May 2023
Suction Pool Cleaners: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Pool Cleaner rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2023.
Summary
Between 10 May 2023 and 10 May 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 69 Pool Cleaner endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
22 Suction Pool Cleaners were endorsed in total, only 14 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 10 May 2023, Zodiac Baracuda G3 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed pool cleaner with 8 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 8 recommended it as the '#1 pool cleaner' this month. It is followed by Pentair Kreepy Krauly and Zodiac MX8 , with 9 and 7 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
Hayward:
7 Pool Cleaners
(#1 is Hayward Pool VAC Classic )
-
Zodiac:
4 Pool Cleaners
(#1 is Baracuda Zodiac Ranger )
-
Pentair:
4 Pool Cleaners
(#1 is Pentair Kreepy Krauly Kruiser )
-
XtremepowerUS:
1 Pool Cleaners
(#1 is XtremepowerUS Premium )
-
Aiper:
1 Pool Cleaners
(#1 is Aiper Smart HJ1102 )
Price breakdown
At a glance - May 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Pool Cleaner |
Bob Vila
|
Pool Cleaner Lab
|
Pool Care Guy
|
Cleanup Expert
|
ElectronicsHub
|
House Grail
|
Wild River Country
|
SteamCleanerMaster
|
Salt Water Pool and Spa
|
Swim University
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $324 |
Zodiac Baracuda G3
|
1
|
4
|
1
|
7
|
-
|
3
|
8
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $330 |
Pentair Kreepy Krauly
|
6
|
-
|
8
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
7
|
3
|
5
|
1
|
|
3
|
- | $675 |
Zodiac MX8
|
3
|
6
|
5
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
4
|
3
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $379 |
Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X
|
-
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
9
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $349 |
Zodiac MX6
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $399 |
Hayward AquaNaut 400
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
1
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $100 |
XtremepowerUS Premium
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $595 |
Hayward PoolVac XL
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
3
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $299 |
Hayward Navigator Pro
|
-
|
2
|
7
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $222 |
Pentair Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
11
|
- | $399 |
Hayward Poolvergnuegen
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $600 |
Pentair Great White
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $183 |
Baracuda Zodiac Ranger
|
5
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $379 |
Hayward AquaNaut 200
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Pool Cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| #7 | $99.95 | XtremepowerUS Premium [buy] [more info] |
| #13 | $182.90 | Baracuda Zodiac Ranger [buy] [more info] |
| #10 | $221.99 | Pentair Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac [buy] [more info] |
| #9 | $299 | Hayward Navigator Pro [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $324 | Zodiac Baracuda G3 [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $329.99 | Pentair Kreepy Krauly [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $349 | Zodiac MX6 [buy] [more info] |
| #4 | $379 | Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X [buy] [more info] |
| #14 | $379 | Hayward AquaNaut 200 [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $399 | Hayward AquaNaut 400 [buy] [more info] |
| #11 | $399 | Hayward Poolvergnuegen [buy] [more info] |
| #8 | $595 | Hayward PoolVac XL [buy] [more info] |
| #12 | $599.94 | Pentair Great White [buy] [more info] |
| #3 | $674.96 | Zodiac MX8 [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Zodiac Baracuda G3 #1 in May 2023 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Zodiac Baracuda G3 as #1.
Bob Vila
Best Overall
|
Pros
Maintains excellent suction even with a low-speed pump
Pump hose sections easy to customize
Disk fits into corners
|
Cons
Struggles with large debris
|
Pool Cleaner Lab
|
Pros
It is quiet while operating
Cleans in-ground pools up to 33 feet deep
Capable of sucking up tiny algae, dirt and debris from your pool
Includes a hose
|
Cons
Stops working after few months.
|
Cleanup Expert
Most economical
|
Pros
Maybe you’ve had a pool cleaner or two in your life. If you have, you know that switching out malfunctioning parts for new ones can cost a pretty penny. If replacing expensive pool cleaner parts is something you’re sick of doing, you need the Barracuda in your life.
This unit doesn’t have 50 moving parts that constantly break down and cost a fortune to replace—it just has one.
|
Cons
Some people report that the Baracuda stops working after only a short time using it. However, this is usually because the inner sleeve that holds the diaphragm is too tight.
