Top 8 Best Suction Pool Cleaner You Must Buy In 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide

There’s absolutely no doubt that using a suction pool cleaner is one of the more quieter and easier ways to get your pool cleaned. As well, this type of cleaner is usually an inexpensive option when you consider the other types of pool cleaners out there.

By just plugging a suction pool cleaner into your pool’s existing pump system, you’ve got an easy and hassle-free way of cleaning your pool.

However, with a hugely competitive market for these types of pool cleaners, there is a multitude of options to choose from, and some definitely better value for money than others! Therefore we’ve taken the time and effort to weigh up a load of suction pool cleaner features, meaning you don’t have to!

So let’s go through them and find the best suction pool cleaner for you…

Top 8 Best Suction Pool Cleaner In 2023 Reviews

1 Zodiac Baracuda G3 Kit With Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Wall/Floor Cleaner

We begin with this Zodiac Baracuda G3, which will even work with low speed pumps to get your pool cleaned properly.

If you’re looking for a very versatile suction pool cleaner, this could be the one! It will quite simply clean your pool with little effort from your part. Plus, as we’ve said already, it will connect with several different pool pumps with differing speeds – so this cleaner will most likely work with your pool.

In terms of the surfaces it will be able to clean, this is where the cleaner’s true versatility comes into play. It can deal with tiles, vinyl, and even concrete with no problems at all. Plus, it should pick up all types of debris.

The G3 has a special 36-Finned Disc which basically is the circular cleaning pad that will clean all your surfaces effectively. We noticed how this disc covers a lot of surface area, and it helps aid the suction of this device.

To keep things simple, Zodiac has made it so that this cleaner has only one moving part. The G3 comes with a Long-Life Diaphragm, which is meant to enhance the reliability of this cleaner. There’s an easy Quick-Release Cassette, which makes it quite simple to detach the diaphragm if needed.

Finally, we should mention the agility of this cleaner is pretty good! It can fit in all the corners and tight spots without much trouble at all. Plus there is a built-in wheel deflector which stops the cleaner from getting caught up.

2 Hayward PHS41CST AquaNaut Suction Pool Vacuum

Here we have a totally different looking suction cleaner to the previous one. The Hayward PHS41CST AquaNaut Suction Pool Vacuum uses V-Flex technology to provide maximum power at various flow rates.

This suction pool vacuum that claims it can handle tougher debris that happens to get sucked into its system. The V-Flex technology, as we’ve mentioned, really pushes this system to pull through leaves and twigs without stopping the cleaning process.

What’s unique about this system from Hayward is that it has a patented roller skirt. This is designed to keep suction consistent, even on uneven surfaces, or anything that could get in its way.

Another benefit to buying this suction cleaner is that it uses pre-programmed steering sequences, which ensure that it covers every inch of your pool.

This cleaner even has 4 wheel drive, so if you have a deeper or just generally larger pool, it’s sure not to fail! Plus the wheels have excellent teeth-like treads which enable it to grip the pool strongly as it moves.

Overall, we like the design of this Hayward AquaNaut and think it would be well suited for anyone with larger pools.

3 Hayward Poolvergnuegen 896584000-013 The Pool Cleaner Automatic Suction Pool

Next on the list is another Hayward named the Poolvergnuegen. This is another suction pool cleaner that utilizes two wheels to move around your pool.

With its two-wheel drive system, this pool vacuum can clean pools that are 16 feet by 32 feet in size. So this cleaner will probably suit many domestic pool owners out there.

Like the other Hayward we just looked at, this one can also handle heavy debris. This is because it uses a patented technology where the vanes inside this system self-adjust to provide maximum power at different flow rates.

Other patented technology on this pool cleaner includes specially designed tire treads and a roller skirt which aids in highly effective suction in your pool. The treads really help with the cleaner’s traction around the pool.

Just like the other Hayward, we just looked at; this one also employs the pre-programmed steering sequences. These sequences allow the pool cleaner to navigate the entirety of your pool, making for a very effective cleaning process.

In our view, this is a great pool cleaning system for small to medium-size domestic pool set-ups.

4 Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Inground Universal Pool Cleaner

Now we move back to a suction pool cleaner without wheels but instead uses a roller strap pad throughout your pool. Pentair has a great reputation for their pool cleaners, especially their Kreepy Krauly range. So, let’s see how this one measures up!

First off we must say that the design and colors look quite nice and sleek. And there has been some thoughtful engineering in reducing the water-resistance acting on this system.

