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The pool pump is used as suction to suck the debris out.

Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Pool Cleaner displayed on cement pool edge

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

Instead of a bag or strainer, it uses the pools actual filter to collect debris.

The skimmer basket may be used to collect large debris, and the filter collects smaller debris.

The cleaning cycle took seven hours.

Hayward The PoolCleaner 2-Wheel Suction Cleaner

Credit: Amazon

Upon opening the Hayward W3PVS20GST Poolvergnuegen Suction Pool Cleaner it looked like a well-thought-out and efficiently designed pool cleaner.

Plus, its lightweight and just the right size, making it easy to use.

Overall, we think this pool cleaner has several features that make it a great pick.

Hayward The PoolCleaner 2-Wheel Suction Cleaner displayed on cement at edge of pool

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

To start, it featured a self-cleaning swivel that makes turns easy.

Plus, the hose is bright white, which helps it stand out in the water.

During testing, the cleaner was very simple to set up.

Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner

Credit: Amazon

This method is possibly what took the cleaner so long.

Product Details: Weight:12 lbs.

It was difficult to set up this pool cleaner.

Zodiac Baracuda G3 Advanced Suction Side Pool Cleaner cleaning dirty pool

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Regardless, this unit thoroughly cleaned our pool with ease.

Setting the unit up was not as easy as we would have liked.

Fortunately, we were able to access some instructions online, though we didnt think this was ideal.

Person connecting hoses for Zodiac Baracuda G3 Advanced Suction Side Pool Cleaner at poolside

This pool cleaner was particularly efficient at cleaning the sloped sides and walls of the pool.

Once it was started, there was very little intervention required.

Product Details: Weight:17.7 lbs.

Zodiac Baracuda G3 Advanced Suction Side Pool Cleaner cleaning dirty pool

Is a little heavy to pull out of the pool when full of wet debris.

For quick and efficient regular pool maintenance, we recommend the Hayward Navigator Pro Pool Cleaner.

The pool cleaner is quiet and cleared our pool well in just an hour.

Zodiac Baracuda G3 Advanced Suction Side Pool Cleaner storage hanging from wooden fence

However, once the pool was cleaner we didnt have to intervene again.

The first thing we noticed was the units strong suction.

The cleaner got the entire pool, including the ground and walls, clean in one sitting.

Zodiac Baracuda G3 Advanced Suction Side Pool Cleaner cleaning dirty pool

Product Details: Weight:17.7 lbs.

The instructions arent very clear.

During set up, we noted that the instructions for this product were vague and not particularly user friendly.

Person connecting hoses for Zodiac Baracuda G3 Advanced Suction Side Pool Cleaner at poolside

If not, youll need to connect it through the skimmer basket (all adapters are included).

Product Details: Weight:9.8 lbs.

Each cleaner was unboxed and set up according to the manufacturers instructions.

Zodiac Baracuda G3 Advanced Suction Side Pool Cleaner cleaning dirty pool

We made a note of how long the setup took, and how intuitive the process was.

Maintenance tasks, such as emptying collection bags and cleaning filters, were also assessed for ease of use.

Ensure that the hose is longer than the longest distance in your pool, says Uhle.

Zodiac Baracuda G3 Advanced Suction Side Pool Cleaner storage hanging from wooden fence

Pool Length

The right suction pool cleaner for your pool will largely depend on the pools size.

Smaller pools of less than 30 feet in length can typically use compact or less powerful models.

Before buying a suction pool cleaner, check the manufacturers specifications, Uhle advises.

Hayward W3925ADC Navigator Pro Suction Pool Cleaner for In-Ground Gunite Pools

Credit: Amazon

Suggested Pool Style

Not all suction cleaners work well for every pool punch in.

Our four top picks are all in-ground cleaners, but above-ground options are also available.

If you have an above-ground pool, ensure the cleaner is gentle enough for vinyl liners, says Uhle.

Hayward The PoolCleaner 2-Wheel Suction Cleaner cleaning dirty pool with rubber duck nearby

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

In-ground cleaners can handle more robust surfaces, like concrete or tile.

Pool filtration systems generally come in three types: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth.

In addition to your pools size, the environment is also important to the cleaner selection process.

Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Pleated Seal Pool Cleaner

Credit: Amazon

The cleaner uses the power of the pool filter when cleaning and is quiet during operation.

Unfortunately, despite several days of use, there were still lots of underwater surfaces it hadnt touched.

The cleaner didnt have a set cleaning pattern, so random areas were clean and others werent.

Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Pool Cleaner cleaning the hot tub section of a pool

The Pentair Kreepy Krauly took a bit to assemble, but once it was together, we were impressed with how well it cleaned our pool.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Your Questions, Answered

What are the benefits of a suction pool cleaner?

There are several pool cleaner styles out there, likerobotic options with smart featuresor manual nets.

However, we think there are advantages to investing in a good suction pool cleaner.

Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Pleated Seal Pool Cleaner displayed unassembled on a deck

They’ll also help those expensive parts of your pool setup last longer.

This can even cause clogs and further strain your pool pump.

How much can I expect to spend on a suction pool cleaner?

Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Pool Cleaner displayed on concrete beside a pool

Efficient suction pool cleaners for residential use generally cost between $200 and $500.

It’s smart to shop around and consider exactly what you need.

Larger pools will benefit from larger, more powerful cleaners.

Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Pool Cleaner cleaning the hot tub section of a pool

Are suction pool cleaners easy to store?

Depending on where you live, pool cleaners may not need to be used year-round.

They should be removed from the pool when not in use, Duncan tells us.

Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Pleated Seal Pool Cleaner displayed unassembled on a deck

UV radiation and chlorine will degrade even high-end plastic quite quickly.

For this article, she referenced insights we gathered by testing each model at home in our own pools.

Each model was evaluated on factors like setup, design, ease of use, and effectiveness.

Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Pool Cleaner displayed on concrete beside a pool

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.

In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Zodiac Baracuda G3 Advanced Suction Side Pool Cleaner cleaning dirty pool

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens