Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum Reviews 2022

When the temperatures start to rise and the heat becomes insufferable, millions of families begin to shop for their first above ground pool this time of the year, but to keep the pools clean, an above ground pool vacuum is required.

Best Above Ground Pool Vacuums

Pool Vacuum Image	Name	Rating	Pool Vacuum Price	Buy	Review
	Hayward SP1068 Above Ground Pool Vacuum	4.6	$$	Buy Here	Read Review
	Intex Handheld Rechargeable Above Ground Pool Vacuum	4.7	$$-$$$	Buy Here	Read Review
	Water Tech Above Ground Pool Vacuum	4.8	$$$	Buy Here	Read Review
	Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner	4.9	$$$	Buy Here	Read Review
	Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner	4.6	$$$	Buy Here	Read Review
	Pool Rover S2 40, US, JET, 115VAC/48VDC, Blue	4.7	$$$	Buy Here	Read Review

If you’ve never purchased a pool before, the options available for pool accessories can seem daunting.

What’s necessary and what is optional? Why do some options vary so much in price as well as power? Let’s review one of the most necessary requirements for your pool setup – an above ground pool vacuum.

While above ground pools often require very little maintenance compared to in-ground pools, they still require a routine cleaning and maintenance schedule to last through years of use.

While the debris or solar cover will assist in keeping out most unwanted large debris, your pool can become dirty quickly while in use, if not covered correctly, or with simple dirt and sand from the ground around the pool.

Flower petals and leaves from surround trees further add debris, as well as insects that fly down and become trapped in the water.

A pool vacuum works to remove any existing large or small debris and algae before these problems make their way into your pool pump or filter basket, especially debris found at the bottom of the pool or algae growing on the sides of the pool, where water may not move rapidly enough to prevent buildup.

Cloudy pool water is a sure sign that your above ground pool vacuum needs a good cycle run through. You also need to always vacuum your pool before shocking the water with chemicals.

With weekly and as-needed vacuuming, you will save yourself additional costs replacing the pool pump and filter system if it becomes overwhelmed with debris.

When properly vacuumed, the cleaning process can be easy, short, and carefree.

Pool vacuums can be automatic or manual and range in price from a hundred to to a couple of thousands of dollars depending on the features, power, and options included.

Manual Above Ground Pool Vacuums

Manual above ground pool vacuums work much like a traditional home vacuum and consist of three main components: the vacuum head, hose, and pole.

The vacuum head works to suck up debris from the pool walls, floor, and surrounding water. The hose cycles this through and the pole allows you to hold on to the vacuum and use it in the way you would a vacuum in your home, using the unit only as needed.

The other end of the hose should be held in your hand, placing it in front of the water intake to fill the hose with water.

Once the water is flowing it will sink beneath the surface of the water. You have now created suction and may proceed to vacuum your above ground pool!

Try to vacuum small debris first, saving large items for last in case of any clogs, or retrieve any large debris with a pool skimming net first.

Once the pool is clean you can disconnect the host from the filter and store your pool vacuum. Because it requires no automatic motor or options, this is the most inexpensive option on the market for an above ground pool vacuum.

Manual vacuums are a great addition to the pool setup even if you have an automatic vacuum installed, as many times debris should be removed manually before clogging an automatic vacuum or pump system.

To clean with your manual above ground pool vacuum:

1. Ensure that the pool pump is function and that the filter has been recently cleaned or changed. Turn off or unplug the pool pump to stop the flow of water.
2. Attach the vacuum head to the pole, then attach the hose to the vacuum head.
3. Lower the vacuum head into the water.
4. Fill the vacuum hose up slowly with water by inserting 6” of hose at a time into the water. This ensures air will not be pushed through the pump system, leading to loss of water pressure. While filling the hose, lift the vacuum head up at least one foot away from the pool floor to assist any trapped air needing to escape. Once bubbles have stopped flowing from the vacuum head, you may bring the free end of the hose to the skimmer (continuing to hold the end of the hose under water).
5. The suction created will hold the hose in the skimmer hole and form an efficient seal, though adapters are sometimes necessary to seal any large hoses or holes. You may now vacuum your pool – walls, floor, steps, and corners or crevices should all be covered. Always keep the head of the vacuum under water to maintain suction and prevent air from entering your pool vacuum or pool pump system.
6. Clean the filter immediately after completing the vacuum process.

