We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Patio Furniture & Outdoors The 11 Best Pool Cleaners of 2024, Tested in Backyards Across the U.S. Get sparkling clean results all year round By Alyssa Brascia Alyssa Brascia Alyssa Brascia is a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE with two years of experience in the digital media industry. Her expertise lies in the realm of fashion and beauty, where she covers the best products that your wardrobe and makeup vanity need like the best lip oils, boyfriend jeans, workout sets, ballet flats, and more. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 2, 2024 11:13AM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Add to Cart Others We Tried Behind the Scenes What to Know Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Anna knief Whether you're cleaning up post-winter debris or removing fall leaves from the surface, a pool cleaner is an essential device to keep your backyard oasis in tip-top shape for the following season. There are many pool cleaners on the market, from app-controlled robotic pool cleaners to standard brushes, so it’s up to you to decide which cleaner will be the most effective for your swimming pool. Over the past year, we tested 41 pool cleaners in all types of pools, from above- and in-ground to rectangular and kidney bean-shaped pools. These are the best pool cleaners PEOPLE tested this year. Our Top Picks Best Pool Cleaner Overall: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon $799 Jump to Review Best Budget Pool Cleaner: Poolwhale Pool & Spa Vacuum at Amazon $23 Jump to Review Best Pool Brush: SALE Lalapool Professional Pool Brush at Amazon $19 $10 Jump to Review Best Robotic Pool Cleaner: Aiper Scuba S1 Pool Cleaner at Amazon $700 Jump to Review Best Robotic Pool Cleaner (Cheaper): Aiper Seagull SE Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon $200 Jump to Review Best Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner: Polaris Freedom Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon $1,399 Jump to Review Best Corded Robotic Pool Cleaner: Polaris 7000 Robotic Pool Cleaner at Lesliespool.com Jump to Review Best Pressure Pool Cleaner: SALE Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner at Amazon $724 $599 Jump to Review Best Wall-Climbing Pool Cleaner: Hayward The PoolCleaner Suction Cleaner at Amazon $429 Jump to Review Best Robotic Pool Cleaner with App: Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner at Amazon $1,499 Jump to Review Best Pool Cleaner Overall Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $799 at Amazon $799 at Target $41 at Walmart Star Qualities Worked well on pool floors and walls Impressive tracking and grip abilities Easy to move in and out of the water Red Flags Expensive, but the perks are worth it Investing in equipment as nice as the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner is a game changer for pool upkeep. We tested it for months to ensure its quality, and it’s only gotten better with time. With its stellar vacuum suction, effortless portability, and easy-to-clean filters, it’s not hard to see why we fell in love with this robotic pool cleaner. One of the standout features of the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is excellent tracking, which made a huge difference in the cleanliness of our pools. Its advanced navigation technology allows the machine to map out the dimensions and angles of your pool’s floor and walls to pick up all debris scattered across the bottom. After months of testing, we noticed that it seemed to navigate areas of the pool even better than when it was first used, making it as intuitive as it is effective. Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 10 inches | Weight: 19 pounds | Pool Size: Up to 50 feet | Filter: Twin cartridges | Cleaning Time: 2 hours | Smart Features: None PHOTO: People / Matt Strelecki PHOTO: People / Matt Strelecki Best Budget Pool Cleaner Poolwhale Pool & Spa Vacuum PHOTO: Amazon $23 $21 at Amazon Star Qualities Surprisingly strong suction Large capacity for debris Easy to assemble Red Flags Hard to empty the debris bag If you’re of the mindset that the best cleaning jobs are accomplished by hand, then you’ll fall in love with the PoolWhale Pool Vacuum Jet. Attach the cleaner to a pole, connect your garden hose, and it’s ready to go. It includes a heavy-duty vacuum bag that sucks up every last stick and piece of debris on your pool’s floor — even specks