Swimming Pool, Bathroom, Sauna

Relax at home after work revealed!

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Swimming Pool
  • Hot Tubs
  • Bathroom
    • Bath Tubs
    • Bathroom Accessories
    • Toilet
  • Sauna
  • Heater
  • Outdoor
  • Privacy Policy

How to Choose the Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum (Tips & Top Reviews)

By Leave a Comment

Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum Reviews

Do you want to know the best way to clean your pool? While nets attached to telescopic poles are usually used by traditional pool owners, nothing beats a good above ground pool vacuum.

Now, if you want to buy one, we want to make sure that you buy the best above ground pool vacuum out of all the choices in the market.

In order to help you navigate through the many products out there, we created a guide with a narrowed down list of top products.

7 Checklists to Bear in Mind When Shopping for Pool Vacuum

Contents

In order to start off our guide, we’d like to first explain to you about features. While all pool vacuums are rather similar in nature, each product has its own set of unique features.

So, if you want to buy the best pool vacuum for your needs and wants, you need to familiarize yourself with the features that you need to take into consideration when you’re looking for a pool vacuum.

This buying guide will present you with a checklist of 7 criteria, allowing you to smartly single out the pool vacuum that you need.

Let’s take a look at the checklist below:

Hose Length

First, let’s talk about the hose length. The hose length is important to take note of because it determines how far down the pool your vacuum can reach.

Obviously, deeper pools will need longer hose lengths. However, a good standard that you can use is roughly around 30 feet. This is good enough to reach the bottom of a medium depth pool. The best way to get an accurate measurement of the hose length you’ll need is to simply measure the depth of the pool and work from there.

Battery Power

Hoses are usually powered by batteries such as Lithium-Ion or NiMH. This is important to consider because the battery power determines how long the vacuum can run without stopping.

Thus, if you happen to have a big pool, you’ll need a vacuum that has a strong battery power. Regular sized pools can be cleaned in an hour so that can be used as your standard.

Coverage

The coverage determines how much area the vacuum sweeps in one movement. This is usually based on how big the vacuum mouth is. Most vacuums have a coverage of 15 feet in diameter. But if you want to get work done faster, then you’ll probably need to have a vacuum that has a wider coverage.

Filter Bag

The next thing to think about is the filter bag. The filter bag is the place where all of the dirt that’s sucked up by the vacuum cleaner go to.

Why is this important?

Because if you have a vacuum with a small filter bag, you need to empty it every so often. But if you have a big sized filter bag, you don’t need to take out the trash often. This allows you to work continuously until all the dirt and debris from your pool has been sucked in. We recommend that you look for a vacuum that has a big sized filter bag.

Motor Power

Some vacuums that are a little more sophisticated run on motors. These can usually be left alone to clean the pool in a pattern. If you’re after this kind of vacuum, then you need to take into consider the motor power. We suggest that you get a pool vacuum that has a motor power of at least 24 volts.

Safety Features

Safety features are very important because they protect the life of the vacuum. One of the features that you’ll most likely want your vacuum to have is an auto shut off feature. This auto shut off feature allows the vacuum to turn off by itself via a timer. This ensures that your vacuum is not overused.

Another thing you may want to consider when buying a vacuum is material. You need to make sure that the material used is waterproof material like IPX8 material among others. This makes sure that the vacuum won’t wear out over time.

Design

The last thing that you may want to take into consideration is design. Now, design doesn’t just refer to the look or the color of the vacuum. It also encompasses the size, the bulkiness, and the construction. This is important because it factors in your preferences. For instance, there are some people who don’t like bulky vacuums because they don’t have any place to store them. In this situation, it’s better to get a more compact vacuum so storage won’t be a problem.

Another example is construction type. Not all pool owners want to have a vacuum with wheels. Some of them like the traditional types that can be attached to a telescopic pole or a hose. If you’re that kind of pool owner, then avoid the ones that run on motors and get the ones that run on batteries instead.

To sum it up, this factor is more subjective than the others since it has to do with preference.

Top 10 Above Ground Pool Vacuum Reviews

1.  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.
Check Price on Walmart
Check Price on Ebay

Read more: Baracuda G3 Suction Cleaner Reviews

2.  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

Check Price on Walmart
Check Price on Ebay

3.  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

Check Price on Walmart
Check Price on Ebay

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

Check Price on Walmart
Check Price on Ebay

5.  XtremepowerUS Auto Suction Vacuum Cleaner

“Simple but reliable” is the phrase that’s used to describe this pool vacuum cleaner. First of all, it has a rather long hose length of 30 feet allowing you to reach the bottom of most medium-sized pools.

Another great thing about it is that it’s extremely easy to use. Unlike a lot of other vacuum cleaners, this does not require electricity nor does it need tools. Once you attach it to your water filtration system, you can use it right away.

Things We Liked:

  • 30-foot hose length
  • Easy usage
  • Does not need electricity
  • Comprehensive user manual
  • Easy to attach to the filtration system

Things We Didn’t Like:

  • Flimsy built
  • May get clogged quite often

XtremepowerUS Automatic Suction Vacuum Installation Guide

Check Price on Ebay

6.  Pool Blaster Water Tech Vacuum Cleaner

If you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner that can run for a long time without stopping and doesn’t require energy, then this is the one that you’re most likely going to choose. This vacuum cleaner is powered by strong Lithium Ion batteries that allow it to keep on going continuously for an hour.

