Although it’s true that an above ground pool is a lot cheaper and perhaps even safer than an in ground design, maintenance will be pretty much the same. Above ground pools are no less prone to the different contaminants and filth that are common to in ground pools. And this requires owners to exhaust the same effort towards keeping it clean and presentable.
On the upside, lots of manufacturers have developed loads of different tools and devices to help make the pool cleaning process easier, and the pool vacuum is one of them. Intended to suction dirt and debris from your pool, the best above ground pool vacuums can get your pool looking squeaky clean minus all the sweat and elbow grease.
Types of Above Ground Pool Vacuums
One of the reasons why it can be so confusing to choose vacuums for pools is because of the diversity of choices. A quick search of the best above ground swimming pool vacuums shows that they’re not all built the same, which inevitably leads to the question -- which one is right for me?
1. Robotic
As the most advanced, most convenient, and perhaps most expensive pool cleaning tool, the robotic vacuum works exactly as it sounds. This fully independent and automatic pool cleaner goes about its business with no human intervention.
But that’s not even the best part. With no need to connect to your pool pump or filtration system, this automatic pool vacuum minimizes the set-up process so you can pop it out of the box and get started on cleaning without a moment’s pause.
2. Suction
The suction vacuum cleaner connects to your pool’s filtration system, allowing the suction power from intake do the work as it moves around your pool’s floor. Any debris and dirt collected by the suction side vacuum run straight to your filter basket which you can clean out at your convenience.
Since your pool’s pump has to be turned on during operation, these suction side vacuums tend to cost more in terms of electricity consumption. It’s also important to remember that the strength of their suction depends largely on the horsepower of your pool’s pump. A weaker pump might result to a substandard cleaning.
Pressure Side
These are definitely more powerful than your average vacuum cleaner, using your pool’s pump to power it across the surfaces of your pool. This pressurized water flow also disturbs settled debris to make it easier for the vacuum to suction them out.
Most pressure side models require a booster pump which many above-ground pools don’t have right off the bat. Other designs however use your pool’s return water to create a vortex that pulls debris out of the water and off the surfaces, then into the collection bag connected to the vacuum.
Manual
Ideal for smaller pools, the manual pool vacuum cleaner may require slightly more effort on your end. The design will typically feature a telescopic pole that you can adjust to reach the depths of your pool. They also usually connect to your filtration system for easy debris collection.
In essence, manual models are like traditional vacuums, but for your pool. They don’t have the features or the parts to move itself across the pool floor. But with your help, it should be able to suction out any dirt and debris that it comes into contact with.
How to Choose the Right Above Ground Vacuum Cleaner
You would think that any vacuum for above ground pools would get the job done, and to some extent it might. However there are some specifics that can impact the performance of your cleaner and the quality of the results it produces. So before you click through to check-out, make sure you consider these factors:
1. Movement Patterns
There are some pool cleaners that can climb up the walls of your pool, suctioning grime and algae that might have built-up on the grout or tiles. There are others that can navigate pool stairs, climbing up each step to ensure a thorough clean. And then there are others that can only work on the bottom of the pool, limited to a flat surface.
If you want a more thorough clean and you have a pool that’s got upright walls and a bunch of steps, it pays to invest in a cleaner that can manage the changes in terrain. Then again, if you don’t mind scrubbing the walls manually every now and then, cleaners that cover just the floors might be an option.
2. Collection System
In general, there are two ways that an above ground pool vacuum can collect dirt and debris. The first is by keeping it all in a collection bag that attaches to the vacuum itself. This is particularly ideal for smaller pools that don’t really have a lot of dirt in the first place. If you’re using a cleaner with a built-in collection bag for a large, dirty pool, then you might have to empty the bag once or twice before you complete the pool cleaning process.
The other system involves hooking your vacuum up to your pool’s filtration system. Any dirt and debris collected goes straight to your filter basket for a larger capacity. That also means you won’t have to spend too much time cleaning out your vacuum, since any and all filth is centralized. But then again, smaller pools might not need such a robust collection system.
3. Hose Length
Your vacuum can connect to a number of different pool parts to properly operate. For instance, the pressure-side cleaner requires both pump and filter connections -- one moving part to move it around, and one moving part to direct any dirt and debris it collects.
Depending on the distance of your pump and filter from the opposite end of the pool, you may have to consider the length of the hose included with the above ground pool cleaner. If the hose doesn’t have enough length to let the cleaner reach all ends of the pool while being connected to either pump or filter, then you may have to purchase an extender from the manufacturer.
4. Accessory Availability
Pool cleaners can come with lots of different cleaning heads, hoses, attachments, and accessories that extend their functionality. Plus, in case your pool cleaner breaks down or is damaged while in your possession, you’re going to want to make sure that you can replace its parts without a fuss.
