However, some customers were quick to note that they experienced glitches, especially with the hose, which they described as too small. Here are some of the reviews.
- “So, I purchased another Polaris. It was the best decision. Works so easily. Moves to every corner of the pool and use the return water. If you insert the hose properly, it won’t entangle. I love it. And the price is reasonable”.
- “I have been operating Polaris 165 for a week, and I have not encountered any problems.”
- “I don’t know the machine flipped over last night. It entangled and lay on top of the coiled hose upside down. The jet spewed water from the pool. I only operate it when I can watch over it.”
- “Love this product. It makes your pool hassle-free.”
- “Stays in the same position and goes in circles.”
- “The pool cleaner only rotates backward and not forward.”
Alternatives
Like the Polaris 165 pool cleaner, the Pentair 360228 Kreepy Krauly Racer Pressure-Side In-ground Pool Cleaner is designed to remove debris from inside the pool. However, it is a great alternative because it has 30% faster cleaning pressure and thus offers more efficiency. Its rotating side brushes scrub the surface to ensure effective cleaning.
Also, it captures more debris of large sizes and has LED lights that illuminate during the night. While Pentair cleans faster and can be used at night, the chassis breaks easily, and you need to repair it regularly.
Polaris 165 Pool Cleaner FAQ
- Where can I buy the Polaris 165 poll cleaner? The product is available in many local distributors and is reasonably priced at Amazon store. It can be delivered locally within 7 days or shipped for international buyers. Usually, it will take a maximum of 3 weeks.
- How long should I run my Polaris pool cleaner? On average, your Polaris pool cleaner should take 3 hours to clean an in-ground pool. However, this will depend on the amount of debris in your pool. Also, ensure that it doesn’t run for an extended period as this can wear it off.
- Can I use my Polaris pool cleaner to clean concrete surfaces? No, the Polaris 165 pressure vacuum is not powerful enough to get rid of dirt on concrete surfaces. It can only be used for vinyl and fiberglass surfaces.
Read more: Polaris 165 Pool Cleaner – We Review The Pool Cleaner That Everyone Is Talking About!
4. Hayward W900 Wanda the Whale Above-Ground Pool Vacuum
Wanda the Whale sports a kid-friendly design, but comes with a few warnings from the manufacturer. The product is meant to be used on permanently installed above-ground swimming pools only. They describe a permanently installed pool as installed in or on the ground such that it cannot be readily disassembled for storage. Wanda the Whale is also not recommended for use on Intex or other soft-sided pools.
Highlighted Features:
- Deluxe Bumper ring reduces friction for easy movement and navigation away from walls, allowing the cleaner to resume its programmed steering pattern
- Installs in less than 10 minutes, without tools
- Pool Type: Above ground
The Pros:
- Kid-friendly aesthetics
- Easy to operate
- Cleans efficiently
The Cons:
- Leaves tend to clog its mechanism
- Can damage soft-sided pool liners
5. Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Escape departs from conventional wheel drives, replacing these with continuous rubber tracks that eliminate slipping and lost efficiency. Its low voltage DC motors are 90% more efficient than conventional cleaners. The Dolphin Escape features an active scrubbing brush to augment its vacuum and a massive top-load filter can handle large debris easily. More importantly, the Dolphin Escape employs navigation and scanning software to clean your above-ground pool more efficiently.
Highlighted Features:
- Stylish design
- SmartNav 2.0 Robotic Scanning for the ultimate in cleaning navigation
- Hypergrip Continuous Tracks – features improved traction over conventional wheels
- Hyperbrush Active Scrubbing complements its powerful vacuum to remove contaminants
- Large debris cartridge holds up to 60% more debris
- Energy-efficient 24V DC motor
- One year warranty
- Pool Type: Above ground
The Pros:
- Cleaning navigation enhanced by software and robotics
The Cons:
- Does not get fine particles without an ultrafine filter (not included)
- More expensive than conventional (non-smart) cleaners
6. Polaris 360 In Ground Pressure Side Swimming Pool Cleaner
The Polaris 360 is the updated version of the Polaris 280 model. It’s basically a pressure side pool cleaner that uses three jet nozzles and can even operate without the need for a booster pump.
