Best Automatic Pool Cleaner Reviews And Guide Of 2021

Pool maintenance calls for a lot of time, and you'll probably want to use that time doing something else. If you're someone that prefers to spend their time in the pool swimming and not cleaning it, you must opt for an automatic pool cleaner.

However, automatic pool cleaners come with various features, and it can be confusing to figure out which one is the best for you. Through our intensive research and personal use, we've come up with our list of the best automatic pool cleaner your money can get you.

With so many types of pool cleaners to choose from, we’ve broken down our list into various sections to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Let's start with the robotic one:

1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus automatic robotic pool cleaner: Best Overall

Key Features:

With a futuristic design and plenty of features, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is a must-have if you’re looking for a fully automated robotic pool cleaner. It can clean your pool with the touch of a button.

If your swimming pool is 50 feet or below, this can be very suitable for you. With a standard cleaning time of just 2 hours, you can devote more of your time swimming than cleaning.

This unit offers deep cleaning experience due to the superior filtering capabilities and dual scrubbing brushes; you don't have to worry about any debris or grime. Unlike other cleaners that are suction or pressure cleaners, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is an independent cleaning machine. You don't need a pump or hose with this unit. This unit is all you need for your swimming pool cleaning requirements.

Its small and compact design allows you to pull it out of water for replacing filter and tire treads. For your convenience, you can also schedule the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus for cleaning your pool every day, every other day, or every 3rd day.

If you want an easy and excellent cleaning experience, you can’t go wrong with this pool cleaner. It’s easily one of the best automatic pool cleaner we’ve come across.

2. Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Vacuum:

Key Features:

Dolphin is known for providing some hi-tech automatic pool cleaners, and in our list of the best automatic pool cleaner, we were truly impressed with this unit.

Thanks to its advanced algorithms, the Dolphin Premier provides efficient cleaning experience and offers wide coverage for your pool. With the patented anti-tangle swivel cable, this unit will have no problem moving around your pool. It also possesses dual scrubbing brushes for efficient and deep cleaning experience. There will be no grime or debris left in your pool. Your whole pool will be expertly cleaned within 3 hours.

For an optimally clean pool, the Dolphin Premier offers multiple filter options. Not just that, but you can also schedule this unit to clean every day, every other day, or on the 3rd day.

If your pool is below 50 feet, this pool cleaner can clean it effectively. Additionally, you’re also backed by the 3-year quality assurance from Dolphin. With its compact and stunning looks, this cleaner will look good no matter wherever you place it.

3. Polaris F9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner:

Key Features:

This pool cleaner from Zodiac, with its four-wheeler drive, can provide deep cleaning on any pool surface. It also comes with ActivMotion sensor technology for precise navigation, regardless of how large your pool is and with a cable length of 70 feet, this automatic pool cleaner will have no problem covering most swimming pools. 

The Polaris F9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner also has tremendous cleaning prowess. With its vortex vacuum technology, this unit offers an intensive cleaning eliminating every debris from your swimming pool. You’ll have no worries about swimming in your pool. Thanks to the rear water propulsion system, this cleaner can eliminate debris even in tight corners and under stairs.

Additionally, this unit is compatible with all kinds of remote control systems to remotely operate the Intelliflo pump. Not only that, this unit also features an 'easy lift system' for your convenience. 

The Polaris F9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner packs a lot of features that will certainly make your cleaning sessions shorter and make sure that you enjoy more of your time swimming.

4. Dolphin Triton PS Automatic Pool Cleaner

Key Features:

Powered by Dolphins PowerStream technology, this automatic pool cleaner offers excellent cleaning features. It strongly grips onto any vertical surfaces and pool walls for an intense and deep cleaning session. It makes sure that every single tile on your swimming pool is cleaned. With its top-loading filter basket, dirt, debris, and leaves are effectively trapped. There’s no need to remove the pool cleaner from the water to remove the filter.

It's also very energy efficient compared to other pool cleaners. It can clean a standard pool in just two hours, allowing you to have more time with your pool. With its week scheduler feature, you can set up this pool cleaner to clean every day, every other day, or on the 3rd day.

At just 16.5 pounds, It's also a very lightweight automatic pool cleaner. You can simply place it anywhere you want to start cleaning. All you need to do is push one button to power this unit, and it's ready for cleaning.

1. Zodiac Baracuda G3 W0300

Key Features:

If you want a quiet yet powerful automatic pool cleaner, you simply have to get the Zodiac Baracuda G3 W0300. With the Zodiac Baracuda G3, there are no moving parts. All you have to do is connect the unit with your pool's circulation system and let it go. 

This is a versatile unit that works in all types of swimming pool lining including concrete, tile or vinyl. It also offers a quiet cleaning session.

The pool cleaner involves no moving parts, so you don't have to worry about spending money on maintenance or replacing components. For the most effective adhesion to your pool's lining, this unit offers a 36-point connection between itself and your pool. This reduces hangups on fittings, drains, and lights.

