Keeping a pool clean can be a hard thing to do if you don’t have the right tools in your possession. Things can happen around a home that can necessitate cleaning a pool regularly, such as mowing tall grasses or nearby construction.
These sorts of incidents can leave inconspicuous amounts of residue in your pool. Algae growth is another possibility. Below are ten of the best pool vacuums for algae reviews, chosen for motor compatibility and pool coverage. See which one is most ideal for your pool, then read further for additional tips. Let’s begin!
10 Best Pool Vacuums for Algae & Dirt:
1. Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner
Review
The Zodiac MX6 is a contender for the best inground pool cleaner on the list. It’s made for people with pools that are embedded into the ground. Getting it ready after unboxing won’t take long; expect to have it up and running in as little as 15 minutes.
Pools with algae can pose a serious risk to health. The MX6 can rid your pool of this quickly, without it clinging to the filter when you’re ready to clean. There’s a pool extension included; you won’t need a new one if your pools if fairly large.
What Customers Are Saying
Some users found leaves to be difficult to take out of the filter, at least without disassembling the entire vacuum. This can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not the type to thoroughly read through user manuals. Be sure that you have at least 30 minutes of free time before you clean it out. If that sounds reasonable, there’s little justification for avoiding the Zodiac MX6.
Pros
- Has a fast setup time
- Easy to clean up algae and other debris from the inside; debris doesn’t get stuck
- A tube extension is provided by larger pools
Cons
- Difficult to remove stuck leaves; must be taken apart to do so
- Clogging will make the machine stop functioning until cleared
2. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Pool Cleaner
Review
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus has some cool features that aren’t always provided by pool vacuums. The most notable is the extra filter that’s bundled with it, or rather, hidden. For anyone not paying attention to its instruction manual, the second filter is very easy to pass up. As for how it runs, it’s fast and can have your pool in a like-state in no time.
If your pool contains lots of small pieces of debris, this is the vacuum for you. It can get it up fast, making your pool’s bottom look noticeably brighter from having no settled dirt.
What Customers Are Saying
Most users that have tried the Dolphin Nautilus loved how it prevents itself from getting stuck by floating at the top in awkward spots. For above-ground pools with a ladder, it’s the best robotic pool cleaner for algae, capable of getting the green tint off your pool walls for good.
Pros
- Two filters are included with the machine; can be used separately
- Capable of picking up very small debris
- Has the ability to climb up pool walls
- Contains a release mechanism that keeps it from getting stuck, whereby it floats
Cons
- Incapable of sufficiently cleaning the water line on concrete pools
3. Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
Review
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure is one of the best pool bottom cleaner brands you’ll find, for a number of reasons. If you were to look at a large number of reviews for similar products you would find pools vacuums with the inability to pick up large leaves as a common area of complaint. But with the Vac-Sweep, the big organic matter will be sucked into the filter like everything else.
With this vacuum, there’s no need for you to take it out of the pool. That is until it’s time for you to clean out the filter. It’ll work nonstop if you want it, so long as you have a proper motor attached. Getting this ready isn’t a difficult task, either. The instruction manual is detailed, with good info on how to run it, and avoiding any mishaps.
What Customers Are Saying
Although some didn’t like the Vac-Sweep 360’s short hose, most found it more than satisfactory. You’ll love its ability to pick up debris that some of the competitors simply cannot. Give it a go if your pool has a lot of grime at the bottom.
Pros
- Great at picking up large leaves
- Doesn’t need to be taken out of the pool until the filter must be cleaned
- Detailed and easy-to-follow instruction booklet
Cons
- Not fitted with adequate hose length for pools over 30 feet
4. Hayward 925ADC Navigator Pro Suction Pool Vacuum
Review
The Hayward 925ADC Navigator looks almost like a normal household vacuum. It’s colored navy blue and white and has a tube opening for your hoses on the head of the machine. Where other vacuums fail at turning and get stuck, the 925ADC can maneuver away from (and toward for cleaning) efficiently.
Because of the 925ADC Navigator “leave one stone unturned” way of cleaning, it’s the best pool vacuum for dirt. In fact, it works so well, that one might consider this a go-to machine to break out after a seasonal break from the pool. Your pool will come out clean, then you can switch to a secondary cleaner after this one handles dirty work.
What Customers Are Saying
While users who have tried out the 925ADC are happy with the way that it performs overall, some noticed that it doesn’t handle walls very well. This included bowl-shaped walls. But for pools where a majority of the junk rests at the bottom of the pool, it cleans up really well.