we hadn’t noticed before cleaning. All this to say, we got a stellar clean for a smaller-sized pool with this affordable vacuum pool cleaner. We think it would be a tougher job to clean larger pools with this stick, as it has a smaller reach and you have to be in the water to clean larger and deeper pools. Just be sure to take time to clean out the vacuum bag afterward; it’s so effective that removing all of the gunk it picks up from the pool’s floor can be challenging. Dimensions: 4.72 x 10.43 x 47.24 inches | Weight: 1.25 pounds | Pool Size: Up to 25 feet | Filter: Not applicable | Cleaning Time: 20 mins | Smart Features: No PHOTO: People / Stephanie Petit PHOTO: People / Stephanie Petit PHOTO: People / Stephanie Petit Experts Say “Pool cleaners work in conjunction with your pool's filtration system, so make sure to choose a pool cleaner that is compatible with your pool's filtration system and can easily connect to it.” —Martina Genao, director of operations at Emergency Plumbing Squad in Brooklyn, New York Best Pool Brush Lalapool Professional Pool Brush PHOTO: Amazon $19 $10 at Amazon Star Qualities Compatible with standard skimmer poles Deep-cleaned without damaging liner Super affordable Red Flags Extension pole not included Sometimes, you have to get picky with your pool cleaning, and one of the best ways to ensure your liner gets the five-star treatment is with a tried-and-true brush clean. This 18-inch wall and tile brush is the perfect addition to your maintenance regimen due to its premium nylon bristles, easy snap-on design, and sturdy, rust-proof aluminum material that’s sure to last several seasons. We loved how easy it was to snap onto our existing poles, whether from a skimmer or another tool, and the brush was effective without being abrasive. Its curved edges make it easy to scrub hard-to-reach corners, and the nail-free design removes any concerns of liner rips or tile damage. As this brush does not have a pole, you will need to buy one. However, we find this to be incredibly helpful (and space-saving) if you already own a detachable skimmer or other extension pole-requiring pool tool because you can have a two-in-one product without storing more large tools in your garage or shed. Dimensions: 17 x 5.3 x 1.7 inches | Weight: 0.65 pounds | Pool Size: Any | Filter: None | Cleaning Time: Not applicable | Smart Features: None People / Kim Vogt Best Robotic Pool Cleaner Aiper Scuba S1 Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $700 at Amazon Star Qualities Came completely assembled Easy to store Sucked up undetectable debris Red Flags Gets pretty heavy when waterlogged Doesn't skim the surface Let’s face it, having and maintaining a pool can be a hassle. That’s why we loved the intuitive, sleek, hands-off, and incredibly smart Aiper Scuba S1. The machine came completely assembled and fully charged. All we had to do was press a button, drop it in the pool, and let it take care of the mess. We’d liken this cleaner to a Roomba vacuum, because it scrubbed our pool's walls, floors, and even stairs immaculately, returning right to its starting point when the job was complete. We did wish it had a surface-skimming mode, as some other pool cleaners we tried also took care of floaters (and let’s face it, most debris sits on top of the water, anyway). It’s also worth noting that this model can get pretty heavy when water-logged, so we’d suggest letting it drain for a second before hoisting it out of the water. Fortunately, it comes with a hook you can attach to your skimmer pole to help you pull it up. Dimensions: 19.6 x 18.43 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 20.9 pounds | Pool Size: Up to 1,600 square feet | Filter: Basket | Cleaning Time: 180 minutes | Smart Features: Auto-parking, quick water release, one-switch activation, three cleaning modes (auto mode, floor only, wall only), weekly cleaning frequency PHOTO: People / Paden Reich PHOTO: People / Paden Reich Best Robotic Pool Cleaner (Cheaper) Aiper Seagull SE Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $200 $180 at Amazon View on Aiper.com Star Qualities Self-navigating and self-parking Compatible with above- and in-ground pools Cordless design Red Flags Filter fills up quickly We loved this robotic cleaner for a myriad of reasons. It cleaned almost all of the debris, dirt, and dead leaves that were strewn across our pool floors, parked itself, and was cordless — a high-end touch for a relatively low price. In fact, its