Table of Contents
- Top 10 Best Suction Pool Cleaner Reviews
- 1. Hayward Poolvergnuegen Suction Pool Vacuum – Best for Pebble Tec
- 2. Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Suction Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
- 3. Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner
- 4. Pentair GW9500 Kreepy Krauly Great White Inground Pool Cleaner
- 5. Baracuda Zodiac MX8 Suction-Side Cleaner
- 6. Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Inground Pool Cleaner
- 7. Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
- 8. Hayward PHS41CST Aquanaut 400 Suction Pool Vacuum – Best for Leaves
- 9. Hayward 925ADV Navigator Pro Suction Pool Vacuum
- 10. Pentair K50600 Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
- Suction Pool Cleaner vs. Pressure
Suction pool cleaners offer their users incredible performance. These automatic pool cleaners are efficient, and you can rest assured that they will spare no dirt in your pool. As a result, they can clean all types of pool surfaces, including the floor, stairs, walls, tile lines among other obstacles, using the shortest time possible.
Top 10 Best Suction Pool Cleaner Reviews
1. Hayward Poolvergnuegen Suction Pool Vacuum – Best for Pebble Tec
The Hayward Poolvergnuegen suction pool cleaner is ideal for cleaning all pools irrespective of their sizes. Designed with automatic turbine vanes, this pool vacuum can readjust its power depending on the size of debris at hand. Consequently, it can filter all types of debris, regardless of the sizes. Furthermore, the Hayward Poolvergnuegen comes with tire treads and adjustable skirt, which enables it to climb walls. Therefore, if you have been finding it hard to clean sides of your swimming pool, this is a great option at your disposal. Moreover, the Hayward Poolvergnuegen can move sideways, as well as, reverse when it senses obstacles. This reduces the chances of it getting stuck in the obstacles.
Another desirable thing is that this automatic pool vacuum cleans incredibly well regardless of pressure levels. This is because it has three interchangeable throats. Consequently, it’s compatible with pumps with different speeds. Apart from cleaning sidewalls, the Hayward Poolvergnuegen can move deep and long distances. As a result, it’s a great option for cleaning larger and deeper swimming pools.
Finally, the Hayward Poolvergnuegen can move well on both smooth and rough surfaces, thus making it an universal pool cleaner.
Pros
- Cleans all surfaces of the pool
- Easy to assemble and install it
- Cleans both deeper and shallow surfaces of the pool
- Cleans both small- and large-size debris
- Climbs up walls.
Cons
- Sometimes hose connectors may loosen.
2. Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Suction Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
The Wanda the Whale suction pool cleaner uses turbine or gear system to power its operations. As a result, it can clean all types of debris in your swimming pool by readjusting its gears. In fact, its unique strength in cleaning has placed it on the list of the best suction pool cleaners on the market. Besides that, the Wanda the Whale moves at an amazing pattern thus making cleaning more of fun than working.
When it comes to operation, the Hayward Wanda the Whale has to be permanently connected to the pool system for it to collect dirt. Therefore, you don’t have to burden yourself with moving it to the storeroom after every usage. Another desirable part is that this pool vacuum doesn’t need a booster pump to operate.
The Wanda the Whale above ground pool cleaner is designed with a programmable steering unit. Consequently, it can move and collect dirt from various sides of the pool. This technology also prevents it from getting stuck into the obstacles as it can reverse its motion whenever it senses the presence of a barrier.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and install
- Picks up almost all debris.
Cons
- Cannot get to every area of the pool.
3. Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner
The Baracuda G3 W03000 pool cleaner is another great option for buyers whose swimming pools have accumulated massive debris, and they want to get rid of them. Designed with upgraded features, the Baracuda G3 will spare no dirt in your pull, including those with large size. Compared to other suction pool cleaners on the market, the Baracuda G3 is highly durable. Consequently, you will hardly incur costs on buying and repairing parts such as gears and wheels.
