Are hand held pool vacuums any good?

Hand held pool vacuums provide a convenient way to clean your pool without the need for installing or operating large, expensive automatic pool cleaners. But are these handheld vacuums actually effective at cleaning pools? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether a handheld pool vacuum is right for your needs.

What are hand held pool vacuums?

Hand held pool vacuums, sometimes called pool blasters, are lightweight, portable vacuums designed to vacuum and filter pool water. They are ideal for quick cleanups, small debris, and spot cleaning. Most handheld pool vacuums consist of:

– A vacuum head with wheels that rolls along the pool floor and sidewalls
– A hose that connects to the vacuum head
– A handle for controlling the device
– A filter bag or canister to collect debris

They operate by connecting the hose to a garden hose, which powers the vacuum suction. Some models may also connect to a telescopic pole so you can clean while standing. Handheld vacuums are completely manual, requiring you to move and control the device.

Advantages of hand held pool vacuums

Here are some potential benefits of using a handheld pool vacuum:

– Portability – They are lightweight and easy to move around the pool. You don’t need to drag long hoses or deal with bulky equipment.

– Lower cost – Handheld vacuums are more affordable than automatic or robotic cleaners. Prices range from $30 to $150.

– Quick cleanups – It’s fast and easy to vacuum up small debris like leaves or bugs that accumulate between full cleanings.

– Spot cleaning – Their compact size makes it easy to target specific areas of the pool like steps or corners.

– Less installation – Handheld vacuums don’t require any special installation, hoses or power sources. Simply connect to a garden hose.

– Backup option – It can provide a good secondary cleaning method in addition to automatic pool cleaners.

Disadvantages of hand held pool vacuums

The main downsides to handheld pool vacuums include:

– Manual operation – You have to manually move the vacuum head around the entire pool. This can be time consuming for large pools. It requires physical effort.

– Limited power – They might struggle to thoroughly clean pool floors and pick up large debris since they have less suction than full-size cleaners.

– Small debris only – Most handheld vacuums can only handle small leaves, dirt and other debris. They tend to clog when trying to pick up larger debris.

– Filter capacity – The filter bags and canisters have limited capacity before they need to be emptied. You may need to stop and empty frequently.

– Reach challenges – The hose length and wheels make it difficult to vacuum walls thoroughly. You may need a pole attachment.

– Not automated – They require your constant effort and time to complete pool cleanings. You can’t just turn it on and walk away.

Types of Hand Held Pool Vacuums

There are a few different designs and models to consider when shopping for a handheld pool vacuum.

Basic Handheld Vacuum

The most basic and affordable option is a compact handheld vacuum head attached to a hose. This is suitable for quick cleanups and spot cleaning. But the small wheels, short hose and lack of extras make it harder to use for thorough pool cleaning.

Deluxe Handheld Vacuum

Upgraded models have features like larger vacuums heads, bigger wheels, longer hoses (up to 30 feet), pole attachments and more filter capacity. These make it easier to maneuver around the pool and clean more debris before emptying.

Water Tech Handheld Vacuum

Top models from brands like Water Tech have pro-style features. This includes options like dual vacuum jets, swiveling heads, filter bags optimized for fine debris and adapters to connect multiple hoses for extended reach.

Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Cordless vacuums run on battery power so you don’t need to connect to a hose and water source. However, runtime is limited to 30-60 minutes. Suction power is also weaker.

Leaf Master Handheld Vacuum

Leaf master vacuums have an angled head that makes it easier to get close and clean tight corners and steps. Helpful for pools with lots of leaves and debris.

Model	Pros	Cons
Basic Handheld	Affordable, portable	Limited power and reach
Deluxe Handheld	Longer reach, more cleaning capacity	Higher cost
Water Tech Handheld	Pro-level cleaning performance	Most expensive
Cordless Handheld	No hose needed	Runtime limits, less power
Leaf Master	Great for leaf cleaning	Not as effective overall

Top Hand Held Pool Vacuum Brands

Some top brands for handheld pool vacuums include:

Polaris

Polaris is one of the leading names in pool vacuums. Their Polaris Quattro sports an ergonomic handle, swivel hose, and large easy-empty filter bag.

Pentair

The Pentair Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark has dual jets for dislodging stubborn debris. Works with standard garden hoses.

Hayward

Hayward’s handheld vacuums like the Wanda the Whale have playful designs but powerful suction for cleaning.

Zodiac

Zodiac offers affordable handheld models like the Baracuda G3. Features quad suction jets and wheeled foot pad.

Water Tech

For premium performance, Water Tech’s Blue Diamond and Redline Navigator offer maxi flow pumps and swiveling heads.

XtremePowerUS

XtremePowerUS has a 2000 psi cordless pool vacuum that provides up to 60 minutes of runtime per charge. Convenient cordless design.

