An above-ground robotic pool cleaner will help keep your pool clean so that you can enjoy relaxing swims when things heat up. Selecting the best above-ground robotic cleaner can be hard, particularly for people doing it for the first time.
The market offers many cleaners, and you would not want to try each one of them. We have done the selection work for you. Here is a list of the top eight above-ground robotic pool cleaners you would want to try in addition to a buying guide and a selection of the 8 best above-ground robotic pool cleaners.
8 Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaners:
1. Dolphin E10 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
Review
The Dolphin E10 is designed for above-ground swimming pools with a diameter of 30 feet. It comes with many advanced features such as effective brushing and smart navigation. Its CleverClean Smart Navigation scans the pool and designs the cleaning pattern to reduce the cleaning time.
This top-rated above-ground pool vacuum takes 90 minutes to clean a 30-foot above-ground swimming pool, and its fast-spinning brush removes debris and algae on the pool surface. That will not only keep your swimming pool clean, but it will make it healthier. When the cleaning is over, this product will pop open so that you can remove the filter basket and empty it.
What Consumers Are Saying
The consumers are happy that the product does not require a booster pump or extra hoses to clean an above-ground swimming pool. They claim that it collects all types of debris to leave a clean swimming pool. However, they claim that the cord becomes tangled from time to time.
Pros
- Excellent cleaning performance
- Easier setup and maintenance
- Accessible filter basket
- Offers many advanced features at a low price
Cons
- It does not come with an ultra-fine filter. You have to buy it separately
- The cable gets tangled at times
2. Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Suction Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
Review
The Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Suction Above-Ground Pool Cleaner features the shape of a beautiful happy whale. The attractive appearance makes it a perfect choice for any pool.
The cleaner will balance the water flow of your pool. It runs quietly and moves gently across the pool.
The design of this product allows its steering patterns to work wonderfully for fast cleaning of the pool. After receiving the product, the assembly work will take you less than 10 minutes. You do not need any tools to complete the assembly. Even better, the bumper ring reduces the friction, while the programmed steering pattern helps it avoid the walls.
What Consumers Are Saying
Most users claim that this is a good above-ground pool vacuum. The price is friendly and works better than most expensive above-ground pool cleaners. However, you will need to empty the filters more often for them to function optimally.
Pros
- Resembles a whale
- Boasts a unique turbine to balance the water flow
- Cleans with gentle movements
- The installation process takes less than 10 minutes
- Comes with one year warranty
- Does not require tools to setup
Cons
- Might stop working when in the cleaning process
3. Pentair K50600 Kreepy Krauly E-Z Suction-Side Above Ground Pool Cleaner
Review
The Pentair K50600 Kreepy Krauly E-Z Suction-Side is among the products from well-established brands. Its time-tested design and its reliability helped it earn a position in our list of best above-ground robotic pool cleaners of 2020.
The automatic pool cleaner features patented Flapper mechanisms that reduce clogging. Clogging is frequent with diaphragm-style suction above ground cleaners. On top of that, it boasts well-designed bumper straps that protect it when inside the pool and minimizes the chances of knocking against the steps and walls.
What Consumers Are Saying
Most consumers are happy with the durability of this product. It has only one moving part, and it has no gears or wheels, which might break down frequently. However, it is not designed for pools using less than ¾ pumps.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Cleans small swimming pools perfectly
- Works efficiently
Cons
- Not ideal for medium-sized pools
- Very loud and heavy
4. Intex Auto Pool Cleaner
Review
The Intex Auto Pool Cleaner is designed to clean above-ground swimming pools automatically. Its flow rate ranges between 1,600 GPH and 3,500 GPH, meaning that it is easy to use. It will take a little time to clean your pool and comes at an affordable price.
The manufacturer designs it to vacuum the Intex products individually. It will require a pump offering 1,600-3,500 GPH to run efficiently, and you will like the 24 feet long hose, which will fit with 1 ½ inch hose fittings perfectly. With the compact brush situated on its base, the product will scrub the debris and collect them from the floor of the pool, if the surface is smooth.
Keep in mind that the plastic wheels are not powered. Therefore, any wrinkle on the pool’s bottom might stop it. Use it to clean the pools with smooth floors.
What Consumers Are Saying
Most consumers are happy with the controls that allow the cleaner to reverse directions automatically. They also like the durable construction and its ability to clean above-ground pools effectively. However, they also claim that this best automatic pool cleaner does not remove the big debris.
Pros
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Very affordable
- Works perfectly with Intex products
- Durable construction
- Automatic reverses direction
Cons
- Does not work well with the available non-Intex models
- Might get stuck at the pool bottom
5. Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 6-130-00 Pressure Side Automatic Pool Cleaner
Review
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 6-1300-00 Pressure Side Automatic Pool Cleaner is designed for people who would not want to clean their above-ground swimming pools manually. Its high suctioning power allows it to remove debris, leaves, and dirt from the water entirely.
