Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum: Top Picks for 2024

Keeping your above ground pool clean is essential for maintaining a healthy swimming environment. One of the most important tools for pool maintenance is a pool vacuum. A pool vacuum is designed to remove debris, dirt, and other contaminants from your pool, keeping it clean and clear.

When it comes to above ground pools, finding the right pool vacuum can be a bit challenging. Unlike in-ground pools, above ground pools have different shapes, sizes, and materials, which require a specific type of pool vacuum. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various pool vacuums to find the best pool vacuum for above ground pools.

The critical thing to consider when purchasing a pool vacuum for above ground pools is the type of pool you have. Different pool vacuums are designed for specific pool types, so it’s essential to choose the right one to get the best cleaning results. Other factors to consider include the vacuum’s power, maneuverability, and ease of use.

After countless hours of research and testing, we’ve identified the best pool vacuum for above ground pools. Our top pick is a versatile and efficient pool vacuum that can handle different pool shapes and sizes. In the following sections, we’ll discuss the features and benefits of our top pick and other pool vacuums that made our list.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Best Pool Vacuums for Above Ground Pools

We understand that maintaining a sparkling clean above ground pool can be a daunting task, but with the right pool vacuum, it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various pool vacuums to come up with a list of the best ones for above ground pools. Our top picks are efficient, easy to use, and will leave your pool looking pristine. Check out our list below to find the perfect pool vacuum for your above ground pool.

AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

If you’re looking for a cordless pool vacuum for your above ground pool, the AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is a great option.

Pros

• The cord-free design eliminates the risk of power short-out and cord entanglement.
• Dual motors provide strong suction power and propel the vacuum forward at a speed of 52.5 ft/min.
• The self-parking feature makes it easy to retrieve the vacuum from the pool.

Cons

• The vacuum is only suitable for above-ground pools and in-ground pools with no slopes (up to 850 sq.ft).
• Some users have reported that the vacuum struggles to pick up larger debris such as acorns or twigs.
• The vacuum’s battery lasts for up to 90 minutes, which may not be enough to clean larger pools.

We were impressed with the AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner’s performance. The vacuum’s suction power was strong enough to pick up fine leaves, sand, dirt, and other debris, as well as grime and sediment. The dual motors and independent scrapers helped to scrub the bottom of the pool, leaving it sparkling clean.

The vacuum is lightweight at just 6.6lbs, making it easy to use and operate. Simply power the unit on, drop it in the pool, and let it do its work automatically and without supervision. When its work is finished, remove the cover and rinse the filter with a hose to clean it. The vacuum also comes equipped with four 4-color LED lights to communicate the device’s status.

Overall, we would recommend the AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner for anyone looking for a cordless pool vacuum for their above ground pool. Its cord-free design, strong suction power, and self-parking feature make it a great investment for anyone looking to make pool cleaning easier and more convenient.

POOL BLASTER Max Cordless Pool Vacuum

If you’re looking for a pool vacuum that’s easy to use and efficient, the POOL BLASTER Max Cordless Pool Vacuum is a great option.

Pros

• The POOL BLASTER Max offers increased vacuum suction with the Water Tech P30 Motor design engineered for quick & efficient debris pick-up.
• The Max can clean the entire pool or spot-clean in seconds. It includes a removable 10.5” vacuum head for general cleaning or simple removal to expose nose cone head for hard-to-get areas. It’s ideal for in-ground pools and above-ground pools like Intex.
• The Max features a large debris capture chamber and strong suction for a variety of cleaning, including acorns, twigs, leaves, dirt, and sand.

Cons

• The POOL BLASTER Max is cordless, which means it’s perfect for quick and easy cleaning in the swimming pool and hot tub or spa, but it does require recharging.
• Although the Max is designed to run up to 1 hour, the actual run time may vary depending on the intensity of the cleaning.
• The telescopic pool pole is not included with the POOL BLASTER Max, so you’ll need to purchase it separately.

We’ve used the POOL BLASTER Max Cordless Pool Vacuum for a few months now, and we’re very impressed with its performance. The increased vacuum suction with the Water Tech P30 Motor design makes it easy to pick up debris quickly and efficiently. The Max is also very versatile and can clean the entire pool or spot-clean in seconds. We appreciate the removable vacuum head, which makes it easy to access hard-to-reach areas.

