Buyer’s Guide
Best Above Ground Pool Vacuums. Automatic And Manual Cleaners
Above Ground Pool Vacuums Reviews, Types, Benefits, Tips and More…
Its summertime! You will surely like to dive into a nice cool pool to beat excessive heat. But who likes to hang out in a dirty pool? nobody of course. Maintaining a swimming pool was always a hectic task, but not anymore. The above ground pool vacuums help you to clean and remove dirt, oil, bugs, and other debris from your pool.
There are different types of pool vacuums for above ground pools available in the market. You must always do some research and choose the best above ground pool vacuums. It makes your hectic task of maintaining the pool very easy. The above ground pool vacuum can clean up all types of debris including insects and algae from the pool water.
These vacuums for above ground pools are specially designed to maintain your swimming pool effectively. It is the best affordable solution for maintaining your swimming pool so that you and your family can hang out and swim in your pool without any worries. In this article, we have discussed every aspect of above ground pool vacuums and listed the best products from various brands to help you choose the perfect one for you.
Top 8 List
Top 8 Best Above Ground Pool Vacuums
Definition
What Is an Above Ground Pool Vacuum?

An above ground vacuum is a quick and easy solution to clean up different types of debris, algae, and even bugs from your swimming pool surface. There are different types of vacuum for above ground pools like manual, automatic, robotic, suction side, pressure side, electric, etc. It harnesses the suction from the pool’s filter to suck in the dirt from the surface of the pool. It makes your pool water sparkling clean.
1. Best above ground pool vacuum for leaves- Polog above ground pool vacuum
2. Best above ground pool vacuum for sand- AIPER SMART Cordless Automatic Pool vacuum
3. Best above ground pool vacuum for small particles- PAXCESS Cordless Automatic Pool Cleaner
4. Best above ground pool vacuum for algae- Intex Recreation Auto Pool Cleaner
5. Best above ground pool vacuum with a hose- POOLWHALE Pool Vacuum Cleaner
6. Best above ground pool vacuum with bag- Hayward Wanda Above-Ground Suction Pool Cleaner
Types
Types of Above Ground Pool Vacuum
Here are the four types of Above Ground Pool Vacuum available in the market
1. Robotic Above Ground Pool Vacuum
Robotic pool vacuums are the best choice for people who don’t want to invest much of their time in maintaining the pool. This pool vacuum cleaner is programmed to clean the entire pool on its own. You just need to set the timer and drop it in the pool and just forget it. Once it’s done with cleaning you will get an alert. Most of the robotic vacuums for above ground pools work on a battery or they use a long waterproof extension cord that helps it to connect to the power sockets.
You don’t need a pump or a separate filter system to clean a pool using a Robotic pool vacuum. It connects to the pool skimmers and propels around the pool collecting debris and dumps it out from the pool’s filtration system. The higher-end robotic cleaners can climb on the wall of your pool and cleans the waterline. They can even learn from their daily routine and works accordingly. There is no human intervention required in cleaning the pool. Here are the two best above ground robotic pool vacuums that are available in the market.
PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner with Rechargeable Battery
PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner with Rechargeable Battery
$147.57 in stock
1 used from $119.99
- This is one of the best above ground robotic pool vacuum that can work without a cord attached to an electric socket that makes it easy to move from one place to another.
- This automatic pool vacuum above ground comes with a powerful motor that allows super cleaning performance.
- This above ground swimming pool vacuum comes with advanced battery detection technology that allows it to stop alongside the pool once the battery is drained out.
- It is very easy to use for everyone and can be cleaned very easily.
- It does not require hoses, a booster pump, a suction line that makes it easy to maintain. It also consumes very little energy to operate.
Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
$639.00 in stock
- It is one of the best vacuum for above ground pool that is capable of working for both in-ground and above ground pools up to 33 feet.
- This above ground swimming pool vacuum comes with a 50 feet waterproof electrical cord attached to the top of the vacuum that prevents twisting.
- It comes with an internal filter and a collection basket that helps in collecting any dirt or debris from the pool.
- You can easily take it out off the water easily by holding its handle.
- You have an option of setting up a weekly timer that will automatically activate it for a week.