For an above-ground swimming pool, it will do a perfect job of cleaning the steps. It will not leave them sparkling clean, but it will eliminate the need for frequent sweeping.
The pool vacuum for the above-ground pool has a patented jet sweep assembly that blows the pool water against the walls. That is enough to loosen up the large debris so that the cleaner can collect them.
The debris collection bag will trail behind, collecting the large twigs, pebbles, and leaves for removal. It will service any pool with a 24 feet diameter within 3 hours. The design allows it to work efficiently.
What Consumers Are Saying
Some users claim that it works perfectly for above-ground swimming pools. Its design allows it to work correctly, including when the pool has a folded pool liner. Unfortunately, the hose tangles easily, and you can only use it on a pool that is 6 feet deep or shallower.
Pros
- Will remove dirt and leaves from the pool
- Cleans pool steps correctly
- Awesome price
- It installs within a few minutes
Cons
- It will flip over at times
- It is not designed for large pools
6. Aquabot X4 In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner with Swivel and Caddy
Review
The Aquabot X4 is made for both in-ground and above-ground pools. It will handle any type of floor, thanks to its high grip wheels and 4WD navigation system. The manufacturer fixes micro-brushes on its underside. The micro-brushes rotate as the cleaner moves in the pool to agitate the debris and algae that might be stuck to the swimming pool’s floor and walls.
The ultra-fine filters will catch all the particles if they are not less than 2 microns. The program excels when it comes to scheduling features and programmability. For instance, it allows you to control the duration of your cleaning cycles. Users have the option to select a 1, 1.5, or even 2 hours cleaning cycle.
Its most extended cleaning cycle is shorter than that of most expensive above-ground pool cleaners due to the smart pool mapping technology, which increases efficiency. You can set the cleaner to clean your pool after every two, three, or even four days. The programmability allows you to adjust the cleaning as seasons change. It is an excellent robotic above-ground pool cleaner.
What Consumers Are Saying
Most users are happy with this cleaner’s ability to climb the pool walls up to the waterline. Unfortunately, it does not excel when it comes to cleaning the steps. The built-in timer and the filter baskets designed to hold leaves and dirt are the other features that they like. You might also love the tangle-free long power cord.
Pros
- Excellent cleaning performance
- Programmable weekly timer and cleaning cycles
- Designed for both in-ground and above groundwater reservoirs
- Offers excellent value for money
- The swivel cable prevents chances of tangling.
Cons
- It struggles when cleaning some areas such as the waterline and steps
- The wheels do not offer the same traction
7. XtrenepowerUS 75037 Climb Wall Pool Cleaner
Review
The XtrenepowerUS 75037 Climb Wall Pool Cleaner is designed for people who would want to collect all debris and dirt from their swimming pools fast and efficiently. Covering 8-12 feet per minute, the cleaner might be the fastest above-ground pool suction cleaner that the market offers.
You have to connect it to a pump providing over 1,600 GPH suction to clean all debris and leaves from your pool. It does not have any moving parts meaning that the cleaning is straightforward. All you need to do is plug it in and start the cleanup.
One of the unique things is the extra hoses that the manufacturer offers. The hoses allow you to clean any swimming pool within a less than 30 feet radius. On the downside, it is likely to get stuck when navigating steps and obstacles.
What Consumers Are Saying
Users are happy with the fast and easy setup and installation process. They claim that it sucks up all the dirt as it moves in the pool. However, it only collects 80 percent of the debris. You might need a manual pool cleaner to deal with the areas it leaves untouched. Moreover, they are unhappy with its tendency to be stuck when navigating the stairs.
Pros
- Fast-moving above ground pool cleaner for efficient and swift clean
- Connects to the existing swimming pool pumps for faster and easier installation
- Comes with additional hoses
Cons
- Gets stuck when encountering steps ladders and walls
8. Pool Rover S2 40, US, JET, Blue Pool Cleaner
Review
This product from Pool Rover is designed to clean any pool with a 40 feet length efficiently. The robotic pool vacuum for above-ground pools will filter around 80-85 gallons per minute, meaning that it is speedy.
With its fine filter, the product removes all the debris, including the smallest ones. It is designed to filter any debris above 2 microns, which means that it will capture bacteria. The durable wheels will propel you through your pool smoothly, and it comes with two years warranty.
Some of the great things you will love about this product are its self-contained design, fast operation, and efficiency. While it will clean any above-ground pool, including the largest, the power connection is a big downside.
It is simple and lacks timing features. When using it, you have to be careful to prevent water from entering the power box because it is not waterproof. The product rarely misses the top above-ground pool cleaners lists.
What Consumers Are Saying
It takes the cleaner several cleaning sessions to remove all the debris and leaves. They also claim that it tends to forget some spots in their above-ground pools, and the suction is inefficient. It leaves a dust trail behind it. However, they are happy with the tangle-free swivel cable and the ability to clean walls.
