Are you looking for the best suction pool cleaner? Are you sick of scooping the debris out of your pool with a wobbly and ineffective cleaning wand and done overpaying pool cleaners? If so, then now is the time for you to start thinking about getting yourself an automatic pool cleaner.
While there are all sorts of unique pool cleaning apparatuses on the market, we’ve done our best to find the best suction pool cleaners. These nifty bottom-cleaners suck the ick out of your pool using the latent energy from your preinstalled pump and filtration system.
If all this seems too good to be true, read along to discover our top nine suction-side pool cleaners.
Best Suction Pool Cleaners – Comparison Table
Model | Cleaner Type | Priority | Pool Surface | Pool Size | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Automatic Suction Vacuum | Floor, walls, and coves | Gunite | Up to 20' x 40' pools | Check Price | |
V-Flex technology | Floors and walls | Concrete, Gunite, Vinyl, Fiberglass, Tile, Pebble | Up to 20' x 40' or pools with deep ends | Check Price | |
Advanced Suction Automatic Cleaner | Floors, walls and steps | Tile, Vinyl, Gunite, and Fiberglass | Any pools | Check Price | |
Exclusive AquaPilot | Pool floor, walls, coves | Vinyl | Up to 20' x 40' | Check Price | |
Automatic Suction Vacuum | Floors and walls | Concrete, Vinyl, Tile, and Fiberglass | Up to 30' | Check Price | |
Dive float directional system | From water line to pool bottom | Tile, Vinyl, Gunite, and Fiberglass | Any pools | Check Price | |
Automatic Turbine Suction Cleaner | Floor, Walls, Coves | Gunite, Vinyl, Fiberglass, pebble and Tile | Up to 16’ x 32’ | Check Price | |
SmartTrac Programmed Steering | Floors and walls | Gunite, fiberglass, vinyl, and other | 48 ft | Check Price | |
Double Cyclonic Suction | Floors and walls | Concrete, Tile, Vinyl and Fiberglass | Any pools | Check Price |
Detailed Product Reviews
Hayward W3925ADC Navigator Pro Pool Cleaner
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Hayward Navigator Pro is one of the smartest products on our list as it uses patented SmartDrive navigation technology. The cleaner activates a moving algorithm with a series of predetermined turns that help it systematically process the pool floor, walls, and coves.
Users also like its unique vacuum wings’ and skirt for better debris collection, a quite long 40 ft hose, and energy efficiency. Let me also mention an easy installation without extra tools in less than 10 minutes.
Surely, we cannot do without drawbacks too. Despite the smart navigation, the pool cleaner often gets stuck, which is a headache for many owners. Besides, the unit costs pretty much, but the body material quality doesn’t justify such a price.
- Thorough cleaning with special wings and skirt
- Smart navigation for more precise vacuuming
- Doesn’t require extra filters, pumps, etc.
- Energy-saving
- Easy to install
- Gets stuck
- Flimsy case with cheap plastic parts
- Pricy
Hayward PHS41CST AquaNaut Suction Pool Vacuum
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It consists of a small oblong housing that sits on top of four gear-like wheels.
Inside, the suction cleaner houses a four-chamber valve that filters out dirt and debris of all sizes. These chambers make up the insides of Hayward’s proprietary V-Flex Technology, a system designed to improve filtration efficiency regardless of a pool pump’s power.
With a Mars Rover-like exterior, it comes as no surprise that the AquaNaut can navigate over raised patches and slopes without staggering along the way.
One of the biggest complaints about suction cleaners is their inability to navigate changing landscapes. But the AquaNaut can climb steep inclines and mosy over sunken toys without losing its momentum.
Not only that, but this incredible device maintains a constant suction during the time it is hooked up to your pool.
However, while the AquaNaut is a strong performer, its steep price makes it an unattainable investment for some pool owners. On top of that, some customers have reported that the cleaner lacks traction on smooth-surfaced pools.
