Best Automatic Pool Cleaners 2020: Reviews, Buying Guide & FAQs

You don’t want to find the best automatic pool cleaner for all pools. You want to find the best automatic pool cleaner for your pool. So it suits your cleaning needs and lifestyle. There’s no point in having a pool if it has dirt swimming in it rather than humans.

An automatic pool cleaner takes care of your pool. Most likely in a way that you never could. It picks up leaves and grime for you. It removes the stickiness clinging to the surfaces. Imagine doing all of this by yourself, sounds pretty tough, right?

The answer to all your pool problems is in the list below. Take a look at each best automatic pool cleaner and find the one that fits you best.

Best Automatic Pool Vacuum Reviews 2020:

1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner

If you rely heavily on customer reviews before making a purchase. You will absolutely love this automatic pool vacuum. It’s a reliable and steady robotic pool cleaner. With a self-propelling system and water filtration system.

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Pros:

• Powerful and consistent suction.
• Accessible and ergonomic design.
• It cleans steps and ledges too.

Cons:

• The older model leaves skid marks.

The Dolphin is a striking and reliable pool cleaning machine. It’s one of the top-performing choices for professional cleaning. It’s inevitable and unavoidable that debris, dust, and leaves will invade your pool. Rather than manually getting rid of all the dirt, rely on this.

It does more than remove visible dirt from your pool. It’s got these high-quality scrubbing brushes that leave the surface clean and shiny. Be it in shallow or deep water. In fact, it climbs the walls on all sides too.

You never have to use a hose and pole attachment to clean your pool ever again. The twin filter cartridges, 2-hour run-time, and anti-tangle cable. All these features (and then some) do a lot more to keep your pool clean than you ever could.

2. Pentair GW9500 Kreepy Krauly Inground Pool Cleaner

The Pentair Kreepy Krauly is an inground automatic pool cleaner. It has a SmartTrac System that intelligently steers the cleaner to reach every nook and corner. It handles the edges, the center, and the tricky turns inside any swimming pool.

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Pros:

• The brushes loosen stuck dirt.
• Compatible with multiple speed pumps.
• Super easy and quick assembly.

Cons:

• You need to clean the filters more often.

If you have the common algae in your pool no matter what you use. You can rely on this best automatic pool cleaner to save your neck. It gets rid of algae and makes sure it stays that way. For as long as you have the Kreepy Krauly in your pool, the water is crystal clear.

The brushes scrub the walls and surface of the pool. If you had to do this yourself, let me tell you it would have been TOUGH. This is a plug-and-play kind of pool cleaning machine. But if you want more tailored performance, you can hook it up with a pump.

The Smart Steering system is one of its prized treasures. It ensures the machine doesn’t get stuck in a corner. It steers its way out of trouble with a 15-inch cleaning path.

3. VINGLI Swimming Pool Vacuum Cleaner Automatic Sweeper

The Vingli Swimming Pool Vacuum is a valuable and effective choice. It’s not that advanced to look at like the rest of them. But it’s not lacking in performance or design. This automatic sweeper is smart, fast, and compelling.

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Pros:

• Quiet and consistent operation.
• Compatible with existing pool pump systems.
• Extra attachments are easy to use.

Cons:

• It may get stuck near steps or ledges.

The ease of use in automatic pool cleaners is unparalleled. Especially when it’s an automatic pool vacuum that’s easy to assemble too. You don’t need help from a professional for anything. It’s the perfect Do-It-Yourself scenario for big or small pools.

For someone who’s not very tech-savvy, this pool cleaning is amazing. It has strong suction, consistent speed, and no clogs. It will remove everything from a tiny bug to large fallen leaves.

And it has a foolproof system to navigate itself around deep pools. It can climb walls easily, get around the corners or slopes easily. There’s a wheel deflector on the front which prevents any blunders

4. Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner

The Zodiac Baracuda is a professional and ergonomic cleaner. It can survive all kinds of dirt with long-lasting battery life, a quick-release diaphragm cassette, and a brush. The design is quite intuitive in that it makes cleaning tough spots easy.