Other customers say that although the unit works quite well, they still must manually clean off their tanning ledge, steps, and deep-water seats.
|
House Grail
Best for the Money
|
Pros
Great value
Fins knock up debris for suction cleaning
Works at any suction power
Reliable
|
Cons
Gets stuck
Not good for large leaves
|
Wild River Country
|
Pros
Adheres to all surfaces
Easily navigable
Simple setup
|
Cons
Could move around more efficiently
|
SteamCleanerMaster
|
Pros
26 fins adhere to the floor
Wheel helps it move around obstacles
Hose is very durable and resists breakage
|
Cons
Needs a lot of power to move around
|
We ranked Pentair Kreepy Krauly #2 in May 2023 because:
- 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Pentair Kreepy Krauly as #1.
Bob Vila
Best For Inground
|
Pros
Roller straps allow it to work around ladders and stairs
Long hose provides ample range
Wing design helps channel debris into cleaner
|
Cons
Doesn’t hold up as long as other suction pool cleaners
|
Cleanup Expert
Best redesign
|
Pros
The Pentair 360042 boasts several innovative features that’ll make it easy to keep your pool clean. For example, an automatic valve regulates water flow to set the ideal travel speed for more thorough cleaning.
There’s an easy-to-adjust “dive float” directional system that intelligently guides the cleaner from the water line to the pool bottom, ensuring it hits every spot along the way.
|
Cons
While most customers rave about the redesign, a few don’t like it as much as the old one.
Some say the new model isn’t as durable as the original model. Others have problems with the float balls continually falling off.
Some users say the new model takes more time to clean the pool. This means you must run the pump longer, and your electricity bills will be higher.
|
ElectronicsHub
|
Pros
Automatic valve to control the water flow rate
Dive float directional system for perfect cleaning coverage
Special roller straps for cleaning around steps and ladders
|
Cons
Overall cleaning capacity is lesser than its competitors
|
House Grail
|
Pros
Can clean walls
Good suction
Affordable
|
Cons
Gets stuck easily
Poor customer service
|
Wild River Country
|
Pros
Single moving part
Removes large and small debris
Powerful suction
|
Cons
Not great with deep pools
|
SteamCleanerMaster
|
Pros
Fins funnel the dirt into the hose
Has a dive float directional system
Cleans a broad range of pools
|
Cons
Doesn’t work well on sharp inclines
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Suction Pool Cleaners.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Suction Pool Cleaners, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for May 2023 ranking
Bob Vila
Pool Cleaner Lab
Pool Care Guy
Cleanup Expert
ElectronicsHub
House Grail
Wild River Country
SteamCleanerMaster
Salt Water Pool and Spa
Swim University
We ranked Zodiac MX8 #3 in May 2023 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Zodiac MX8 as #1.
Bob Vila
Upgrade Pick
|
Pros
Capable of navigating tight angles and walls
Works with a variety of pool surfaces
Doesn’t require high flow rate
|
Cons
Very expensive
|
Pool Cleaner Lab
Most Popular
|
Pros
Extremely energy efficient
Cleans faster and better than its contenders
Employs a dual navigation technique for maximum pool coverage without any hang-ups.
The hose is twisted locking to ensure a secure attachment to the cleaner’s head
|
Cons
Gets stuck often.
|
Cleanup Expert
Best suction pool cleaner
|
Pros
One of the best things about the MX8 is its excellent traction. This gives the unit exceptional maneuverability—even in tight corners and on vertical walls.
Every ten seconds, the MX8 does what I like to call the “rotation dance.” This tactic is highly effective for liberating units that have embarrassed themselves by getting stuck in a corner or hung up on a drain.
|
Cons
One customer had the unfortunate experience of their unit getting stuck near the water surface and making a noisy sloshing sound. The commotion was so loud that it woke them up in the middle of the night because their bedroom happened to be close to the pool.
A few other customers also said this happened to them. The good news is that these units were defective and were quickly replaced by the manufacturer.
|
Wild River Country
Our #1 Pick
|
Pros
Torquey motor
Highly maneuverable
For all pool surfaces
|
Cons
Some issues with leaves
|
SteamCleanerMaster
|
Pros
Connects to solar, two-speed, or variable speed pumps
Funnels debris right into the skimmer
Track on the wheels helps it climb steep walls
|
Cons
Motors can wear out quickly with extended use
|
We ranked Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X #4 in May 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X as #1.