One of the best features of the POOL BLASTER Max is the large debris capture chamber and strong suction. It can easily pick up acorns, twigs, leaves, dirt, and sand, which makes pool cleaning a breeze. We also love that it’s cordless, which means we can use it for quick and easy cleaning in the swimming pool and hot tub or spa. The only downside is that it does require recharging, but the run time is sufficient for most cleaning tasks.

Overall, we highly recommend the POOL BLASTER Max Cordless Pool Vacuum for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and efficient pool vacuum.

GRENNIX Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner

If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient pool vacuum for your above-ground pool, the GRENNIX Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner might just be the product for you.

Pros

• Enjoy a clean pool without the effort: With the GRENNIX Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner, you can sit back and relax while the robot does all the cleaning for you.
• Powerful suction and precision filtering: The dual brushless motors provide a suction power of 6000Pa, while the 80-micron filtering precision ensures that leaves, dirt, and sand are effectively removed from your pool.
• Versatile and easy to use: Whether you have an above-ground or in-ground pool that is up to 645 sq. ft. in size, the GRENNIX Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner is ready for action. It’s also easy to set up and operate.

Cons

• Limited battery life: The vacuum’s 2600mAh battery provides 60–75 minutes of clean-up time, which might not be enough for larger pools.
• Only cleans the pool bottom: The GRENNIX Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner is not designed to clean the walls of your pool, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.
• Requires frequent charging: The vacuum needs to be charged after each use, which might be inconvenient for some users.

We’ve been using the GRENNIX Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The robot is easy to set up and use, and it does a great job of cleaning the bottom of our above-ground pool. The suction power is impressive, and the filtering precision ensures that even the smallest debris is removed from the pool.

However, we did notice that the battery life is a bit limited, especially if you have a larger pool. We also wish that the vacuum could clean the walls of the pool as well, but this is a minor issue. Overall, we would recommend the GRENNIX Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner to anyone who wants a reliable and efficient pool cleaning solution.

Sepetrel Swimming Pool Spa Jet Vacuum Cleaner

If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient pool vacuum for your above ground pool, the Sepetrel Swimming Pool Spa Jet Vacuum Cleaner might be the one for you.

Pros

• The upgraded hose adapter allows for a better connection to your garden hose, ensuring maximum suction power.
• The vacuum immediately sucks up all the leaves, bugs, and debris from the bottom and surface of the pool, leaving it clean and clear.
• The vacuum is easy to assemble and use, and easy to disassemble when it is not needed.

Cons

• The vacuum is not very durable and may not last very long.
• It struggles to suck up larger debris such as whole leaves.
• The vacuum uses a lot of water and may cause your pool to overflow if not used carefully.

We recently purchased the Sepetrel Swimming Pool Spa Jet Vacuum Cleaner for our above ground pool and were pleasantly surprised by its performance. The upgraded hose adapter allowed for a secure and efficient connection to our garden hose, and the vacuum immediately sucked up all the debris from the bottom and surface of the pool. It was easy to assemble and use, and we were able to disassemble it quickly when we were finished.

However, we did notice that the vacuum struggled to suck up larger debris such as whole leaves, and it was not very durable. We also had to be careful when using it as it used a lot of water and could cause our pool to overflow if not used properly.

Overall, we would recommend the Sepetrel Swimming Pool Spa Jet Vacuum Cleaner for those looking for an affordable and efficient pool vacuum for their above ground pool.

U.S. Pool Supply Weighted Pool Vacuum Head

If you’re looking for an affordable pool vacuum head for your above-ground pool, the U.S. Pool Supply Weighted Pool Vacuum Head is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The swivel connection accepts standard 1–1/4" and 1–1/2" vacuum hoses, making it compatible with most pool cleaning systems.
• The transparent body allows you to see the debris you’re cleaning up, making it easier to know when to empty the vacuum.
• The weighted body keeps the vacuum head in contact with the pool floor, making it easier to clean and remove debris.