Some of the best (manual) above ground pool vacuums

Hayward SP1068 Above Ground Pool Vacuum

Sold for really cheap, the Hayward Triangular 3-Brush System is a very inexpensive, yet highly efficient manual pool vacuum.

The triangular head ensures maximum cleaning in corners or around circular pool walls and the see-through design ensures you can see any large objects or debris that you may want to remove before clogging the cleaning system.

Brushes quickly rough up algae growth and the swivel connector spins 360 degrees, making cleaning easy for any above ground pool owner.

The vacuum hose is not included and must be purchased separately for a small amount too, and you’ll need a separate vacuum pole as well.

Pros:-

• Ergonomic design ensures cleaning nooks, crannies, and corners of all pools
• See-through design allows the user to view any large debris before clogging the system

Cons:-

• Brushes known to break after limited usage
• Vacuum head does not come with pole or hose

Intex Handheld Rechargeable Above Ground Pool Vacuum

When you add in the cost of purchasing additional hoses and poles for the previously mentioned above ground pool vacuum, it is easy to see the Intex Handheld Rechargeable Above Ground Pool Vacuum is a great buy for its price.

This pool vacuum runs on battery power for strong suction and can be used with any above ground pool up to 18 feet in diameter. The brush heads and shaft are all included.

This pool vacuum also features an automatic shutoff feature when the vacuum is not submerged, saving precious battery life.

Because this vacuum runs on battery power, there are no cables or hoses to worry about! The unit charges via USB and the charger is included at the time of purchase.

Pros:-

• Can retrieve large debris including sticks and leaves as well as small debris such as sand
• Rechargeable, hoseless system
• Lightweight with shaft to easily reach all areas of pool

Cons:-

• Must be charged before use
• Light does not indicate when the unit is fully charged
• Small bag may need emptied several times while using

Water Tech Above Ground Pool Vacuum

Most new above ground pool vacuum shoppers may be wondering why some manual vacuums are so much more than others.

Firstly, many items in your search may solely be the vacuum head, so always double check to see what additional items you may need to purchase before assuming it is a good deal.

Secondly, ease of use is always a bit more expensive, which is why this independent unit (not needing any hoses or cords) runs a bit more expensive than other options.

This pool vacuum is also battery powered and rechargeable, offering great suction for both large and small types of debris in your above ground pool.

The filter is multi-layered, yet all in one bag, eliminating the need to use obnoxious multiple bag systems.

The Poolbuster Max CG utilizes a high flow output pump and provides 33 percent more suction than the original Poolbuster.

It also features a corner cleaner to ensure every single inch of your above ground pool is clean. The filter is also reusable, simply needing cleaned after each use.

Pros:-

• Reusable, washable filter means no purchasing filters every week
• Rechargeable battery
• Cordless and hoseless independent unit

Cons:-

• Limited suction power compared to plug-in systems
• Long charge time (8-10 hours) for little vacuum time (less than 1 hour)
• Sand or dirt may cycle through and rest back on pool floor

Automatic Above Ground Pool Vacuums

Automatic above ground pool vacuums can sore muscles, sunburn, and leisure time by cleaning your pool solely on their own with no manual labor needed. In the automatic pool vacuum family, there are further options to consider.

Pressure Side Automatic Pool Vacuums

Pressure-side automatic pool vacuums are powered by water pressure and skim the surface to collect debris in a separate bag or filter.

Pressure-sided pool vacuums are great for removing large debris, flower petals, insects, and leaves but do not adequately remove dirt or sand from the pool.

A booster pump may be added to a pressure sided pool vacuum for maximum efficiency.

Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Pool Vacuum

The Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Side Pool Vacuum is one of the best above ground pool vacuums on the market.

Powered by triple jets and advanced cleaning technology, this pool vacuum works in all in-ground and above-ground pools of any shape, size, or capacity.

This vacuum sweeps and scrubs the bottom and walls of your above ground pool by operating through the pressure created by your pool pump – no booster pump required.

The package includes 31 feet of hose and a single chamber filter bag for capturing large debris such as leaves, flower petals, sticks, pebbles, and large insects falling into the water when uncovered or in use.

The Polaris 360 also features an in-line back-up valve which will automatically free the unit if it is cornered or trapped within the pool while cleaning.

Pros:-

• Three jets equip the system with maximum pressure for movement and efficiency
• In-line back-up valve frees the unit if stuck in a corner
• No booster pump required

Cons:-

• Plastic parts may not provide years of use
• Unit may get tangled in long chord

Suction Sided Pool Vacuums

Suction sided pool vacuums connect to your existing above ground pool pump and filter system, taking advantage of the suction from your pool pump to pull in water from the pool and collect debris.

This technology comes with a couple of downsides: if your existing water pressure is weak, it may not move the suction side pool vacuum adequately around your pool, and because it is connected to the existing filter system, you may need to clean out the pool pump basket and skimmer more frequently, or change cartridges in cartridge filters at least weekly.

You can usually adjust the settings on your pool pump or water intake to increase water flow and make it more efficient.

Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Above Ground Pool Vacuum

Much more affordable than the pressure side pool vacuums mentioned in even the best above ground pool vacuum reviews, the Zodiac Ranger can be purchased for a reasonable price.

This unit cleans above ground swimming pools quietly and efficiently by utilizing Flowkeeper Valves and Insta-Skim Compact self-adjusting flow controls, automatically regulating water flow for peak performance and efficient cleaning.

The deflector wheel helps prevent the unit from getting caught in corners or on steps and ladders and includes 32 feet of hose.

There is only one moving part, the diaphragm, eliminating any gears, wheels, and flappers from the picture (and maintenance or replacement routine spending).

Pros:-

• One moving part ensures less maintenance and replacing parts
• Self-adjusts water flow for maximum efficiency
• Cleans crevices and pits in existing settled pool liners without losing suction

Cons:-

• Does not include an adaptor for Intex pools
• May miss large sections of pool without assistance
• Does not clean as well as higher powered moving parts pool vacuums

Robotic Above Ground Pool Vacuums

Robotic above ground pool vacuums require no human interaction and work to remove both large and small debris from the pool.

Robotic pool vacuums are the most expensive above ground pool vacuum due to the value of saving time by requiring no human interaction to effectively clean the pool.

The system propels itself across the bottom, sides, and steps of your above ground pool, sucking up any debris and scrubbing any remnants of algae as it maneuvers.

Pool Rover Robotic Above Ground Pool Vacuum

With its price, the Pool Rover Robotic Pool Vacuum is one of the least expensive robotic automatic above ground pool vacuums on the market.

It is designed for pools of all shapes and sizes up to 40 feet in diameter and filters 80-85 gallons of water per minute.

The 40 foot hose included as well as the EZ swivel cable. The filter is located on top of this unit, making it easy to reach and clean after vacuuming.

It is rated amongst the best above ground pool vacuum reviews due to its ability to filter both small and large debris, from sand to pebbles and large leaves, with ease.

Filtering 85 gallons of water per minute ensures ultimate suction power for maximum cleanliness. The filter bags are reusable and even machine washable for complete ease getting set up for the next vacuuming!

Pool Rover claims to save the average user up to 30% of total chemical usage by offering better water circulation, and up to 40% on total electric usage as the Aquabot costs just about five cents per hour.

Cleaning time is typically two hours or less, once per week, depending on the amount of debris collected natural in your pool.