From there, you need to recharge it. Aside from the battery power, it does come with an Xtreme MultiLayer Filter. This is used to take in even big debris.

Things We Liked:

  • High quality Lithium Ion batteries
  • Simple on and off switch
  • Comes with an Xtreme Multilayer Filter
  • Can even take in fine dirt
  • Lasts for an hour

Things We Didn’t Like:

  • Does not have a long shelf life
  • Not completely waterproof

Check Price on Walmart
Check Price on Ebay

7.  Intex Handheld Rechargeable Battery Vacuum

There are two aspects of this vacuum that are popular among pool owners. First, it is compact, lightweight, and completely portable. If you have a small pool, you can just scoop up the dirt by turning the vacuum on.

Another favorable aspect is the strong suction ability it has. For its size, the vacuum power is already very impressive and can efficiently suck up dirt without effort in an 18-foot diameter.

Things We Liked:

  • Coverage of 18 feet in diameter
  • Has a very strong suction power
  • Lightweight built
  • Durable aluminum shaft
  • Auto shut off feature

Things We Didn’t Like:

  • Not completely waterproof
  • Batteries don’t last that long

Check Price on Walmart
Check Price on Ebay

8.  Hayward W3500 AquaBug Above Ground Automatic Suction Side Pool Cleaner

Probably the first thing that you’ll immediately notice about the cleaner is its design. Look closely and you’ll see that it is made in the shape of a ladybug. That’s why it’s called the Aquabug pool cleaner in the first place.

But it’s not just the design that makes it stand out. It also has a lot of cool features to brag about. For instance, it makes use of a unique turbine gearing system that allows the “bug” to move through the pool quietly and softly. It also has a steering pattern technology that allows it to know how to move so that it can completely clean the pool.

Things We Liked:

  • Turbine gearing system
  • Easy installation
  • Has bumper rings for less friction
  • Can be programmed to have a steering pattern
  • Very quiet operations

Things We Didn’t Like:

  • Some kids find the design scary
  • May stop working out of a sudden and needs troubleshooting

Hayward Aqua Vacuum Install and Review

Check Price on Walmart
Check Price on Ebay

9.  Pentair Air Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark Vacuum Cleaner

If the previous vacuum cleaner came in the shape of a bug, this one comes in the shape of a cute little shark. It comes with a dual band of bristles allowing it not to just vacuum the dirt but also scrub the more stubborn ones out.

This is extremely handy if your pool always happens to have those sticky debris on the pool floor. This shark can open a path of 10 inches and thoroughly clean everything in a few goes.

Things We Liked:

  • Comes with bristle scrubs to take away sticky debris
  • Can clean quickly but completely
  • No need for any assembly
  • Has a long shelf life
  • Cute shark design

Things We Didn’t Like:

  • Does not always move the way you want it to
  • May get stuck from time to time

Check Price on Walmart
Check Price on Ebay

10.  DOLPHIN Escape Robot Pool Ground Cleaner

Last on the list is the DOLPHIN Escape Robot Pool Ground Cleaner. This is probably the most robust and most powerful vacuum on this list. First of all, it has a beautiful design– sleek and techie.

It also doesn’t use filter bags. Rather, it makes use of a debris cartridge that can hold in much more than any ordinary bag. Lastly, it has a SmartNav 2.0 Robotic Scanning system to efficiently create cleaning patterns.

Things We Liked:

  • SmartNav 2.0 Robotic Scanning feature
  • 14-pound lightweight built
  • 24-volt powerful motor
  • Uses a debris cartridge
  • Hypergrip tracks for better traction

Things We Didn’t Like:

  • Suction power isn’t that strong
Check Price on Walmart

Conclusion 

With this guide, you now have a narrowed list of the best above ground pool vacuum products you can buy.

If you were to ask us which is our favorite though, we’d easily pick the DOLPHIN Escape Robot Pool Ground Cleaner.

With its robotic pattern scanning movement, you don’t need a long hose length to lead the cleaner to the bottom of the pool. At the same time, it can last really long and has huge coverage. Lastly, its debris cartridge can store 60% more than what a debris bag can.

While it can be a bit expensive at the start, it’s definitely worth the money.

Read more:
  • All You Need to Know About the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Pool Cleaner
  • Hayward Navigator Pro Suction Pool Vacuum Reviews
  • Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 – The Best Pool Cleaner Yet?

DMCA.com Protection Status

Filed Under: above ground pool vacuum

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Most Popular

Best Above Ground Pool Reviews
Best Soaking Bathtub Reviews
Best Hot Tub Reviews
Best Infrared Sauna Reviews
Best Pellet Stove Reviews

Recent Posts

  • Bueno Spa Dallas Hot Tub Review – Is It Worth the Investment?
  • Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Hot Springs, Arkansas (2025 Guide)
  • Bueno Spa Hollywood Hot Tub Review: The Ultimate Luxury for Your Backyard
  • Bueno Spa Chicago Hot Tub Review: Is This 54-Jet Spa Worth It?
  • Bueno Spa New York Hot Tub Review – Is This 6-Person Spa Worth It?

Coleman Power Steel 22' x 52

Earnings Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · About Us · Contact Us · Copyright © 2025 Log in