Best Suction Pool Cleaner | Expert Review Guide

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The difference between the modern suction pool cleaner and the one you may have in your pool shack is there is no extendable pole needed.

So you don’t have to spend hours pushing the cleaner around vacuuming up pool dust and debris yourself.

Nice !!

The new breed of suction pool cleaners navigate around the pool by themselves using the pool pump for power.

Nothing complicated here, and setting them up will be familiar to all pool owners who have used traditional manual pool cleaners in the past.

So they’re simple to operate, generally quiet, and affordable to buy. They may not be suitable for really super large pools because their efficiency decreases as the vacuum hose length increases.

For most home pool sizes though they’re just perfect.

There’s a pretty vibrant market for pool cleaning products and for pool vacuums in particular. Our experts have curated a list of the best suction side pool cleaners from trusted manufacturers, and they might look like an odd bunch, but they have one thing in common, they’re all good pool cleaners. 

You’ll surely find one to tick your buyers boxes in our reviews.

So let’s dive straight in…….

SUCTION SIDE POOL CLEANER REVIEWS

Hayward Poolvergnuegen Robotic Pool Cleaner

Hayward 4 Wheel Drive Automatic Pool Cleaner

• NAVIGATION:  The Hayward pool vacuum cleaner navigates using multiple pre-programmed steering sequences. Simple in concept and operation, the left wheel periodically reverses causing the cleaner to turn and move into another direction. Full pool coverage and efficient cleaning is ensured with this fuss free system.
• 4 WHEEL DRIVE: Patented tire treads and the 4 wheel drive system means the Hayward suction side cleaner has the power to overcome most in pool obstacles that would normally stop other cleaners in their tracks.
• POOL SIZE:  For use with large size pools. It can also be easily hooked up to older pools with no dedicated suction line by using the skimmer.
• TURBINE VANES:  Self adjusting flexible turbine vanes are a great feature that ensures maximum power at any flow rate. Their flexibility allows easy passage of larger sized pool debris to ensure uninterrupted cleaning.
• VARIABLE SPEED PUMPS:  Pool owner with variable speed pump systems will find the 3 interchangeable throat options useful. Cleaning can be optimised to suit the system suction performance at lower flow.
• MULTIPLE MODEL CHOICE:  This brilliant range of pool cleaners is available in seven other configurations. Different color choices and 2 wheel drive options.
• Made in USA.

Zodiac MX8 Suction Side Pool Cleaner

Zodiac Automatic Pool Cleaner

• NAVIGATION:  The MX8 uses what Zodiac calls a Max-Drive dual navigation system. It performs a random cleaning pattern, but random does not mean it is inefficient. During the cleaning sequence the cleaner travels both forward and backwards and also pivots to the left and right.
• VARIABLE SPEED PUMPS:  This automatic pool cleaner can run with as little as 20 GPM of flow, making it an energy efficient choice for the owners of two speed, and variable speed pumps. .
• TRACTION AND MOBILITY:  The X-Trax system that Zodiac uses on this pool cleaner allows good manoeuvrability in and out of corners, and with correct pump settings it has great wall climbing and excellent waterline cleaning capabilities too.
• SUCTION HEAD:  Twin high powered suction ports allow even larger pieces of debris and leaves to be picked up and sent to the filter basket.
• POOL AND PUMP TYPES:  Works in all concrete, tile, fibre-glass and vinyl in-ground pools. A good choice for solar, two speed, and variable-speed pumps.

Hayward Navigator Pro Suction Side Pool Cleaner

Hayward Suction Side Pool Vacuum

• NAVIGATION:  The Navigator features the Hayward SmartDrive programmed steering system. That means the cleaner performs a series of alternating of right and left-hand turns to enable it to clean all parts of the pool. Average size pool takes three or four hours to clean up.
• POOL SURFACE:  Two models are available for either Gunite or Vinyl pools. Be sure to order the correct one for your set up.
• ENHANCED VACUUM:  Extended side wings and skirt are designed for more efficient debris pickup.
• POOL SIZE:  Suitable for pools up to 20 x 40 foot.
• POOL AND PUMP TYPES:  Works in all concrete, tile, fibre-glass and vinyl in-ground pools. A good choice for solar, two speed, and variable-speed pumps.

Zodiac Baracuda G3 Suction Side Pool Cleaner

Zodiac Baracuda Pool Vacuum

• NAVIGATION:  Self navigates. It’s unique anti-stick profile ensures  optimal pool coverage and allows it to navigate around steps, ladders, and into corners
• POOL SURFACE:  Works well on all pool surfaces.
• LONG LIFE DIAPHRAGM :  It’s the only moving part on the cleaner. It’s tough and durable and should last many seasons. A really simple operation, and low to zero maintenance costs.
• POOL SIZE:  Will work on any pool size but for best results only use in pools under 40 feet.
• FLOWKEEPER VALVE:  A self adjusting flow control valve regulates water flow into the cleaner. This ensures great cleaning even with low horsepower pumps.

Hayward 900  Above-Ground Pool Cleaner

Hayward Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner

• Hayward robotic pool cleaner come with their own hose set which includes: 1 lead hose and 7 connector hoses. They measure around 32 feet when all are connected.
• Features a unique turbine gearing system that creates a constant and balanced water flow. This provides a gentle and quite movement around the pool.
• Incorporates a bumper ring around the body to help reduce friction and assist effortless movement away from pool edges and walls. This helps to reduce clean up time by fast resumption of the programmed steering pattern.
• Installs directly onto standard pool equipment. No special tools are required, just a couple of minutes to set it up and unleash it!!
• Despite looking like a bath tub toy this is in fact a highly efficient pool cleaner. There are three other characters in the range to choose from, the Aquabug, Critter or Penguin. So if you are looking to have a marauding whale, penguin or bug hoovering up your pool debris then look no further.

SUCTION SIDE POOL CLEANER CHECK LIST

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CLEANER FOR YOUR POOL

Suction side pool cleaners are pretty much the foot soldiers in the the battle to keep your pool clean.

They’re reliable, good at what they do, and they get the job done without the any of the fancy technology built into their more expensive robotic cousins.

So once they’re dropped into the pool and connected up they set about a cleaning chores. They’ve only got one job and that’s cleaning up your pool.

Some use a random cleaning pattern, and others use pre-programmed turns, the end result should be a dust and debris free pool.

Let’s look a check list to make sure you match your pool cleaning problems to the right suction pool cleaner.

What Pool Surface

There are plenty of suction pool cleaners that can cope with all types of pool surfaces, but others have mobility just on specific pool finishes.

For example the Hayward Navigator Pro needs to be purchased for either Vinyl or Gunite style pool finishes.

So always check that the cleaner you choose can operate efficiently on your pool surface. This is fundamental, and the very first thing to tick off on your buyers check list.

Pool Size

Now your pool filter pump should have a capacity matched to the pool size. The larger the pool the larger the pump. Obvious !! But how does that affect out suction cleaner?

Well the distance between the pool pump and the cleaner affects how well the cleaner will work. The longer the vacuum hose the less efficient the cleaner will be.

That’s one of the reasons why most domestic suction cleaners are rated up to a pool size of 40 feet. And that’s going to be just fine for most folks.

Debris Profile

Depending on where your pool lives it will face aa barrage of all kinds of different types of debris challenges depending on the time of year.

Wind blown leaves, air born dust, insects etc etc will all tend to make its way to the bottom of the pool or stick on the waterline.

Dust particles and small debris are generally easily vacuumed up by all suction cleaners, but large leafs can challenge many,

It’s worth remembering that the debris goes straight to the pump filter basket so even if the cleaner can manage to hoover them up the filter basket will need frequent cleaning.

Generally speaking, suction side pool cleaners work best for medium sized debris problems.

Pump and Filtration System

The pool pump is what powers the vacuum, and your pool filter traps the vacuumed dust and debris. If the pump doesn’t have the power the cleaner needs to function at optimum efficiency then a less than optimum cleaning result should be expected. .

If you have found the cleaner of your dreams but your pump doesn’t have the power to run it a booster pump can be plumbed into to to circuit increase HP at the cleaner.

Generally speaking though if your pool pump can’t run one of these suction cleaners it’s time to buy a new larger output pump because it can’t be cleaning your pool very effectively either.

Pool Cleaning Coverage

Cleaning the bottom of the pool is a given but cleaning it well isn’t.

The whole cleaning operation is dependent on the pump. But if you’ve got a good cleaner and a pump to match then great things can happen.

The best suction pool cleaner can climb and clean walls as well as the pool bottom. They’re mostly not successful on stairs, but even the most expensive pool cleaners can struggle and stick on stairs. Not all suction cleaners are wall climbers so if that’s what you’re looking for be sure to confirm before you buy.

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