- Three interchangeable throats
- Optimal suction at varying pump speeds
- Constant cleaning
- Scales steep inclines and maneuvers over raised patches
- Adjustable navigation system
- Struggles to grip some surfaces
Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000 – Best Suction Pool Cleaner for Variable Speed Pump
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Its powerful cleaning head provides super strong suction without any audible effects. Meanwhile, its 36-fin deflector disc helps lift up stuck-on debris in pesky hard-to-reach places.
With no wheels or gears to get caught on drain covers or lights, the Zodiac is able to move as smooth as a stingray at the bottom of the ocean. Since its only internal mechanism is a diaphragm, it is super easy to diagnose issues with the device.
With even suction and a far-reaching hose attachment, the Zodiac quietly eradicates dead leaves and insects from all corners and crevices of a pool.
Here are also some users’ complaints about the unit. While the Zodiac’s soft plastic tubing provides powerful suction, it’s also incredibly susceptible to jams.
If you aren’t willing to spend time picking stubborn objects out of your cleaning wand’s soft diaphragm, you may want to avoid the Zodiac as well as other products with similar designs.
With that said, the Zodiac’s proprietary FlowKeeper Valve provides even and unrelenting coverage at all times. Not to mention, its durable scuff-resistant hose provides all-over cleaning coverage.
- 36-fin soft disc head
- Handle on cleaning head
- Suitable for most pool surfaces
- Attaches directly to your filter pump
- Proprietary FlowKeeper Valve
- Quiet
- Jams easily
- Pricey
Hayward 2025ADV PoolVac XL Suction Pool Vacuum
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The Hayward 2025ADV PoolVac XL pool vacuum is a futuristic-looking device that glides along the bottom and sides of a pool.
The Hayward pool cleaner is super easy to install and even easier to use.
While its lengthy hose trails behind it as it cleans, its built-in navigation system, AquaPilot, prevents it from becoming tangled or worn.
As a result, the PoolVac quickly and efficiently removes debris from your pool before sending it off to its filter trap.
We love how effortlessly the Hayward PoolVac moves across the surface of a swimming pool. This robotic-looking device can make its way from the shallow end to the deep end and back again in just a few minutes. All the while, its intelligent navigation system tracks its smart hose as its trails behind.
One downside of the Hayward PoolVac is that you cannot coil it up for storage. Unfortunately, the smart hoses don’t respond well to superficial kinks. If you find your PoolVac idling in one corner of your swimming pool, s misshapen hoses may be the source of the issue.
- AquaPilot automatic steering system
- Wings for pulling debris from corners
- Preprogrammed steering system
- Compatible with pools as big as 40 by 20 feet
- Integrated turbine technology
- Installs in less than 10 minutes
- Even coverage
- Leaves nothing behind
- Hose cannot be coiled
XtremepowerUS Automatic Pool Cleaner Vacuum – The Best Affordable Cleaner
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This handy blue cleaning apparatus connects directly to your pool’s filter pump to provide thorough ground-to-wall cleaning coverage where you need it most.
The underwater vacuum is compatible with swimming pool pumps with 1 hp (horsepower) of power or more.
It’s hard to find a pool cleaner for less than $100, let alone one that works effectively. The XtremepowerUS is one of such rarities. Yet, it manages to out-suck pool vacuums that sell for more than two-times its list price.
Still, please mind the cons. While the XtremepowerUS works great, it often idles when the pool filter it is hooked up to isn’t clean. It may frustrate some pool owners to have to constantly clean out their filters, but we’re willing to look past this minor inconvenience.
The best part is that you do not need tools or extra electricity to get it up and running. With a wide range of customizable cleaning patterns, the XtremepowerUS is able to turn a debris-laden pool into a crystalline looking glass.
- Connects directly to the pool filter
- Yellow seal clips for hose attachments
- Enables dispursement of filtered water
- Cleans walls and floors well
- Crimped cleaning head for cleaning corners and hart-to-reach places
- Requires a clean pool filter
- Must be fully submerged to remove air bubbles
Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly – The Best Model for Thorough Cleaning
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Its built-in dive float directional system enables it to glide from the surface to the floor without any hiccups along the way.