Still on durability, the Baracuda G3 pool vacuum comes with hoses that barely get damaged, thus making it a good long-term investment. This cleaner also comes with an automatic flow valve which enables it to automatically and clean dirt in all parts of the pool. Other than improving its cleaning capacity, the self-adjusting flow valve also enhances the balance of the cleaner as it moves in the pool.
Additionally, the Baracuda G3 pool cleaner was designed with wheel deflector. This feature enables the machine to move and access the tightest places of your pool, thus cleaning all the available dirt.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Easy to operate
- Easy to maintain thus reducing the cost of seeking expert services
- Works quietly.
Cons
- May get stuck on corners and stairs
- Can be clogged by large-size debris thus interfering with its effectiveness.
4. Pentair GW9500 Kreepy Krauly Great White Inground Pool Cleaner
Cleaning a swimming pool is one of the challenges experienced by pool owners. This is because most of the pool cleaners on the market don’t clean as well as they claim to. But with the Pentair GW9500 you can rest assured that you will always have a clean swimming pull because it doesn’t spare any dirt. Designed with a bristle drive, this automatic pool cleaner can remove all debris from the deep end of your pool. In addition to that, the Pentair GW9500 comes with an incredibly powerful siphoning system that can vacuum both fine and coarse dirt. Besides that, its 15-inch cleaning path not only allows it to clean your pool’s floor but also the walls.
Another good thing is that the Pentair GW9500’s cleaning capacity is not affected by the texture of the surface at hand. As a result, it can clean pools with both rough and soft surfaces. Also, its effectiveness isn’t affected by the depth or size of the pool. Therefore it’s a great option for all in-ground pool owners. That is facilitated by the fact that the Pentair Kreepy Krauly comes with a 32-feet hose, which is long enough to clean an average in-ground pool.
The Kreepy Krauly pool cleaner comes with two sets of directional bristle, which crushes and loosens large-size dirt to cleanable sizes. It also has a programmed steering system that enables it to go through obstacles without getting stuck.
Pros
- The auto valve regulates water flow
- Cleans amazingly well
- Double rows thus can clean both large- and small-size dirt.
Cons
- Short lifespan.
5. Baracuda Zodiac MX8 Suction-Side Cleaner
The Zodiac Baracuda MX8 pool cleaner can leave both the floor and walls of your swimming pool clean. First, its 39-feet hose is large enough to support powerful pool pumps. Consequently, this pool vacuum does not just remove all types of dirt from your pool; rather it does it using the shortest time possible.
Another good side of the Zodiac Baracuda MX8 has to do with energy-efficiency. In fact, it is among suction pool cleaners with the highest energy saving capacity on the market.
The Zodiac MX8 pool cleaner comes with a large vacuum enough to collect large debris over a wider area. It also employs max-drive technology which boosts its maneuverability. As a result, it can move to all regions of the pool collecting any available dirt. Its dual-suction feature not only increase the ability to clean large areas, but it also elevates its cleaning speed and power-saving ability. For that reason, the Zodiac MX8 is several steps ahead in regards to cleaning efficiency.
However, the Zodiac MX8 suction pool cleaner has some weaknesses when it comes to cleaning large-size debris. One, the fact that it doesn’t come with a scrubber reduces its efficiency in cleaning algae. Two, it’s highly prone to clogging particularly when the dirt is as large as the size of the leaves. Somehow, these weaknesses reduces the effectiveness of the Zodiac MX8 when it comes to cleaning pools with algae and leaves. Meanwhile, this automatic pool cleaner is highly durable, so if you are a long-term investor, this is one of the best options available.
Pros
- Energy-saver
- Wide area of coverage
- Dual navigation technique increases efficiency
- Cleans comparatively better and faster
- Reliable for all types of pools
- Highly durable
Cons
- Lacks scrubber to clean algae
- May clog if used for cleaning large debris
6. Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Inground Pool Cleaner
The Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly comes with an upgraded design to give you amazing cleaning experience. In regards to operation, this pool equipment is both simple and reliable to use as your pool cleaner. Designed with a large suction power enough to cover the entire area of your pool, the Kreepy Krauly 360042 spares no visible dirt in your pool.
