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EDITORS PICK:
Featuring a smart robotic design, the Dolphin Escape is what you need if you are looking for efficiency.
Table of Contents
These pool cleaners are relatively cheaper and also boast minimal installation and running costs. You can choose whatever cleaning style you want whether it’s an automatic option or if you want to do some handwork. The fact remains that whatever style you opt for, above ground options are much more efficient and thoroughly clean compared to manual cleaning.
So go through the top picks for the 8 best automatic above ground pool vacuums below and take your pick. If you are struggling with making a choice, let the buying guide outlined below walk you through.
1. Dolphin Escape Robotic
Featuring a smart robotic design, the Dolphin Escape is what you need if you are looking for efficiency.
Design
The Dolphin Escape features a patented Hypergrip continuous tracks wheel design which allows the cleaner to easily glide through the pool surface. The Hyperbrush dual scrubbing brushes on the other end scrub contaminants on the walls and surfaces before vacuuming them away.
Size And Installation
The vacuum’s battery is built with ultra-efficiency, consuming only 180 watts per hour – up to 90% less power consumption compared to other vacuums of similar style. The vacuum is also designed to clean pools with up to 30 feet deep.
Features
- Active Hyperbrush scrubbing brush
- Continuous Hypergrip tracks
- Massive top load filter
- SmartNav 2.0 robotic system
Pros
- The SmartNav system uses an advanced algorithm to efficiently clean the pool by sensing obstacles such as walls
- The massive top load filter collects more debris and is easily accessible for emptying
- The wheel tracks design enhance traction and improve efficiency
- The scrubbing brushes are soft enough to prevent from scratching the pool surface
Cons
- The filter is not very fine
2. Intex Auto Above Ground Pool Vacuum
If you have an Intex vacuum, then, the Intex Auto is what you need – thanks to its specialized design.
Design
The above ground pool cleaner features a 24-foot hose and easily connects to any Intex pool with 1 to 1.5-inch hose fittings. The pool cleaner features a simple design with 4 easy-glide wheels yet, it boasts great efficiency and smooth gliding. However, for effective operation, you need a filter pump with a flow rate of at least 1600 to 3500 gallons per hour.
Size And Installation
The vacuum is also designed to clean all standard Intex above ground pool, no matter the depth. Its design also reverses the direction to vacuum the entire pool floor to ensure spot-on and thorough cleaning.
Features
- Automatic cleaner design
- Venturi suction design
- Efficient flow rate
Pros
- Easy to set up design
- The suction design allows the vacuum to thoroughly remove dirt and sand from the pool floor
- The vacuum moves around the entire pool for thorough cleaning
- Comes with easy to follow directions
Cons
- Pump and vacuum are both noisy
3. Pentair Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side
The superior hydraulic design allows the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side to optimize its vacuuming and suction power to ensure thorough cleaning.
Design
With the Pentair vacuum, you can rest assured that your money will also be saved. This is because the pool vacuum is designed with just one operational moving part, i.e. the flapper, to significantly cut down on service and maintenance needs. A free skimming valve on the other end helps to regulate water flow for effective cleaning speed and debris pick up.
Size And Installation
With this pool cleaner, you can clean pools with a depth of up to 30 feet. As you clean, you will notice its random pattern movement which helps to thoroughly cover and clean the entire pool.
Features
- Free skimming valve
- Superior hydraulic design
- Random pattern movement
- Single moving part design
Pros
- Its single moving part design requires minimal maintenance
- Skims water from debris
- Its superior hydraulic design enhances its cleaning efficiency
- Effectively cleans debris and contaminants
Cons
- Cannot pick up large debris
4. Hayward 500 Aquabug Suction
Featuring a unique gearing system, the Hayward Aquabug suction delivers balanced water flow consistently for quiet operation and gentle uninterrupted cleaning and movement underneath your pool.
Design
The above ground pool vacuum features an advanced and contoured head design that allows it to complete its cleaning pattern within minutes with articulation. Its deluxe bumper ring on the other end reduces friction during movement away from walls so it can resume its programmed steering patterns.
Size And Installation
The pool cleaner installs within minutes with no extra tools required. Plus, it features universal pool compatibility; allowing you to use it on a vinyl, concrete, fiberglass, or tile pool.
