Having a pool isn't enough; you need to ensure that it is properly cleaned and maintained regularly.
The sweltering heat in Texas always made me crave cool places and enjoy being near water bodies. Unfortunately, my husband and I were quite occupied because of work and couldn't take time out to visit beaches and water parks. So, recently, we decided to purchase a small pool in our yard.
However, over time, we realized that it required regular cleaning and maintenance. We kept finding dead leaves and twigs in the pool and found it challenging to clean regularly. That is when we decided to look for the best pool vacuum to ease our worries.
Hi! I'm Stacy, and today, I will be talking about the best above ground pool vacuum you can get for your home pool. Furthermore, I have attached a short buyer's guide to help you choose the right one.
Take a look!
Top 5 Pool Vacuum Reviews
1. POOLWHALE Portable Pool Vacuum
During my search for the best pool vacuum for our above-ground pool, I came across the POOLWHALE Portable Pool Vacuum. This mini jet vacuum features a simple design that is easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning. Here are my findings of the product after using it for a couple of weeks.
Product Highlights
Initially, we were looking for a compact pool vacuum that would assist us with the regular cleaning and upkeep of our pool. The jet vacuum from POOLWHALE fit the bill perfectly for several reasons.
For starters, this pool vacuum can be attached easily to any standard garden hose, which makes things very convenient for most users. It is very easy to assemble and requires no complex instruction manuals. Furthermore, disassembling it is also a breeze, making it easy to clean after a couple of uses.
The product features a suction technology that efficiently traps debris and dirt and collects it into a nylon mesh bag. Not just that, it doesn't come with a filter or pump - which some users may find convenient and hassle-free.
Lastly, it comes with a 5-section 48" pole which can be adjusted according to your requirements. It enables you to reach every nook and cranny of your pool effortlessly.
What's There To Like About It?
One of the best things about this pool vacuum is its compact size and ease of use. Since it was our first time having an above-ground pool, we were wary of purchasing a product that was too complex for daily use. Fortunately, this one matches all our needs effortlessly.
I also loved the integrated wheels at the bottom of the brush head, enabling it to slide easily throughout the pool. It saves me the constant struggle of pushing the vacuum through the pool, making it very convenient to use.
What's There Not To Like About It?
All said and done, this pool vacuum is ideal for smaller pools but may be inadequate for larger ones. However, its compact size and price tag make it a highly attractive model for most users with small pools in their homes.
If you have a large-sized pool and are looking for a more powerful vacuum, I suggest taking a look at the other options.
Pros and Cons of POOLWHALE Portable Pool Vacuum
Pros
Cons
- Pool spa pond mini jet vac vacuum cleaner, No electric power needed, Use water pressure from garden hose to vacuum
- It produces suction to collect stains, leaves and stones from the bottom of the pool. Ideal for frame aboveground/Inflatable pool, spa, hot tub, pond, fountain vacuuming
- Deluxe complete underwater vacuum cleaner with 6 sections pole of 56.5" and brushes
2. Intex 28620EP Handheld Pool Vacuum
Moving on to the next product, I want to introduce you to the Handheld Pool Vacuum from Intex. This mini vacuum is perfect for most above-ground pools and is super easy to use. Interested to know more about it? Read on to find out.
Product Highlights
This handheld unit from Intex comes packed with fantastic features that make it an affordable and convenient solution to all your pool cleaning problems. It comes with rechargeable batteries and a USB cable that allow you to charge and use it at your convenience.
Furthermore, it features an IPX8 switch that is entirely waterproof and can withstand being submerged under water for extended periods. You will also appreciate the automatic shutoff feature that saves battery and power wastage when the vacuum is not under water.
Moving on, the manufacturer includes two interchangeable brush heads with the product, giving you flexibility with pool cleaning. It also includes a telescopic handle that enables you to reach the corners and edges of your above-ground pool with ease.