Brand	Key Features
Polaris	– Large filter bag – Swivel hose
Pentair	– Dual jets – Standard hose connect
Hayward	– Powerful suction – Fun designs
Zodiac	– Quad suction jets – Wheeled foot pad
Water Tech	– Maxi flow pumps – Swivel heads
XtremePowerUS	– Cordless convenience – 60 min runtime

What To Look For When Buying a Handheld Pool Vacuum

Here are key factors to consider when selecting a handheld pool vacuum:

Hose Length

Look for longer hoses, at least 20+ feet, to make it easier to access all areas of the pool without detaching and reattaching the hose repeatedly.

Wheel Size

Larger wheels roll over surfaces and small obstacles easier. Smaller wheels get stuck more easily.

Filter Capacity

Bigger filter bags, baskets and canisters allow longer cleaning before having to stop and empty debris.

Suction Power

Stronger suction picks up more debris. Look for multi-jets, strong pumps and wide vacuum heads.

Pole Attachment

A pole that attaches to the vacuum head lets you clean walls more easily from the deck.

Hose Swivel

Swiveling hoses increase maneuverability and prevent kinks or snags.

Debris Handling

Find models optimized for leaves, sand, pebbles, large debris, or fine sediments based on your pool environment.

Ease of Use

Consider weight, handle design, accessory attachments and how easy the vacuum is to maneuver around your pool.

Durability

Look for robust construction and high quality materials that withstand bumps, scrapes and weather exposure.

Warranty

Choose vacuums with at least a 1-year warranty. Better models offer 2+ years of coverage.

How To Use a Handheld Pool Vacuum

Follow these steps to use a handheld pool vacuum:

Step 1 – Attach Hose

Connect the vacuum hose to your pool’s dedicated vacuum line or a garden hose.

Step 2 – Start Water Flow

Turn on the water to create suction flow through the hose. Use a pool skimmer vac plate if connected there.

Step 3 – Submerge Vacuum

Put the vacuum head fully underwater before turning on suction. This primes the pump and prevents air locks.

Step 4 – Vacuum the Pool

Move the vacuum slowly across the floor and walls. Use smooth, slightly overlapping passes for full coverage.

Step 5 – Empty Debris

When suction drops, turn off water flow and detach the filter bag or canister. Rinse debris, then reattach.

Step 6 – Rinse Hose

After full cleaning, let clean water run through the hose for 1-2 minutes to flush out any remaining debris.

Step 7 – Disconnect and Store

Detach all hose connections, coil up the hose, and store all parts out of direct sunlight when finished.

Tips for Using a Handheld Pool Vacuum

Here are some additional tips:

– Use telescoping poles for better reach on walls and under overhangs.

– Move slowly with steady, consistent passes across each section. Don’t lift out of water while operating or it loses prime.

– For larger debris, make an initial skimming pass to suck up loose leaves and sticks.

– Brush surfaces beforehand with a leaf rake or pool brush to loosen stuck-on debris.

– Clean filter regularly and empty canister before it reaches full to maintain suction power.

– Check wheels for obstructions like pebbles that could impede smooth movement.

– Let the vacuum sit underwater when not in use to prevent hoses from drying out and cracking.

– Rinse the vacuum head with clean water after each use to wash away chemical residue.

Do Handheld Pool Vacuums Work Well?

Handheld vacuums can be effective for quick cleanups, spot cleaning, and removing light debris. However, they do have limitations for deep, thorough pool cleans compared to pressure-side, suction-side, or robotic auto pool cleaners.

Handheld vacuums work best when:

– Your pool has mostly small, fine debris like sediment or leaves
– You need to do frequent, quick cleanups between full cleanings
– You want to spot clean specific areas like steps
– You have a small pool

They may struggle with:

– Large amounts of leaves or heavy debris – clogs more easily
– Thoroughly scrubbing all pool surfaces
– Climbing walls and cleaning waterlines
– Filtering out very fine particles
– Cleaning large pools efficiently

For best results, use a handheld vacuum periodically for quick cleanups but rely on a full-size automatic pool cleaner for heavy-duty cleaning 1-2x per week. Having both options combines convenience with deep cleaning ability.

Pros vs Cons of Handheld Pool Vacuums

Pros

– Convenient and portable
– Affordable purchase cost
– Quick and easy to use
– Good for spot jobs and small debris
– No installation required

Cons

– Limited power and reach
– Manual operation can be tiring
– Small filter capacity
– Not built for large debris and heavy loads
– Can’t run unattended
– Short run times on cordless models

Conclusion

Handheld pool vacuums provide a useful secondary cleaning tool but cannot match the thoroughness of full automatic pool cleaners. Optimize their convenience and portability for quick cleanups and spot jobs. Rely on robotic or pressure-side cleaners for weekly deep cleaning. Combining handheld vacuums with automatic cleaners gives the best results to keep your pool sparkling all season.