Meanwhile, an automatic valve helps regulate water to provide an unrelenting flow of air.
What’s more, the Kreepy Krauly’s crimped cleaning heat and wings help to remove dirt from stubborn spaces and channel it directly into your pool’s filtration system.
We love that the Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly has just one moving part. As such, it is easy to identify and resolve issues such as clogs and part failures.
Of course, there’s no real reason to worry about these issues.
Unfortunately, not all pool owners are prepared to foot the bill for this pricey of a pool cleaner. Nevertheless, those who do are likely to get several years of use out of this powerful cleaner.
- Dive float navigation system
- Automatic valve for optimal suction
- Roller strap for maneuvering around ladders
- No noise
- Long lasting
- Several feet of hose included
- Popular product
- Pricey
- Does not pick up particularly heavy debris
Hayward Poolvergnuegen 896584000-013
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The device is built on top of two gear-like wheels that are engineered to climb across your pool bottom.
On top of that, it is connected to 32 feet of durable scuff-free hoses. Inside, it features self-adjusting turbine vanes that allow debris to pass through without inhibiting water movement.
Also, the Hayward Poolvergnuegen 896584000-013 has a built-in automatic steering system that enables full pool coverage without so much as a single tangle or dead end.
Where do we start? There are so many things to love about the Hayward Poolvergnuegen. While this pool cleaner may lack a sophisticated aesthetic design, many pool owners say that their Poolvergnugen has lasted for years without getting stuck or leaving residue behind.
However, we admit that this powerful cleaner doesn’t come at a bargain. Of course, that number will probably translate to heaping saving after just one pool season.
After all, you’ll be able to skip out on future cleaning-related repairs, professional cleaning services, and expensive replacements parts.
Since the Poolvergnuegen is designed to climb steep surfaces, it’s a match made in heaven for the deepest ends.
- Grippy double-wheeled foundation
- Climbs out of the deep end with ease
- Roller skirt and wings for cleaning tight corners
- Pre-programmed internal steering system
- Comes with 32 feet of hose
- Pricey
- May need tire replacements after several years
Pentair GW9500 Kreepy Krauly
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This sleek-looking suction-side pool cleaner works well on nearly every type of pool covering, including vinyl, fiberglass, and cement.
Not to mention, its SmartTrac pre-programmed steering system enables it to move from one end of the pool to the other without getting tangled up in any obstacles.
Its ample 15-inch coverage helps eliminate debris in the shortest time possible. Meanwhile, its bristle brush head helps loosen seriously stuck-on dirt.
The Pentair GW9500 Kreepy Krauly Great White Inground Pool Cleaner is a good excuse to cancel your pool cleaning contract, but it is not without its own problems. On the positive side, this cleaner has a reliable navigation system that gets it from point A to Point B without tangling the hose behind it.
Unfortunately, the Pentair GW9500 Kreepy Krauly Great White Inground Pool Cleaner is susceptible to frequent clogs. A few wet leaves or dense debris patches are all it takes to put this suction-side pool cleaner out of commission.
Since most people pay big bucks to cut themselves out of the cleaning equation, you can see why this cleaner’s constant need for attention has us rather irked.
- Connects directly to skimmer
- Adjustable cleaning head
- Cleans a wide variety of surfaces
- Built–in turning mechanism
- Smart-Trac pre-programmed steering system
- Expensive
- Clogs easily
Zodiac MX8 Suction-Side Cleaner – The Best Cleaner for Inground Pools
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Aesthetics aside, the MX8 boasts some of the most dynamic and low-maintenance debris-removal technologies on the market.
For one, its Cyclonic Vacuum technology manages to cash in on the underutilized power of a pool’s skimmer.
In doing so, the MX8 creates enough torque to whip up a large clump of soggy debris without clogging up a pool’s filtration system.
Meanwhile, X-Trax tires enable the device to move up and down your pool’s slopes, wells, and corners.