Features
- Advanced contoured head design
- Unique gearing system
- No tools installation
- The anti-friction deluxe bumper ring
Pros
- Works with no pump
- Contoured head design movement enhances efficiency in cleaning
- Deluxe bumper ring provides frictionless movement as the cleaner moves away from walls
- Cool and kid-friendly design
Cons
- Poor filtration system
5. Pentair 360100 Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark
The dual-band of bristles fitted on the Pentair 360100 Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark allows you to scrub off debris from the surface of the pool whilst its powerful vacuum sucks the debris up.
Design
The pool vacuum integrates a programmed cleaning design which ensures it covers the entire pool thoroughly without missing any spots. Its 10-inch wide path cuts complement the programmed design as it also ensures the vacuum cleans thoroughly and quickly.
Size And Installation
The sleek and compact pool vacuum can clean most above ground pools. Its compact and pointy shark head also helps to enhance its speed, efficiency, and thoroughness.
Features
- Dual band soft bristle brushes
- Wide 10-inch path cuts
- Programmed cleaning design
- Single moving part design
Pros
- Low maintenance costs thanks to the single moving part design
- Easy no-tools installation – simply hook the cleaner to a hose and begin cleaning
- Nylon bristle brushes are durable and scrub thoroughly without damaging the pool surface
- Doesn’t come with debris bags to replace
Cons
- You need to connect to a pump for effective cleaning
6. Hayward Wanda The Whale W3900 Pool Vacuum
Both you and your children will love the Hayward Wanda The Whale thanks to its fun whale themed design and efficient functionality.
Design
Featuring a patented SmartDrive programmed steering system, the pool vacuum intuitively moves quickly whilst cleaning thoroughly. It also features a unique turbine system that guarantees consistent balanced water flow for quiet operation and gentle movement.
Size And Installation
Featuring a 32-foot long hose, the suction above pool vacuum can clean any above ground pool that measures up to 27 feet in circumference. And as it cleans, the deluxe bumper ring helps to maintain its unique steering pattern by reducing friction as it glides away from walls.
Features
- Patented SmartDrive steering system
- Unique turbine system
- 27 feet pool circumference capacity
- Built-in 32 foot hose
Pros
- Works with both above ground and in-ground pools
- Kid-friendly whale themed design
- Connects to the pool skimmer with no tools required
- Built with improved navigation
Cons
- Doesn’t clean walls
7. Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Pressure Side
The pump and filtration system of the Polaris is ideally designed to cater to above ground pools.
Design
The above ground pool cleaner features a special jet sweep design that blows high pressured water against the pool walls as a way to clean off the dirt from the walls and areas that are hard to reach. This design effectively removes dirt without damaging the surfaces which a brush would otherwise damage or scratch. The dirt is then swept off to the vacuum’s unique filter bag.
Size And Installation
Its installation process only takes 5 minutes with minimal tools required. And when ready, the vacuum can work up to 3 hours non-stop on pools with a depth of up to 5 feet.
Features
- 24-foot float hose
- Patented jet sweep design
- Unique filter bag
- 5-minute minimal tools installation
Pros
- Filter bag traps larger debris before reaching the pump
- Filter bag design enhances your pool filtration system’s durability
- Jet sweep design helps to smoothen and remove large debris
- Works well with vinyl and fiberglass pools with uneven surfaces
Cons
- It has durability issues
8. Paxcess Automatic Pool Vacuum
The Paxcess automatic pool vacuum brings great value for your money as it works with both above ground and in-ground pools.
Design
The pool vacuum delivers an impressive deep cleaning function. The cleaner comes with 4 PVA sponge roller brushes for twice as much cleaning thoroughness. Its front scrubbing sponge brush cleans and vacuums debris from the floor and walls.
Size And Installation
The pool vacuum cleaner features a 50 feet cord and can equally work with pools that measure up to 50 feet deep and 39 feet long. Its cord features a swivel design to prevent tangles and improve movement. It also features a wall climbing function for all-round cleaning.