reasonable price is probably our favorite thing about this cleaner. All that we had to do was drop this cleaner into the water and watch it work its magic. Its self-navigation system made the experience entirely hands-free, and when the job was done, it parked itself at the edge of the pool for easy retrieval (thanks to its top handle). We had to remove and empty the filter three times in one 90-minute cleaning cycle because it was full, though it was a large pool (40 by 18 feet). However, this vacuum can clean several pool sizes, from small to large, and it can be used in both above- and in-ground pools. Dimensions: 17.13 x 13.74 x 7.8 inches | Weight: 10.67 pounds | Pool Size: Up to 850 square feet | Filter: Tray | Cleaning Time: 90 minutes | Smart Features: Auto-parking, LED indicator lights, one-switch activation, dual-drive motors PHOTO: People / Michael Navarro PHOTO: People / Michael Navarro Best Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner Polaris Freedom Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $1,399 at Amazon View on Polarispool.com View on Lesliespool.com Star Qualities Choose self-navigation or in-app control Climbed walls and stairs easily Skimmed the waterline Red Flags Fairly pricey (but worth it) We liked a lot of things about this cordless pool cleaner — from its smart navigation system to its spectacular cleaning. It takes about five hours to fully charge this model, but from there, all we had to do was drop it in the pool and let it work its magic, whether it was running on autopilot or we were controlling it from its wifi-enabled app. You can choose from four cleaning options: floor only; floor, walls, and waterline; waterline only; or a smart cycle, which will clean your entire pool in two and a half hours or less. Though this model has a higher price tag, we’d say this time-saving and effective cleaner is well worth the investment. Plus, it features one of our favorite qualities: waterline-cleaning abilities. The More You Know No matter what mode we tested it on, the cleaner was able to suck up everything from mulch and leaves to grains of sand, working hard to climb the walls and stairs effectively — even cleaning the waterline, which was a huge bonus. Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 14 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Pool Size: Up to 50 feet | Filter: All-purpose filter canister | Cleaning Time: 2.5 hours | Smart Features: Four cleaning modes, smart navigation, Wi-Fi-enabled app, waterline pickup PHOTO: People / Kyle Rock PHOTO: People / Kyle Rock PHOTO: People / Kyle Rock Best Corded Robotic Pool Cleaner Polaris 7000 Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Leslie's View on Lesliespool.com Star Qualities Super simple to set up Strong suction got rid of algae Tangle-proof hose Red Flags No indicator of cleaning cycle completion You’re going to want a pool cleaner that can weather the storm (literally), and that’s exactly what we found in the Polaris 7000 Robotic Pool Cleaner. This machine is best for above-ground pools and includes a 40-foot cord that can service a pool up to 30 feet in size. We found this pool cleaner to be incredibly easy to operate since it came nearly ready to be dropped in the water. It’s also super easy to remove the filter with a press of the release button, which we had to do once the cleaner ran through the pool’s post-storm algae-ridden water. We noticed that as it came to the higher points of the wall, we could see the water’s surface start to quiver under the powerful suction of this vacuum. After many claims of tangle-resistant hoses, we can truly say that this one stayed in its lane and avoided knots at all times. While we wished it was a little less expensive and had a better indicator for when the cleaning cycle was complete, we think this is an impressive corded model. Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Pool Size: Not listed | Filter: Canister | Cleaning Time: 1 hour | Smart Features: None People / Steven Schrimpf Best Pressure Pool Cleaner Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Walmart $724 $599 at Amazon Star Qualities Effectively cleaned the floor and surface Climbed walls and stairs well Easy to clean and maintain Red Flags It only vacuums; no scrubbing If you're contemplating suction and pressure-side pool cleaners, this is the model to consider. It took us seconds to set up thanks to its straightforward instructions, setting the scene for what would be an easy, breezy clean. This top performer runs on a continuous schedule and cleaned the dirty in-ground pool we tested it in just three hours. Despite an abundance of leaves, dirt, and other debris, this Polaris model left our pool floors, stairs, and walls sparkling clean with every run. We also appreciated its small, lightweight design. This made it easy to take apart and clean, as the filter bag needs to be emptied and rinsed out after it fills up with particles from your pool. But don’t be fooled by its petite frame — this pressure-side cleaner is small but mighty. We wish it did a little more in terms of scrubbing our surfaces, but it’s just not that type of cleaner (so if you’re looking for a scrubbing superstar, we’d suggest something else on this list). But for a pressure pool vacuum, this was our favorite. Dimensions: 20 x 23 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.20 pounds | Pool Size: Not listed | Filter: Bag | Cleaning Time: 3 hours | Smart Features: None PHOTO: People / Jennifer Zyman PHOTO: People / Jennifer Zyman Best Wall-Climbing Pool Cleaner Hayward The PoolCleaner Suction Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $429 at Amazon $429 at Target $449 at Lesliespool.com Star Qualities Strong tire grip Self-pivoting wheels Works well in most pool shapes Red Flags Long cleaning process If you have trees, plants, or mulch around your pool, then you know how hard it is to keep the bottom of your pool — and your pool walls — pristine. The Hayward Poolvergnuegen Pool Cleaner is the one for the job, as this machine will suck up even the smallest of debris. Its standout feature was its super strong treads, and the cleaner’s high-grip tires impressed us with its wall-climbing abilities and navigation. Though the pool we tested it in was a little larger than recommended, it did a phenomenal job vacuuming dirt, sand, and leaves. Another perk of this machine is the self-adjusting turbine, which can sift through large debris and alternate between three adjustable suction levels, even if it encounters clogs or larger messes. We did, however, notice that this cleaning process took a lot longer than others we’d experienced, but we didn’t mind the extra time, thanks to the glittering results. Dimensions: 40.4 x 13.6 x 11.9 inches | Weight: 4.9 pounds | Pool Size: Up to 32 feet | Filter: None | Cleaning Time: 7 hours | Smart Features: None PHOTO: People / Ashley Craiger PHOTO: People / Ashley Craiger Best Robotic Pool Cleaner with App Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $1,499 at Amazon $1,499 at Target Star Qualities Easy to remove from the water Wi-Fi-enabled app controls cleaning modes and frequencies Scrub brushes effectively cleaned floors and walls Red Flags Struggled a bit on the stairs Dolphin's Nautilus CC Supreme takes the cake for superior app-controlled capabilities. We saw major gunk removed from the bottom of our pools thanks to the robot’s three powerful scrub brushes, and we loved how easy it was to control everything from the cleaning schedule to the type of cleaning (spot treatment, wall scrubbing, etc), all from the MyDolphin Plus App. For a super-sparkly clean, we suggest the enhanced automatic cleaning program. We did notice that it had some trouble navigating the stairs and only made it up one step, but with a little bit of guidance, it was able to get the job done. While this robot pool cleaner isn’t cheap, we think it’s well worth the price thanks to how much time you would save over manually cleaning the pool. Simply activate the vacuum via your app from the office, grocery store, or wherever you may be for a sparkling blue surface upon arrival. Dimensions: 10.3 x 16.1 x 16.7 inches | Weight: 24.63 pounds | Pool Size: Up to 50 feet | Filter: Twin cartridges | Cleaning Time: 2.5 hours | Smart Features: Wi-Fi-enabled app, advanced weekly scheduling, cycle selector, delayed start, remote steering, full-filter indicator, customizable cleaning frequency PHOTO: People / Julee Evans PHOTO: People / Julee Evans Best Above-Ground Pool Cleaner Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $897 $679 at Amazon Star Qualities Very lightweight High-traction rubber tracks Consistently great cleans Red Flags Can only clean pools up to 30 feet Above-ground pools are often cleaned manually, but the Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner is specifically designed to lessen the physical stress of above-ground pool upkeep. From floor and wall