December 2024
Suction Pool Cleaners: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of suction pool cleaners rankings posted by key online experts, as of December 2024.
Summary
On 7 Dec 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 64 pool cleaner endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
27 pool cleaners were endorsed in total, only 11 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 7 Dec 2024, 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.
Brand breakdown
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Hayward: 8 pool cleaners
(#1 is Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X)
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Zodiac: 5 pool cleaners
(#1 is Zodiac Baracuda G3)
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Pentair: 4 pool cleaners
(#1 is Pentair Kreepy Krauly)
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XtremepowerUS: 1 pool cleaners
(#1 is XtremepowerUS Premium)
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Maytronics: 1 pool cleaners
(#1 is Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus)
Price breakdown
At a glance - December Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Pool Cleaner |
Better Homes and Gardens
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Swim University
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Cleanup Expert
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Bob Vila
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Pool Care Guy
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ElectronicsHub
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TopTenReviews
|
Pool Cleaner Lab
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House Grail
|
Salt Water Pool and Spa
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1
|
- | $349 |
Zodiac Baracuda G3
The Zodiac Baracuda G3 is a highly recommended suction-side automatic pool cleaner for in-ground pools, praised for its compatibility, effectiveness, ease of use, durability, and energy efficiency.
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2
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-
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7
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1
|
1
|
-
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4
|
4
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3
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4
|
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2
|
- | $404 |
Pentair Kreepy Krauly
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly pool cleaner is a highly compatible and versatile option that offers excellent cleaning performance, ease of use, and energy efficiency for pool owners.
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4
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1
|
5
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6
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8
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4
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-
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-
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4
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5
|
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3
|
- | $349 |
Zodiac MX6
The Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner is a versatile and efficient option for inground pools, suitable for various pool sizes and shapes, with a high-suction power and energy-efficient design, although it may have some issues with build quality and hose durability.
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-
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-
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2
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9
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4
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1
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-
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5
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-
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1
|
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4
|
- | $449 |
Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X
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1
|
-
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-
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-
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2
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-
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-
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1
|
2
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2
|
|
5
|
- | Check price |
Zodiac MX8
The Zodiac MX8 pool cleaner is a highly recommended option for small to medium-sized pools, offering efficient cleaning performance, ease of use, durability, and energy efficiency.
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-
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-
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1
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3
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5
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-
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-
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6
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-
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3
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6
|
- | $399 |
Hayward Navigator Pro
The Hayward Navigator Pro is a highly regarded, durable, and energy-efficient pool cleaner specifically designed for in-ground gunite pools, offering effective debris removal capabilities and easy maintenance.
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3
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-
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4
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-
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7
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-
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-
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2
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-
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-
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|
7
|
- | $479 |
Hayward AquaNaut 400
The Hayward AquaNaut 400 is a versatile and efficient pool cleaner that is compatible with various pool types, easy to set up and operate, and provides exceptional cleaning performance and energy efficiency.
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-
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-
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3
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10
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-
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-
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-
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-
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1
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-
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8
|
- | $76 |
XtremepowerUS Premium
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-
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-
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-
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2
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3
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-
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-
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-
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5
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-
|
|
9
|
- | $249 |
Pentair Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac
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-
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2
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
|
-
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-
|
|
11
|
- | $599 |
Hayward PoolVac XL
The Hayward PoolVac XL is a versatile and efficient pool cleaner that is compatible with all types of pools, praised for its cleaning performance, ease of use, durability, and energy efficiency.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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6
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3
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-
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-
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-
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-
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12
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- | $197 |
Baracuda Zodiac Ranger
The Baracuda Zodiac Ranger is a highly recommended pool cleaner for above-ground swimming pools with hard-sided construction, praised for its thorough cleaning, ease of use, and durability.
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-
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-
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-
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5
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-
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-
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-
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7
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-
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-
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We ranked Zodiac Baracuda G3 #1 in December 2024 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best suction pool cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Zodiac Baracuda G3 as #1.
Cleanup Expert
Most economical
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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.
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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.
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Bob Vila
Best Overall
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Maintains excellent suction even when attached to a low-speed pump
Pump hose sections are easy to customize to the size of the pool
Disk shape allows the pool cleaner to fit into tight corners
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Some customers report the cleaner struggles to suck up larger debris
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TopTenReviews
The best user friendly pool vacuum cleaner
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Easy to maintain
Lightweight
Compact design
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Made from plastic
Moves slowly
Gets stuck easily
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Pool Cleaner Lab
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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
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Stops working after few months.
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House Grail
Best for the Money
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Great value
Fins knock up debris for suction cleaning
Works at any suction power
Reliable
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Gets stuck
Not good for large leaves
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We ranked Pentair Kreepy Krauly #2 in December 2024 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best suction pool cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Pentair Kreepy Krauly as #1.