Keep in mind that the Zodiac’s vacuum line is a whopping 2 1/2 inches thick. As such, it offers ample space for large debris to travel through without getting stuck.
The Zodiac MX8 is an energy efficient pool cleaner. As such, you can hook it up to a low-powered filter and still score a sparkly clean swimming pool as a result.
On top of that, the Zodiac is easy to install. All you have to do is twist it in and let it be to score a perfectly.
On the downside, the Zodiac MX8 costs a lot! Of course, that’s for a device that offers years of maintenance-free service.
- Adjustable intake for different types of debris
- Max-Drive navigation system
- Climbs up walls well
- Wide cleaning path
- Energy efficient
- Easy to install
- Expensive
Kreepy Krauly vs Zodiac Barracuda
While comparing Barracuda vs Kreepy Krauly, we see the same membranes, strong suction, compatibility with all pool surface types and small to medium-sized debris. In a word, the models are rather similar than different. Still, what are the crucial differences?
- Firstly, Barracuda works with low-speed and 2-speed pumps. Kreepy Krauly has no special recommendations.
- Secondly, Barracuda also boasts a special Wheel Deflector system to deal with tight corners and avoid getting stuck. However, there are no navigation technologies here. Its rival is a bit smarter in terms of navigation. Here, we see a Dive float directional system that guides cleaner.
- The whole product is efficient yet simple in maintenance, thanks to the patented Quick-Release Cassette. Kreepy lacks additional technologies that would improve maintenance. However, it uses a more complex membrane with wings and channels that contribute to suction and direct debris during cleaning. The Zodiac product has a flat 36-fin deflector disc membrane that features no extra patterns.
- Finally, Kreepy Krauly climbs absolutely all surfaces, including the waterline. Zodiac Barracuda deals with the bottom, walls, and steps only.
verdictKreepy Krauly is smarter and better in terms of comprehensive pool cleaning. So, if you need perfectly spotless surfaces, this is your choice. However, Barracuda offers easier maintenance, while performance stays almost on the same level as the opponent.
Zodiac MX8 vs Hayward Navigator
And our second battle is Zodiac vs Hayward comparison. Being designed for the same pool types and cleaning purposes, they attract similar categories of customers. So, here are the differences to pay attention to.
- The zodiac model uses special X-Trax tires complemented with a suction port. Thus, we get debris collection and excellent climbing abilities. The MX series pool cleaners process even waterline. But while even large debris comes into the filtration system, the device cannot deal with sediment and other pollution that requires scrubbing.
- Hayward Navigator has no tires or wheels. It comes with a suction port and special wings and scrubbing units. Thus, it eliminates both debris and sediments. However, please mind it cannot clean the waterline.
- The MX8 covers 15 inches of the surface at once thanks to a wide cleaning path and Dual Cyclonic Vacuum technology. The Navigator deals with a shorter piece of surface.
- Luckily, both devices are equipped with navigation technologies. The first model has a Max-Drive navigation system, and the second uses patented SmartDrive navigation technology. Each works with preset moving algorithms, but the difference is worth mentioning.
- Finally, we get a 39 ft and a 40 ft hose in each case, which is almost the same.
verdictZodiac MX8 cleans more areas and does it faster. If you’re not limited in a budget and need a faster operation, pick up this model. However, Hayward Navigator costs less. It does work longer and miss the waterline, but its scrubbing actions provide a more thorough cleaning. This is the choice for those looking for perfectly clean surfaces without the hustle and bustle.
What is a Suction Cleaner?
Suction cleaners attach to the suction side of a pool skimmer or water pump to create a powerful pull that can be used to remove debris from the inside of a pool.
Suction cleaners consist of a self-propelled cleaning head attached to a lengthy hose.
Suction cleaners vary in size and design, though all serve as a means for removing debris from swimming pools.
How Does a Suction Pool Cleaner Work?
Most suction cleaners consist of a lengthy hose system that is twisted onto the suction-side of the filter and then attached to a small cleaning head. The cleaning heads consist of a smart navigation system as well as an internal valve or rotating gear that helps it to pick up debris and send them into a pool’s built-in filtration system.