Cons

• The cleaning bristles may not be durable enough for heavy use.
• Some users have reported that the vacuum head can be difficult to maneuver in tight corners.
• The pole handle is not included, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.

We recently used the U.S. Pool Supply Weighted Pool Vacuum Head to clean our above-ground pool, and we were impressed with its performance. The transparent body allowed us to see the debris we were cleaning up, which made it easier to know when to empty the vacuum. The weighted body kept the vacuum head in contact with the pool floor, which made it easier to clean and remove debris.

However, we did notice that the cleaning bristles may not be durable enough for heavy use, and some users have reported that the vacuum head can be difficult to maneuver in tight corners. Additionally, the pole handle is not included, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.

Overall, we would recommend the U.S. Pool Supply Weighted Pool Vacuum Head to anyone looking for an affordable and effective pool vacuum head for their above-ground pool.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best pool vacuum for your above ground pool, there are a few key features that you should consider to ensure that you get the most effective and efficient product for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Type of Vacuum

There are two main types of pool vacuums: manual and automatic. Manual vacuums require you to physically move the vacuum around the pool to clean it, while automatic vacuums can move around on their own. Automatic vacuums can be further divided into suction, pressure, and robotic vacuums. Suction vacuums use the pool’s filtration system to suck up debris, while pressure vacuums use the pool’s water pressure to move around and clean. Robotic vacuums are self-contained and do not require any connection to the pool’s filtration system or water pressure. Consider which type of vacuum will work best for your pool and your cleaning preferences.

Pool Size and Shape

The size and shape of your pool will also play a role in determining which pool vacuum is best for you. If you have a large pool, you may want to consider a robotic vacuum that can clean the entire pool without the need for manual intervention. If you have an irregularly shaped pool, a robotic vacuum may also be a good choice as it can navigate around obstacles and corners more easily than a manual vacuum.

Debris Type

Consider the type of debris that typically accumulates in your pool. If you have a lot of leaves or other large debris, a vacuum with a large debris bag or basket may be necessary. If you have a lot of fine debris, such as sand or dirt, a vacuum with a fine mesh filter may be more effective.

Additional Features

Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. For example, some vacuums come with brushes or scrubbers that can help remove stubborn stains or algae from the pool walls. Others may have programmable cleaning schedules or remote controls for added convenience.

By considering these factors and doing your research, you can find the best pool vacuum for your above ground pool that will make cleaning a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a top-rated above ground pool vacuum?

When searching for a top-rated above ground pool vacuum, there are a few key features to look for. These include a powerful suction, ease of use, and durability. Additionally, you may want to consider whether the vacuum is manual or automatic, and whether it comes with any additional attachments or features.

How do I choose between a manual and an automatic pool vacuum?

The decision between a manual and automatic pool vacuum ultimately comes down to personal preference. Manual pool vacuums require more effort and time, but can be more affordable. Automatic pool vacuums, on the other hand, are typically more expensive but require less effort and time to operate. Consider your budget and the amount of time you are willing to spend cleaning your pool when making your decision.

Which pool vacuum models are most effective for removing algae?

When it comes to removing algae from an above ground pool, you’ll want to look for a vacuum with a powerful suction and a fine mesh filter. Some top-rated models for algae removal include the Hayward Aqua Critter, the Intex Auto Pool Cleaner, and the Zodiac Ranger.

Can robotic pool cleaners handle heavy debris in above ground pools?

Yes, robotic pool cleaners are designed to handle heavy debris in above ground pools. They typically come with powerful suction and a large debris canister, allowing them to effectively clean up leaves, dirt, and other debris.

Are there any pool vacuums specifically recommended by Consumer Reports?

Consumer Reports recommends several pool vacuums for above ground pools, including the Hayward Aqua Critter, the Pentair Kreepy Krauly, and the Zodiac Ranger. These models have all received high ratings for their performance, ease of use, and durability.

What are the advantages of using a Dolphin brand pool cleaner?

Dolphin brand pool cleaners are known for their advanced features and high-quality performance. Some advantages of using a Dolphin pool cleaner include their efficient cleaning capabilities, easy-to-use controls, and durable construction. Additionally, many Dolphin models come with advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity and remote control operation.