As such, the rechargeable battery takes about 50 minutes to charge, so ensure that you keep it charged beforehand.
What's There To Like About It?
I was looking for something lightweight, convenient, and versatile for my above-ground pool. This handheld pool vacuum is excellent for trapping debris and dirt from the pool floor. Moreover, the included 94-inch telescopic handle enables me to vacuum the edges and corners of the pool without stretching or straining my arms and back.
I also love the interchangeable brush heads that the manufacturer includes. As such, I use one of them for regular cleaning and the other one for deep cleaning once a week.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Overall, this handheld pool vacuum is excellent for most above-ground pools. However, I noticed that the manufacturer did not include a plug with the USB cable, so I had to go out and purchase one separately.
This might slightly inconvenience some users; however, it is not a deal-breaker, in my honest opinion.
Pros and Cons of Intex 28620EP Handheld Pool Vacuum
Pros
Cons
- Cordless Pool Vacuum – 28620EP compact cordless hand held vacuum is lightweight and user-friendly, making it easy to incorporate into your spa or pool maintenance routine.
- Quick Clean-Up – Allows you to quickly and easily vacuum dirt and debris from the water, great for small jobs like touch-ups. Suitable for all PureSpas and pools up to 18 ft in diameter.
- Functional Design– Adjustable 94-inch telescoping aluminum shaft with two interchangeable brush heads; adapter allows you to connect the vacuum to fit other INTEX telescoping poles.
3. Poolmaster 28300 Pool Vacuum
The next product I want to introduce to you is the Poolmaster 28300 Pool Vacuum. This product caught my eye because of its unique design and its ability to trap leaves efficiently. I decided to test it on my above-ground pool. Here are my findings of the product.
Product Highlights
Most people place their above-ground pools in the yard - which is an excellent place to cool off and enjoy the hot summers. However, this location inevitably leads to unwanted leaves, twigs, and other debris collecting in the pool water. Cleaning this regularly can become a source of discomfort and annoyance for many pool owners.
Fortunately, the pool vacuum from Poolmaster is designed to trap both small and large leaves and debris, making pool cleaning and maintenance easy and fun. This product features a large 15-inch vacuum that efficiently traps most dead leaves, twigs, and debris from the pool water.
Furthermore, it can be attached with any standard garden hose and any 1-¼th-inch pool pole. Although you’ll need to purchase these items separately, it is pretty convenient for most users as they may already have them in their gardens.
Lastly, its included reusable leaf bag is easy to clean and maintain over time. The manufacturer also provides an instruction manual detailing its easy assembly.
What's There To Like About It?
I love the feature of 8 nozzles located at the bottom of the vacuum that efficiently suck and trap most debris and leaves into the leaf bag. Cleaning the leaf bag is relatively easy and not much of a hassle. Furthermore, I appreciate the detailed instruction manual and videos provided by the manufacturer to help customers understand the workings of this product better.
The pool vacuum also has four in-built multi-directional wheels that enable it to glide effortlessly through the pool floor.
What's There Not To Like About It?
All in all, this pool vacuum is excellent for collecting large debris and leaves. However, you must ensure that the vacuum head is flat on the pool floor; otherwise, it tends to shoot the debris out of the sides instead of collecting it.
Pros and Cons of Poolmaster 28300 Pool Vacuum
Pros
Cons
- Large pool vacuum is specifically designed for removing big loads of leaves, dirt and debris from inground and above ground pools
- Pool vacuum head features 8 high-pressure water jets that create powerful suction and help suck leaves into included mesh bag when pool cleaning
- The 4 multi-direction rotating wheels on this vacuum for swimming pools aid in smooth maneuvering along pool floor while loosening and removing leaves, dirt and debris
4. Hydrotools Above Ground Pool Vacuum
The next product I want to introduce to you is the above-ground pool vacuum from Hydrotools. This lightweight pool vacuum is ideal for most above-ground and kiddie pools. Want to find out how it performs? Then read on!
Product Highlights
This pool vacuum from Hydrotools uses a unique Venturi vacuuming method which is more effective than regular vacuums. It enables the vacuum to easily trap leaves, twigs, and debris from the pool floor without the need for frequent checking or emptying of the debris collection bag.
Moving on, the manufacturer includes a 5-piece pole that makes it easier for you to reach the corners and edges of the pool floor. This ensures that your pool is thoroughly deep cleaned each time - effortlessly.
Alternatively, you can choose to attach the pool vacuum to a standard swimming pool pole in case you don't want to use the included pole. As such, this pool vacuum is powerful enough to suck up most of the debris on your pool floor and trap it in the adequately-sized debris collection bag.
This bag can be reused after emptying, eliminating the need to buy them frequently for replacement.
What's There To Like About It?
One of the best aspects of this above-ground pool vacuum is its lightweight form factor and ease of use. I love that this product did not have a complex setup process and was ready to use from the start.
Furthermore, I was really surprised at how well it collected most large and small debris from the pool floor without much assistance from my end.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Although assembling this product was reasonably straightforward, I noticed a lack of clear instructions from the manufacturer in the included user's manual. Since I was acquainted with the pool vacuum setup process, I didn't face much trouble; however, other users may find the lack of clear instructions to be a slight drawback.
Pros and Cons of Hydrotools Above Ground Pool Vacuum
Pros
Cons
- {EASY CLEANING}: Say goodbye to messy pools and spas – this vacuum quickly removes dirt, leaves, and debris using powerful Venturi suction. No batteries or pumps required, making pool cleaning simple, efficient, and hassle-free!
- {GARDEN HOSE POWERED}: Connects to any standard garden hose to create powerful Venturi suction, eliminating the need for batteries, cords, or other complicated equipment—making pool maintenance easier and more efficient for your whole crew!
- {COMPACT DESIGN}: Small and lightweight for easy handling, this vacuum reaches tight corners, stairs, and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a thorough, spotless clean. Perfect for quick, effortless cleaning anytime, anywhere!
5. Zepluxe Handheld Pool Vacuum
The next item I want to discuss in this guide is the Zepluxe Handheld Pool Vacuum. As the name tells you, this product is a compact, handheld device that works excellently for small or above-ground pools. Find out more about this product below if you’re looking for a portable handheld solution to pool cleaning.
Product Highlights
Regular cleaning of an above-ground pool can take a toll on you. However, having a compact, handheld device that deep cleans the pool floor without much hassle is something you should consider purchasing.
Take a look at the Zepluxe Handheld Pool Vacuum. This product has easy assembly and is highly user-friendly. Furthermore, it features a unique jet technology that deep cleans and efficiently removes dirt, grime, leaves, and other debris from the pool floor.
The best part is, this pool vacuum doesn't require a pump to function. The versatile handheld device can be attached to any standard garden hose and used conveniently to clean small and large debris from the pool floor.
Lastly, its excellent chlorine dispenser feature effectively cleans and kills germs and bacteria from the pool water, giving you a safe, hygienic environment to enjoy. You can relax and lounge in the above-ground pool with friends and family without worrying about infections or contamination.
What's There To Like About It?
I love the addition of the double-layered filtration bag that filters all the large and small debris effectively from my pool. Not just that, the chlorine dispenser feature is something that I hadn't found in many other products on the market. As such, it worked excellently to clean and sanitize my above-ground pool without much effort on my end.
Furthermore, the inclusion of the telescopic pole makes it much easier to reach the corners and edges of the pool without getting my hands wet.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Overall, this handheld pool vacuum is ideal for most above-ground pools. However, I noticed that the handle kept popping off every once in a while, which could be slightly annoying. Fixing this issue was easy, though - duct tape the handle to the vacuum, and the problem is resolved instantly!