Consider how easily you might be able to cop a spare part or an accessory if the need arises. More popular, well-established manufacturers should be able to provide you a variety of replacement parts and attachments to improve your overall experience. In case you purchase your above ground pool cleaner from a relative nobody, then you might not be able to prolong its functional lifespan in case one moving part is damaged.
5. Ease of Use
Sure, pool vacuum cleaners were made to ease the whole process of cleaning and maintaining a pool. But if it takes way too much effort to set up and put back, then you might as well clean the pool the good old fashioned way.
By far, the best and most convenient cleaners are robotic automatic pool cleaners since you don’t really need to do much to get them working. The ones that have an on-board collection bag can get started as soon as you take them out of the box, limiting the need for tedious set-up and preparations.
Others however require far more prep. Connections to filters, skimmers, or pumps may call for time-consuming hose configurations, among other things. And then of course there’s the whole process of putting it all back, which may turn out to be a major chore for pool owners who want something a little less effortful.
6. Smart Features
In this day and age, everything is smart and that includes pool vacuum cleaners. While it’s definitely not a must-have feature, it can be particularly rewarding to invest in something that’s designed to be slightly more intuitive and effortless than the rest.
Pool cleaners with smart functionality can map out the different areas of your pool, ensuring that it covers all the surfaces to provide the ultimate clean. Of course, they also come with a bunch of cleaning modes that can target different pool cleaning situations, like a routine clean-up or a deep clean.
7. Durability
If everything goes well, you should be able to use your above ground pool cleaner for several years to come. But then again, that all boils down to durability. Keep in mind that a cleaner with more parts than the typical one moving part model will likely bog down much sooner. Hoses can become brittle with time, as well as plastic parts that come on and off during set up.
Fortunately, above ground pool cleaners that attach to filters and pumps don’t come with a motor since they get all of their power from your pool. This significantly reduces any damage they might incur over time. If you’re buying a robotic vacuum cleaner however, frequent operation can overwork the motor and cause damage over the long haul.
8. Power Consumption
Vacuum cleaners that need to attach to your pool’s pump and filter will require that you turn them on during operation. If you’ve got a large above ground swimming pool and a weak pump, then your vacuum might not be able to move around fast enough to save you on electricity. That’s also why some pressure-side cleaners require an extra boost pump to help them move along faster.
Robotic vacuum cleaners on the other hand can operate without a connection to your electricity. With a rechargeable battery on-board, these cleaners can operate for several hours on a single charge, which means you also won’t have to turn on your pump or filter while they’re at work.
9. Cost
Needless to say, prices for pool vacuum cleaners can vary widely especially since they all come with such a wide range of features and functions. In general though, you should buy a pool cleaner that maxes out what your budget allows if you want to make sure you’re getting the best option that will get the job done for the long haul.
As you might have expected, robotic above ground pool cleaner models are the most expensive, with pressure-side cleaners just a notch below. Suction side cleaners and of course, manual cleaners tend to trail behind in terms of cost. But if you play your cards right, you should be able to find a worthy contender for each category.
The 5 Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum
There's probably something to love about every above ground pool vacuum out there. But if we're talking about the best ones there are, then these five picks come out on top as the best of the best above ground pool vacuums around.
1. Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
Equipped with aggressive rubber tracks that keep the lightweight vacuum cleaner close to the pool surface at all times, the Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner from Dolphin is one of the best robotic pool cleaner picks on the market and navigates all sorts of pool surfaces without a fuss. The design comes with a massive top-load filter that carries debris of all sizes and allows effortless clean-up with its easy access design.
Often considered the best robotic pool cleaner for above ground pools, the Escape features smart navigation software that works to cover all the areas of your pool without the need for human intervention. The system allows the robotic vacuum to detect changes in topography including steps, inclines, and walls, so your cleaner can continue working without interruptions.
Complete with scrubbing brushes that lead the way and dislodge dirt and filth as your vacuum moves across your pool, the Escape comes with a strong DC motor that maximizes cleaning power without costing too much energy. And with a scheduled 1.5 hour cleaning cycle, there’s no need to worry about forgetting to turn the swimming pool cleaner off.
2. Intex Auto Pool Cleaner
Intex above ground pools are built using different materials, that’s why your average pool vacuum might not be a good fit especially if you’re worried about damaging your pool.
So what’s the best vacuum for Intex pools?
An Intex brand pool cleaner, of course.
The Auto Pool Cleaner from Intex was designed specifically with the manufacturer’s pools in mind, preventing damage and providing the best possible clean. It doesn't hook to the suction side pump, but rather the pump water return.
Designed for pools with filter pumps with a flow rate of 1,600-3,500 GPH, this swimming pool cleaner comes complete with a 24-foot hose that’s compatible with Intex brand inlet connectors. That's also why it's often considered the best above ground pool vacuum for Intex, since it's compatible with most pool models. It also features a set of wheels that lets the cleaner traverse the pool floor without causing damage.