- It takes around two hours to complete its cleaning cycle.
2. Manual Above Ground Pool Vacuum
The manual pool vacuums are relatively cheap and less complex when compared to a robotic vacuum cleaner. You have to work out a bit if you are using a manual pool vacuum. You need to move the vacuum head manually with a long pole attached to it. It has a small vacuum head attached to the hose and a long pole. The hose is placed in the pool’s skimmer and uses the suction from the filtration system of the swimming pool to suck up the debris from the water and dumps it into the filter or an attached bag.
There are some limitations if you are using a manual pool vacuum cleaners. One of them is that it can be difficult to clean every corner of the pool and, it is also not possible to clean deep without a weighted head. Here are the two best manual above ground pool vacuums that is available in the market.
CKE Portable Vacuum Cleaner
- It is highly durable and long-lasting and is very easy to install.
- It is very easy to use. just attach it to a hose and the water pressure from your hose will leaves, debris, and other impurities from the water.
- It comes with a long telescoping pole that helps to clean every part of the pool.
- It is ideal for cleaning above ground pools, spas, kids pools, etc.
Intex Handheld Rechargeable Pool Vacuum
Intex Handheld Rechargeable Pool Vacuum
2 used from $88.41
- It is one of the best above-ground pool vacuums with an 18′ diameter.
- It comes with a USB charger that makes it very easy to charge.
- This automatic pool vacuum above ground shuts off if it is not submerged in the water.
- It keeps the pool water clean by taking out all kinds of debris.
- You must submerge it in the pool to make it operate properly.
3. Suction Side Above Ground Pool Vacuum
This type of pool vacuum relies completely on the filtration system of the swimming pool. It uses the suction of the filter to move. It comes with a hose that is placed in the skimmer of the pool and uses the suction power of the pool filter to suck up the debris. These types of above ground pool vacuums don’t come with a collection bag, so you should keep in mind that you must backwash it after vacuuming to remove any types of debris.
The suction side pool vacuums are best for light and medium debris. The limitation of this type of pool vacuum is that it completely relies upon the pool’s pump system. If the pumping system of your pool is weak then this pool vacuum will not perform efficiently. Here are the two best Suction Side above ground pool vacuums that is available in the market.
XtremepowerUS Suction Vacuum Pool Cleaner
XtremepowerUS Suction Vacuum Pool Cleaner
3 used from $75.35
- It requires at least one hp pool pump to function properly.
- You don’t have to connect it to the electricity. This pool vacuum uses the suction power of your pool filtration system to function.
- It navigates itself in different patten to clean the pool water.
- It comes with a smart and unique design and the adjustable cleaner and diverter make it climb the walls of the pool.
AIPER SMART Pool Vacuum Cleaner for Above the Ground Pools
AIPER SMART Pool Vacuum Cleaner for above the ground Pools
- It comes with a premium quality base mat and diaphragm that provides it with strong suction power.
- It effectively removes small and medium-sized debris.
- You don’t need to connect it to electricity. This pool vacuum uses the filtration system of your pool to operate.
- It is ideal for all the shapes of above ground pool.
4. Pressure Side Above Ground Pool Vacuum
This type of pool vacuum cleaner uses the water pressure of the pool jet to move the vacuum around your pool and cleans the debris. It comes with a filter bag in which the debris is dumped. You don’t have to run your entire filter system to power up the vacuum. It does not fully rely upon your pool’s filtration system, which makes it a more effective and efficient cleaner. It is also too easy to use and it also helps in improving the water circulation of your pool.
Here are the two best Pressure Side Above Ground Pool Vacuum that we recommend after using and testing products from different brands.
Zodiac Polaris Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
Zodiac Polaris Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
$579.00 in stock
- It is powered by triple jets and advanced cleaning technology.
- It cleans every corner of your pool.
- It works with the help of the pool circulation pump.
- It comes with a large capacity filter bag.
- It comes with a large opening for big-sized debris.
Polaris Pressure Side Pool Cleaner for Above Ground
Polaris Pressure Side Pool Cleaner for Above Ground
$258.23 in stock
- It is ideal for above ground pool up to five feet.
- It is powered by the pressure of clean water returning to your pool.
- It operates with the help of the filtration system of your pool.
