In this article, we’re looking at the best pressure pool cleaners to help people to get their pool clean and functioning effectively and safely. A pressure pool cleaner is a very popular alternative to other cleaning methods as it allows people to clean their pool without having to connect to any sort of electricity. Naturally, electricity and pools don’t really mix. They feed from the pressure within the pump of the pool and are designed to help to take debris out of the pool.
The editor’s choice is the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner, which is very simple to set up and use, and does a brilliant job of clearing out the debris within a pool. It works like having a vacuum cleaner for your pool. The brand have 40 years as the most popular selling pressure pool cleaner so that people can rest assured of the quality on offer. The filter bag has a very clever design to stop debris before it reaches your filter. It can extend the life of your pool filter and leave the water running sparkling clear. We’ve reviewed over 30 of the top pressure pool cleaners in total and created a list of the top 5.
We’ve looked at the speed at which the cleaner can clear a pool, the compatibility, hose size, weight and other key features. Compatibility is absolutely vital. People need to buy a pool cleaner that they know is going to fit into their pool. Our team have spent weeks looking at reviews, watching videos and gaining first hand experience to bring you this list. Our research is presented as a simple overview table and then detailed reviews before a buying guide to discuss the benefits and decision making considerations when it comes to buying a pressure pool cleaner.
More features: unique filter bag, works in pools of all sizes and shapes, powered by double jets
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner is a fantastic model, and makes the top of our list of the best pressure pool cleaners out there. It is relatively lightweight at 17.2 lbs and works a lot like a vacuum cleaner for the home would.
It’s compatible with the Polaris booster pump which can give an extra boost to the pressure. This is also a good option, and highly rated among pressure pool cleaner reviews, because of the fact that it has a very thorough input and filter bag, which means you can collect loads of debris before it gets to your pool filter. A model like this can even extend the life of your filter.
As well as clearing the debris it does a good job of sweeping and cleaning the sides of the pool and the bottom of the pool. The hose is 31 feet meaning plenty of reach, but do check that this is big enough for your pool before making a purchase.
The cleaning takes 3 hours or less, which is better than a lot of the other cleaners, and means this is a great choice for bigger pools, too.
On top of all this, the manufacturers provide a 2-year warranty. This is a well built pool cleaner and will probably last far longer than this two years.
More features: 40 GPM of additional pool filtration, PosiDrive system, TailSweep Pro, 5-liter debris bag capacity, powered by 3 jets
You will quickly see a pattern emerging in terms of brands. This is another Polaris model and it is very good in terms of its compatibility with the Polaris booster pump for extra compatibility and power. Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 has a lot of similarities with our editor’s choice model. It has the same 2-year warranty and also a 31ft hose that means it is suitable for even big pools.
The 40 GPM of additional pool filtration comes from the filter bag which helps to protect the filter. The PosiDrive system and steel chain make it easy to move around the pool. It picks up debris and manages to collect even awkward acorns and other dirt and unwanted items within the in-ground pool.
It has 50% more torque and it is easy to push around a pool with ease. The Polaris pool cleaners are some of the best in terms of how easy it is to move them around the pool.
The connectivity is simple, as it just links up to a 1.5 inch pressure cleaner line. It also has TailSweep Pro, which is a feature to help sweep around the pool without spraying.
This is a very powerful model of pool cleaner, and it is convenient and simple to get the most out of, it’s not super cheap, but it is a brilliant model for value.
More features: easy installation
Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 6-130-00 is designed for above ground pools up to five feet deep, so you can’t use this in the in-ground models of pool. The pumps and filtration system of above ground pools are usually easy to attach this model to.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 6-130-00 is a lot more affordable than a lot of the other choices. It has its limitations due to the size, and the fact it can only be used above ground, but it still does a good job of clearing debris including awkward pebbles, twigs and acorns getting stuck in your pool.
The Jet Sweep system is able to clear a lot of the debris that has been stuck on the sides. This model manages to clear the bottom and the sides in three hours or less.
Like many of the options, it is powered by the pressure of water returning into the pool. It has its own filter bag so that it protects the filter within the pool.
The 24 feet hose means that this has plenty of flexibility. This does come with some limitations, the pool must only be up to 5 feet deep. However, it has a lot of power considering the size and the fact that this costs a fraction of the price of some of the other models of pool cleaner on the list. If you have an above ground pool liner to clean, then this is a lightweight, affordable and simple solution.