To cover all the different areas of your pool, this vacuum automatically reverses direction, suctioning debris, dirt, and leaves as it cleans the bottom of your pool. And while it might not have the power to clean out grime and algae, using the pool cleaner routinely may significantly reduce the presence of such contaminants.
3. Water Tech Pool Blaster Catfish Li Pool and Spa Cleaner
Ideal for smaller above ground pools, this vacuum cleaner is lightweight, easy to use, and requires zero set up, making it ideal for pool owners who don’t want to fiddle around with hoses and pump connections. The battery powered device attaches to a pole and uses its powerful suction to filter 33 gallons of water per minute.
With a large throat that can accommodate leaves, dirt, debris, and various other types of pool contaminants, this above ground pool cleaner also touts brushes along its mouth to dislodge dirt and grime as it moves across the surface of your pool.
Perfect for routine cleaning, the lightweight design is easy to operate, set-up, and stow away. And because it doesn’t have too many moving or removable parts, you can expect the cleaner to stay in top shape for years without the need for much maintenance.
4. PAXCESS Cordless Automatic Pool Cleaner
Equipped with a 5000mAh built-in battery, the PAXCESS Cordless Automatic Pool Cleaner operates for as long as 90 minutes on a single charge. The powerful pool cleaner works without the need for any cords, hoses, or cables, enabling the design to move across your pool’s floor without any limitations or restrictions.
At a speed of 16 meters per minute, this above ground pool cleaner comes with two suction doors that do double the work to clean more of your pool over a shorter period of time. Its bottom brush works to dislodge and remove dirt build-up from your pool’s floor, working away algae with each pass.
At just 12.1 lbs in weight, this pool cleaner isn’t only easy to deploy and store, but also easy to clean and maintain. Its simplified filtration system makes it easy to empty out the collected dirt so you can prep your pool cleaner for its next dirty job.
5. Aquabot APRVJR Pool Rover Robotic Above Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaner
Complete with an extra long 40-foot floating cable, this fully automatic above ground pool vacuum cleaner can work on pools of varying shapes, promising to clean it all in one hour or less. The powerful cleaner relies on a 24-volt pump motor that vacuums dirt and debris while propelling the cleaner forward using jet-drive.
Using its extra wide, non-marring wheels, this cleaner easily drives over all sorts of pool surfaces, providing maximum traction to reduce slipping and unnecessary energy loss. And because it comes with an R-Z swivel feature, the vacuum can navigate all over your pool floor without getting its cable tangled up.
Operating for up to two hours at a time, this above ground pool cleaner comes with a two year warranty for added buyer confidence. But even then, its rugged body and build work to prevent damage, wear, and tear to give you a cleaner you can rely on for the long haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
No doubt, it can be tough to choose the right above ground pool vacuum cleaner and there might be a load of questions floating around in your head, preventing you from finalizing on a decision. If that's the case, then these above ground pool cleaner FAQs might help you make a more confident decision.
1. What can an above ground pool vacuum clean?
That ultimately depends on the model you're getting. In general however, you're going to want to look into the kind of filter that the design has. Leaves are usually fair game for all vacuum cleaners since they're big and easy to filter. Smaller particles like sand and dirt however, call for a finer filter.
That said, the best above ground pool vacuum for leaves won't always be the best above ground pool vacuum for algea since they require completely different filtration and brush systems. If you want to clean out the occasional leaf shower, then any vacuum should suffice. But for tougher contaminants like sand and algae, consider pool cleaners with brushes and ultra fine filters.
2. How do I vacuum my above ground pool?
Above ground pool cleaners are often the way to go if you want to maintain your pool with less effort. Fully automatic pool cleaners reduce your effort entirely, preventing the need for any connections to your filter or pump. Then again, if you're working with a limited budget, pool sweepers that connect to your pool's water flow should be a suitable compromise. If you've got a smaller pool and don't really need that much cleaning power, then a manual pool cleaner connected to a telescopic pole might be a good choice.
3. How do I clean an above ground pool without a vacuum?
If you don't have a vacuum and don't have intentions of buying one, then the best way to clean your pool would be to simply do it the good old fashioned way. A gentle scrub brush can be used to remove dirt, debris, and algae from the floors and walls. Once that's done, you can turn on the filtration system and agitate the water to get the dislodged dirt to move towards the skimmer.
Crystal Clear All Year Round
One of the reasons why people shy away from getting above ground pools is because of the maintenance that it involves. But with the best above ground pool vacuums, that shouldn't be a problem. Designed to keep your pool looking clean and fresh all year round, these nifty little devices prove that pool ownership is as easy as it's ever been.
So whether you opt to go with a robotic pool cleaner for effortless maintenance, or if you choose something that banks on your pool's water flow, you can be sure you're making an investment towards preserving your pool and keeping it ready for fun and sun any time of the year.