Pros:-

• Truly automated – no interaction required after installing
• Lightweight and easy to store
• Powerful enough to attract both large and small debris

Cons:-

• Any pool vacuum on long hoses may be stuck or trapped around steps or ladder occasionally

More above ground pool vacuum reviews

Dolphin Escape Above Ground Pool Cleaner:

You can take out any unwanted thing from your pool’s water to make it fresh and clear using this Dolphin Escape pool cleaner. This device occupies a remarkable position in the list of top-rated above ground pool cleaners.

Modern and trendy all-escape technology assists you in cleaning all the debris out of your pool and depicts the perfect efficiency. One of the unique attributes of this good pool cleaner is the onboard DC motor power. This competent motor makes use of 90% less power as compared to the old-styled devices.

Active scrubbing hyper-brushes are adding more worth to these devices as these brushes can remove the algae and other toxic substances as well from the floor bed of the pool. This robotic device is good for the money as it can clean a high load of debris particles within less time irrespective of their sizes.

Also, you don’t need to take a look at this automatic pool cleaner, which can perform functions with its smart navigation 2.0. Additional features include the hyper-grip continuous tracks for a smooth movement.

Pros

• Sleek and compact design
• Easily transportable
• Large-sized debris storage cartridges

Cons

• No timer

Hayward 500 Aquabug Above Ground Pool Cleaner

You don’t need to put your efforts into the manual cleaning again by employing this Hayward Aquabug good above ground pool vacuum. This device features the new turbine mechanism for a balanced and improved removal of impurities along with the perfect water flow across the filter.

This best automatic above ground pool vacuum enables you to complete the entire pool cleaning effortlessly within much less time using its contoured head design and a steering pattern. Also, the device equips the natural assemblage characteristic by which you can organize the pool cleaner settings within less than 10 minutes without any tools.

The deluxe bumper ring is one of the unique attributes for this good above ground pool cleaner device, which reduces the resistance in movement and provides smooth traction.

You can get rid of the toxic pool cleaner chemicals after using the gentle yet boosted mechanism of this Aquabug device. You can also use the device along with your previous cleaning filtration system and can make it cost-effective and good for the money.

Pros

• Easy water circulation
• Sparkling design with automatic technology
• Contoured head design
• Steering pattern
• One year warranty

Cons

• May tear the pool liner

Pentair K50600 Kreepy Krauly above Ground Pool Cleaner

You can make use of the perfect modern technology using this Pentair above Ground Pool Cleaner. This top-rated device is equipping the powerful hydraulic mechanism which can not only clean your pool from the debris. or fallen leaves but can provide you with efficient water flow. Also, this best device features another useful attribute of having vacuum functionality.

You can be sure of the cleaning pattern as this automatic best above ground vacuum will let you perform no work once it is turned on. It conducts the random cleaning over the pool area and ensures that not even a single place misses.

The top portion of this good device is fully operational and attaining a prolonged life span. You don’t need to spend much on the maintenance or replacement of any of its components for a more extended period. This best above ground pool vacuum device offers you the free skimming valve function.

Thanks to this valve, you can regulate or monitor the water flow and cleaning mechanism via the proper speed on its own. Also, skimming and vacuuming can run side by side.

Pros

• Random cleaning pattern
• Premium hydraulic design
• Flapper for log services
• Free skimming valve

Cons

• Might be beneficial for oval or circular pools

Aquabot Pool Rover above Ground Pool Cleaner

This Aquabot above ground pool cleaner is the device you need for a much cost-effective and reliable pool cleaning. This device is one of the best in the market as it can save you water, power, and reduce the usage of toxic chemicals.

A unique back-washing feature ensures the faster flow and the efficient storage of the debris in the cartridge device. This fully-automatic good above ground pool vacuum employs robotic technology and can work on every type of pool shape, including oval, flat rectangular, and many more.

The 24-Volt power of the motor can handle the heavy water load and can clean the large pools effectively.

Vacuum suction and jet-drive propulsions are two significant advantages of this top-rated aquabot. You can regulate the water flow via a single touch by employing the hydro-robotic power, which is cheaper and less power consuming.