Thanks to its flow-regulating feature, the Zodiac Baracuda G3 W0300 will not decrease in performance even when the water pressure drops. This ensures you an optimum cleaning performance even when your pool's circulation pump performance drops. Moreover, the wheel deflector helps the unit to efficiently navigate around the pool. This unit also gets full points for its ease of use.

2. Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner

Key Features:

A great pool cleaner that can moves along the bottom and the sides of your pool to clean debris off the ground and into the filter system.

One of the best features of this unit is its cyclonic suction, which makes sure that your pool is as sparkly clean as possible. It not only amps up your vacuuming but also powers up the unit’s turbine blades. This makes the wall climbing process efficient and provides an excellent cleaning session.

The Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner also comes with swiveling hoses so you can connect it easily and quickly. We love the fact that the assembling process is very simple.

The automatic regulator also effectively monitors the speed at which the water starts to flow. Thanks to this, there’s no need for you to make adjustments at the skimmer. You don’t have to worry about overflowing water. It also comes with an ergonomically designed handle to grip easily so you can carry it wherever you want.

With the hi-tech navigation feature, the pool cleaner can easily clean every corner of your swimming pool. Cleaning waterline, floors, and walls are as easy as can be.

3. XtremePowerUS Suction Side Pool Cleaner: Best Automatic Above Ground Pool Cleaner

Key Features:

If you know about pool equipment brands a little, you might be familiar with the name XtremepowerUS. They've been making and developing state of the art pool accessories for a long time and they excel in making suction pool cleaners too.

XtremepowerUS 75037 is one of the best automatic suction pool cleaner. It's designed for cleaning pool bottom and walls. This unit connects to your pool's main filtration pump for sucking up debris, which is then transferred to the pump’s basket. 

Moving at a rate of 8-12 feet per minute, your cleaning session will surely be super-quick. Since it doesn't require any electricity to run, it’s very energy efficient. Thanks to the attractive and compact design, it'll seamlessly blend in with your pool surrounding.

Another impressive feature of this unit is that you can attach up to 30 hoses keeping you broad coverage of 30 feet. An ideal hose length is important as a lesser length will not work, and if it's too long, you can experience tangles. With this unit, you can modify the number of hoses attached to change the length according to your preferences.

Another advantage is that this automatic cleaner continuously keeps on moving even on the walls of the pool. Its one of the best automatic pool cleaner with efficient and quick cleaning sessions.

1. Polaris Vac-Sweep 360

Key Features:

The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 is undoubtedly one of the best pool cleaner available in the market. It's an excellent pool cleaner with unmatched vacuum power. No only that, this vacuum can effectively clean the all in-ground pool and doesn't need a separate booster pump to run. 

Moreover, it can clean your pool in a matter of hours, preventing you from wasting your energy cleaning the whole pool. Powered by three jets, this unit possesses sufficient pressure to spray down your pool's surface. It also features a wide opening for large debris and dirt like- leaves, acorns and pebbles etc.

It's very versatile and suitable for various pool coatings like vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete. Additionally, a huge leaf bag is also provided to minimize pressure on the pool's internal filter while picking up huge amounts of debris. This increases the durability of your filter and prevents damages to your pump.

As the unit moves around your pool, it also circulates water, and thanks to its internal jets, it can easily move up walls, stairs, or any other surface. 

It's available in black and white color options and comes with a 31 feet hose, which should be sufficient enough for most pools. If you require more length, the manufacturer also provides backup hoses. If you're a pool owner with trees in the yard, you should definitely buy this vacuum as it can effectively handle leaves, oaks etc.

2. Hayward AquaNaut 400

Key Features:

Available in 2 or 4 wheel drive, the Hayward AquaNaut 400 is excellent for large debris management. Thanks to the self-adjusting turbine vanes, this unit ensures maximum power at any flow. Thanks to its increased ability to flow, large debris is easily managed and ensures optimum cleaning.

It also possesses robust tire treads with increased obstacle maneuverability and climbing ability making it easy to reach the corners of your pool. It's suitable for various pool shapes and sizes.

This pressure pool cleaner also comes with various pre-programmed internal steering sequences, making it easy for the unit to easily change directions. This provides it with wide pool coverage and efficient cleaning sessions. Thanks to the three interchangeable throats, suction performance for large debris passage and lower flow can be optimized. This unit is compatible with various speed of pumps.

Due to its adjustable roller skirt, this unit maintains consistent pressure even on uneven surfaces. If there are obstacles on its way, the skirt adjusts by itself without using up much of the suction required for cleaning your pool.

3. Pentair LL505G Kreepy Krauly

Key Features:

If you want faster and more reliable automatic pool cleaners, the Pentair LL505G will certainly not let you down. Thanks to its design, this unit possesses a high level of stability, and you don't have to worry about the common problem of tipping that other cleaners face. 

This automatic pool cleaner offers an efficient and optimum cleaning experience by preventing interruptions and system imbalances. In our review of the pool cleaner, this unit is also one of the most lightweight.

Powered by a four-wheel drive, this unit can clean up your entire pool in a matter of hours. With it’s treaded traction tires, the Pentair LL505G has superior grip to effectively clean inclined surfaces without any loss in balance.