However, there is one key condition that you must fulfill for you to get the best services out of this machine: before using the Kreepy Krauly 360042, you must ensure that input valve is connected to the suction hose because they tend to separate often. Note that without this connection, using this pool vacuum for cleaning will be a waste of time. Another challenge is that this machine may stuck in tight corners and stairs.
But the good part is that the Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly comes with an automatic valve which regulates its speed by regulating water flow. As a result, you can adjust this pool vacuum to clean a large pool within the shortest time possible. Additionally, the dive float directional system enables the Kreepy Krauly to clean the entire parts of your pool, starting from the top to the bottom.
Although it may get stuck during the process, the Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly is still a great option for cleaning corners and stairs. This, plus the fact that its filtration system is powerful enough to clean algae/leaves makes the Kreepy Krauly one of the best suction side pool cleaners.
Finally, despite coming with incredible design, the Kreepy Krauly 360042 pool vacuum is very simple to install, operate and maintain.
Pros
- An easy-to-operate machine
- Climbs the walls and stairs
- Wider cleaning area
- Maintenance friendly
- Quick installation.
Cons
- May get stuck while cleaning sharp corners and stairs
- Needs regular inspection because the suction hose tends to separate from the input valve.
7. Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
When it comes to cleaning above-ground pools, very few pool cleaners do it better than the Zodiac Ranger by Baracuda. It can clean swimming pools as deep as 72 inches. Furthermore, it is designed with an improved technology that enables it to function quietly. Therefore, you can do your cleaning without having to endure unnecessary noise. This is a feature you don’t get in many automatic pool cleaners.
Besides that, you don’t have to connect other attachments for the Zodiac Ranger to clean your pool. This feature not only makes it a simple-to-use machine but also saves you from extra costs associated with connecting to attachments.
Another outstanding feature is that the Zodiac Ranger pool vacuum comes already pre-assembled. Therefore you don’t have to bother yourself seeking an expert to assemble it for you.
However, the Zodiac Ranger is not that good when it comes to climbing walls. Also, it is not recommendable for swimming pools with soft surfaces. Meanwhile, this machine follows a standard pattern while cleaning your pool. So it accesses all parts of your pool ensuring that no single visible dirt is spared. That pattern also helps it to reduce tangling problem.
Pros
- Noise-free
- Pre-assembled
- An Easy-to-maintain machine
- No need for attachments.
Cons
- The suction hose may tangle
- Can’t climb walls
- It may stick to the same path throughout.
8. Hayward PHS41CST Aquanaut 400 Suction Pool Vacuum – Best for Leaves
The Hayward Aquanaut 400 is designed with an outstanding high suction performance, as a result, it is great for cleaning large pools. This automatic pool cleaner features a 4-wheel propulsion system, which enables it to access every corner of your swimming pool. Unlike many pool cleaners on the market, the Hayward Aquanaut 400 can pull up leaves and large debris without clogging.
Hayward Company has built a global reputation for manufacturing outstanding pool cleaners, and this model is no different. Coming with adjustable roller skirt, the Hayward Aquanaut 400 can clean every surface of your pool regardless of its texture.
The Hayward Aquanaut 400 suction pool vacuum also has an amazing climbing power. It can collect dirt in the stairs and other regions that many pool cleaners can’t manage.
Designed with a V-Flex technology, the Hayward Aquanaut 400 can suck large-size debris without experiencing clogging problems. This is because the employed technology boosts its siphoning ability thus enabling the large-size debris to pass through the vanes successfully.
The Hayward Aquanaut 400 has three interchangeable throats, as a result, it can siphon efficiently regardless of the size of the pumps. However, you’ve to keep checking on the suction hose because it tends to loosen during the cleaning process. Failure to do so will significantly reduce its efficiency. Eventually, the machine will not be able to climb walls. Also, compared to other 4-wheel drive pool cleaners, the Hayward Aquanaut 400 doesn’t change direction easily, which somehow reduces its performance.
