How to choose a vacuum cleaner for a pool: the top ten models + what to look for before buying

The swimming pool is the ideal place to relax.Nothing can be better than soaking up the sun and taking a swim in hot weather. But in order for the pond to look neat and last for decades, it must be cleaned regularly. This is especially important if the bowl is not equipped with a filtration system.

A pool vacuum cleaner, a special type of cleaning equipment designed to work in extreme conditions, helps remove all debris from the bottom. This assistant is indispensable in caring for different types of artificial reservoirs. The pool owner faces the difficult task of choosing - the aquatic equipment market offers many different models.

How not to make a mistake with a purchase? We will help you resolve this issue. The article provides a rating of the best underwater vacuum cleaners, describes the features of different types of devices, and also lists the main criteria for choosing cleaning equipment for a pool.

TOP 10 vacuum cleaners for pools

With the advent of the first cleaning technology for water tanks, this market niche began to actively develop.Today, both in online stores and on the shelves of real retail outlets, a huge assortment of such units is presented.

At the same time, the models have significant differences in appearance, power and design. To make it easier to navigate the colossal variety of pool vacuum cleaners, a unique rating has been compiled. It presents three types of devices: manual, semi-automatic and robotic vacuum cleaners.

When compiling the TOP, the technical characteristics of the models, their average price and customer reviews were taken into account.

10th place - DOLPHIN WAVE 300 XL2

The last place in the rating is given to the DOLPHIN WAVE 300 XL automatic vacuum cleaner for cleaning commercial and large household swimming pools. It does an excellent job of removing debris and dirt from the bottom and walls of the tank.

The model is quite popular among buyers who have pools from 25 to 60 m. It cleans the bottom, walls of the pool, as well as the level of the water line.

This robotic vacuum cleaner is placed in last place due to its very high cost - not every owner of a 25-meter pool can afford such equipment.

Main characteristics:

• suction power - 40 m³/hour;
• cable length is 43 m;
• double filtration system for maximum purification of pool water from small and large debris;
• working cycle time - 1-8 hours;
• weight - 25 kg;
• The kit includes a remote control and a special cart.

DOLPHIN WAVE 300 XL has excellent cleaning quality and excellent performance. It is equipped with two active brushes and four side brushes, which allows you to automatically reach all hard-to-reach places without any effort on the part of the user.

A significant drawback of the model is that the price tag is too high - the cost of this vacuum cleaner ranges around 1 million rubles. In all other respects, it is a good choice for large pools.

9th place - Bestway 58304

The main feature of the Bestway model is its compatibility with almost all filtration systems. The vacuum cleaner can work with devices showing a productivity of 3.8 liters per hour.

A good solution was to integrate a pressure regulator and pre-filter into the unit. This makes the cleaning process faster and also avoids clogging of hoses

The advantages of Bestway 58304 include:

• maneuverability - you will forever forget about the painful removal of sand and silt from the bottom of the pool;
• versatility — the kit comes with many adapters for connecting to all possible filtration systems;
• quality — durable plastic was used to produce the device; it will withstand more than 3 years of active use;
• price — in online stores, a vacuum cleaner is offered for only 6,500 rubles, while some suppliers sell it at a discount, so with proper luck you can save about one and a half to two thousand rubles.

Speaking about the disadvantages of the presented device, we should highlight the noticeable weight (about 5 kg) and a rather short hose (6.1 meters). But if you buy it for a 5-meter pool, then these disadvantages are not so significant.

8th place - Bestway 58427

Cheapness, high performance and consistent quality are only a small part of the advantages of the Bestway 58427 cordless vacuum cleaner.

The cost of the device is only up to 4,000 rubles. But for this money you get a device that can make it easier to care for an inflatable pool/jacuzzi with a diameter of up to 6 meters.

This vacuum cleaner with a built-in battery can clean the bottom of frame and inflatable pools, the diameter of which does not exceed 6 m.

This device is different:

• comfortable handle equipped with a 3-meter bar;
• fast battery charging - up to 50 minutes;
• ease of use;
• light weight - 2.1 kg.

The device has no disadvantages as such. Yes, it was possible to snag the short length of the tube, but this is completely offset by the extremely low price.

Healthy: Which pool is better, Bestway or Intex, comparison of quality and price.