Since suction pool cleaners run off of a pool pump’s energy, they can be installed and then left to work their magic over an extended period of time. These powerful cleaning devices work like an unmanned underwater vacuum.
Since they pass debris directly to your pool’s filtration system, they make cleaning as easy and frustration-free as possible. Many can even climb up walls and navigate into tight corners to pull out difficult-to-reach particles.
Types of Pool Cleaners
In addition to suction-side cleaners, there are a few alternative automatic pool cleaners on the market.
Pressure
Pressure-side automatic pool cleaners lock into the pressurized side of your pool filter. The pressure from the filter is used to drive the cleaning device down to the bottom of the pool.
The big difference between pressure-side and suction-side cleaners is that pressure-side cleaners feature an integrated filtration system. As such, they do not send any debris back into your pool’s filter system.
What’s more, they often demand the addition of an extra pump to power their way across a pool. While the additional power enables them to clean faster and more efficiently, it can lead to a pricey electricity bill.
Robotic
Robotic pool cleaners boast independent filtration systems built into free-moving devices.
These smart devices connect directly to a deckside source of electricity to power their way across your pool bottom.
Suction
Nevertheless, they do send all the debris they capture back through your pool’s preexisting filtration system.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Suction Pool Cleaner
While we cannot say enough positive things about suction pool cleaners, there are few things you’ll want to consider before purchasing one of your own.
Size of Pool
Suction-side pool cleaners typically come with a set of connectable hoses. Consider how far the hoses reach to ensure that they will be able to travel the entire length and width of your pool. Keep an eye out for hoses that come in segmented pieces, as these are easier to tailor to your specific pool.
On top of that, it’s important to consider the depth of your pool when purchasing a suction-side pool cleaner.
Read products reviews to see how well a suction cleaner climbs out of the deep end or up to a wall. The last thing you want is a pool cleaner that needs constant freeing up.
Types of Debris
Think about what types of debris accumulate in your pool.
Many budget-rate suction pool cleaners struggle with large debris like leaves and rocks.
Think about the size of the moving parts inside a pool filter and ask yourself if they are equipped to handle the type of debris that accumulates in your pool.
If not, you may want to upgrade to a more powerful model with a wider hose.
Pump and Filtration System
Since suction pool cleaners run off of your preexisting pool filter and pump, the amount of power these elements produce is often directly responsible for a suction cleaner’s filtration rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do suction pool cleaners work?
2. Does a suction pool cleaner need a booster pump?
3. Do suction pool cleaners clean walls and waterline?
4. What is the best suction pool cleaner?
Final Thoughts
Suction pool cleaners are an affordable and efficient cleaning method for most inground and aboveground pools.
Hi! I’m Markus Robertson, and water is my passion.
Five years ago, I graduated from the University of California-Los Angeles and was going to become a professional marine biologist. However, my fate had other plans for me, and due to family problems, I had to find a more stable and well-paid job. I had only one wish for my job to be connected with water.
During this period of my life, I worked as a sales manager at Olympic Pool & Spa Supplies. The job helped me learn everything about swimming pools and related pool equipment, as well as how to choose the best option and what to pay attention to.
Having worked there for three years, I decided to start my own blog about pools, where I can tell people about the best new pool equipment models and share my knowledge and experience.
A marine biologist by education, I became a pool blogger by trade. Now I’m glad I can help the guests of my store and the visitors of my blog know a lot of exciting things about pools, their types, best pumps and filters, necessary equipment maintenance, and so on.
I welcome all people who want to choose a proper basin and the stuff to my blog! Hope you’ll find this information interesting and useful!
Hello, nice review, thank you for a detailed description and comparison. Zodiac MX8 seems to be an excellent cleaner, but I found an improved Zodiac MX8 Elite version. Users say the latter is the best for tough dirt due to the scrubbers. Should I opt for this model? Could you explain to me what the differences between Zodiac the MX8 and the MX8 Elite pool cleaners are? Thank you!
