Suction pool cleaners can be the best way to keep your pool clean on autopilot. However, with so many varied options on the market, it’s easy to get confused about which products are great and which are not so great. In this article we break down everything from navigation to pool size to help you find the best cleaner for your pool.
After our suction pool cleaner reviews, we list the key things you’ll want to watch out for when choosing one to ensure you end up with the best product for your needs.
1. Onga Hammerhead Pool Cleaner (Top Pick)
The Onga Hammerhead is a very popular pool cleaner for both its price and efficiency. It runs pretty quietly, only making occasional noise when leaves get caught in the pressure intake.
The design is fairly simple which is a good thing; It doesn’t have the diaphragm that many other cleaners have, so large debris like gum nuts can pass through without difficulty. It can run all day and does a great job of cleaning.
Assembly is very easy, takes five minutes, then you just throw it in the pool and it does its thing. Some people have found that it can occasionally get stuck, but overall this is one of the best pool cleaners available for both value and effectiveness.
What We Like:
- Quiet
- Reliable
- Easy assembly
- Good value
What We Don’t Like:
- May get stuck
2. Pentair Rebel Pool Cleaner
The Rebel 2 from Penatair is another great pool cleaner. It has preprogrammed steering and wheels which allow it to navigate around a pool pretty well. It can reach every corner and get around obstacles with ease.
It runs pretty quietly and can pick up most debris besides sticks. Although the unit is quite compact, it has a lot of power and finishes most of its cleaning in one sweep.
For concrete and pebble, it will clean the whole pool easily, just set it and forget it. Some people found that with tile, it had difficulty climbing the walls.
Overall, this is a very good pool cleaner that will suit most pools regardless of their shape.
What We Like:
- Navigates well
- Powerful
- Quiet
What We Don’t Like:
- May have trouble climbing tiled walls
3. Zodiac G2 Pool Cleaner
The Zodiac G2 gives good coverage of all pool surfaces, it lasts a long time, and it is easy to maintain. It is a great inexpensive option for a pool cleaner.
Maintenance is easy as it has a twist and release cassette and the hose also has a twist and lock system. It’s a very good design for this price range.
It is great for picking up small debris like sand and silt. It will pick up some leaves but it is not really suited to debris of this size. Large debris like sticks and gum nuts are definitely out. Use this cleaner if you aren’t living near a lot of trees.
Overall, this is a good inexpensive pool cleaner that will last a long time if it’s used properly.
What We Like:
- Good value
- Reliable
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suited for large debris
Suction Pool Cleaner Buyers Guide
Types of pool cleaners
Robotic cleaners work independently of your pool system. They are usually programmable to follow a fixed track and to operate at certain times. Some come with a remote control so you can guide it manually. Robotic pool cleaners are very convenient as there are no hoses in the pool and they are easy to use. The downside is that they are very expensive and you usually can’t fix it yourself if it breaks.
Suction pool cleaners are basically underwater vacuums. They are powered by your pool pump and they send leaves and debris to your pools filtration system. They are easy to install and repair; they attach to the pool pump by a hose and they require no additional power, although you will need to run your pool pump for longer than normal. Suction pool cleaners are the least expensive to buy and to run.
Pressure cleaners are heavy-duty suction cleaners that can pick up large debris and clean a pool very quickly. They need their own dedicated booster pump and require a separate return line, so you can really only install one with a new pool or one that has been remodelled. They are not energy efficient but they last a long time and are easy to repair.
Make sure the cleaner has been designed to avoid getting stuck in corners so you don’t have to manually free it. A good cleaner should be able to navigate around any shape pool and get over steps and other features without trouble.
Pool size
The main consideration here is the length of the hose for your pool cleaner. It must be long enough for the cleaner to reach every part of the pool without difficulty.
Efficiency
Your suction pool cleaner should have enough suction to climb the walls without difficulty, as well as suck up all the debris that you find in your pool. Suction cleaners are not as powerful as pressure cleaners but they are sufficient for most pools.