7th place - Emaux CE306A SHOWA

When you own a fairly large swimming pool, then pay attention to the Emaux CE306A SHOWA. This semi-automatic vacuum cleaner is suitable for both recessed bowls and surface-mounted tanks.

This semi-automatic vacuum cleaner is easy to use; just connect it to the skimmer using a hose. It will help keep the bottom of the pool clean

The unit, like all other semi-automatic devices, is connected to a garden hose. It makes vibration movements to remove dirt. Easy cleaning is guaranteed by the corrugated hose. It provides high maneuverability.

Emaux CE306A SHOWA operates with virtually no noise. But you have to pay for convenience. After all, the price tag of a semi-automatic vacuum cleaner stopped at 13,500 rubles.

6th place - Zodiac Vortex 4 4WD

If you want to quickly and without unnecessary worries clean a pool of any size, then the Zodiac Vortex 4 4WD (RV 5500) vacuum cleaner will be a good solution. But this is a really expensive device, the cost of which is quite high.

A high-tech assistant - the robot vacuum cleaner Zodiac Vortex 4 4WD is able to take on the duties of cleaning the pool. Its weight and dimensions are not a problem - the kit includes a convenient trolley for transporting the device to the place of work

Specifications:

• pump capacity - 16 m³/hour;
• floating cable length is 21 m;
• the robot can work with all types of cladding, be it polyester, PVC film or tiles;
• electricity consumption during operation reaches 150 W;
• dimensions - 430*480*270 mm;
• The Zodiac Vortex 4 4WD comes with a remote control and a special cart.

Yes, the device has pretty good parameters. But even despite this, the manufacturer excessively inflated its cost. It was the high price that caused this robot vacuum cleaner to be placed in 6th place in the ranking.

5th place - AquaViva Luna 5220

AquaViva Luna is new to the pool cleaning equipment market. It stands out among its analogues with its sophisticated design, durable frame and excellent filtration.

This vacuum cleaner does a good job of removing various debris from the bottom of the pool. Moreover, the bottom must be flat so that the user receives maximum cleaning efficiency

For 30,000 rubles you get an assistant with the following technical characteristics:

• maximum pump capacity - 7 m³ in an hour;
• Power cable length is 12 m;
• greatest immersion depth - 1.8 m;
• electricity consumption during operation - 40 W;
• operating cycle duration is up to 2 hours.

Since its introduction on the market, AquaViva Luna has won the hearts of customers due to its high performance, low energy consumption and the ability to suction water not only from the front, but also from the sides of the device.

The dust collector holds enough debris to clean a large pool without stopping.

The disadvantages of the device include its noticeable weight (5.5 kg) and modest cable length. Due to the last parameter, the maximum size of the pool cannot exceed 10 m.

4th place - Zodiac MX 9

If you pay a little extra, then instead of AquaViva Luna you can order a modern vacuum cleaner from Zodiac. For 38,000 rubles you get a high-performance vacuum cleaner with a universal brush. And thanks to two types of nozzles, you can remove all possible particles of dirt.

The trajectory of movement ensures the most effective cleaning of the bottom of a pool made of any material - be it tiles or concrete

Zodiac MX 9 parameters:

• the highest productivity reaches 10 m³/hour;
• The hose length is about 12 meters;
• movement speed - 8 meters per minute;
• required pump capacity - 8 m³/h;
• dimensions - 1030*380*230 mm.

This vacuum cleaner has been a real boon for tile and concrete pools. The route of its movement outlines the letter “X”, which guarantees high quality work.

But keep in mind the unpleasant fact that the size of the pool cannot be more than 10-11 meters. After all, the cord length of the Zodiac MX 9 is only 12 m.

3rd place - Kokido Telsa 50

The manual vacuum cleaner took eighth place in the rating.It boasts high performance, no hose and no wires - it runs completely autonomously on a battery for up to 45 minutes, providing high-quality cleaning.

This model is easy to use - if you need to clean the bottom, you can easily remove the handle and install a telescope pipe

The suction power of the device can reach 5.7 cubic meters per hour. This indicator will be more than enough to remove all kinds of contaminants from the bottom, steps and side edges of the bowl.

The device is simple and easy to use. Thanks to the floating head, you can clean even the most inconvenient places. And thanks to the presence of a removable handle, which can be removed and replaced with a telescope pipe, you can reach even stuck dirt from a depth of up to 3 meters.

This device has no significant disadvantages. But remember that it is only suitable for small pool bowls.