- It features a jet sweep assembly that blows water against the pool wall to remove debris from every corner of your pool.
- It comes with a unique filter bag that removes debris including large items like peddles, twigs, etc.
Why Do You Need an Above Ground Pool Vacuum?

Regular use of the swimming pool makes them dirty. There is always a chance of algae growing in the still water and, it can clog the filters of your pool if the chemical of the water is not balanced. Many bugs and insects can also dwell in the still water of your pool that can be very harmful to you and your family. If not maintained properly you will find green scum appearing around the walls and floor of the pool. No one likes to dive into a dirty pool.
Diving in the cold water of the swimming pool gives us immediate relief in the summer season but to enjoy this luxury you have to do all the hard work to maintain the swimming pool. Maintaining it is way too difficult if no proper equipment is used. Here comes the Above Ground Pool Vacuums that help you to clean all the impurities, debris, algae, bugs, etc, swiftly and efficiently. Regular use of the Above Ground Pool Vacuums will always keep your pool clean.
Why You Must Invest in a Robotic Above Ground Pool Vacuum?
Cleaning and maintaining a pool kills a lot of time and energy. What if there is a machine that does this work for you itself? You can now enjoy all the luxury of the clean pool without doing any work. This is why you must invest in a robotic pool cleaner. The reasons are as follows:
- It does most of your work. It cleans your entire pool itself while you are relaxing in your home.
- They do the task more efficiently and effectively than you. It doesn’t get bored, distracted, or tired. Modern-day robotic pool vacuum cleaners are smart enough to clean every inch of your pool.
- You just need to set the timer and it does the work for you. Once the task is done you will get an alert. It also learns from its daily routine and the efficiency of the work increases day by day.
If you compare your cost of cleaning your pool twice a week for suppose 16 weeks and spend approx 32 hours in maintaining your pool. The cost of a modern-day robotic vacuum cleaner starts at around 700$, so now you can do your calculations and understand why it’s better to invest in it.
How to Vaccum Above Ground Pool?
Below we are going the discuss some very important and useful methods to vacuum above-ground pools.
- You need to attach the swivel point of vacuum head with the vacuum hose.
- Now attach the vacuum head to the extension pole.
- Now you need to put it in the pool and extend the pole till the vacuum head reaches the bottom of the pool.
- Keep the pole in the right position and lean it against the side of the pool within easy reach of the water return outlet.
- Now fill the hose with water.
- You must keep one hand on the pole to prevent the vacuum head from floating to the surface.
- Now you Keep the end of the hose submerged in the water and pull it away from the water return outlet and just attach the skimmer disk.
- Now put the skimmer disc into the skimmer on top of the suction port to start the vacuum.
- Stand in the position so that you can see the bottom of the pool.
- Now move the vacuum head in different directions over the bottom of the pool.
- You must ensure that the head of the vacuum is submerged all the time and continue vacuuming until the pool gets clear.
- Clean the skimmer basket to remove leaves and other debris.
- Turn the pool filter and automatic chlorinator on.
Some Pool Cleaning Tips
- You must clean the pool in a different pattern. If not you may end up cleaning any part of the pool twice.
- You must clean from top to down as if you disturb any dirt on the top of the water surface it can get sucked up later during the cleaning process.
- You must ensure that you move the vacuum head slowly across the surface.
Saftey Tips For Using Above Ground Pool Vacuum
- No one should use the pool while cleaning it as most of the pool vacuum uses electricity so there can be a chance of an accident.
- You must make sure that the suction line going into the pump is turned on. The hose head must be turned properly otherwise the suction will not be effective.
- You must always remove the floating particles and leaves before using the vacuum cleaner.
- While cleaning an above ground pool you must not drain out the entire water before cleaning it. The minimum water level must be one feet.
Buyer’s Guidelines
Things To Remember Before Buying The Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum
1. Shape and Size
If you are planning to buy an above ground pool vacuum, you must know the exact size of your pool. Take note of your pool’s shape to get the perfect measurement. Above ground pool generally has two shapes circular and oval. If you have a circular pool then measure the radius and the height of the pool and in the case of an oval pool measure the length, width, and height.