Another 2-hour auto shut off characteristic adds to the popularity of this pool cleaner. For secure transport, extra-wide proficient wheels are here that can run on any surface along the E-Z cable.

Pros:

• Tangle-free 40 feet cable
• Automatic shut-off
• Fully-automatic robotics
• One year warranty

Cons:

• It might reduce the efficiency in the 2nd season.
• Motor replacement is expensive

Zodiac Baracuda Automatic G3 W03000 Pool Cleaner:

This G3 suction cleaner ensures you of the maximum productive cleaning output in minimal time. You can even use this device with the lower speed pumps that can also provide higher water flow through the hoses of this best vacuum for above ground pools.

This top-rated device offers you a quiet operational ability along with the powerful suction that can clean the heavy load of water. Also, the small pores help you to capture even the most minor debris impurities, and a flow keeper valve regulates the water flow simultaneously.

The good flow keeper makes this device the best choice for the money by maintaining the quality cleaning even on the low horsepower.

Another worth adding attribute is the wheel deflector, which can ease the movement over any surface. Also, the scuff-resistant ability can prolong the life span of this top-rated pool cleaner. The full 36-inches Disc can help you bind the debris particles and do not come in contact with the essential components of the pool, i.e., drain covers and fittings.

The device is overall durable and equips one-moving part characteristic.

Pros:

• Can clean the tile or vinyl floor of the pool
• Suction powered
• Easy traction
• Can capture small particles
• Scuff-resistant

Cons:

• Problematic with large-sized leaves

Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Slide Automatic Pool Cleaner:

This device is one of the best automatic above ground pool vacuum, which ensures a safe functioning and compatibility advantages for all types of pools up to the 5 feet depth. One of the best features of this equipment is the easy installation, as well as the maximum power.

The good above ground pool cleaner makes use of the high powered motor, which can maintain the water flow through the filter. The pool cleaner is well-suited with your already built-in filtration pumps. Another contributing factor that adds worth to this cleaner device is its jet sweep assemblage. This characteristic enables you to attain the maximum pressure and assist you in effective cleaning even from the hard to reach areas.

All the debris comes out of your above ground pool within minutes via this top-rated above ground pool cleaner. When the job is done, you can empty the bag full of debris with lenience. Also, there is a filter that ensures the safe usage of the device against the pebbles and large-sized particles. You can easily clean the filter and skimmer after the job is done.

Pros

• Easy installation
• Easy to clean
• Unique filter bag
• Patented jet sweep

Cons

• Filter bags need replacement every year

Aquabot Pool Rover above Ground Pool Cleaner:

This Aquabot Pool Rover device makes use of its extensive compatibility feature to provide you with the best choice for the money. You can employ this best above ground pool vacuum for any pool having proportions of 30 feet long.

One of the best devices in the list of efficient functioning pool cleaners which can clean up to 5000 gallons within 1 hour. This Aqubot correctly uses its senses and captures the algae, dirt particles, leaves, and debris of any kind using its robotic technology and ensures you an effective cleaning. Also, to intake the dirt particles in bulk, this good above ground pool cleaner equips the large dirtbag.

Other exclusive characteristics of this device are to filter out the dirt particles effectively and also maintain the suction velocity. You can regulate the amount of water content that flows in and out of the hoses.

Moreover, NeverStuck technology assists you in smooth functioning. You don’t need to worry about the imperfect bed floor of the above-ground pools, as well as features the 40 feet cord cable.

Pros

• Filter up to 2 microns particles
• NeverStuck rollers
• 40 feet long cable
• Three filter bags included

Cons

• Cannot clean pool walls well

VIVOHOME Automatic above Ground Pool Cleaner:

You cannot deny the best performance of this best vacuum for above ground pools. This top-rated and practical device can ease your problems regarding the pool cleaning as it offers you conventional methods.

You can make use of this cleaner equipment along with the existing pool filtration systems, which not only doubles the efficiency but can save much of your time and power. Prolonged life span is an additional feature of this device as it equips the top-notch quality ABS material in its construction.