Features
- 3 automatic cleaning settings
- 4 pc PVA sponge roller brushes
- 50 feet swivel cord
- Extra large top access filter basket
Pros
- The cleaning setting allows for 1,2 or 3-hour preset auto cleaning
- Built-in wall climbing function
- Extra large top access filter basket to collect more debris and for easy access for discarding
- Works well with both in-ground and above ground pools
Cons
- It’s a little heavy
How To Choose The Best Above Ground Pool Vacuums
Before you choose the best pool vacuums, you must know which important features to look at. Think of factors such as the cord size or vacuum coverage to ensure they match with your pool. Other important factors also ensure you have picked the ideal choice. Below is an outline of the key features you should pay attention to when choosing the best.
Robotic Vs Suction Pool Vacuums
The majority of pool vacuums are available in robotic or suction style. Robotic vacuums are more efficient because they don’t require much manual work. You can preset them and they will do the work on their own.
Suction pool cleaners on the other end are connected to your pool pump however, they are also efficient – especially in getting debris out. Many suction pool vacuums have multiple moving parts thus; they require more maintenance and servicing.
When you are choosing between which type to go for, opt for suction pool vacuums if you want a cleaner for picking small debris. And if you want a cleaner for large debris, go for robotic pool vacuums.
Pool Size And Design
As mentioned above, you must choose a pool vacuum that can match up to your pool’s size and shape. The size and shape of your pool also determine what vacuuming power is needed. For example, if you have a small or medium-sized pool, a suction pool vacuum is ideal. If you have a large pool that is prone to larger debris, a robotic one is a better option.
Filtration Rate
The filtration rate is also important because it determines the efficiency of your pool vacuum. A good filtration rate also guarantees good water quality. Ideally, you want to invest in a pool vacuum with a filtration rate of at least 70 gallons per minute.
Hose Length
Suction pool vacuums come with hoses. So, it is a good idea to precheck the hose length because it determines the pool size your vacuum can clean. No matter the motor power and filtration rate, if the pool vacuum hose length doesn’t match your pool size, then, your efforts will just be in vain.
Power Consumption
Many robotic cleaners use electricity. It is clear that the higher the power consumption, the more powerful your pool vacuum will be. Power consumption is denoted with wattage. However, you will also come across vacuums that are innovatively designed such as the Dolphin Escape Robotic.
This vacuum boasts impressive power yet, it only utilizes 180 watts per hour, making it very economical and efficient. So before choosing a vacuum, find out its power consumption to know how much it will eat into your electric bills.
FAQs
Can I Use An In-Ground Pool cleaner For An Above Ground Pool?
Yes, you can use an in-ground pool cleaner for an above ground pool. The main difference between in-ground pool vacuums and above ground pool vacuums is their structures and range. In-ground pool vacuums are built to work with the depth of in-ground pools. Above ground pools skip the intrinsic installation design and costs (typically found with in-ground pools), thus, they are not ideal for in-ground pools.
How Often Should I Vacuum My Above Ground Pool?
Generally, you should vacuum your above ground pool at least once a week. But this shouldn’t be the standard. If you host a group of people or after a heavy storm, for example, it is a good idea to vacuum your pool again to remove any dirt or debris that may have entered.
Why Is My Pool Still Dirty After Vacuuming it?
If you still notice that your pool is dirty after vacuuming, your pool filter may have a problem. Your pool filter is more likely to act up if debris such as sand or twigs is blocking it. So always make sure the filter is clean before vacuuming. If it is still dirty even after cleaning the filter, call a pool maintenance guy.
What Setting Should My filter Be On During Vacuuming?
During your routine pool vacuuming, the filter should be set on normal. This setting allows the dirty vacuum water to pass through the pool filter to remove contaminants and dirt then return the water to the pool. The normal filter setting works for light to moderately dirty pools. If your pool is very saturated, go for a higher filter setting.
Overview
Above ground, pools may appear to not need as much cleaning work compared to in-ground pools. However, they do need just as much attention when it comes to cleaning. This is why it is wise to go for a pool vacuum designed for them. The best pool vacuums for above ground pools help you to save money as they boast a lower installation and running cost.
You can also cut down on the cost of purchasing more pool cleaning chemicals. Plus, you even save significantly more time with above ground vacuums compared to manually doing the work on your own. So take your pick from the 8 best above ground pool vacuums above to ensure your pool is clean, hygienic, and presentable at all times.