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Pros:

• Easy and quick to assemble.
• The wheel deflector improves navigation.
• Powerful and low-noise suction speed.

Cons:

• It doesn’t vacuum large leaves and debris.

This is a quiet and strong automatic pool cleaner. It gets to everything from grit, grime, leaves, and algae. The brushes on the machine are sturdy and smooth enough to go about its business.

The advanced suction side sticks to walls and rough surfaces easily. You can even pair it up with a high or low-speed pump. It works better than most in-ground automatic cleaners. And it glides swiftly on steps and ledges. Getting rid of dust particles, small leaves, and grime.

The hose that gets pulled along is not a problem. It doesn’t leave skid marks on the surface. Nor does it scuff and look mangled with wear and tear. All the parts are easy to clean and removable. This best automatic pool cleaner plans to keep your pool clean for longer.

5. Polaris F9450 Sport Robotic In-Ground Swimming Pool Cleaner Vacuum

A robotic pool cleaner like this one is hard to resist. Especially if you have a large-sized pool and are tired of keeping it clean yourself. Chances are the Polaris’s 4-wheel drive and in-ground performance will steal your heart. It gets out so much debris in the quickest of time.

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Pros:

• The filter canister is easy to empty.
• Adjustable 7-day cleaning timer.
• It scrubs and vacuums floors and walls.

Cons:

• The cord is hard to roll-up after use.

This is the ultimate automatic pool cleaner that won’t get stuck. Not in the corners, near walls, and not when picking up large leaves. It follows a smooth and effective leaning path. The 4-wheel drive and Vortex Vacuum technology make it so.

The robotic pool cleaner is fast and has a 50 ft. in length cord. This cord is accommodating all types of cleaners. And since the machine is pre-configured with a 7-day cleaning cycle. There’s no point in wondering how you’ll clean the pool after a holiday.

This is probably the reason why so many people buy this pool cleaner during the summer. And guess what? Summer is coming so it’s essential to gear up for the season! It’s smart, efficient, and automated.

6. Pentair GW7900 Automatic Pool Cleaner

If you don’t rely on an automatic pool cleaner going around in random circles. You need something for pre-determined like the Pentair GW900. It’s an automatic in-ground pool cleaner with smart steering technology. It’s foolproof, responsible, and long-lasting.

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Pros:

• Easy to install and maintain.
• Strong and consistent suction power.
• The vacuum flow rate saves time.

Cons:

• The hose needs extra care.

Things should go very smoothly once you bring this pool cleaner home. You will be spending more time outdoors but not to keep the pool clean. Because that’s so well taken care of by this best automatic pool cleaner.

It picks up after everything. Including grime, dust, leaves, and dirt. It moves on its own accord but not in a random pattern. The steering technology makes sure it cleans every inch of your pool.

The comfortable cleaning path and hose length are supportive of that. They extend and improve upon the efficiency of the machine. So it has more powerful suction and doesn’t allow any discarded leaf astray.

7. Hayward RC9990CUB TigerShark Robotic Pool Vacuum

The Hayward TigerShark Robotic Vacuum is a variable cleaner. It has an ergonomic design that’s easy to handle and maintain. The ideal choice for anyone looking for a no-stress and no-hassle automatic pool cleaner.

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Pros:

• One-touch button operation.
• Quick 90-minute cleaning cycle.
• Easy to clean filter cartridge.

Cons:

• No hose or battery options.
• The construction is heavy.

This is a simple and efficient automatic pool cleaner. It has high-quality performance at a relatively low cost. Even so, it doesn’t shy away from big or small obstacles in the pool. Though it is heavy, it doesn’t leave skid marks on the surface. Nor does it scratch the surface if used for a long time.

Luckily, it works like a high-end robotic vacuum cleaner. You can use it all day long if you like. But for short and quick cleaning, the 90-minute cycle is sufficient. You can even purchase a caddy for easy transportation.

