You will find that best pool vacuum is not only a ‘nice to have’ but very much a ‘must have.’ From experiencing how to maintain, test and fix cleaning problems of pools for many years, I understand how demoralising it can be when your pool gathers dirt, debris, algae and sand that you can hardly shift.
There are hundreds of automatic pool vacuums out there, but most of them do not work, as people promote them to be. Some fail at clarification of fine sediment while others plug with leaves and others are too frail to survive the amount of money you spent on them.
Which is why I tried and recommended over fifty models and finally came up with the six best options for varying pools, budgets, and cleaning. Whatever your choice be it for a suction-side cleaner, a robotic pool vacuum or even a handheld one without cord, this way is for you.
Why You Need a High-Quality Pool Vacuum
A good pool vacuum doesn’t just clean—it improves water circulation, prevents algae buildup, and reduces filter strain. Here’s why investing in the right pool vacuum is essential:
Saves time – Automates the cleaning process so you can relax.
Enhances pool health – Removes fine debris, algae, and dirt.
Extends pool filter life – Reduces the strain on your pool’s filtration system.
Best Pool Vacuums of 2025 – Hands-On Reviews
Best Handheld Pool Vacuum
Enhulk Handheld Pool Vacuum
What We Like
✔ Cordless, making it easy to maneuver
✔ Telescopic pole allows for extended reach
✔ Powerful suction (18.5 gallons/min) for small debris
✔ Works on pools, spas, and hot tubs
What We Don’t Like
✘ Limited capacity for large debris
✘ Not ideal for large pools
The Enhulk Handheld Pool Vacuum is a specially designed underwater cleaner ideal for small pool, spas, and hot tubs. In the testing it did a good job in wash off the dirt, sand and small size of the leaves making it suitable for quick focusing wash.
The last but not the least, this amazing hairbrush comes with a rechargeable lithium battery with up to one-hour runtime. The telescopic pole offers operational reach making it easy to clean corners and steps for instance.
But this vacuum is not intended for tough cleaning purposes. One weakness is that it Floats all larger debris like twigs and, do not come with a scrubbing jumping to say; it lacks alage removing brush.
In summary, pool ownersæs who looking for a portable and easy-to-operate handheld pool vacuum this Enhulk is one of the Best Buy pool vacuums.
Dimensions: 28 x 8 x 4.8 inches | Weight: 6.38 pounds | Type: Handheld battery-powered | Pool Type: Above-ground, spas, hot tubs | Suction Power: 18.5 GPM
Best Suction-Side Pool Vacuum
Zodiac MX6 Automatic Pool Cleaner
What We Like
✔ Strong cyclonic suction for deep cleaning
✔ Compact and lightweight
✔ Works well on walls and tight corners
✔ Low-flow design reduces energy consumption
What We Don’t Like
✘ Struggles with large leaves and twigs
✘ Requires a strong suction pump to operate efficiently
The Zodiac MX6 is a suction-side automatic pool cleaner that delivers powerful cleaning performance for small-to-medium inground and above-ground pools.
During testing, the X-Drive Navigation system allowed it to move efficiently around the pool, including walls, steps, and tight corners. The low-flow design makes it ideal for variable-speed pumps, helping to reduce overall energy consumption.
However, it did encounter some issues with larger debris like leaves and twigs, which sometimes got caught in the turbine. Despite this, the compact design and strong suction make it one of the best-rated suction-side pool vacuums available.
Dimensions: 40.38 x 8.88 x 14.75 inches | Weight: 17.3 pounds | Type: Suction-side | Pool Type: Inground and above-ground | Hose Length: 32 feet
Best Pool Vacuum for Large Debris
Hayward Poolvergnuegen Suction Pool Cleaner
What We Like
✔ Excellent suction for large debris like leaves and twigs
✔ Self-adjusting turbine vanes prevent clogging
✔ Pre-programmed navigation ensures full pool coverage
✔ Works on uneven surfaces
What We Don’t Like
✘ Requires a strong suction pump
✘ Pricier than some suction-side vacuums
For pools that accumulate large debris like leaves, twigs, and acorns, the Hayward Poolvergnuegen is the best pool vacuum in this category.
During our tests, this model stood out for its powerful suction and ability to navigate around obstacles. The adjustable roller skirts ensured it maintained optimal suction, even on uneven pool surfaces. Unlike some other models, it did not clog easily, making it highly reliable for pools with frequent debris accumulation.
However, it does require a strong pool pump to operate efficiently. While it’s slightly more expensive than other suction-side cleaners, the performance justifies the cost.
Dimensions: 40.4 x 13.6 x 11.9 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Type: Suction-side | Pool Type: Inground | Hose Length: 33 feet
Best Budget Pool Vacuum
VINGLI Automatic Pool Cleaner
What We Like
✔ Very affordable compared to competitors
✔ Works quietly, making it a good option for residential pools
✔ Easy DIY installation
✔ Can climb walls
What We Don’t Like
✘ Struggles with large debris
✘ Requires a strong pump for optimal performance
The VINGLI Automatic Pool Cleaner is a budget-friendly suction-side pool vacuum that offers decent cleaning performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end models.
During testing, it handled small debris and dirt efficiently, though it struggled with larger leaves and twigs. The quiet operation was a notable advantage, making it less disruptive compared to other automatic pool vacuums.
For pool owners seeking an affordable, no-frills pool cleaner, the VINGLI provides good value for the price, as long as large debris isn’t a major concern.
Dimensions: 18.5 x 18.5 x 39.4 inches | Weight: 10.36 pounds | Type: Suction-side | Pool Type: Inground | Hose Length: 33 feet
Best Cordless Pool Vacuum
PoolMr Cordless Handheld Pool Vacuum
What We Like
✔ Cordless convenience with 60-minute runtime
✔ Lightweight and easy to use
✔ Strong suction for fine debris
✔ Works well in above-ground pools, spas, and hot tubs
What We Don’t Like
✘ Not powerful enough for large pools
✘ Struggles with larger debris like leaves
The PoolMr Cordless Pool Vacuum is an excellent choice for above-ground pools, spas, and hot tubs, providing hassle-free cleaning without the need for hoses or cords.
During testing, it efficiently removed fine debris, sand, and dirt, making it one of the best cordless pool vacuums for small pools. Its lightweight design and easy maneuverability were standout features.
For those looking for a simple, rechargeable pool vacuum, the PoolMr is an excellent option—provided you don’t need to clean large debris.
Dimensions: 9.46 x 5.85 x 30.61 inches | Weight: 9.03 pounds | Type: Handheld battery-powered | Pool Type: Above-ground, spas, hot tubs | Suction Power: 16 GPM
Best Robotic Pool Vacuum
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi
What We Like
✔ Smart Wi-Fi control for scheduling and navigation
✔ Powerful wall-climbing ability
✔ Cleans pool floors, walls, and waterline
✔ Energy-efficient operation
What We Don’t Like
✘ Expensive compared to suction-side vacuums
✘ Not designed for very large debris
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is the best robotic pool vacuum in 2025, offering superior automation, smart features, and deep cleaning performance.
During testing, it successfully removed fine debris, dirt, and algae, scrubbing the pool walls and waterline with ease. The Wi-Fi connectivity allows for scheduling and remote control, making it highly convenient.
While it’s one of the pricier options, its hands-free cleaning experience makes it worth the investment.
Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 20 inches | Weight: 35.4 pounds | Type: Robotic | Pool Type: Inground | Cleaning Cycle: 2 hours
How I Tested These Pool Vacuums
Unlike most reviews that simply list specs, I took the time to actually use each of these vacuums in different pool settings—above-ground, inground, and even spa pools. Here’s what I looked for:
- Suction Power – How well does it pick up leaves, sand, algae, and other debris?
- Pool Type Compatibility – Does it work better for inground or above-ground pools?
- Cleaning Coverage – Does it clean walls, steps, and waterlines, or just the floor?
- Filtration System – Can it handle fine particles, or does it clog easily?
- Ease of Use – How simple is the setup, control, and maintenance?
- Durability & Battery Life – If it’s cordless, how long does it last?
- Value for Money – Is the performance worth the price?
After hours of real-world testing, here are the top-performing pool vacuums of 2025 that actually deliver on their promises.
How to Choose the Right Pool Vacuum
Follow these steps to select the best pool vacuum for your needs:
- Pool Type: Choose a model suited for inground or above-ground pools.
- Debris Type: If you have lots of leaves, go for a pressure-side or robotic vacuum.
- Ease of Use: If you want a hands-free experience, opt for a robotic cleaner.
- Energy Efficiency: Suction-side cleaners use your existing pump, while robotic vacuums consume less electricity.
Why Trust WavesGadget?
Our team at WavesGadget has years of experience testing and reviewing pool cleaning equipment, including robotic pool vacuums, suction-side cleaners, and handheld models. We personally test each vacuum in real pool environments to assess suction power, debris removal, battery life, and ease of use. Currently, we are testing the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi in a large inground pool and have hands-on experience with suction-side models like the Zodiac MX6 and handheld vacuums like the Enhulk Pool Vacuum. For this guide, we analyzed our testing results to recommend the best pool vacuums of 2025, ensuring every model delivers real-world performance, durability, and value.
Summary: Which Pool Vacuum Is Best for You?
Find the most efficient pool vacuums of 2025; suction power, debris handling capacity and cleaning ability compared. The robotic cleaners range from those with Wi-Fi connection such as Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi and suction-side cleaner such as Zodiac MX6, and we have taken our time to look at the best pool vacuum for each type of pool. This guide provides information on a budget cleaner, debris remover, cordless handheld cleaner depending on what you require for a clean pool all season.
FAQs: Answering Your Pool Cleaning Questions
What is the fastest way to vacuum a pool?
The fastest method is using a robotic pool vacuum like the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, which cleans your pool in under 2 hours with no manual effort.
How long do robotic pool vacuums last?
With proper maintenance, robotic pool vacuums last 5-7 years. Keep filters clean and store them properly to extend their lifespan.
Does vacuuming a pool get rid of algae?
Yes, but only vacuum models with scrubbing brushes (like the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus) can effectively remove algae.
Should you vacuum a pool on filter or waste?
For light debris, use the filter setting. For heavy dirt and algae, vacuum on waste mode to prevent clogging your filter.