2nd place - Watertech Pool Blaster MAX

The Pool Blaster MAX underwater handheld vacuum cleaner is an example of a powerful, versatile and lightweight device. It can cover more than 160 square meters on one charge. At the same time, at this speed, the quality still remains high.

The universal, high-performance unit is a wonderful assistant when cleaning the walls and bottom of the pool.

Technical specifications:

• surfaces to be cleaned - acrylic, PVC, tiles, polypropylene, and fiberglass;
• continuous operation time - 1 hour;
• charging time - up to 10 hours;
• dimensions - 400 mm * 170 mm * 190 mm;
• weight - 2.5 kg.

It is a quiet device with a flexible cleaning head. It allows you to clean a huge pool without much effort.Moreover, this can be done in just 60 minutes.

1st place - Watertech Pool Blaster Max HD

The leader in the rating is the improved model Pool Blaster MAX. It features an even lighter body, better filtration system and greater performance.

The improved model of handheld vacuum cleaner is especially popular among users due to its ease of use and excellent cleaning quality

Technical specifications:

• surfaces to be cleaned - acrylic, PVC, tiles, polypropylene, and fiberglass;
• continuous operation time - 1 hour;
• charging time - 8-10 hours;
• dimensions 400 mm*170 mm*190 mm;
• weight - 2.2 kg.

To filter water, the vacuum cleaner uses a set of bag microfilters. This allows you to collect 40% more garbage. At the same time, the price of a productive assistant is only 19,000 rubles.

What type of vacuum cleaner is best for a swimming pool?

When choosing a suitable cleaning equipment for a pond, first of all you need to pay attention to the type and design of the device.

Today, manufacturers offer manual, semi-automatic, and automatic vacuum cleaners. Each type has a number of significant differences and advantages. But in order to finally decide on a purchase, you need to familiarize yourself with each type in detail, considering its disadvantages.

#1 - nimble and simple hand models

Handheld vacuum cleaners for swimming pools are distinguished by their elementary design and ease of maintenance. They are intended for the care of inflatable and frame tanks, the volume of which does not exceed 40 cubic meters.

It is not worth choosing this type of unit for medium or large tanks. Cleaning them up will take too long.

Typically, a hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a pair of attachments and an aluminum rod. Using a skimmer (mesh net) you can collect debris from the surface of the water. The vacuum cleaner attachment is suitable for cleaning the bottom, and with the help of a brush you can wash the steps, walls and bottom of the pool

The operating principle of manual models is outrageously simple. To get started, you just need to connect the unit to a garden hose. When the water supply is opened, all dirt will rise from the bottom of the pool and will be drawn through the filter into a special bag.

Both attachments of this type of vacuum cleaner are attached to an aluminum rod. As a rule, the handle is made of lightweight material. Therefore, even a fragile girl will be able to cope with cleaning her favorite place to relax.

The disadvantages of handheld vacuum cleaners include:

• need for availability filtration systems;
• Most models lack a bag or filter where debris settles;
• impossibility of use for cleaning large and medium-sized pools.

In terms of benefits, handheld vacuum cleaners are cheap. In online stores you can find a device for only one and a half thousand rubles. This makes it accessible to buyers with any income level.

No. 2 - semi-automatic cleaning units

Semi-automatic vacuum cleaners are considered more modern and efficient. Their distinctive feature is that the user can change the speed of water flow at will.

Semi-automatic machines have a more complex cleaning brush. Thanks to it, you can clean the tank without any problems and in a short period of time. At the same time, cleaning is really convenient

The category of cleaning equipment presented above is an intermediate stage between manual and automatic vacuum cleaners.

Semi-automatic machines also have a simple operating principle. Using a special membrane, they stick to the walls or bottom of the bowl and absorb all debris. After this, the device moves to another location.

Devices of this type are perfect for prefabricated, frame and stationary structures. They can also be used to clean inflatable swimming pools.

Some models are equipped with a special dirt bag. But in most cases, the vacuum cleaner will need to be connected to a skimmer. You don't need any additional tools for this. Everything is as fast and convenient as possible.

The obvious disadvantages of semi-automatic machines are the following:

1. Limited service life. Most models wear out after three years.
2. Long cleaning. An average pool will have to be cleaned with such a vacuum cleaner for about 2 hours, or even more.
3. Limitations due to pump power. Many semi-automatic machines can only operate from a device with a capacity of over 0.75 kW.

As for the advantages, devices of this type are completely independent of the electrical network. This makes them an ideal choice for a country house. In addition, they are suitable for all existing types of pools.

No. 3 - modern and advanced robotic vacuum cleaners

Robot vacuum cleaners are fully automatic devices. These are innovative units that will be the best choice for large stationary pools. At the same time, they do everything on their own, with minimal participation from the owner.

If we compare the robot vacuum cleaner with other types of cleaning equipment, then, unlike its analogues, it is completely immersed in water along with its electrical components. This allows him to reach even the most remote corners of the reservoir and clean them efficiently.

Do not be afraid that if moisture gets inside the vacuum cleaner, you can get an electric shock. Manufacturers have foreseen this and provided a sufficient level of safety. The transformer converts the electric current coming from the electrical network and makes it completely safe for humans.

The main advantage of robots is their independence from a skimmer or reservoir filtration system. This design feature allows them to move freely along the bottom of the pool, collecting all small and medium-sized debris.

The device is equipped with a filter to collect dirt. Don't forget to clean it when you're done cleaning.

Many models of automatic pool vacuum cleaners operate in two modes: from the remote control and independently. In the first case, the owner controls the device. This will be useful if the bowl has an unusual shape with a complex bottom topography

In independent mode, the submariner’s work is based on an algorithm stored in his memory. He circles the bottom in search of debris. In some cases, if provided by the manufacturer, the vacuum cleaner can move onto walls and steps for their subsequent cleaning.

Automatic pool cleaning equipment has the following disadvantages:

• high price — significantly higher cost compared to manual and semi-automatic units;
• dependence on the power grid, as well as cable length;
• limited application — not suitable for all types and sizes of pools;
• appearance of “blind spots” — with a complex bowl configuration, the robot can skip areas with debris.

Users love robotic vacuum cleaners for swimming pools for their independence. Now you don’t have to spend several hours of rest manually cleaning the pond.

All you need to do is put the robot in the water, set the program, and after cleaning, wash the replacement filter. The models are also distinguished by high performance, having very modest dimensions.

Basic criteria for choosing cleaning equipment

Before deciding to purchase a particular device, it is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the nuances that are worth paying attention to. It is important to understand that not every vacuum cleaner will cope with your task.

A responsible approach to choosing cleaning equipment will help you avoid wasting money. Sufficient knowledge will allow you to choose a model that will ideally clean the surface of the tank

Unit power. The parameter is the main selection criterion. It must match the size of the pool bowl. Give preference to those models that can work for about 5 hours without stopping.

Also, sufficient performance will save your time if you decide to choose a manual or semi-automatic vacuum cleaner.

Be sure to check with your consultant how well the device copes with cleaning the surface. Don’t forget to ask whether it is “friendly” with pools of complex configurations.

Cord length. It must be larger than the size of the bowl. Otherwise, you will have to use an extension cord, which is not recommended for safety reasons.

Types of filters and frequency of replacement. Having learned about this, you can approximately calculate how much it will take to service the device.

Which manufacturer's equipment is better?

The number of manufacturers of pool vacuum cleaners is only increasing every day. Despite this, finding a device worth your money is quite difficult. But there are a number of brands that offer productive and easy-to-maintain units at reasonable prices.

The list of the best manufacturers includes:

• Intex;
• Ultramax;
• Zodiac;
• Dolphin;
• Mountfield;
• Bestway;
• Watertech;
• Emaux.

Please note that the companies presented above have both successful and not so successful models. So don't buy anything blindly. To save time and money, thoroughly review the technical specifications and the device itself. Only after this make the final decision.

When maintaining a swimming pool, an integrated approach is required. Before you start vacuuming, you need to treat the water with coagulants that convert dirt particles into flakes. In this form, debris is easier to remove. Read about the rules for choosing and using coagulants in this article.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Tips for choosing cleaning equipment for pool care:

A vacuum cleaner for cleaning a pool is a faithful assistant in cleaning the bottom and sides of the bowl. If you follow all the presented selection criteria and read the rating, you can order a productive, affordable and easy-to-use device.

Are you looking for an inexpensive and high-quality vacuum cleaner for cleaning your pool? Or do you have experience using a certain harvesting model? Tell our readers about the specifics of using and maintaining such units. Share your personal experiences and ask questions - the comment form is located below.