The only gripe with this pool cleaner is that it’s heavy to move around. That’s why the optional caddy to make things easier. All-in-all, this is an easy-to-use and intuitive pool cleaning system. You won’t find gems like these at such an affordable price anymore.

8. Zodiac MX8 Suction-Side Cleaner

The Zodiac MX8 offers a quick and simple cleaning solution. It is an energy-efficient and cost-effective suction-side cleaner. This means it uses suction to get rid of all types of dirt miraculously. It may need a little calibration to get started but it’s all in the box!

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Pros:

• Easy to install and maintain.
• Powerful and well-designed hose system.
• It scrubs and cleans walls and steps.

Cons:

• The parts do wear out.

Such suction-side cleaners are quite popular. They don’t skid, clop, or get stuck anywhere. In fact, thanks to the machine’s super straight and effective performance. Such automatic pool vacuums do a better job of handling tough debris.

Only that such cleaners last for a short period of time. But while they last, they offer outstanding and unforgettable performance. For example, the Zodiac has a 2-speed system. It’s compatible with all standard pumps.

It’s less likely to damage concrete or vinyl or fiberglass surfaces. This is because the wheels are sturdy and use maximum torque. So nothing gets in the way – be it on the floor, walls, or around corners.

9. Aquabot Pool Rover S2-40 AJET121 Robotic Pool Cleaner

This robotic pool cleaner is for better above-ground cleaning. If you thought only in-ground cleaners are robotic, you’re wrong. The Aquabot Pool Rover is the best automatic pool cleaner there is.

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Pros:

• Easy to navigate and quiet.
• Dual filter bag options.
• It cleans large pools quickly.

Cons:

• None so far.

This one keeps dirt out of everywhere. It has a cord that doesn’t tangle and stores quickly. The power is not very low. And it’s sturdy enough to unique pool shapes and sizes. The performance is top-notch and consistent.

The wheels are maneuverable around drains and filters. The machine has its filter that does most of the cleaning. It’s easy to maintain and clean in the long run. You can expect this to navigate in as many directions and as many times as you want.

Though it’s unable to climb high walls. You shouldn’t expect an above-ground cleaner to anyway. This automatic pool cleaner does a better job of cleaning out sand particles. For an affordable and valuable pool cleaner, this is quite impressive.

10. Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner

The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 is a pressure-side pool cleaner. It is fast, sturdy, and reliable. Equipped with triple jet nozzles, you don’t need a booster pump to operate it. In fact, it’s a huge penny-saver considering the high price of the machine.

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Pros:

• Strong build quality.
• It operates on its own pool circulation pump.
• Sweeps, scrubs, and vacuums the surface.

Cons:

• The replacement parts are too pricey.

This vac-sweep is a good conversation starter. For all your pool buddies, they’d want to know the secret to a clean and tidy pool. The pump on this best automatic pool cleaner is strong. It’s expensive but it works great.

It needs no additional parts to work. It has a filter for debris, triple jets for scrubbing, and sturdy wheels. It is easy to assemble and cleans thoroughly well. Perfect for any pool size whether big or small doesn’t matter.

The Polaris 360 is for someone who hates using robotic cleaners. It makes things much simpler with no corners left uncleaned. And no messy or tangled power cords lying around.

No flimsy plastic body also getting in the way. It’s truly a phenomenal and reliable pool cleaner for most people.

Buying Guide

How’s manually cleaning your pool working out for you? After reading this article, you can learn new stuff about how to clean your pool. Using an automatic pool vacuum is the best thing. It keeps your pool spick and span all of the time. You have no idea how dirty a pool can get.

With the reviews out of the way, let’s get down to the basics. You probably know by now what an automatic pool cleaner is capable of. We’ve been discussing an automatic pool vacuum. It uses suction or pressure or electric power.

Suction Pool Cleaners

This type of vacuum pool cleaner is the easiest to use. It’s also the most budget-friendly version of an automatic pool vacuum. It uses a simple and effective filtration system. It looks quite similar to a vacuum cleaner. With a long hose connecting to the main vacuum system which uses suction and stores all the grime and leaves.