Pros
- Great steering action that allows the cleaner to reach all spots without getting stuck
- Easily sucks in tiny bits of debris
- Fast setup time that requires no tools to complete (less than ten minutes for most)
Cons
- I May have difficulty climbing up the walls of pools that are bowl-shaped
5. XtremepowerUS 75037 Climb Wall Pool Cleaner Automatic Suction Vacuum
Review
The XtremepowerUS 75037 is an above-ground pool algae cleaner. It’s great for large pools, doing a good job of sucking away the dirt of various sizes. Its bluish-green body is very tough and should last for many years without the need for a replacement.
Some pools sit in areas that accumulate both small and large debris. This could be leaves, twigs, or small acorns. Whatever the case, XtremepowerUS will pick it up. The filters do wonders at holding residue, and won’t wear down its material.
What Customers Are Saying
No matter if the pool was bowl-shaped above the ground, the XtremepowerUS is accepted as a solid pool vacuum, as evident by the people who own it. This isn’t made for small pools, mind you, and the machine could easily get stuck in areas that are tightly confined. But it’s a great buy for anyone with a larger-than-average-sized pool.
Pros
- Very strong durability; the body doesn’t feel cheaply made
- An effective way to clean up small and large leaves; is a strong filter
- Will thoroughly clean up the floor of any pool, regardless of the shape
Cons
- May get stuck in tightly confined spaces
6. VINGLI Swimming Pool Vacuum Cleaner Automatic Sweeper
Review
The Vingli Swimming Pool Vacuum Cleaner has outstanding power and operates well at any speed that it’s set to run. The shape makes it especially great at getting easy-to-miss spots that are in corners, such as steps or ladders.
You don’t have to run the Vingli at its maximum to get good results. The low-speed setting is perfect for most, with the added benefit of using less power. It won’t miss a spot, able to move over every part of your pool with ease.
What Customers Are Saying
Even the best pool sweeper reviews will have users that mention things that could be improved on, and this goes for the Vingli. While it can move across all of your pool, some stubborn, large leave might not come up easily.
If your pool is full of them, don’t expect everything to disappear, especially on the first cleaning session. Still, The Vingli manages to score big points for its magnificent cleaning ability. It’s also very eco-friendly.
Pros
- Does a particularly good job of cleaning out corners
- Good power at low speeds that picks up dirt without consuming too much electricity; eco friendly
- Never missed spots; will traverse the entire pool
Cons
- Has problems with picking up some leaves
7. Pool Blaster Max Cordless Rechargeable, Battery-Powered, Pool-Cleaner
Review
The Pool Blaster Max operates entirely on a rechargeable battery. You won’t need a separate motor to get your pool clean. Just turn it on and make sure all parts are working before placing it into the water.
Everyone loves wireless cleaning products, mostly from the lack of having to deal with cords. It’ll take you about an hour or to get it as a full charge. The brushes fastened to the machine will kick up the dirt towards the suction area, getting pools clean really quick.
What Customers Are Saying
As has been the case with some unfortunate soul. Breaking the filter is easy to do. It moves fast and will have your living room looking new in no time. The Pool Blaster Max is a pool cleaner for leaves, giving it a spot on the list for anyone in need of a large tree that sheds in the anthem months. Get it as an alternative to the first two reviewed products.
Pros
- The machine is wireless and eliminates the nuisance of having to untangle cords
- Crawls along the floor quickly, thanks to the brush that grasps the bottom of pools
- Takes about 3-4 hours for the battery to charge
Cons
- The battery will die after 1.5 to 2 hours
- Easy to break the filter if cleaned with abrasives
8. Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
Review
The Zodiac Ranger Suction is another vacuum for above-ground pools. It picks up material instantaneously when it enters its lair. Assembly is just as easy, with the company providing a booklet for later use.
Some sediment in pools is not a big deal. However, the Zodiac can riddle in any trash you see, including the tiny pieces. Things like wood chips and grasses come up fast just as much as the fine grit does.
What Customers Are Saying
Reviewers thought positively of the Zodiac Ranger, most liked its suction power and thorough cleaning of large and small pools. It’s an automatic suction pool cleaner that’s stable and durable. You’ll love the way it stays running in an acceptable manner, regardless of how long you keep it under the water.
Pros
- Fast suction; doesn’t just spread the dirt around like some pool vacuums
- Has a three-step assembly process that’s fast to put together
- Gets rid of fine sediment that lingers in the bottom of a pool very fast
Cons
- Hard debris will be impossible for the machine to pick up
9. Pentair K50600 Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac Suction-Side Above Ground Pool Cleaner
Review
The Pentair K50600 is the final product on the list, and great for people that like to keep things quiet. Some vacuums are notoriously loud, with whirring that can be heard from some distance away.