scrubbing to surface-level cleaning, this robot effectively rid our pools of leaves, dirt, and worms and left us with crystal-clear water. Once we noticed how clean our pools were after using this machine (and how the cord never got tangled!), it made its heftier price tag more digestible. We’ve found ourselves recommending this pool cleaner to friends, because, let’s face it, pool maintenance is not cheap — so you might as well invest in a quality cleaning machine now to prevent costs down the line. Dimensions: 22.44 x 17.8 x 13 inches | Weight: 14 pounds | Pool Size: Up to 30 feet | Filter: Top-load filter cartridge | Cleaning Time: 3 hours | Smart Features: CleverClean smart navigation PHOTO: People / Mike Navarro PHOTO: People / Mike Navarro Best Pool Cleaner for Large Pools Polaris VRX iQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Leslie's $1,649 at Amazon $1,649 at Lesliespool.com Star Qualities Easy to store Smart navigation and targeted spot cleaning App-controlled specialized cleaning cycles Red Flags High price tag This pool-cleaning powerhouse is fantastic for backyard oases that are up to 60 feet long. It can accomplish big cleans thanks to a 70-foot cable and an app-operated interface that allows you to steer, schedule, and spot-clean all from your phone. We were impressed by the amount of algae and other pieces of debris that this Polaris cleaner was able to eradicate in two hours of cleaning, and we liked the various cleaning options that we could select for the robot pool cleaner at any given time — from specialized cleaning cycles for floor, walls, steps, and waterline to smart mapping, enhanced scheduling, and more. The device was super easy to pull out of the water thanks to its front handle, and it has top-level access to its mighty filter, so you can easily remove and replace the filter as needed. While pricey, this cleaner is worth the investment for someone with a large, in-ground pool who doesn’t want to or isn’t physically able to put much energy into a manual clean (especially in a pool of this size). Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 19 inches | Weight: Not listed | Pool Size: Up to 60 feet | Filter: Extra-large all-purpose filter cartridge | Cleaning Time: 2 hours | Smart Features: Wifi connectivity, in-app remote control, targeted spot cleaning, schedule programming, full-filter alert, customizable cleaning frequency Add to Cart While you’re shopping for pool cleaners, consider adding the following PEOPLE-Tested favorites to your cart. We’ve dubbed them winners in their respective categories, so we feel confident you’ll love them. Arlmont & Co. Triplett Propane Patio Heater $290 at Wayfair $243 at Home Depot Bestway SaluSpa St. Lucia Inflatable Hot Tub $460 at Amazon MySpa Cover Replacement Taper Cover $499 at Amazon $399 at Myspacover.com Blue Sky Outdoor Living Ridge Portable Fire Pit $110 $63 at Amazon Other Pool Cleaners We Tried Beatbot AquaSense Pro Pool Cleaner: From the second this cleaner dropped into the pool, it used AI technology to map out our pool for optimal cleaning. It took a few uses to get fully adjusted to our pool, but with each run, it was able to hold a charge longer and clean more effectively. The filter filled up pretty fast because it’s rather small, but it was very easy to clean. People / Meredith Butcher Behind the Scenes We've tested 41 pool cleaners over the past two years, including 22 standard pool cleaners (and more coming soon), seven robotic cleaners, five manual models, three pressure-side versions, and four suction-side cleaners — each in a variety of pools spread across the country. Each tester received a different machine at their home and tested them over six months. Setup: We started by timing how long it took to get each cleaner completely assembled (or maybe it came ready to go — we took note of that, too).Ease of Use: We tested each model at least once a week according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and we recorded our observations on the pool’s conditions before and after a cleaning cycle for several months. Effectiveness: For robotic machines, each cycle was timed on a stopwatch, which we recorded and later compared to the length of cleaning time the cleaner’s product description promises. After this, we noted how easy it was to empty and clean the machine or brush and filter (if it had one).Value: Each model was then rated on a scale from one to five, with one being the poorest-performing rating