More features: 6 qt debris bag capacity, 9-inch cleaning path width
Need to do some heavy cleaning in the pool? The Hayward TVP500C TriVac 500 Pressure Cleaner has a lot of capacity in the debris bag, and it can even clean pools that haven’t had a clean in a while and have a lot of different debris within. It has the ability to suck up even larger sticks and stones.
The 9-inch cleaning path width also makes this a great choice for bigger pools, it can very quickly deal with even large surface areas.
This is also a very versatile model as it can be used for in-ground pools with a huge amount of different designs, and walls, floors and covers.
Aqua Drive System is patented and lets you change direction with a lot of ease. There is no need to worry about steering, as this is far easier than a lot of models, even ones that are smaller and lighter than the TriVac.
The hose is 30-feet long, so you can reach the pool from a fair distance. The pool cleaner is automatic and fits with any pool offering a 25 PSI power from the inlet. Suction inlet combines brilliantly with the three high pressure jets to clear the sides and bottom of the pool from debris so you can quickly see the difference. This is a powerful cleaner even for big pools. In fact, if you have a large pool or simply a lot of debris, the Hayward TVP500C TriVac 500 Pressure Cleaner is well worth considering.
More features: front-wheel drive and heavily treaded tires, available in grey color
The Pentair LL505PMG looks a bit like it should be trawling through an alien planet. This is no mars rover, and we’ve named it the best pressure pool cleaner with tires. This makes it really easy to push around the bottom of a pool, as it cleans with relative ease.
It is worth mentioning that this is definitely designed for darker pools. It has a lot of power from dual thrusts, and this means that some pools can be cleaned in just an hour or so.
The front-wheel drive means that there is a lot of traction and it will stay in place on the bottom of a pool as you clean. The tires have excellent heavy tread, and this means they can stay attached even on an incline so you can get a thorough clean.
The reason that this is not listed more highly on the list is the fact that it isn’t suitable for lighter colored pools, which means not everyone can benefit from it. The Pentair is suitable for concrete, vinyl-lined and fiberglass pools.
It’s relatively lightweight at 22lbs, so you can get it in and out of the pool with ease, and the 30ft hose is plenty for most people’s needs. It also comes with a one year warranty to protect the purchase.
A pool cleaner is not the sort of thing you buy every day! It is important to learn a little about the design of pressure pool cleaners and read some pressure pool cleaner reviews to ensure that you get an excellent clean and don’t buy a model that doesn’t work with your pool.
Though a lot of the best pressure pool cleaners are compatible with most pool inputs, they are not always compatible with every model of pool, there are different types of cleaners for in-ground and overground pools, and it is vital to learn a little about the type of system you are operating so that you can ensure you get the correct cleaner for your own pool.
A pressure cleaner works by attaching to the input of the water as it goes back into the pool. The water flows into the unit and is then used to power the sweeper and the jet. There’s normally a sweeper on the back, and this helps to get debris out of the difficult areas on the bottom or sides of the pool. This can then help get the dirt and debris up towards the input of the pool cleaner.
The thrust jet helps to propel the unit, a bit like a jet pack running through the water! Then, there is a venturi port, this is on the bottom and produces the suction. This pulls up debris into the debris bag, sometimes through a filter.
As stated, the pool cleaner will attach to the input, and use the pressure of the water coming back into the pool. This will propel the cleaner and makes it easy to connect with no need for any electricity, for instance. Once it has been connected, it is a bit like using a vacuum head to go around the bottom of the pool and even the sides of the pool.
Buying a pool cleaner can be difficult, as you have to decide what type of pool cleaner you are looking for before you even delve into some models. It can be a robotic pool cleaner, a suction or a pressure cleaner. If you’ve finally decided to get the best pressure pool cleaner for you then our guide can be the best way to educate yourself and find a cleaner that is best for your needs. If not, you might risk spending far more than you have to, or just getting a cleaner that won’t even work in your pool.
What are the best features to think about? How have we evaluated the very best pool cleaners on the market? There are certain features and functions that everyone needs to consider when they are looking at a pool cleaner and some of them might be brand new to you if you’ve never made this kind of purchase before. So, what are the features we’ve prioritized and evaluated and what do they mean for your pool cleaner purchase?