Hello, Patrick! Thank you for helping us making our review more detailed and informing other readers of new models! Zodiac MX8 Elite is a truly worthy option. And you’re absolutely right; the main difference between the MX8 and the MX8 Elite pool cleaners is the scrubbing brushes and the turbines. It’s the first suction pool cleaner with Cyclonic Scrubbing Brushes that continually spin, scrub, and stay in constant contact with pool surfaces to agitate and remove stuck-on debris.
However, when choosing the model, you should consider your debris type and current needs.
Hi! Are suction cleaners better than pressure side cleaners? What is the difference?
Hello, Roy! Great question, thank you very much. Both suction and pressure side pool cleaners offer nice water and pool processing. The main difference lies in the principle of operation.
Suction cleaners use the filtration system of your pool. They attach to it and suck water with dirt and debris. Consequently, no additional equipment and cleaner emptying are needed.
Pressure side cleaners work independently from your pool systems but require a separate booster pump. They use your pool’s return water to create a suction vortex to lift dirt and collect it in their own bags.
Suction cleaners are more affordable and need no extra investments. However, they deal worse with large debris and may clog.
Pressure cleaners are better for massive pollutions and bigger pools. But please be ready to buy an additional pump and install it.
Hello, thank you for the review. I’ve got an oval inground pool. Do suction cleaners cope equally well with rectangular and round pools? Can I try Hayward 2025ADV PoolVac XL Suction Pool Vacuum in my case?
Hello, Bella! Thank you for your question! All suction pool cleaners presented in the review work equally well in pools of all shapes. So, you can safely get Hayward 2025ADV PoolVac XL Suction Pool Vacuum for your oval pool.
I disagree with the notion that Thad the mx-8 is maintainance free. I have had two so far and it was the costliest pool cleaner to maintain that I have ever had.
It works extremely well until it doesn’t anymore.
Every 3/4 of a year expect to replace the tracks at a cost of about 10% of a new cleaner.
Then after a year expect to replace the gears on each end at a cost of about 25% of the cleaner each.
Then at the 1.5 to 2 year marl the motor will go, this is about 40% cost of the entire cleaner.
So if you are happy to resign yourself to the fact that you will spend the cost of the entire cleaner every 2 years then it is a great purchase because when it works it works very well.
I have had two of them, both did the same thing.
Hello, Anthony! Thank you so much for your comment! It’s great that you could share your experience with our readers. This will help everyone get a more detailed picture, and this will also help us in our future reviews.
Hi! Does any brand produce suction pool cleaners with app control? Thanks.
Hello, Rachel! Thank you very much for your question! Suction pool cleaners combine powerful automatic performance and affordable price. It does not include app control. This function is typical for the top-level (and expensive) robotic pool cleaners. If you’re looking for a model with app control, try Dolphin or Hayward TigerShark devices.
I think Hayward models are more universal for different pools than Pentair Kreepy cleaners. Two years ago I bought 360042 Kreepy Krauly and, unfortunately, it didn’t fit nonnectors (though an adapter helped and the preformance was nice).
Hello, Din! Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us! Practice shows that the best way to get perfectly fitable products is to get them from one manufacturer. So, perhaps, you’ve got such a case.
Which of these models do you recommend more for fiberglass pools? Maybe anyone had experience with some models. Thank you for your help.
Hi, Ree! Thank you very much for your question. Fiberglass features significant stability to physical impacts as well as chemical/temperature/ray resistance. That’s why all of our cleaners will suit you (among those designed for finerglass). We can offer you Zodiac, XtremepowerUS and Kreepy models as the most gentle yet efficient.
Thank you! Came here to choose a new cleaner after my Poolvergnuegen finally passed away. I should say it worked perfectly for three years apart from frequent hose tangling (which was irritating but not a big deal for me compared with other pros of the cleaner). So it’s a nice option. This time wanna try Pentair 🙂
Hi, Joseph! Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us! You comment will really help our readers make the more balanced choice. And we hope your new cleaner will become a great assistant for you.