Pool Cleaner Lab
|
Pros
Connects to your pools suction port or skimmer
Cleans both shallow and deep end pools efficiently
Capable of maneuvering around obstacles
Cleans all types of pools surfaces
|
Cons
Not very efficient in wall climbing
|
House Grail
The Runner-up
|
Pros
Good traction
Adjustable for multiple kinds of debris
Works at any suction power
|
Cons
Really pricey
|
Wild River Country
|
Pros
Self-adjusting turbines
5 preprogrammed turns
Works well on uneven surfaces
|
Cons
Runs quite slowly
|
SteamCleanerMaster
|
Pros
Comes with three interchangeable throats
Thick tread on the tires
Self-adjusting turbines
Turns every 8 to 10 feet
|
Cons
Wheels can sometimes stick
|
We ranked Zodiac MX6 #5 in May 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Zodiac MX6 as #1.
Pool Cleaner Lab
|
Pros
Affordable
Eliminated extra expenses of replacing and repairing parts since the diaphragm is the only moving part
Durable
Quiet and powerful
|
Cons
In rare cases, it may get stuck on top raises drains.
|
Cleanup Expert
Most Compact
|
Pros
I really like that the MX6 has an enhanced flow regulator. This prevents the cleaner from moving too fast and damaging the gears. This innovative feature helps ensure your unit has a long and healthy life.
Another fantastic thing about the MX6 is that the parts have a modular design. This means that when a component fails, simply pop the old piece out with a screwdriver and put the new one in. Replacement only takes seconds!
|
Cons
The Achilles heel of this otherwise excellent cleaner is the hoses, which have an unfortunate tendency to rip at the connectors. This is too bad because the hoses are expensive to replace.
I think the designers need to go back to the drawing board to come up with hoses that are a little more durable. If they do, this cleaner will be near perfect.
|
ElectronicsHub
|
Pros
Great option for inground pools
Works with variable-speed pumps
Features swiveling hoses for ease of connection
|
Cons
Expensive option for small-sized pools
|
Wild River Country
|
Pros
Variable low flow
Quick-connect swiveling hoses
Highly energy-efficient
|
Cons
Hose quality could be improved
|
We ranked Hayward AquaNaut 400 #6 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Hayward AquaNaut 400 as #1.
Bob Vila
Also Consider
|
Pros
4 wheels allow it to maneuver and climb walls more easily
Works with a variety of pool surfaces
Compatible with large pools
|
Cons
Can struggle to climb walls if not properly weighted
|
Cleanup Expert
Best for Variable-Speed Pumps
|
Pros
Between the three different throats that come with every Aquanaut model and the V-flex technology, you can be assured of an outstanding cleaning job every single time.
Another groundbreaking feature that sets the Aquanaut heads and shoulders above many inferior models is the adjustable roller skirt that maintains consistent pressure over uneven surfaces.
This means you won’t lose any suction when your bot runs over an obstacle.
|
Cons
A few customers have reported that the Aquanaut flops over on its side and stay there like a stuck turtle. However, most customers say that this isn’t the case for them.
Its wall-climbing abilities are somewhat impaired unless you have powerful suction. Some customers complain that it gets stuck in the deep end of their pools.