It’s manufactured by the Zodiac company which is known for manufacturing high-quality products in the swimming pool industry.
Key Features:
- Large bottom opening
- Advanced cleaning technology
- No booster pump necessary
- Three jet nozzles
The Pros of This Polaris Vac-Sweep 360
- Easy to maintain
- Can function even with no booster pump
- Comes with three jet nozzles
- Belt driven mechanism
Cons of The Polaris Pool Cleaner
- Quite expensive
- The replacement parts can be a bit expensive
- Not ideal for large pools
Verdict
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 uses a combination of the belt-driven mechanism and three jet nozzles for quick and efficient cleaning. Moreover, it doesn’t require a booster pump and instead operates on your system’s ambient pressure, thereby allowing you to save cash in the long run.
Who the Polaris 360 is For
The Polaris 360 is perfect for those who want to clean their pools with a cleaner that doesn’t run on a booster pump. Moreover, due to its really affordable price, it allows everyone to save more money while keeping their pool cleaned and well-maintained without the need to invest in high-end and more expensive cleaners.
Compared to other pool cleaners on the market, the Polaris 360 is durable enough to scrub even the dirtiest pool floors, making it possibly the best pool cleaner on a budget.
Key Features of the Polaris 360
- No booster pump operation: One of the best things about a pressure side cleaner is that it only uses water that the pump is pumping, thereby placing less strain on your pool pump. However, it means that you will need a booster pump just to create the proper pressure needed by your cleaner. However, the Polaris 360 eliminates the need for that. It can operate even without a booster pump and instead uses the water which is pumped by your pool circulation system. As a result, you can enjoy a far more efficient operation at a relatively lower upfront investment.
- Three jet nozzles: Compared to other pressure pool cleaners, the Polaris 360 comes with three jet nozzles for faster and more efficient cleaning.
- Belt driven mechanism: Another notable feature of the Polaris 360 is that it uses a belt-driven mechanism as opposed to a shaft-driven one common in most pressure pool cleaners. This means that it contains less moving parts which translate to fewer parts wearing out. As a result, you can benefit from less downtime since the maintenance and repair requirements don’t happen that often. Moreover, it’s a lot easier and less expensive to repair a worn belt than it is with a shaft drive.
Customer Reviews
- “After using for about 15 years, my old Polaris 280 cleaner finally gave up. That was when I decided to buy the 360 as a replacement. After installing it and having it run for about an hour, I found that it’s quite efficient in cleaning as opposed to my old 280. It’s definitely worth it!”
- “It’s certainly not the best cleaners in the market, but for me, it works perfectly, is fairly priced, and quite easy to set up. Overall, I think it’s worth the price considering how efficient it’s capable of cleaning my pool.”
- “Bought the unit last week. When I connected it to my pool system, I found out that the wheels aren’t moving properly. One of the wheels also fell off after very light use. It could have worked perfectly if not for that.”
FAQs
- Does it come with a warranty? The Polaris 360 has a standard ten-year warranty for its frame while only a one-year warranty for the other parts.
- How much does it cost? The Polaris 360 is sold at Amazon for approximately $599 with FREE shipping if you’re from the US.
- What makes it different from the Polaris 380? The Polaris 360 is generally a cheaper version of the Polaris 380. Compared to the 380, it doesn’t require a booster pump to operate which makes it a more affordable option.
Polaris Vac Sweep 360 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner review
7. Pentair Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Inground Pool Cleaner
The Kreepy Krauly has been around for decades and is extremely popular, with over 3 million customers around the world. Redesigned for greater cleaning coverage, its powerful suction removes dirt and debris without intervention. With only a single moving part, it is designed for years of dependable service and low maintenance costs. As it operates without a booster pump, it saves on utility bills. It’s also quick and easy to install.
Highlighted Features:
- Dive float directional system guides the cleaner from its water line down to the bottom of the pool
- Its automatic valve regulates the flow of waterto maintain the proper speed for cleaning
- Roller strap helps navigate around pool steps and ladders
- Cleaner wings move debris, such as leaves and dirt, directly into the filtration system
- Single moving part design – no gears or wheels to replace
- Type: Dropdown
The Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to assemble
- Ample hose sections
- Very nice aesthetics
The Cons:
- Has issues with direction and navigation
- Gets stuck on pool ladders, lights, and stairs
Installing the NEW Kreepy Krauly Automatic Pool Cleaner
Different Types of Pool Cleaner for Above Ground Pools
Pool cleaners are efficient and effective in maintaining a healthy and hygienic pool. The types of pool cleaners include suction side, pressure side, and robotic.