But it’s not as straightforward as that. There are two types of suction pool cleaners.

The first kind is more random than the second. It’s the Inertia Driven suction cleaner. It will eventually clean every inch of your pool. But it follows a random path along the pool’s surface. Ideal for curved pools, they keep your pool clean and tidy.

The second kind is more organized as it does follow a pattern laid down by the company itself. It’s the Geared suction cleaner. They take a shorter period of time to clean than Inertia models. And you can clean pools with sharp edges and corners too.

The only gripe with suction pool cleaners is that they need maintenance. They have more moving parts as is in the geared suction cleaner. You need a replace the dirt more often to prevent overflowing which means extra effort.

Pressure Pool Cleaners

This type of automatic pool cleaner is my favorite kind. It’s powerful, ergonomic, and durable. High-quality pressure pool cleaners have booster pumps that give you that extra kick. An outstanding filtration system some may have although at a cost.

It cleans everything from the tiniest of dust particles, stones, sand, leaves, etc. And they’re more expensive to buy and maintain than suction cleaners.

Electric Robotic Pool Cleaners

These run on electricity, unlike suction and pressure pool cleaners. They’re perfect for large-sized pools. They’ll do everything from vacuum dust, dirt, sand, rocks, and leaves. They’re convenient and efficient too.

My only gripe with them is that they’re hard to maintain. You have to place a robotic vacuum cleaner in the pool and remove it after it’s done. There must be an electric outlet close-by. And most standard robotic cleaners don’t filter the way as they clean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What’s an important feature for every automatic pool cleaner?

It’s adjustability. This includes the ability to adjust the hose length, speed, flow, and buoyancy. Such adjustability helps you match the automatic cleaner to your needs.

The hose length, for example, must not be less than 1-2 meters. So that it reaches both sides of the pool without you accidentally slipping and falling into it.

The flow and buoyancy are determined based on the size and shape of the pool. If you have a small, circular-shaped pool, it takes about an hour to clean. For bigger pools, however, an automatic pool vacuum would take somewhere between 2-4 hours.

Some models feature remote control for direct cleaning. It’s like driving your car but in the pool. You don’t want to exceed the cleaning time or flow of an automatic pool cleaner unless it’s required. So having such intricate adjustability helps save energy and time.

Q2. How long can an automatic pool cleaner run?

While this depends on the size of your pool, the average is this. In the summer season, a pool cleaner can run for up to 8 hours per day. And in colder climate or monsoons, 4 to 6 hours per day is ideal.

This is enough to keep any swimming pool clean. It ensures maximum water filtration, vacuuming, and scrubbing. So no dried leaves, twigs, sand, or grime remains.

Q3. Do I have to propel the automatic pool cleaner?

If you have bought a self-propelling automatic pool cleaner, you don’t have to. It moves in a random or pre-determined pattern on its own. Though it takes time, it will eventual clean every inch of your pool.

If you ask me, buying a pool cleaner than has a steering system is ideal. It’s more reliable than machines that clean in a random pattern. You can stay rest assured that it will take care of every corner, ledge, or slope.

You can also buy a vacuum cleaner-like pool vacuum. Where the skimmer box is attached to a long hose that you navigate in the pool. This is the best choice for spot cleaning as it allows you to clean where you think it’s the dirtiest. This includes hard-to-reach corners and stairs.

Final Thoughts

After spending hours comparing the best automatic pool cleaners. This is the final list for enthusiastic buyers. Each product is rated based on individual performance. The filtration system, ease of use, and efficiency. It’s all a new customer looks for in a pool cleaner.

There’s no point in buying an automatic pool cleaner if it’s not easy to use. Don’t buy cheap cleaners that push you to the edge to work. They are not going to last long enough if you have to force it. And there’s no chance you’re using a hose and a net to do manual cleaning.  Perhaps it’s time to switch to something more automated.

The best automatic pool cleaner could in-ground or above ground. It’s really your choice to decide which works for you. The one that works for most people, however, is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner.