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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Pool Vacuums

Manual vacuuming is miserable—robotic cleaners do it for you. We compared pool vacuums from manual to robotic, finding what cleans without the effort.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Dolphin

Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

Drop it in, walk away, come back to a clean pool. The Dolphin Nautilus is the robotic vacuum that changed pool ownership. It scrubs floors and walls, filters debris, and never complains. Worth every penny.

Pool Size

Up to 50 ft

Cycle Time

2 hours

Filter

Top-loading

Surfaces

Floor, walls, waterline

Pros

✓ Fully automatic—drop and go
✓ Climbs walls
✓ Built-in filtration

Cons

✗ High upfront cost
✗ Cord tangles sometimes
✗ Only in-ground pools

$899

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner Best Dolphin	4.6	$899	View
F9550 Sport Robotic Cleaner Polaris	4.7	$1,299	View
PoolVergnuegen Automatic Suction Cleaner Value Hayward	4.3	$399	View
MX6 Automatic Suction Side Cleaner Zodiac	4.4	$349	View
Auto Pool Cleaner for Above Ground Intex	4.1	$79	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Dolphin

Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

Pool Size

Up to 50 ft

Cycle Time

2 hours

Filter

Top-loading

Surfaces

Floor, walls, waterline

Pros

✓ Fully automatic—drop and go
✓ Climbs walls
✓ Built-in filtration

Cons

✗ High upfront cost
✗ Cord tangles sometimes
✗ Only in-ground pools

$899

View on Amazon

Premium Pick

Polaris

F9550 Sport Robotic Cleaner

4.7 (4,567 reviews)

The sports car of pool cleaners. Four-wheel drive conquers any surface, the easy-lift system means no straining your back, and the app lets you start cleaning from the couch. Pool tech at its finest.

Pool Size

Any

Cycle Time

3 hours

Control

App + remote

Traction

4WD

Pros

✓ 4WD traction
✓ Easy lift system
✓ App control

Cons

✗ Premium price
✗ App connectivity issues reported
✗ Heavy unit

$1,299

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Best Value

Hayward

PoolVergnuegen Automatic Suction Cleaner

4.3 (8,765 reviews)

The clever suction cleaner that adapts to any flow rate. Those unique tires grip any surface while the self-adjusting turbine handles variable pump speeds. Does the job without needing its own power source.

Type

Suction-side

Pool Size

Up to 16x32 ft

Surfaces

Floor

Power

Uses pool pump

Pros

✓ Self-adjusting turbine
✓ Works with existing pump
✓ Unique tire design

Cons

✗ Floor only—no walls
✗ Debris goes to pump basket
✗ Slower than robotic

$399

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Zodiac

MX6 Automatic Suction Side Cleaner

4.4 (5,678 reviews)

Suction-side cleaning that actually climbs walls. The X-Drive navigation covers more pool with less repetition. Finally, a suction cleaner that doesn't just endlessly bump around the same spot.

Type

Suction-side

Surfaces

Floor and walls

Navigation

X-Drive

Pool Size

Medium to large

Pros

✓ Climbs walls
✓ X-Drive navigation
✓ Easy debris removal

Cons

✗ Suction-dependent
✗ Hose can tangle
✗ Needs good pump flow

$349

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Budget Pick

Intex

Auto Pool Cleaner for Above Ground

4.1 (15,678 reviews)

Automatic cleaning for your above-ground pool at an unbeatable price. Connect to your pump outlet, drop it in, and it wanders around sucking up debris. Not fancy, but functional—and under $100.

Type

Automatic

Pool Size

12-18' above ground

Connection

Venturi to hose

Power

Pool pump

Pros

✓ Under $100
✓ Works with Intex pumps
✓ Simple setup

Cons

✗ Small pools only
✗ Manual guidance helps
✗ Basic cleaning

$79

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Pool Vacuums

How to Choose a Pool Vacuum

Pool vacuums range from $50 manual options to $1,500 robotic marvels. The right choice depends on your pool size, budget, and how much you hate cleaning. Here's how to match your vacuum to your lifestyle.

Vacuum Types

Manual Vacuums
Vacuum head on a pole connected to your skimmer. You push it around like vacuuming your house—except underwater. Cheapest option, most work required.
Best for: Small pools, tight budgets, people who don't mind the exercise

Suction-Side Automatic
Connects to your skimmer or dedicated suction line. Your pool pump powers the movement. Debris goes into your pump basket and filter.
- Best for: Mid-size pools, moderate budgets, those wanting automation without high cost

Pressure-Side Automatic
Uses water pressure (often requiring a booster pump) to move around and collect debris in an onboard bag.
- Best for: Large pools with lots of debris, those wanting debris kept out of the filter system

Robotic
Self-contained electric cleaners with their own motor, filter, and navigation. Drop in, plug in, walk away.
- Best for: Anyone who values their time, larger pools, those wanting the best clean

### Investment vs. Time

Manual vacuum: $50-100, hours of your time every week.
Suction cleaner: $200-500, mostly automatic with occasional intervention.
Robotic cleaner: $600-1,500+, truly hands-off cleaning.

Calculate your hourly value. If a robotic cleaner saves 3 hours monthly and lasts 5 years, the math often favors the upgrade.

### Pool Shape Considerations

Simple rectangles: Any vacuum works fine.
Complex shapes, stairs, beach entries: Robotic cleaners navigate these best.
Above-ground pools: Many cleaners are specifically designed (or not designed) for these—check compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Vacuums

How often should I vacuum my pool?

With manual vacuuming, once weekly is typical. Automatic cleaners often run daily or every other day on timers. The answer depends on debris load—pools near trees or in dusty areas need more frequent attention. Better to vacuum often and quick than rarely and long.

Robotic or suction cleaner—which is better?

Robotic cleaners clean better, filter independently, and require zero effort. Suction cleaners cost less and use existing equipment. If budget isn't the constraint, robotic wins. If you're cost-conscious and your pool gets light debris, suction cleaners work fine.

Why does my pool vacuum lose suction?

Check in order: pump basket (clogged?), skimmer basket (clogged?), vacuum hose (air leaks?), filter (needs cleaning?). Suction-side vacuums depend entirely on your pump system—any restriction in the flow chain affects vacuum performance.

Can I leave a robotic pool cleaner in the pool?

Not recommended. UV exposure, chemical exposure, and continuous submersion degrade components faster. Most manufacturers recommend removing robotic cleaners after each cycle. Store indoors or in shade. Leaving it in won't harm it short-term, but reduces lifespan long-term.

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