The controversial part of this pool vacuum is that: while we witnessed it climb walls, some reviews claim it doesn’t. All in all, the Hayward Aquanaut 400 has a lot of features that you would enjoy as a pool owner.
Pros
- Incredibly high suction capacity
- Handles large debris without clogging
- Wider coverage
- The best option for large pools
- The four-wheel design saves time.
Cons
- The suction hose may loosen thus preventing its functioning
- Doesn’t change directions frequently.
The Hayward Navigator Pro is among the suction pool cleaners on the market that do not just clean all sizes and types of swimming pools, but they do so incredibly well.
Its potentials are observed from day one of purchase. First, the installation will be as simple as installing an app on your phone. Two, you don’t need anything more than 10 minutes to power it on and get things rolling. Three, it employs SmartDrive automatic steering which enables the machine to clean your pool using the most efficient path possible. On top of that, the SmartDrive feature increases the cleaning coverage of the Hayward Navigator Pro, as well as, enable it to clean all pool surfaces.
However, the Hayward 925ADV Navigator Pro is not that good when it comes to climbing walls. Meanwhile, this automatic pool vacuum cleans by following a regular pattern. Consequently, it cleans more effectively compared to random-style pool cleaners. Also, expect no noise during the cleaning process.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Smooth and noise-free operation
- Its advanced vacuum wings effectively suck both small- and large-size debris.
Cons
- Cannot climb some walls.
10. Pentair K50600 Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
Designed with a patented bumper strap, the Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac pool vacuum can clean your above-ground swimming pool without knocking against walls and steps. This in return prevents the pool cleaner, as well as, the pool surfaces from destruction. So far, this is the only brand on the market that comes with this technology.
The Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac pool cleaner employs a patented flapper design. As a result, this machine doesn’t experience clogging problems. It also comes with a powerful filtration system enough to filter dirt of all sizes. Therefore you won’t need booster pumps to improve the filtration capacity.
The moving parts of Pentair K50600 Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac are made of high-quality materials, as a result, the machine is highly durable. In regards to motion, this suction-side pool cleaner has an automatic valve that regulates its speed. That enables the cleaner to move at an optimal speed for cleaning.
The Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac includes a 32-feet long hose which is long enough to clean every area of your pool. This automatic pool cleaner is designed for cleaning all above-ground pools with pumps at least 3/4 hp.
Pros
- Cleans all surfaces of the pool
- Cleans efficiently
- Highly durable
- Moves using a random pattern, thus it can clean areas where other cleaners can’t manage.
Cons
- The cleaner makes clicking noise as it cleans.
Suction Pool Cleaner vs. Pressure
Suction-Side Pool Cleaners
Compared to pressure cleaners, suction pool cleaners are cheaper and more popular. In fact, the first automatic pool cleaner was from this category. Suction pool cleaners come with a medium-size hose (1.5 inches) that is attached to an extraction line of your pool. Therefore, as the pool’s pump forces out water through the outlets, a force is generated in the pool that pushes the suction cleaner. As a result, the machine moves randomly in the pool, collecting all dirt and debris present in the water. Most of the suction cleaners can clean both walls and floor of the pool.
Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners
Just as the name suggests, pressure pool cleaners depend primary on the “pressure” to clean your pool. Most of pressure-side pool cleaners come with a secondary pump (“booster pump”) that boosts the pressure on the incoming water. The high pressure, in turn, increases the movement of the machines in all areas of the pool. In the process, the machine collects all the dirt in the water thus leaving your pool clean. However, pool cleaners in this category consume the highest electric power and are regarded to be energy-inefficient.
However, both pressure and suction pool cleaner have two weaknesses: they both depend on the strength of the pool’s main pump. Two, they depend on the pool’s filter system, consequently, they can’t filter dirt with smaller sizes than the pores of the pool’s filter element.