1. Suction Side Pool Cleaners
Suction side pool cleaners are automatic pool cleaners. It is connected to an existing skimmer box or suction line and sucks small pool debris through the pool’s filtration system. There are two types of suction side cleaners:
a. Inertia-driven suction cleaners
This type of cleaner cleans in an undirected pattern. It also takes time to clean the whole surface of the pool. This work well on pools which corners are not sharp. If your pool has curved walls, this is an excellent choice.
b. Geared suction cleaners
This type of cleaner moves in a pre-set pattern and cleans the surface of the pool in the shortest time. This works well on smaller pools as it can get easily on tight corners.
The best suction pool cleaner is good for pools with existing pumps and filters. Using this type of pool cleaner will require you to regularly clean your filter and use more diatomaceous earth.
Also, the pool pump should be running as the suction side cleaner works, which means that you’re required to use more electricity.
- It is wallet-friendly as compared to other pool cleaners.
- It is easy to install and easy to maintain.
- It has few moving parts and works great on small to medium-sized pools.
- This type of cleaner requires a lot of suction to work.
- Requires frequent cleaning of the filter.
- It may fill up the skimmer box if left permanently and can cause damage to the pump.
- It cannot pick up larger debris such as dead leaves and pine needles.
2. Pressure Side Pool Cleaners
This type of cleaner is relatively advanced as compared to the suction side cleaner. This is more powerful as it uses pressure to drive the cleaner into the pool and forces the debris into the filter bag where it can be collected and removed.
The pressure side cleaner comes with a filter bag for debris and makes the cleaning process faster. It does not require frequent cleaning on your pool’s existing filter.
Adding a booster pump will make this cleaner more powerful. This type of cleaner is great for picking up medium to large pool debris.
- It works fast and powerful.
- It is easy to maintain.
- This effectively works on larger debris.
- The hose is less likely to tangle, thus easier to manage.
- It is equipped with filter bag, so it does not add up stress on existing pool filter.
- It’s a little expensive as compared to other cleaners.
- It may require an additional booster pump to operate.
- It may damage the filtration system if it is directly connected to the pool’s existing pump.
3. Robotic Pool Cleaners
A robotic cleaner is the best and the most expensive type of pool cleaner. This type of cleaner has an internal pump and self-contained filtration system. This means that it doesn’t add extra strain on your pool’s existing pump and filter and reduces the running cost and time in cleaning the pool surfaces.
It can grab all sizes of pool debris, which makes it efficient in cleaning your pool. Depending on the model, some robotic cleaners have features like programmable cleaning cycles, remote controls, four-wheel drive, and waterline scrubbing. This works best with above ground pool with no skimmer basket.
- It is energy efficient.
- It provides superior cleaning.
- It has a self-contained pump and filtration system, so it does not wear on the pool’s pump system.
- It is recommended for larger pools.
- It is the most expensive automatic pool cleaner.
- Filters are required to be emptied for the unit to work.
Out of all the three types of above ground pool cleaners, the robotic cleaner is the best above ground pool cleaner. Yes, it is a little expensive compared with the suction side and pressure side, but the features of the robotic cleaner make it worthy of an investment. Also, there are robotic cleaners that are basic and way cheaper than the advanced models.
The Verdict
From the 7 above ground pool cleaners mentioned above, the best by far is the Aquabot Pool Rover Junior Robotic APRVJR. It is more advanced as compared to the other products, and it does not require additional equipment to maintain the cleanliness of your pool.
It is quick to set up and easy to use. The Aquabot Pool Rover Junior Robotic Cleaner works independently and requires less attention. Through smart technology, its movements can be programmed to maneuver all surface of the pool. Moreover, its durability and efficiency make it an excellent value for your hard-earned money.
So, if you are aiming for an efficient pool cleaning experience, we recommend the Aquabot Pool Rover Junior Robotic Cleaner. You can check the product here, and let us know what you think!
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