|
House Grail
Best Overall
|
Pros
Good for large debris
Long connector hose
Versatile pool types
|
Cons
Expensive
|
Wild River Country
|
Pros
Outstanding climbing power
Corner-to-corner cleaning
Maximum suction with minimal clogging
|
Cons
Not the cheapest pool cleaner
|
We ranked XtremepowerUS Premium #7 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
Bob Vila
Best Bang for the Buck
|
Pros
A fraction of the cost of other suction pool cleaners
Works with a flow rate of just 1,600 GPH
Can climb walls
|
Cons
Shorter hose length not suitable for larger pools
|
House Grail
|
Pros
Really cheap
|
Cons
Minimum of 1 horsepower pump power
Requires a lot of attention
|
SteamCleanerMaster
|
Pros
Moves up to 12 feet per minute
Has a wider suction head
No tools required for assembly
|
Cons
Doesn’t work well in deeper pools
|
We ranked Hayward PoolVac XL #8 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
ElectronicsHub
|
Pros
Automatic pool cleaning is possible
Easy to clean and maintain
Suitable for up to 600 sq. ft. water bodies
|
Cons
A bit on the expensive side
|
Wild River Country
|
Pros
Runs very quietly
Hassle-free maintenance
Efficient programmable cleaning
|
Cons
Customer care issues flagged
|
SteamCleanerMaster
|
Pros
Installs in under 10 minutes
Systematically covers every inch of your pool
Doesn’t put out a lot of noise
|
Cons
Too lightweight for pools with jets
|
We ranked Hayward Navigator Pro #9 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
Pool Cleaner Lab
|
Pros
Easy and fast installation
Smooth and silent operation
Boasts of 30+ years of reliability and performance
Effectively sucks pollen, leaves, sand, and twigs owing this to its advanced vacuum wings
|
Cons
Wall cleaning can sometimes be ineffective since the shape of the pool can be a limiting factor.
|
Cleanup Expert
Most efficient
|
Pros
One of the biggest reasons to get a suction-side cleaner instead of a pressure-side one is you won’t need a booster pump. All you need to do is to connect the unit to your pool’s dedicated skimmer or suction port and it’s ready to clean every inch of your pool.
The Hayward Navigator Pro doesn’t make much noise, so you can run it without disturbing the peace and quietude of your neighborhood.
|
Cons
Sometimes, the Hayward Navigator Pro has a difficult time getting over drains. It has also been known to occasionally flip over for no apparent reason. When that happens, you’ll have to manually set it right again so it can complete its cleaning journey.
Occasionally, it doesn’t do well cleaning the waterline, so you might have to give it a gentle nudge yourself.
|
We ranked Pentair Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac #10 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
Pool Cleaner Lab
Most Affordable
|
Pros
Cleans any pools surface
It will scrub your pools wall, floor and even clean all the way up to the waterline
Long-lasting
Uses a random cleaning pattern to clean those places that a standard cleaner can’t reach.
|
Cons
Noisy
|
We ranked Hayward Poolvergnuegen #11 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
Bob Vila
Best for Wall Climbing
|
Pros
Compatible with a variety of pool surfaces
Capable of climbing walls
Can handle larger debris
40-foot hose range
|
Cons
Requires 2,100 GPH pump
|
Wild River Country
|
Pros
4-wheel drive
Unbeatable brand heritage
Climbs and maneuvers neatly
|
Cons
Not great at low suction
|
We ranked Pentair Great White #12 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
Cleanup Expert
Widest Cleaning Path
|
Pros
Though it’s completely automatic, an attachment comes with this model to allow you to use it with your manual pool vacuum handle. This is handy if there are tight spots like steps and other areas that the cleaner may miss.
The bristle drive quickly propels this guy through the pool and up the walls to the waterline. It comes with 12 one-meter hoses, so you can easily adjust the hose length for any pool size.
|
Cons
There have been complaints that the Great White is afraid of the shallow end of the pool. You’d think something named after one of the most ferocious of all sea creatures wouldn’t be frightened of anything, but you’d be wrong.
One woman said that during eight hours of operation, the unit didn’t visit the shallow end—not even once.
Others lament that the unit is manufactured from less-than-durable plastic that becomes brittle all too quickly.
|
Wild River Country
|
Pros
Programmed steering
Highly adjustable
Quick and easy set-up
|
Cons
Lifespan can be poor
|
We ranked Baracuda Zodiac Ranger #13 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
Bob Vila
Best For Above Ground
|
Pros
Design prevents it from getting stuck on ladders and steps
Fewer moving parts to maintain
Affordably priced
|
Cons
Can get clogged by larger debris
|
Pool Cleaner Lab
|
Pros
Has one single moving part
Comes pre-assembled
Doesn’t get stuck on steps and corners
Ideal for above-ground pools
|
Cons
Misses some spots on your pool.
|
We ranked Hayward AquaNaut 200 #14 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Suction Pool Cleaners” rankings.
Wild River Country
|
Pros
Extremely versatile
2-wheel drive
Self-adjusting variable vanes
|
Cons
Difficult to get parts
|