Also, the hoses are made with the long-running PVC material, which makes them scuff-resistant. You may not want to ruin the expensive tiles for in-ground pools or the delicate floor of the above-ground pools. For this purpose, the device equips the premium quality particulars, including which ensure safes and gentle cleaning.

The device gives you the best alternative for the money, which can filter a large amount of water with minimal effort. You can filter out dust, debris, leaves, and much more with ease. The full kit comes along with the flexible pipes, long cord, primary device, and all the essential accessories.

Pros

• Unique design
• Easy to install
• Premium material in construction
• Practical equipment

Cons

• The filter requires periodic cleaning

Hayward Aquabug Suction Above Ground Pool Cleaner:

You’ll never see the bugs, dirt, and debris again in your pool water once you employ this excellent above ground pool vacuum device for this purpose. The unique design yet functional characteristics help you in emptying your pool with the trouble-free mechanism. Matchless head countered design would benefit you by taking the minimal time and helps you in perfect cleaning.

Deluxe Bumper ring is another characteristic that adds worth to the device as it assists you by reducing the friction and allow secure traction of the equipment. This best device for the money makes sure the walls and other delicate components remain safe during the operations.

Easy installation and automatic functioning can reduce the heftiness and let you invest this time in further tasks. Aquabug can attach with the pre-installed filtration equipment to save your cost.

The bottom propelling technology of this top-rated above ground pool cleaner can pull the water from the pool’s base for the perfect circulation. You can also maintain the freshness and clarity of the water with this device without using any chemicals.

Pros

• Easy installation
• Turbine design
• Balanced water flow
• One year warranty

Cons

• Can damage the pool liner

Dolphin Nautilus above Ground Pool Cleaner:

What else you want when you have a plug and play option in your cleaner device. You can control this best automatic above ground pool vacuum using the single touch button for quick operation.

The device is compatible with all sorts of pools featuring a maximum compatibility length of 50 feet. No random cleaning will enable you to clean the pool effectively via the specialized algorithm correctly.

This good cleaner device assists you in achieving the dual efficiency with the powerful motor. Also, this device sensibly cares for your expensive and delicate above ground pools by gentle cleaning.

Dual-scrubbing brushes help this Dolphin Nautilus to appear in the category of the top-rated pool cleaners. This advanced technology will clean the dirt and debris not only from the water but also from the sides of your pool. The device is a perfect choice for the money because it can save much of the power by employing the booster pumps. Additional features include the hassle-free cleaning, anti-tangling cord, and no hoses as well.

Pros

• 8X more energy efficient
• No random cleaning patterns
• Anti-tangled wire
• Can scrub the walls as well

Cons

• Cannot clean the waterline effectively

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How to vacuum an above ground pool?

For vacuuming an above ground pool, select the filtration option on the valves of above ground pool cleaner devices, which also includes some flow speed levels on some devices.

What is a pool vacuum?

This can be defined as a quick and effective way to clean up the debris or dust particles from the pool water using vacuum-based technology via the above ground pool vacuums.

What is a pool sweep?

A device that can automatically clear out the water of above or in-ground pools using the effective suction or vacuum technology.

Setting up a new above ground pool and finding the best above ground pool vacuum for your system can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be complicated or difficult.

Now that you know the difference between manual and automatic pool vacuums, as well as the different types of technology used for automatic pool vacuums, you should be able to know quickly which type of technology is the best for your needs.

Additionally, it is helpful to own one of each – both manual and automatic pool vacuums – for maximum cleanliness and easy routine cleaning.

A manual vacuum is a great option for cleaning out large debris before running an automatic vacuum.

The best above ground pool vacuums will require limited human interaction and work as intended without constantly having to clean the vacuum filter or untangle any hoses or wires.

Pool vacuums offering reusable or washable filters will save money in the long run as no replacement cartridges or bags are needed for routine cleaning, and you may find that robotic pool vacuums are the best choice of spending as they require such little supervision or interaction on your behalf.

Want to pick the best above ground pool for your yard? Click the link!