The Pentair LL505G also comes with a large capacity collection bag to collect and store unwanted particles of various sizes like leaves and twigs. The large throat intake compliments with the large collection bag for great cleaning experience. 

The cleaner also comes with a sweep hose at its back to thoroughly clean your pools hard to reach corners. Depending on the size of your pool, this automatic pool cleaner can finish off in 1-3 hours. This unit comes in white and grey color options.

Now that you know which automatic pool cleaners are at the top of the market, let's get to the buying guide. Pool cleaners come with various features, and it's important to know which type of pool cleaner you should get.

Typically, you will find three different types of automatic pool cleaners in the market. Lets discuss about them:

Robotic vs Pressure vs Suction Pool Cleaners: Which Type Is The Best?

1. Suction side Pool Cleaner:

They are not the most popular models, but many people still prefer to use them. Reputed brands like Pentair, Zodiac, and Hayward offer various suction side pool cleaners. These types of automatic pool cleaners utilize the suction produced by your main circulation pump to clean debris from the surface of your pool.

Pros:

• Since these cleaners sit very close to the surface, they can clean very effectively.

• The parts are also inexpensive, and these cleaners are easy to repair.

• They don’t require any additional equipment as they run off your main circulation pump

Cons:

• Suction side pool cleaners require a huge amount of suction to work

• For suction cleaners, your pool needs a dedicated line

Who Is It For?

If you don’t fancy a lot of features and want an affordable yet effective cleaner, suction side pool cleaners will work for you.

2. Pressure Side Pool Cleaner:

Pressure side pool cleaners come in two types: One runs off from your main circulation pump, and the other requires a booster pump. Brands like Hayward, Pentair, and Polaris offer various types of pressure-side pool cleaners.

Pros:

• Parts are easily available

• Cleaner parts are affordable when it comes to repairs.

• Many manufacturers offer extended warranties and large rebates

• In comparison to a robotic cleaner, a pressure side cleaner is less expensive

Cons:

• Most require a separate booster pump

• They don’t climb way up the walls and doesn’t get the tile line

Who Is It For?

If you get the low flow or large debris from your main filter pump, a pressure side pool cleaner can be the right choice for you.

3. Robotic Pool Cleaner:

Robotic pool cleaners are expensive, but they come with various features that make your cleaning sessions easier and more convenient. They don't need your pool system to work, and most come with in-built brushes, and they're capable of climbing walls and cleaning the tile lines.

Pros:

• Doesn’t require pressure or suction from your pool system

• Effective in cleaning tiles, walls, and floors

• They can function as long as your house has power. They don’t need your pool system to function

• Can help you save money on energy cost

• Comes with advanced navigation and dirt sensor

• Most models come with brushes. This ensures that the unit scrubs and not juts vacuums for a deep cleaning experience

Cons:

• Many models can be expensive

• Repairing can also be costly

Who Is It For?

If cleaning and convenience are important for you, and you don't mind the hefty price tag, a robotic pool cleaner will be the best bet.

Now that you're aware of the different types of pool cleaners, its also important to know that there are certain features you must consider when purchasing your unit. While making our list, these features were taken into the utmost consideration.

1. Adjustable And Efficient

You have to make sure that your pool cleaner can effectively adjust to your pools size and shape by adjusting incoming water pressure and hose buoyancy. If they aren’t able to do so, the cleaning will not be optimal.

2. Hose Length

Hose length is also another important feature. Make sure that the hose length is long enough to reach the far corners of your pool for effective cleaning sessions. Especially if you have large pools, hose length is crucial. 

3. Step And Wall Climbing Abilities

For an effective cleaning session, your automatic pool cleaner should also be able to climb the walls and steps of your pool. Many of the models on our list are capable of doing that.

4. Scrubbing Brushes

If you want an effective cleaning session, it’s essential that your unit comes with brushes or scrubbers. Many reputed brands like the ones mentioned above have in-built scrubbers and brushes. With these features, your pool cleaner will not just vacuum but eliminate debris and grime by scrubbing your pool floors and walls.

5. User-Friendly

It also comes down to how many features you want. If the pool cleaner has a lot of features and buttons, it might be difficult to use. If you're not so good with technology, you should opt for a simpler pool cleaner with fewer buttons and switches.

6. Budget

In the end, your budget is also a critical factor. However, just cause its affordable doesn't mean it'll be less efficient with cleaning. You can get effective automatic pool cleaners in various budgets. However, you'll have to sacrifice some features for the affordable price tag.

Final Verdict:

This sums up our best automatic pool cleaner list and buying guide. It all comes down to your preference and what you want to get out of it. The above-mentioned units are all excellent. However, remember that not a single automatic pool cleaner will have all the features. 

In our pool sweeper review, the overall winner is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. It has various smart cleaning features, cleans effectively, and comes in an adorable price tag. You simply can't go wrong with this unit. The rest of the products are also wonderful choices, and you won't be disappointed.

A Quick Note: If you're looking for an above ground swimming pool cleaner- then check out our details buying guide here.