Best Pool Vacuum For Dirt And Algae: Unbiased Reviews!

Although with so many choices on the market, it can be overwhelming. There is a lot to consider if your pool is prone to algae and dirt.

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I have collated some of the most efficient pool cleaners in this review. This will help you chose the right product for your circumstances, so you can spend less time on your pool’s maintenance.

1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus: Best Robotic Pool Cleaner For Algae

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is on the cutting edge of pool cleaners. It combines the latest technology with a great work ethic. You will be surprised how quick and easy the setup is, just simply plug it into the power. With the press of a button, the Dolphin Nautilus CC will spring into action.

The automatic scheduling means that you can set the robotic cleaner to operate according to your needs. Set the Dolphin Nautilus to run a cleaning cycle every day, every second day, or every third day.

The dynamic and powerful scrubbing brushes make light work of stubborn dirt and built up algae.The CleverClean technology ensures every inch of your pool is cleaned. You can expect great results within just a couple of hours.

Maintaining the Dolphin Nautilus is easy, and makes cleaning your pool a breeze. The top-loading cartridge will capture fine dirt, debris and algae spores. You can buy with confidence knowing that this model is backed by a decent warranty period.

I would recommend the Dolphin Nautilus to those who have a pool up to 33 feet. It really is a remarkable pool vacuum for algae and dirt, easy to use and incredibly effective. The anti swivel cord and automatic scheduling means that you can really leave the Dolphin to do what it’s designed to do. You can put your feet up while the Dolphin Nautilus CC works tirelessly to give you great results.

2. Hayward 925ADC Navigator Pro: Best Pool Vacuum For Fine Dirt

One of the standout features of the Hayward 952ADC Navigator Pro is its Smart Drive Technology. Whereas most suction cleaners roam your pool in a random pattern, this pool cleaner actually has a plan. This ensures that every square inch of your pool is meticulously cleaned.

The programmed steering also ensures that the vacuum cleaner stays clear of its own hos
e; meaning fewer tangles and minimal intervention.

In addition to the SmartDrive technology, this Hayward model has vacuum “wings.” These wings skirt along the pool surfaces, dislodging and collecting stubborn dirt and built up algae. Despite the additional moving parts and the effective cleaning, this Hayward model is very quiet. It will complete a cleaning cycle in approx. 3-4 hours.

Set up is a breeze with the Hayward 952ADC Navigator Pro Suction. The instructions are clear and user-friendly. This suction pool cleaner connects to your pool’s existing filtration system. You will not need to use or purchase a spate booster pump.

I would recommend the Hayward 952ADC Navigator Pro for those pool owners who leave it a little too long between cleans. The rubber skirt design will make light work of dirt or algae that has settled on the steps, walls and pool floor. It will also suit those whose pool is located close to the house or entertaining areas. It really is whisper quiet and you’ll barely notice that it’s in operation.

3. Water Tech Pool Blaster Max: Best Budget

The Water Tech Pool Blaster MAX LI can be wall mounted for easy storage. I like the “grab and go” aspect of this model. It would be great for spot cleaning before guests arrive, and I could also see it being fantastic for smaller pools and spas.

The Water Tech Pool Blaster has a high capacity filter capable of holding all types of fine dust and debris. The large 10.5” suction head draws in fine dirt and algae leaving your pool crystal clear.

For a battery-operated unit, I was surprised at the level of suction. Powerful lithium batteries ensure great suction that will result in a good, deep clean. However, there are no scrubbers, rollers or additional brushes to assist with stubborn dirt and algae.

If you think this model is right for you, I would suggest keeping on top of your pool maintenance. I don’t think it would be very effective on algae that have been left to build up, although it works really well for fine dust and debris of your pool.

I was not able to find information on recharging times, so it’s unclear how long you’ll need to wait once the unit it flat; although this will not be an issue if the unit is plugged in after each use.

I would recommend this pool cleaner to owners who enjoy being involved in the pool maintenance process. I would also suggest the Water Tech Pool Blaster MAX LI for small plunge pools and spas.

4. Polaris F9450: Best Robotic Pool Cleaner For Fine Dust

Straight out of the box, the Polaris F9450 looks ready for business. Being a robotic pool cleaner, you only need to connect it to external power and it is ready to go.

Despite the Polaris F9450 being quite heavy, it does come with a transport caddy to help you move the unit about when not in use.