This pool cleaner uses a dive float directional system that aids the cleaner to navigate the pool, right from the bottom all the way up to the water-line. So you’ll be getting very comprehensive pool coverage with this system.

There’s also an automatic valve incorporated into the design, which regulates the water flow so that the cleaner can travel at an adequate speed through the pool.

Another strong feature of this suction pool cleaner is it has a roller strap. This allows it to maneuver around obstacles such as steps, ladders and guide rails in the pool.

Plus, there are no gears, wheels or other moving parts to this cleaner, which means you won’t need to replace anything on it! And you’ll be able to install this Pentair in minutes, without the hassle involved with some other suction cleaners.

5 XtremepowerUS Automatic Suction Vacuum-generic Climb Wall Pool Cleaner

The XtremepowerUS Automatic Suction Vacuum is another suction pool cleaner with no wheels. Instead, it uses a “flapper,” which is basically the suction pad you can see at the bottom of this device.

Included in the package are ten hoses, which means this will fit any pool size. If your hose is too long, it may get tangled up quite easily. If the hose is too short, it might not reach certain areas of your pool. So choosing the right size hose for your pool size is important if you want your pool cleaned properly.

The cleaner uses your existing pump to do its job. But it needs at least a 1 horsepower or a 1600 GPH pool pump to function properly. However, when installing this cleaning set-up, you’ll require no extra tools whatsoever.

This cleaner is able to climb your pool walls, and it will effectively work in both above ground and inground swimming pools. When it’s functioning properly, it will move around your pool at about 8 to 12 feet per minute.

Finally, it’s good to know that there is a 1-year warranty for replacement parts.

6 Hayward 900 Wanda The Whale Suction Above-Ground Pool Cleaner

Here we have another pool cleaner from Hayward, and this has a very cute Whale design. But will it clean your pool well?

Before we go any further, we should mention that this pool cleaner is for above-ground pools. So if you don’t have an above ground pool, please move on to the next pool cleaner in our review.

This Wanda the Whale pool cleaner uses a special turbine and gearing system which manages the water flow. This means your cleaner will move consistently and quietly around your pool floor.

The steering pattern that’s incorporated into the design is aided by the contoured head shape of the cleaner. This allows it to steer much more easily, making the cleaning time very efficient.

There’s also a Deluxe bumper ring, which allows the cleaner to push of walls with ease when it makes contact with them.

If you are looking for a very simple pool cleaning set-up, this suction cleaner could be the one for you! With a 10 minute installation time, you’ll be able to start cleaning your pool in no time at all.

Additionally, there is a 1-year warranty with this above-ground pool cleaner.

7 Pentair GW9500 Kreepy Krauly Great White Inground Pool Cleaner

Now we’re checking out another Kreepy Krauly from Pentair, and this one is dubbed the Great White Inground Pool Cleaner.

This pool cleaner really is designed to thoroughly clean your pool. Pentair even says that this guy is hungry for dirt! And it includes many design features that ensure that your inground pool remains clean and hygienic all year round.

Using a SmartTrac programmed steering system, this pool cleaner will make sure that all the areas of your pool are covered. In fact, the steering system will cleverly navigate around obstacles in your pool as well, such as ladders and steps. The system is also adjustable, therefore works perfectly with any size or shape of pool.

Whether you have a vinyl, fiberglass, tiled or concrete pool floor, this pool vacuum should do the job well. The cleaner will cover a 15-inch path as it moves along, providing efficient pool cleaning.

One small yet important safety feature on this device is that it has a spring-loaded door on the vacuum. Plus, the cleaner has a special turning mechanism built into it, so that it can easily navigate away from difficult areas in your pool.

8 Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner, Blue/Gray

If you’re looking for a pool cleaner with wheels into its design, then the Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner could be the right choice for you.

What you notice straight away with this pool cleaner is that it uses tank-like tracks wrapped around wheels, which have rubber treads to grip the pool floor. These help the vacuum system really stick to the pool floor for a highly effective cleaning process.

Built-in to the Zodiac MX6 is powerful cyclone suction technology powered by an articulating turbine, which provides maximum suction. Whether the cleaner is scouring the pool floor or climbing your pool walls, it will effectively vacuum your entire pool with ease.

Maybe you’re worried that this cleaner won’t work with your particular type of pool pump? No need to be, this machine is designed to work with low pressure pool pumps as well as those with high pressure. Therefore, if your pool has a 2-speed variable speed pump, using this cleaner shouldn’t be an issue.

