The 9 best pool vacuums of 2023, according to a expert

Sep 20, 2023

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As warm temps arise and we’re opening our above-ground pools or in-ground pools (or, if you’re working with a smaller space, picking up an inflatable pool), it's a good idea to look into buying a quality pool vacuum to maintain your makeshift backyard oasis.

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. Regularly maintaining your pool — along with ensuring you buy a pool cover once the season ends — is a best practice to preserve the longevity of your favorite place to be in the summer.

"A pool vacuum is a great way to help keep your pool water balanced, prevent or remove algae and keep the pool generally looking great," Brian Shaunfield, store manager of Charlotte area Lowe's, told the New York Post. "As you open your pool at the start of the season, pool vacuums are also handy for quickly pulling up anything that settled to the bottom during the off-season. And throughout the summer months, they make regular maintenance of your pool simple."

Ahead, Shaunfield hand-picked the 9 best pool vacuums of 2023 for every type of pool. Even better, he outlined pool care tips in our in-depth FAQ section.

While you’re shopping, check out our expert-backed guide to the best places to buy outdoor patio furniture, along with our roundups to the best pool chaise lounge chairs and best pool floats.

"The Aqua handheld pool vacuum is an underwater vacuum cleaner with an aluminum pole handle and is great for cleaning small pools, large fountains and ponds," Shaunfield says. It efficiently vacuums debris into a fine mesh bag and — even better — no filter system is required; the vacuum uses water pressure from garden hoses.

"Ideal for in-ground swimming pools up to 33 feet, this compact cleaner will have your pool ready for use in just two hours," Shaunfield explains. "The Explorer E20 scrubs your pool floor and walls with ease and filters out unwanted debris for a clean shine."

Its plug-and-play operation makes pool cleaning easy and reduces wear and tear on your pool pump and filter as well. Plus, its quick water release makes it easy to remove the Explorer E20 from the pool.

"The Dolphin E10 is ideal for above ground swimming pools up to 30 feet and will have the pool clean and ready for splashing fun in just 1.5 hours," Shaunfield highlights. "Its plug-and-play operation takes the manual work out of pool cleaning."

Specifically, this model features a top-load filter basket that provides superior filtering capabilities. Its quick water release makes it easy to remove the E10 from the pool as well, much like the brand's E20 model.

"The Aqua EZ is a rechargeable, underwater vacuum and is ideal for cleaning up small debris in your pool or spa," Shaunfield says, recommending the product. "The vacuum can be handheld or connected to any standard pool pole."

Its rechargeable lithium battery provides constant performance for 30 minutes, saving you less time cleaning and more time splashing. Its quick drain system releases clean water when lifting cleaner out of pool as well.

"Complete with WiFi and iAquaLink App control, you can conveniently set up cleaning schedules and control your Polaris pool vacuum anytime, from anywhere with a mobile device," Shaunfield says. "This pool vacuum features a 4-wheel drive design and is ready to tackle any pool terrain without getting stuck."

You’ll also appreciate its caddy included for compact storage and easy portability. Its Vortex Vacuum Technology allows the cleaner to pick up larger debris while maintaining maximum suction, too.

"This robotic pool vacuum keeps your above-ground pool's water crystal clear and un-cloudy," Shaunfield notes. "Its built-in filter traps dust, dirt, leaves, and more for convenient disposal in the removable half-gallon filter basket."

This model processes up to 700 gallons per hour, making it ideal for maintaining most pools. It also comes with an internal mesh filter features a 0.48-gallon basket for quick and easy disposal.

"Designed to use in both in-ground and above-ground pools with flat bottoms, this high-tech pool cleaner delivers quality results on any pool surface," Shaunfield adds. "The cordless design of the Delta 200 also conveniently eliminates the need for electric connection and unsafe cables near the water."

Its even backed with an intelligent "stop-and-go" system that automatically enables the cleaner to turn around upon contact with the pool wall. Inside, you’ll find all assembly parts, a charging cord, one standard filter, one basic retrieval kit and instructions to get started right away — all in box.

"The convenient, cordless design of the Bestway vacuum offers superior cleaning performance without the hassle of tangled cables," Shaunfield says. "This pool vacuum is compatible with above-ground pools of up to 10 feet in diameter."

What's more, the vacuum is adjustable for different lengths needed. This pool cleaner can store up to 0.17 gallons of debris and dirt, too.

"This powerful cleaner uses a rechargeable lithium battery that provides up to 45 minutes of cleaning time," Shaunfield highlights. "You can easily attach the included four-piece pole for deep-depth cleaning."

All debris is suctioned into the unit's reusable, easy-to-clean filter bag to save time and money, too. Its reusable, extra-large filter bag is easy to clean — a feature worth applauding.

Ahead, Shaunfield answers common questions surrounding pool vacuums so you can best understand how to use one before you shop.

Shaunfield lists the various pool vacuum models on the market — including what to know about each one:

"Before you purchase a vacuum, make sure you know the type and depth of the pool it will be cleaning," he adds. "Once you determine that, you can choose between handheld, wand, suction and robotic pool vacuums, among other models."

More, depending on their function and type, the vacuums can be corded or cordless, as well as manual or automatic.

Of course, the best pool vacuum for you depends on the type of pool you have and how much time you want to invest in maintenance. Your budget also is a key factor.

"For example, handheld pool vacuums are a bit more affordable and are good for spot-cleaning a specific area of the pool," Shaunfield says. "Robotic vacuums, while a bit pricier, are fast, efficient and plug-and-play out of the box, making setup and use a breeze."

During peak season, you should clean your pool about once a week. "You should also plan to clean your pool after large parties where many people are using it, as well as after storms," he adds.

A manual pool vacuum is adequate for most above-ground pools, but there are automatic pool cleaners available that will work as well. The same applies to in-ground pools.

Shaunfield highlights exactly how you should vacuum your pool to yield the best results:

"Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your model of pool vacuum, but for many vacuums, simply remove the vacuum from the pool, remove and empty the basket or bag and then hose down the vacuum and baskets," Shaunfield notes.

To extend the life of a robotic pool cleaner, remove it from the pool after each use, rinse off well and store in a cool, dry place, too.

Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.