Furthermore, if weight is a concern for you, the Polaris F9450 features Easy Lift Technology to bring the unit to the surface when you want to store it away. Keep in mind that pool owners will still need to lift it out of the water and onto the transport caddy.

That aside, how effective is it on dirt and algae? In a word, it is pretty brilliant. The pleated brush is effective in removing dirt and stubborn dead algae from pool walls and floor. The suction intake is wide and able to suck in larger debris as well as fine dust and spores. These cleaning abilities makes it the best pool cleaner for fine dust and dead algae.

This model performs really well on slippery tile surfaces. The pleated brush makes light work of the scum that can sometimes build up along the tile line.

I would recommend this robotic pool cleaner for those that have pools with curved designs and complicated steps and gradients. The Aqua Trac wheel design is capable of navigating tricky surfaces and has great traction. The 4WD wheels easily roll over curves and walls.

5. Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner

The Polaris 360 is a pressure side pool cleaner. I really like the clear/translucent housing. This visibility is great for detecting clogs, and it’s also UV resistant. The tires have a superior grip, which would be an asset for tiled pool surfaces and steps.

The “tail” of the Polaris 360 effectively sweeps and scrubs dirt and algae, lifting it from pool surfaces. The unit itself is powered by 3 vacuum jets, allowing it to complete a cleaning cycle in approx. 2-3 hours depending on your pool size. The powerful debris intake traps up to 80% of the debris in the large filter bag. Remaining debris will be trapped in your pool filtration system.

The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 will use your pool’s filtration to power the unit. This pressure side cleaner will also require a booster pump. Unless you already have a booster pump, this would need to be purchased separately.

I would recommend this cleaner to those pools that have tight corners and a rigid square design. The in-line back-up valve operates every 3.5 mins and allows the Polaris 360 to free itself if it becomes stuck or cornered.

For debris and algae, the Polaris 360 will do the job; but I believe this model to be better suited to those pool owners who have issues with large debris like twigs and leaves. The large filter bag would be a great asset for people whose pool is nestled amongst vegetation and leafy gardens.

6. Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner

A standard innovation for the Zodiac MX6 is the inclusion of a turbine. This spins at a rapid rate creating powerful suction. This is particularly evident in the way it climbs walls with ease, with no trouble or slipping.

In addition to the cyclonic suction, the wheels of the Zodiac MX6 are rubber coated providing additional traction. This means that the MX6 is incredibly stable and will not tip or fall regardless of the pool terrain.

Like all suction cleaning robot, the real value here is that they do the work for you. Setup is plug-and-play, no hoses, no backwashing, and no wear and tear on your pool’s filtration system. The bi-directional navigation means that every inch of your pool will be covered, even the tile line.

The MX6 is completely programmable. You can set the unit to clean on a regular schedule, meaning you can always come home to crystal clear water and sparkling clean surfaces.

I would recommend this cleaner for pool owners that have a variable pump speed, or low-flow pumps. The twist locking hose is really easy to attach. It is secure and prevents loss of suction. The Zodiac MX6 is effective on dirt and algae, however, it doesn’t have any additional scrubbers or brushes.

If algae and stubborn dirt
are a common complaint about your pool, I’d suggest looking for a robotic pool cleaner with additional cleaning tools.

7. XtremepowerUS Automatic Suction Vacuum: Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum For Algae

If you like the basic models of suction cleaners, this could be the model for you. There is nothing complicated about this unit. It is a standard suction cleaner that connects to your pool’s existing pump and filtration system. It’s one of the best above ground pool vacuum for algae available in the market.

I really like how the hose is supplied in this model. Rather than one long hose, the XtremepowerUS hose comes in sections so you can customize the length.

The pleated base plate effectively cleans the walls and floor of your pool. It does remove dirt and algae, and suction is definitely adequate. However, the large rubber flange will have trouble getting into tight corners. This unit will not clean steps, so these will need to be brushed or cleaned manually using an alternate method.

I would recommend this suction cleaner to pool owners on a budget, and those who have time to spend on pool maintenance. The debris chamber on this model is quite small and may need to be cleaned out regularly.

I would also suggest that this pool cleaner would need to be watched and monitored throughout its cleaning cycle. Pool owners should be prepared to unclog the unit and reset it if it becomes stuck on ladders or steps.

Manual Pool Cleaners:

Manual vacuum cleaners for pools are exactly as the name suggests. None of their functionality is automated. Manual pool cleaners require pool owners to operate the vacuum to achieve a clean pool.

