Performed on a regular basis, this passive form of cleaning keeps pools free of buildup for longer stretches. When shopping for the best automatic pool cleaner for your above-ground pool, consider a suction-powered model if affordability and simplicity are high factors on your list of requirements. The Escape pool cleaner vacuum from Dolphin is one of the best electric pool vacuums on the market thanks to its feature-packed design and relatively affordable price point. Its wheels are equipped with hypergrip continuous tracks for unparalleled traction and easy maneuvering underwater, and it sports a lift-off top filter for easy cleaning access without the need for bags.
It can also be used to gently remove buildup on the lining of above-ground pools. We appreciate how easy this brush is to use; however, it does not come with an extension pole, so you will have to purchase one if you don’t already have one in your pool supply closet. With a manual pool vacuum such as a suction-style or pressure-style vacuum, you have to push the vacuum head across the pool’s floor and walls to collect large and small debris. While manual pool vacuums are more affordable than their automatic counterparts, they’re usually less powerful. Abilities of the robotic pool cleanervary depending on the model, but all are fairly simple to operate. The cleaner will work its way around the pool surface, using small brushes and vacuum pressure to remove everything from dirt and algae to debris of all sizes.
The best feature was arguably the cycle complete notifications that were delivered once this pool cleaner finished its session. We could also send the robot a notification to float to the pool surface for seamless retrieval. When it’s time to empty the filter basket, a button on the unit pops the top-load basket out of the robot, and it also has a handle. While price should always be a factor, we can assure you that you’ll be very pleased with splurging on this robotic pool cleaner, even after months of use. This robot only gets better over time at mapping an efficient cleaning path across our pool floor.
One of our team members had also previously purchased a used Dolphin M400 model last year and said the Nautilus was overall easier to use, faster at cleaning, and better at tracking with the floor. Our only concern with this product was the price point, which is justifiably daunting. However, our team member said if they had known just how effective the cleaner was, they would have splurged on it years ago. In terms of design, we evaluated if the pool cleaner had an ergonomic design and was comfortable and easy to use. A pool cleaner received a higher score if it had features like a handle or caddy.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep provides a pressure clean for your pool, using vacuum jets to remove dirt and debris from surfaces. It can scrub walls and floors with its high-powered jets and comes with a debris bag for collecting any sized obstacles it finds. This robot also has a light that blinks during its cleaning session, so you have a visual indicator that it’s running properly. While we had no negative feedback during testing, we do recognize that this robotic pool cleaner is quite an investment. Given its impressive performance and smart features, we think it’s worth the splurge for busy families and homeowners who prefer a hands-off pool-cleaning tool.
We stock an essential range of vacuum heads and pool vacuums for your swimming pool. Many call this little vacuum “bulletproof” and love that it can be kept in the pool when not in use, making more room for storing all your favorite pool toys. Water pressure coming from the pool’s return line powers this pressure-side pool cleaner, and it’s suitable for all pool types, making it an easy favorite. Fans of the Polaris Vac-Sweep aren’t hard to come by, and many pool owners choose to buy the Vac-Sweep again once their first one is laid to rest after 15 or so years.
We liked that it was cordless and featured attachments, and we were impressed with the size of the debris it could pick up. To ensure an even cleaning, there are multiple pre-programmed internal steering sequences. These cause the left wheel to periodically reverse, allowing this pool vacuum to turn and then move into another direction. While we all wish we could have a pool cleaner like a five-star all-inclusive resort, we have to pick up the rein as a pool-owner.