Cleanup Expert
Best redesign
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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.
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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.
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Bob Vila
Best For Inground
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Roller straps allow it to work around ladders and stairs
Long 40-foot hose provides plenty of range for larger pools
Efficient wing design helps to channel debris into the head
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Some customers report that it doesn’t hold up as long as other suction pool cleaners
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ElectronicsHub
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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
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Overall cleaning capacity is lesser than its competitors
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House Grail
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Can clean walls
Good suction
Affordable
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Gets stuck easily
Poor customer service
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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 December 2024 ranking
Better Homes and Gardens
Swim University
Cleanup Expert
Bob Vila
Pool Care Guy
ElectronicsHub
TopTenReviews
Pool Cleaner Lab
House Grail
Salt Water Pool and Spa
We ranked Zodiac MX6 #3 in December 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best suction pool cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Zodiac MX6 as #1.
Cleanup Expert
Most Compact
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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!
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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.
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Bob Vila
Best Robot
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Works with low water pressure, making it suitable for 2-speed and variable-speed pumps
Cyclonic suction system scrubs debris and allows robot to ascend walls
Quick-connect hoses make the MX6 easy to set up and take down
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Some customers complain that the included hose isn’t long enough
Not for pools that are deeper than 6 feet
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ElectronicsHub
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Great option for inground pools
Works with variable-speed pumps
Features swiveling hoses for ease of connection
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Expensive option for small-sized pools
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Pool Cleaner Lab
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Affordable
Eliminated extra expenses of replacing and repairing parts since the diaphragm is the only moving part
Durable
Quiet and powerful
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In rare cases, it may get stuck on top raises drains.
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We ranked Hayward The PoolCleaner 2X #4 in December 2024 because:
- 5 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
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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
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Not very efficient in wall climbing
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House Grail
The Runner-up
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Good traction
Adjustable for multiple kinds of debris
Works at any suction power
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Really pricey
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We ranked Zodiac MX8 #5 in December 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best suction pool cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Zodiac MX8 as #1.
Cleanup Expert
Best suction pool cleaner
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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
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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
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Bob Vila
Upgrade Pick
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Design makes it capable of navigating tight angles and walls
Works with a variety of pool surfaces, including vinyl, tile, and fiberglass
Works with a low pump flow rate of just 1,200 GPH
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Some customers complain that the MX8 misses spots, requiring follow-up cleaning
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Pool Cleaner Lab
Most Popular
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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
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Gets stuck often.
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We ranked Hayward Navigator Pro #6 in December 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best suction pool cleaners” rankings.
Cleanup Expert
Most efficient
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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.
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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.
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Pool Cleaner Lab
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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
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Wall cleaning can sometimes be ineffective since the shape of the pool can be a limiting factor.
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We ranked Hayward AquaNaut 400 #7 in December 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best suction pool cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Hayward AquaNaut 400 as #1.
Cleanup Expert
Best for Variable-Speed Pumps
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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.
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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.
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Bob Vila
Also Consider
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4 wheels allow it to maneuver and climb walls more easily
Works with a variety of pool surfaces, including vinyl, fiberglass, and tile
Long 40-foot hose makes this cleaner compatible with large pools
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Some customers report that it struggles to climb walls if not properly weighted
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House Grail
Best Overall
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Good for large debris
Long connector hose
Versatile pool types
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Expensive
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We ranked XtremepowerUS Premium #8 in December 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best suction pool cleaners” rankings.
Bob Vila
Best Bang for the Buck
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Ten 3-foot hose sections make it easy to customize to various pool sizes
Works with a flow rate of just 1,600 GPH
Navigates around the pool floor and walls on its own
Seal clips for hose connections are included with kit
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Some customers report that it struggles to suck up larger debris
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House Grail
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Really cheap
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Minimum of 1 horsepower pump power
Requires a lot of attention
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We ranked Pentair Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac #9 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best suction pool cleaners” rankings.
Pool Cleaner Lab
Most Affordable
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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.
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Noisy
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We ranked Hayward PoolVac XL #10 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best suction pool cleaners” rankings.
ElectronicsHub
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Automatic pool cleaning is possible
Easy to clean and maintain
Suitable for up to 600 sq. ft. water bodies
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A bit on the expensive side
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We ranked Baracuda Zodiac Ranger #11 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best suction pool cleaners” rankings.
Bob Vila
Best For Above Ground
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Design prevents it from getting stuck on ladders and steps
Fewer moving parts helps make it more durable than others and easy to maintain
Disk shape makes it capable of navigating both floors and walls
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Customers report that cleaner can get clogged by larger debris
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Pool Cleaner Lab
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Has one single moving part
Comes pre-assembled
Doesn’t get stuck on steps and corners
Ideal for above-ground pools
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Misses some spots on your pool.
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