and five being the best, based on design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value. People / Kathryn Stephenson What to Know About Pool Cleaners Types of Pool Cleaners “There are several types of pool cleaners, including suction-side, pressure-side, robotic, and manual pool cleaners,” says Genao. Each includes different features and advantages, whether it be a better price or smart features. Suction, pressure, and manual pool cleaners usually attach to a filter, unless they are stick brushes, whereas robotic cleaners can be plugged into an electrical outlet or charged, and then set free to roam your pool. Pool Type and Size You want to pick the right pool cleaner for your specific pool type, so take into account the size, level, depth, and shape of your pool. Some pool cleaners are best suited for smaller pools, which are typically up to 30 feet in length, while other pool cleaners are made for larger pools that can reach up to 60 feet. Whether your pool is in-ground or above-ground will also determine which cleaners are best for you. A manual cleaning tool, like the Swimming Pool Brush, is typically intended for an above-ground pool, as in-ground pools are usually too physically taxing to clean with a brush. Filtration System Compatibility Most cleaners need to be attached to your pool’s filter to work properly — the only exception being a robotic pool cleaner, which you can plug into an electrical plug (or charge) and set into the water. Types of Pool Filters Sand filter: Sifts water through grains of sand to trap large debris from the waterDiatomaceous earth filter: Absorbs water impurities at a molecular level, keeping your pool extremely clean of dirt and other contaminantsCartridge filter: The middleman price- and performance-wise (and fairly common for in-ground pools) Bells and Whistles In an age where we have inflatable hot tubs that almost equal the high-powered spas of old, it’s no surprise that the tech behind today's pool cleaners is about as powerful as a computer. While we have several robotic pool cleaners on this list packed with bells and whistles like self-scheduled cleaning cycles and advanced spot treatments, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner takes the cake on functionality. This model possesses “plenty of useful features including some advanced autonomy settings,” says Leonard Ang, CEO of iPropertyManagement Leasing. Examples include smart navigation or floor mapping, tangle-free cords, weekly schedulers, smartphone apps or connectivity, specialized cleaning treatments (i.e. surface cleans, wall scrubbing, floor), and more. Of course, these extra features come with a price, so if you're not going to use them, don't be afraid to go after a more basic option like the cordless Aiper model. Price Range Pool cleaners can range from $400 to $900 or more, with our most expensive (yet highly recommended) option costing $1,500 — the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Vacuum. Keep in mind that sometimes important appliances, like pool cleaners, are worth the investment, as pricier options usually include the best features and are the safest for every pool, including lined, tiled, or other flooring materials. People / Anna Knief Why Trust PEOPLE? Alyssa Brascia is a shopping writer for PEOPLE with a background in lifestyle writing, spanning everything from beauty to home. She has previously contributed to Real Simple, where she researched and wrote home content, and she currently covers household, fashion, and beauty items for PEOPLE. Though Brascia did not test these pool cleaners herself (she lives in New York City, so she doesn't even have a windowsill), she did grow up with a large in-ground pool in her backyard and parents who lamented their pool cleaner woes for the majority of her childhood. For this article, she researched popular pool cleaners and analyzed the insights given by our testers as they used several models in their backyards across the country for up to six months. She also spoke to various experts in the pool and plumbing space for opinions on what to look for (and avoid) when searching for an effective pool cleaner. Our Expert Panel Martina Genao is the director of operations at Emergency Plumbing Squad in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Claudia Duncan is the owner and CEO of Professional Pool Management. Leonard Ang is the CEO of iPropertyManagement Leasing. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.