Since the machine is silent, you can break it at any time and never hear complaints of a buffering screen. The path you follow is randomized, never missing a spot at your pool’s bottom.
What Customers Are Saying
As some users of this vacuum, you might see the vacuum get stuck every once in a while, more so for people with pools containing ladders. As a whole, the Pentair K50600 performs well and is recommended to anyone that doesn’t want to hear their vacuum running while relaxing indoors.
Pros
- Not very noisy, won’t be heard by next-door neighbors
- Randomizes its path to ensure that every part of the pool floor and walls are cleaned
- Good results regardless of motor quality
Cons
- Gets easily stuck behind obstacles, such as pool step/ladders
10. Aquabot APRVJR Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
Review
The Aquabot APRVJR Pool Rover almost resembles a children’s toy. It’s an above-ground pool algae cleaner colored blue and has four wheels that walk across the pool floor, picking up any dirt that’s lingering nearby. Surprisingly, it’s very lightweight but will manage to traverse your pool without floating at the top.
One of the best features of the Aquabot is its ability to clean up the waterline of pools. If you notice your pool’s water line beginning to stain, the rover will get it back clean in the first week of use.
What Customers Are Saying
Washing out pool vacuum filters can be a real pain, but is easy with the Rover. There’s no need for you to hand wash, just throw it in your machine washer and let it dry out. Others found this feature to be especially nice to see. There might be a bit of lingering debris stuck to the bag you’ve cleaned, however. For this reason, it’s suggested that you wash it out on its own.
Pros
- Light in design and easy to pick up
- Can clean the water line on pools with a smooth surface
- Easy to get parts for a replacement; is made from few parts that are proprietary
- The filter bag can be machine washed
- Will not damage the lining in pools that are above the ground
Cons
- The bag is difficult to clean and may have residue inside, even after washing
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Pool Vacuum for Algae
Pools cleaners are very popular, and many of them are fully automated. Current trends in the products are expected to rise over a short period, especially for products made relatively recently.
Above or Below?
A lot of pool cleaners are made specifically for a certain type of pool. For instance, above-ground pools would be better suited for smaller, more maneuverable cleaners that can reach underneath steps and ladders.
In-ground pools take most vacuums, although some of them might not be able to get the stains out of your waterline. Algae should come up with most pool vacuums. You can expect an algae-containing pool to be much brighter to look at once the job is finished.
Essential Parts
Something else to keep in mind is whether you’re going to need additional parts to use the vacuum. Some cleaners require that you hook it up to a water pump, while others can run on their own. Others might be rechargeable with a sealed-off lithium-ion battery, for wireless usage.
People with Ladders/Steps
Choosing a pool vacuum regarding obstacles inside can be a bit tricky. There are a lot of products that aren’t built to maneuver around these structures. In fact, some of them might get stuck in such areas, particularly with ladders.
Some pool vacuums may harbor the ability to float, which would prevent jams in the water simply by the device moving closer to the surface. You could also try moving the obstacle, if possible, whenever cleanup takes place.
Shape of Pool
If you’ve read over the reviews, you know that vacuum pools are built to drag themselves across the pool floor or roll with wheels. Typically, wheeled vacuums are better above ground but might not hold up well in pools that are curved at the bottom, as is sometimes the case with in-ground pools.
Check with the manufacturer (or recommendations listed by the product) to see if the pool’s shape will have an impact on the unit’s performance.
The environment around the Pool
Say that you live next door to a neighbor that’s constantly undergoing construction repairs to their home outdoors. Depending on the humidity, dust from such an endeavor could kick up into the air, eventually making its way into your pool. To get this out may require a vacuum that can be left on for an extended period, especially if the dust is occurring/moving towards your pool when you’re not around. A lot of vacuums are made just for this purpose.
However, you’ll want to avoid anything that’s battery-changed; they usually have limited power that won’t exceed two hours at the most. A pool cover could also help with this. If the pool is large, ensure that your motor and vacuum are adequately fitted with a proper pipe length
Conclusion
While there were many outstanding, great products of the ten reviewed, the first pool cleaner, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, tops off the list with its ability to clean both in-ground and above-ground pools, it cleans quickly and is a breeze to put together. But the other nine also have their advantages, especially concerning large pools and those needing additional items to make it work.
In short, there’s no wrong choice you can make here. Pick the brand that interests you the most, then get ready to have a cleaner, healthier pool for your family!