Pools sure are fun, but cleaning them… well… not so fun. One fantastic invention of the modern era is the automatic pool cleaner! With an automatic pool cleaner, you can set up this handy device and then go about your day while the leaves, dirt and grime in the bottom of your pool magically disappear! Sound good? We think so! 

There are different types of automatic pool cleaners with varying capacities and uses. For helpful information about how to choose the best automatic pool cleaner for your needs, check out our detailed buying guide below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an automatic pool cleaner work?

There are basically two common types of automatic pool cleaners: vacuums that hook to your pool’s filter pump, and vacuums that operate independently. The pool cleaners that hook up to your existing filter pump are units that navigate around the pool by themselves, sucking up dirt, algae, leaves and bugs, and sending this debris through a hose to your pool’s filtration system. In contrast, independent units may be cordless or have a power cord, and these smart robotic vacuums go around the pool and suck up dirt that then goes into their self-contained collection bins. These cleaners operate free from hoses. The debris bins on independent pool vacuums need to be emptied regularly, though. Both types of automatic pool cleaners have pros and cons, but all automatic pool cleaners use technology that allows them to systematically move around your pool to clean it up while you can use your time and energy for more enjoyable things. 

How much does an automatic pool cleaner cost?

As with many outdoor recreational products, there is a wide range of prices when it comes to automatic pool cleaners. The least expensive models cost around $100 or less. On the other end of the spectrum, the most advanced automatic pool cleaners can cost up to $1000 or more. Sometimes the price is tied to the capabilities of an automatic pool cleaner. For example, if you have a large in-ground pool with a sloping depth, you may need to spend more than the low end to get a vacuum that can handle a large pool.

What parts of the pool do automatic pool vacuums clean?

Many of the automatic pool cleaners on the market vacuum not only the pool bottom, but also the pool side walls. Check the manufacturer’s product description for information about what specific parts of the pool an automatic pool vacuum covers. Some high end robotic cleaners even clean pool stairs. However, stairs are a special case, and some even more advanced models do not have the ability to successfully navigate stairs. Luckily, it’s easy to find automatic pool cleaners that clean both the pool floor and walls. 

Buying Guide

Pools are definitely one of the joys of life, but their care and maintenance can have a bit of a learning curve. While you shop for a new automatic pool cleaner, keep in mind the following important considerations as you sift and sort through the details and narrow it down to your final choice:

Soon you’ll be jumping into your sparkling clean pool, with minimal effort on your part! Before you make your final choice in a new pool vacuum, take at look at our top picks for the best automatic pool cleaners:

Hoseless & Cordless Ease

Cleaning your pool instantly becomes much easier with this cordless robotic pool vacuum that picks up both leaves and fine particles. 

This automatic pool cleaner from AIPER is a robotic unit that runs on a rechargeable battery and vacuums your pool while you relax. There are no messy hoses or cords to connect or worry about; this pool cleaner sucks up dirt and leaves for up to 50 minutes, and has dual action suction power.

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Low Noise Automatic Vacuum

This automatic pool vacuum cleans not only the pool floor, but also its walls as the spinning head rotates and makes its way around your pool.

This automatic pool cleaner from VINGLI is made for in-ground pools, and it attaches with a hose to your existing pool pump. Its spinning wheel crawls around your pool, sucking up debris through the hose from both the pool floor and also its walls. 

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Efficient Cleaning for Above-Ground Pools

This automatic pool cleaner works with your filter pump to methodically vacuum the whole floor of your above-ground pool that’s 24-feet across or less.

Intex is a company that’s well established in the world of water recreation, so you can bet that this automatic pool cleaner will get the job done. This pool cleaner hooks up to your filter pump with a hose, and has a brush on its underside to sweep up dirt and leaves easily. 

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Actively Scrubs Pool Floor & Walls

This feature-packed automatic pool cleaner has a turning brush that gets your pool sparkling clean, and needs no water hoses.

Dolphin’s Nautilus CC Plus is a technologically and mechanically advanced automatic pool vacuum with impressive features. Its smart navigation sends the scrubbing unit around the pool and up the walls, and this cleaner can be used with in-ground pools of up to 50 feet, unlike many of its competitors. 

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Works with Above or In-Ground Pools

A good fit for a variety of pool sizes and types, this automatic pool cleaner vacuums up debris while you relax. 

This pool cleaner from XtremepowerUS comes with 10 hoses that can be connected to cover up to a 30-foot pool, and it works with both above-ground and in-ground pools. This vacuum hooks up to your existing pool filter, and self-navigates around your pool with high efficiency. It’s also low maintenance and easy to assemble. 

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