You must choose an above-ground pool vacuum according to your pool’s shape and size. If you use a smaller pool vacuum for a bigger pool, it will surely cost you less, but the pool vacuum’s effectiveness will be negligible in your big-size pool. The pool will remain dirty even after doing all the hard work. Similarly, if you have a small pool and opt for a large pool vacuum, it can damage the walls of your pool.
2. Length of The Cord and Hose
It is one of the most vital factors that you must consider before buying an above-ground pool vacuum. While purchasing a pool vacuum, you must ensure that the hose is long enough to reach every corner of your pool.
Automatic and robotic vacuums do not rely on a hose for suction. You must first check the distance between the swimming pool and the power socket. Accordingly, measure the length of the cord and then purchase. If the cord length doesn’t cover the distance between the socket and the pool, then it will be a difficult task to operate it.
3. Wall climbing
This feature is most common in robot pool vacuums. Vacuums with this feature climb the wall of your pool and clean every corner of it. If you are planning to invest in a robotic pool vacuum then make sure it comes with the feature of wall climbing.
4. Other Features
There are several above ground vacuum robot available in the market that provides extra features to help users clean the pool efficiently.
For example, some of them come with a remote that allows users to clean the pool without getting into it. Just push a button on the remote and the pool vacuum will start doing its work for you.
Another useful feature provided in a robot pool vacuum is that you just need to schedule the function and the pool vacuum will get activated regularly at that particular time and clean and maintain the pool on its own.
Above ground pool vacuum with hose swivels is also very useful as it prevents the hose from getting twisted and prevents reducing the power of the vacuum. Repeated twisting can damage your hose.
5. Types
There are different types of pool vacuums that we have already mentioned above in the article. The most common types are manual pool vacuums, Robotic pool vacuums, pressure side pool vacuums, and suction side pool vacuums.
You must choose the right size according to the type, size, and way of using it. If you don’t want to invest much time in pool cleaning, go for a manual pool vacuum, it will do all the hard work for you automatically. If you don’t want to spend much money then go for the manual, pressure side and suction side pool vacuums. Using these three types of pool vacuums needs you to do some work to get the best result.
6. Filteration Rate
It is one of the most vital factors that you should consider. You must opt for the pool vacuum that provides a filtration rate of 70 to 75 gallons per minute.
7. Ease of Use
A vacuum pool cleaner must be user-friendly otherwise it will be a very difficult task to maintain your pool. To know that the pool vacuum is user-friendly or not you must ask certain questions to the sales representative.
- This above ground pool vacuum suddenly slows down or stops altogether?
- Does it cover 100% of the pool without any human intervention?
- In which direction does this pool vacuum move?
- Does it stick on the wall or a ladder?
8. Power Consumption
The power consumption done by a pool vacuum is also an important factor in choosing the best above ground pool vacuum. You must go for the machine that consumes less power and cleans the pool efficiently. Suction-based systems will consume less power if compared to robotic pool vacuums.
9. Filter Bag
Go for the pool vacuum that provides a right-sized filter bag to collects all the debris and dirt from the pool. This bag should be reusable and easy to clean.
FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a vacuum for an above ground pool?
Above ground pool vacuum helps to maintain your pool without investing much effort and time. If you want your pool to look clean you must use an above groud pool vacuum. There are many pool vacuums that clean your pool automatically without any human interventions. You just need to set the time and it will do the work automatically.
Should you leave a pool vacuum in the pool?
No, you must not leave a pool vacuum in your pool as it gets exposed to corrosive chemicals in the water like chlorine. These chemicals can break down its part.
What happens if you don’t vacuum your pool?
It can make the pool water dirty full of debris and algae. The water quality will become so poor that you can not hang out anymore in your pool. A pool vacuum helps in removing this debris and algae and maintains your swimming pool.
Final Call
So if you’re looking for a vacuum to keep your above ground pool clean, we hope that this article has helped. We have researched the best Above Ground Pool Vacuums on the market and reviewed them in detail. Hopefully, our list of recommendations will help you find one that is right for your needs! If not, don’t worry – there are plenty of cheap above ground pool vacuum out there to choose from! And remember- always make sure to read through any instructions before starting so you can get up and running as quickly as possible.
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