Finally, the hoses on this incorporate a swivel design and are easily connected, so you should have your cleaner up and running in no time at all!

Best Suction Pool Cleaner Buyer’s Guide

We’ve looked at a number of the best suction pool cleaners that are currently on the market, and we’re impressed with what’s on offer.

But, with the amount of pool cleaning options out there, it can be tricky to choose the right one for you. Plus, if you are thinking of getting a different brand to your old cleaner. You need to be assured that your new one will work just as well, it not better than your old one.

Types of Suction Pool Cleaners

In this product review, we’ve looked at two main types of suction cleaners, or pool vacuums as they are also known. Either they have a suction type pad with no other moving parts, or they use wheels in their design. It’s difficult to say if one type of design is better than the other. It all ultimately depends on what you prefer, what’s worked best for your pool in the past, and possibly your budget.

Other Factors You Should Consider

Your pool size and shape are also important factors in deciding which pool cleaner you should choose. Some are designed for smaller pools, and others for only above ground pools, for example. There are also the top-end cleaners that have automatic navigation functions and even cyclone suction technology!

Great for small to medium-size pools…

If you are looking for the best low-priced budget option that will clean a small to medium size pool, we will go with the…

Hayward Poolvergnuegen

This cleaner is made for pools with a maximum size of 16 feet by 32 feet. If you want a suction cleaner for your domestic pool that can steer around your pool and efficiently suck up debris, this is a good bet!

What About Larger Pools?

For anyone with a larger inground pool that wants a great suction cleaner, we think the…

…is an excellent choice. Unlike many other pool vacuums, this one is designed to work in larger and deeper pools. Its incredible suction will ensure that even at the deepest parts of your pool, it will grip the pool floor and do its job well.

A cyclone power pool cleaner…

If you are after extremely powerful next-level suction, you may want to purchase a pool vacuum that uses cyclone technology. Out of all the pool cleaners we looked at, the one that stood out with cyclone tech in-built was the…

This cleaner will most definitely grip to your pool’s floor and walls solidly. And will make sure that your entire pool has a powerful clean from top to bottom!

Our best budget price suction pool cleaner…

Out of all the cleaners we reviewed, the one that stood out as the best value budget option is the…

This cleaner comes in at an unbelievably favorable price, for you get and what it can do! With ten hoses included, you’ll surely be able to deal with any size pool, and it can even climb walls! The only issue we can say with this cleaner is that you will need a powerful enough pump for it to work correctly.

What About Above Ground Pool Cleaning?

As you will have noticed, we threw in a suction pool cleaner specifically designed for above ground pool use. The…

Hayward 900 Wanda the Whale Suction Above-Ground Pool Cleaner

…uses an automatic pool vacuum to do a great job of cleaning up your above ground set-up. It’s easy to install and will navigate and clean your pool with its programmed steering system.

But What’s The Best Suction Pool Cleaner?

Well, it’s the…

If you really want to spend less time pool cleaning and doing more of the things you enjoy in life, like actually enjoying yourself in your pool, we think this is the best option for you! Yes, it is a little on the pricey side, but we believe it’s well worth the investment.

Maybe you are tired of a pool cleaning service which provides good value for money for what they do. If that’s the case, think about how much money you would save with a cleaner like this!

With this pool vacuum being fully automated, all you’ll have to worry about is just skimming the surface of your pool from time to time with one of the best automatic pool skimmers, as well as other little jobs. Plus it will climb walls, clean a multitude of surfaces and it can be adjusted to suit your particular pool set-up.

The Warranty

One last thing we’d like to mention is that you should always check the warranty before buying a pool cleaner. You should at least get a 1-year warranty included when you purchase a pool cleaner. Because let’s face it, these are quite specialist mechanical products, and you can’t always know when something could go wrong.

All the cleaners we have reviewed have at least a 1-year warranty period included.

Best Suction Pool Cleaner Conclusion

To round-up this article, firstly we’d like to say thanks for checking out all our carefully researched best suction pool cleaners. We tried to include a nice variety, but ultimately, we were focused on offering you good value for money and great practical functionality in a cleaner.

Suction vacuums have become a very popular option for many domestic and commercial pool owners around the world, making it easier to clean your pool than ever! We hope that you’ll be able to get the right suction cleaner for your needs and that it lasts you for years to come.