Arguably the most important thing to check is the compatibility. What kind of pools and pumps does this work with? If you haven’t got the right pump to buy a certain cleaner, you could go through the hassle of buying it and then not being able to use it. On top of this, you must check that it will work with your type of pool. Do you have an in-ground or over ground pool? You will need to choose the right pool cleaner in accordance with the style of pool you have, as for example Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner will work with Polaris booster pump.
Though this feature may be a bit annoying to work out, you can check what type of pump you have in your pool and then use this to match up with the right pool cleaner. If you have questions, check with whoever installed your pool and the manufacturers of the cleaner.
The hose is a little bit like a power supply for a vacuum cleaner. Though your pressure pool and sides cleaner won’t need any sort of electricity, the hose is the connection from the power of the pump and through to the unit itself. So, the length of the hose is how much leeway you have around the pool.
You need to make sure you have enough space to get from the pump through to the rest of the pool.
The debris bag is where all of the unwanted debris collects, as you may expect! The Hayward TVP500C TriVac 500 Pressure Cleaner is one of the biggest possible debris bags for this type of product, it can collect up to 6qt of debris, which sounds like a huge amount, but if you do have a big pool then this might get filled after one clean! The cleaner will keep sucking up, but you do need to make sure that you empty it as soon as it is full.
Think about how big the pool is and how much debris you are likely to have after a clean. It is also a good idea to consider the filtration. A lot of debris bags have filters to protect the pool filter and catch and collect all of the unwanted debris both large and small.
The tires on the bottom are needed to stay attached to the pool, so that the cleaner doesn’t keep drifting off or getting taken in the wrong direction. Certain models are designed with better quality tires than others, and this can allow a more thorough, and easier clean with traction that can help the cleaner to stay where you want it to throughout.
There are many different designs of pool cleaner so it isn’t a case of “one size fits all” and it’s important to recognize that you should match up the surface of your pool with the model of cleaner that is suited to going on the flooring.
Some of the best pressure pool cleaners on our list of pressure side pool cleaner reviews have a sweep. In fact, all of them are designed with some sort of sweeping mechanism. A thorough sweep can mean that the sides and bottom of the pool are left sparkling clean.
What scenarios and pools can the cleaner be used in? Some pool cleaners are far more versatile than others, and some are made specifically for certain types of pools. The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner, for instance, is a versatile option for all in-ground pools.
This is one of the areas where some manufacturers can make their offering more attractive than others. Getting the right level of warranty to attract customers and ensure that people can stay confident! A 2-year warranty, such as the one offered by Polaris, makes all the difference, and can ensure that if anything goes wrong with your pool cleaner through no fault of your own then you may be able to get a repair or replacement under warranty.
Not many of us can buy a product like this with no consideration of price. While there are many pool cleaners under $1000, they tend to be between $500 and $1000 for a good quality model. The cheapest on our list, for those who are on a budget, is the compact model, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 6-130-00, but this is a bit more limited than some of the other models.
A pressure pool cleaner can get damaged if it is not properly looked after. There are some simple steps that can be taken to make sure it is properly maintained and doesn’t cause you any sort of issues after you purchase it. The warranty that most cleaners have will protect you from things that are not your fault, but if you don’t look after the product then you might not be protected.
Only use your cleaner in pools that are suitable, with pumps that are suitable, otherwise you could risk damaging both the pool and the cleaner itself.
As you will quickly see from reading through our pressure pool cleaner reviews, Polaris is the brand that seems to be winning the day! All three of our highest recommended models are made by the brand. The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner comes in at the top of our list with a rating of 9.9/10. This model is fantastic for people who are looking to clean their in-ground pools. It has a brilliant system to sweep and keep the whole of the pool floor and sides clean, and it is very easy and swift to use in the pool, making it the best pressure pool cleaner overall on our list.
A very close second is the Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 with a 9.8/10 rating. This is something of a sibling product, and offers slightly better value. The sweep is higher quality than most of the pool cleaners out there and can give that extra glimmer and sparkle.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 6-130-00 is a much smaller option that is named the best budget pool cleaner on our list. We’ve rated it 9.7/10. For people who are looking to simply get a small but efficient model that can worth with their overground pools, this could be the very best option, and the price tag is very appealing, too.