They will generally come with a pole, but if not, you may need to purchase one that is long enough for your pool size and depth.

This is a labor-intensive option for pool owners that are happy with a “hands-on” approach to pool maintenance. While you will need to put in some additional elbow grease with a manual pool cleaner, you will also be confident that you have covered every inch of your pool’s surfaces.

Robotic pool cleaners:

Robotic pool cleaners are generally fully automated and require little intervention from the pool owner. You will just need to empty their filter bags when they get full.

Robotic pool vacuums are the best option for those who consider pool maintenance a chore. If you like a “set and forget” option when it comes to pool cleaning, this will be your best bet.

Some models even come with additional scrubbers and rollers that help to dislodge stubborn dirt and algae.

You will need to have external power to run a robotic pool cleaner, however, it runs independently from your other pool equipment. You will not need to backwash or connect hoses to your pool filtration system. This eliminates additional wear and tear on your pool’s equipment.

The only real intervention and maintenance that robotic cleaners require is the occasional emptying of the external filter bag. You will also need to clean the filters from time to time.

Suction pool cleaners:

Suction Pool cleaners are probably the most recognizable types of pool cleaners on the market. They are identifiable as they usually have a large rubber flange that adheres to pool surfaces. They suck dirt and debris through your existing pool filter before returning clean water back to your pool.

Once set up and connected they are capable of navigating around your pool, but can often get stuck on steps and tight curves.

Suction pool cleaners are generally the most cost-effective vacuum option. However, they do have some downsides. Moving parts often need to be replaced, and the nature of their “random navigation” often means that areas are missed and left unclean.

Pressure Side pool cleaners:

Pressure Side cleaners often require a separate booster pump to run effectively. They’re popular for all pool surfaces. If your pool is already plumbed with a booster pump, it might be a good option for your pool.

If you don’t have the provisions for a booster pump, this will need to be purchased separately and installed correctly for your pressure-side pool vacuum to work effectively.

Most pool owners know that algae in a swimming pool can signify poor pool health. But did you know that swimming in a pool that has algae is incredibly dangerous for your health?

Keeping your pool dirt and algae-free is essential for the well-being of you and your family. What makes algae so dangerous?

• It’s a dangerous hazard. Algae is slippery and it can cause swimmers to lose their footing and become unsteady. While this could just result in a light fall or a bruise, slipping and falling can be more dangerous. Falling or slipping in a pool can potentially result in trauma to the head, and in instances when the victim becomes unconscious, it could lead to drowning. Keeping your pool free from algae with the right pool cleaner can eliminate these risks.

• Algae can be rife with bacteria that can cause itchy rashes and other skin issues. People with delicate skin can be particularly sensitive to these bacteria. These rashes and skin irritations can result in the need for medical attention.

•  If you or a family member accidentally ingest pool water that is contaminated with algae, it can cause fever and diarrhea. This can be particularly dangerous for small children and the elderly. Fever and ongoing diarrhea can cause dehydration and require medical intervention.

Watch the following video to learn the step by step process of removing algae from your pool water.

Video Credit: Swim University

• If purchasing a suction or pressure-side cleaner, you need to check that your pool pump, filtration system and other equipment are compatible.

• Consider the size of your pool and the capacity before researching pool cleaners. This will have a big effect on the right model for you. You will also need to ensure that you have the required hose length to reach the far corners and depths of your pool.

• Check the filtration effectiveness. Some pool cleaners for dirt can filter minuscule dust and spores, while others will let these microscopic flecks through.

• When purchasing a best pool vacuum for algae and dirt, consider the presence of special brush attachment, scrubbers and filter. These attachment will help you to effectively remove fine dust, dirt and algae of your swimming pool.

Final Verdict:

For the top notch performance and best result, I would suggest the Dolphin Nautilus CC to anyone that would listen. The rotating scrubbers have superior cleaning capabilities when it comes to ridding your pool of dirt and algae. This unit is an all-inclusive cleaning powerhouse that will give you unbelievable results.

Not only that, but it will work independently of your pool equipment. The set-and-forget nature of the Dolphin Nautilus CC takes the stress out of your pool cleaning schedule and maintenance, and that’s why it’s the best pool vacuum for algae and dirt.

For budget conscious people, my recommendation is Water Tech Pool Blaster Max. This unit also a great pick for pool owners who prepare manual pool cleaning.