Pros
- Cleans any walls with a 6-inch radius partially
- Offers a 2-year warranty
- It is fast and efficient.
Cons
- The elegant filter bags require more time to clean out
- The power box is not waterproof
Factors to Consider When Buying Above Ground Pool Cleaner
Above are some of the best automatic above-ground pool cleaners you would want to try. While they are all great products, not all of them will work for your pool. Here are the factors to consider when shopping for an above-ground pool cleaner.
Type of Cleaner
Not every above-ground pool cleaner will provide excellent results. The market offers many types of cleaners, such as turbulence-based, robotics-based cleaners, and suction-based cleaners. Ensure that the one you are about to buy will provide excellent results each time.
The Size and Shape of Your Above Ground Pool
Considering the size and shape of your swimming pool will help you choose the best cleaner. It will help you determine the amount of time you will need to clean the above-ground pool, energy consumption, and pump strength.
Weight of the Above Ground Cleaner
Since you have to carry the pool cleaner from one place to another, consider its weight and ensure that it is something you can lift easily. Ensure that it is sturdy and lightweight.
Power Consumption
You have to consider the power of the cleaner, along with its speed. For more effective cleaning, you have to go for the robotic cleaners. Keep in mind that a powerful cleaner will increase your monthly electricity bill sharply.
The Filtration System
The filtration system determines the cleaning operation efficiency. Before you buy any cleaner, ensure that it features a quality filtration system. Such a product will clean your pool faster and thoroughly.
Brushes and Bristles
A quality above-ground pool cleaner should feature sturdy bristles to scrub the calcium deposits and algae. Decide on whether you need an automatic pool cleaner or not. Automatic cleaners come with brushes that clean the pool edges and remove all debris.
The Movement Pattern
For more efficient cleaning, go for the cleaners that can move appropriately without your help. Choose a vacuum cleaner that will complete the work within a short time.
Hose and Cord
Above-ground pool, cleaners will come with a cord and hose. Ensure that the two – hose and cord – are long enough to help it move when cleaning the pool. While most manufacturers provide their cleaners along with the cable and hose, some require you to buy them separately.
Go for the products that come as a package as this saves you from the hassle of searching for suitable matches. Ensure that the electric cord is long enough so that the vacuum can move freely. A tangle-free cleaner will make your movements more comfortable.
Warranty Period
Above ground swimming, pool vacuum cleaners are known to break down more often. While some cleaners malfunction due to shipping defects, others break down due to manufacturing defects.
During the selection process, remember to check the manufacturer’s warranty.
The warranty will tell you whether you are working with low-quality or high-quality products. Read the warranty conditions, so that you can reduce expenses in the long term.
Price
While the price might be the last thing in your mind when shopping for an above-ground pool cleaner, it is essential. The cost of pool cleaners ranges between $200 and $1200, but those designed for above-ground pools are more affordable. Most of them come at a meager price.
Naturally, the suppliers will provide you with what you pay for. Most of the inexpensive products are mediocre, but some are good. With that in mind, you should be ready to spend a significant amount if you need something that will last for many days. Some of the high-quality cleaners are very expensive.
Recommended for reading: Dolphin Quantum Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
Above Ground Pool Cleaner – FAQ
Which Are the Available Types of Above Ground Swimming Pool Cleaners?
The market offers three types of above-ground pool vacuum cleaners. They include robotic cleaners, suction cleaners, and handheld cleaners.
Robotic cleaners are motor-powered and controlled by dedicated software and microprocessors. The suction cleaners come with filtration pumps that power them and help remove dirt and debris from the water. Handheld cleaners are more like your household vacuum cleaner. You have to operate them manually to clean your pool correctly.
The type of your above-ground swimming pool and its shape will determine the model you select. The amount of money and time you would want to invest in your pool’s maintenance is another important consideration. The type you choose should leave a clear swimming pool after every cleaning.
How Long Will the Above Ground Cleaner Last?
The life of y our above-ground pool cleaner will highly depend on the model and how you use it. Buy a pool cleaner with an extended warranty period to ensure that it will last for many years. Manufacturers cover the repair costs if they occur within the warranty period.
How Much Will an Above Ground Pool Cleaner Cost?
The price of an above-ground pool cleaner will vary according to the model and type. Base your selection on the pros and cons.
Is the Cleaner Installation Process Hard?
During your purchase, you have to consider the installation process. Choose a cleaner that you can install within a short time and one you can use without any challenges.
Conclusion
You have to clean your above-ground swimming pool regularly. A cleaner will eliminate dirt, debris, and any fallen leaves. It will also help reduce the chances of water-borne bacteria growth. You can empty the water reservoir after every single use, scrub it and later refill it. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time to do that.
For that reason, you should buy one of the best pool cleaners for the above-ground pools. They will clean the pool within a short time and leave it sparkling clean. The above reviews and buying guide will help you choose the best cleaner in the market.