Pros and Cons of Zepluxe Handheld Pool Vacuum
Pros
Cons
Buyers Guide
Now that we have explored some of the best pool vacuum options, it's time to move on to the next section of my guide. Here, I will be telling you about some of the vital factors I considered when looking for the most suitable product for my above-ground pool.
Take a look!
1. Weight And Size
Assuming most users are looking for a pool vacuum for their above-ground pools, finding a lightweight and compact one is essential. While some people might think that larger pool vacuums clean better, this isn't necessarily true.
A lightweight pool vacuum is easier to navigate - a factor that was quite important since I frequently suffer from back spasms and pains. The size of the product was also of vital consideration. Depending on the size of your above-ground pool, you can choose the right sized pool vacuum for optimal cleaning.
2. Hose And Pole Length
The next crucial factor to consider is the length of the hose and the included pole. While every manufacturer does not include a telescopic pole with its pool vacuum, I prefer the ones that do, since it makes the cleaning job more convenient.
Of course, it is essential to consider the length of the hose and the pool for optimal convenience. I recommend measuring your pool diameter beforehand, so you have a better idea about the most suitable product to purchase.
3. Budget
Moving on to the next important factor to consider - budget. As such, I always make it a point to have a preset budget that I can stick to. This helps me keep track of all my expenses and also prevents unnecessary expenditure.
You may notice that I have added a couple of products to my list within a wide price range. Depending on your budget, you can explore the options to find the right one for the home pool.
I should also mention that a highly-priced product doesn't mean that it functions better than other low-budget products. It is essential to check the features and customers' reviews of each product before picking the best one for your requirements.
4. Manufacturer's Warranty
If you want to purchase a pool vacuum that will last for years to come, take a look at the manufacturer's warranty. The longer the warranty, the more faith the company has in its products. So, if you are on the lookout for a durable pool vacuum that won't break down within the first few uses, consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer.
Not just that, a good warranty will also protect you against defects or malfunctioning of the product. In case the warranty information is not mentioned on the website, ensure that you speak to a customer service representative to find out more about it.
5. Features
Next up, ensure that you check out the features of the product before narrowing down on the best choices. You will find several excellent features offered by various pool vacuum brands on the market. However, consider whether all the features will be useful to you or not before purchasing.
It can be easy to be tempted by fancy-sounding features and big claims offered by brands. It is even more tempting if the manufacturer prices its products competitively.
That said, take a moment to consider whether you will require all the features for your above-ground pool. If not, you can always opt for a simpler product with fewer features - but something that is functional for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we have discussed some of the most important factors to consider before buying a pool vacuum, it's time to move onto the next section.
In this section, I will be answering some of the most commonly asked questions that customers have about pool vacuums. Hopefully, this should answer most of your queries and help you purchase the right product.
Typically, the duration you should run a pool vacuum depends on the size of your pool and how clean (or dirty) it is. It should take about 2 hours to clean a small-sized above-ground pool. However, larger pools could take about 6 hours to clean entirely, so make sure you have ample time on hand before starting on the chore.
As long as you properly care for and maintain a pool vacuum, you can expect it to last for about 5 to 7 years.
Without proper cleaning, care, and maintenance, you could see a lot of issues cropping up with your above-ground pool. The collection of leaves, twigs, debris and the growth of algae, bacteria, germs, and other contaminants is a common occurrence that can be prevented with regular pool cleaning.
My Final Recommendation
We have finally reached the end of my comprehensive guide.
I hope this helps you find the right product for your home pool. Before I sign off, I want to take a moment to talk about some of my findings.
Overall, the POOLWHALE Portable Pool Vacuum is an excellent product that effectively cleans above-ground pools without interference from the owner. That said, you can also consider the Intex 28620EP Handheld Pool Vacuum. This handheld pool vacuum comes with a telescopic handle which makes cleaning the edges and corners a breeze.
Let me know if you agree with my verdict. Until then, take care!