With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about getting your pool ready for the season. An essential part of pool maintenance is keeping it clean, and one of the best tools for doing that is a battery powered pool vacuum. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for your pool? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over everything you need to consider when choosing the best battery powered pool vacuum to meet your needs.
Page Contents
Cordless Convenience
One of the biggest benefits of a battery powered pool vacuum is the cordless convenience. Unlike electric models that need to be plugged into an outdoor outlet, battery powered vacuums run solely on an onboard battery. This gives you the flexibility to clean your entire pool without having to stop and change outlets. It also eliminates tripping hazards from cords laying on the ground around the pool. Battery powered vacuums are quick and easy to set up without any cords getting in your way.
Power and Runtime
When evaluating battery powered pool vacuums, two key factors are the power and runtime. Power determines the suction capabilities and how effectively it will clean your pool. More power means it can vacuum up larger debris and work well in all areas of your pool. Runtime determines how long the battery lasts before needing to be recharged. Longer runtime means more time vacuuming and less time sitting idle on the charger.
The power of the vacuum is measured in volts, with higher volt models having greater suction capabilities. Standard options range from 18 volts to 24 volts. The runtime is determined by the amp hour (Ah) rating of the battery. Higher Ah translates to longer potential runtime. Standard batteries for cordless pool vacuums range from 1.5Ah to 2.5Ah.
Cleaning Type
Battery powered pool vacuums come in a few different cleaning types. Here are the main options:
- Pressure-side: Also called booster pump vacuums, these use the suction from a separate booster pump you connect to via a hose. The pump creates suction through the hose that propels the vacuum.
- Suction-side: These connect to your pool’s dedicated suction line to provide power. You hook the vacuum hose up to the skimmer or dedicated vacuum line.
- Robotic: Robotic vacuums are completely self-contained and autonomous. They use an onboard pump to propel themselves around your pool and clean all surfaces.
Battery powered pressure-side and suction-side vacuums are the most common. Robotic models are the most convenient but also the most expensive. The type that will work best depends on your pool type and setup.
Handheld vs. Trolley
Another key distinction between battery powered pool vacuums is whether they are handheld or trolley style. As the names suggest:
- Handheld: Compact and lightweight models designed to be used manually in the pool.
- Trolley: Vacs with wheels that roll around the pool’s edge as they clean.
Handheld vacuums are extremely portable and great for spot cleaning or vacuuming stairs. Trolley models usually have superior suction for handling the entire pool floor.
Top Brands
Some of the leading brands for battery powered pool vacuums include:
- Dolphin
- Hayward
- Pentair
- Zodiac
- Water Tech
- XtremepowerUS
- Polaris
- Intex
These companies are known for making high quality, durable vacuums. Dolphin, Hayward, Pentair, and Zodiac are at the premium end, while brands like XtremepowerUS and Intex offer more budget-friendly options.
Key Features
Here are some of the most important features and capabilities to look for in a quality battery powered pool vacuum:
- Brush style: Brushes help agitate debris to be sucked up. Options like pleated brushes and roller brushes improve cleaning performance.
- Filtration: Multiple filtration elements or a fine porosity filter bag will result in clearer water.
- Swivel: A swivel neck makes the vacuum easier to maneuver around the pool.
- Wheels: Larger rear wheels on a trolley model help it move smoothly around the pool edge.
- Run time: Longer run times allow you to clean the whole pool on a single charge.
- Fast charging: Quicker recharge times allow you to get back to vacuuming faster.
- Cable management: Features to manage cords and prevent tangling allow free movement.
- Storage caddy: A caddy provides organized storage for the vacuum, hose, and accessories.
Top 10 Battery Pool Vacuums
Based on power, performance, features, brand reputation, and overall value, here are 10 of the best battery powered pool vacuums:
| Rank | Product | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dolphin E10 | Robotic | SmartNav scanning, triple scrubbing brushes, large fine mesh filter bag |
| 2 | Hayward AquaNaut Suction | Suction-side | Steerable swivel, quick dump filter bag, variable suction control |
| 3 | Pentair 360100 Kreepy Krauly | Suction-side | Programmed steering, rugged design, large debris intake |
| 4 | Zodiac MX8 | Suction-side | Cyclonic suction, swiveling hose connection, hypergrip tires |
| 5 | Water Tech Blue Diamond | Pressure-side | Dual scrubbing brushes, 50-foot hose, heat sealed pump |
| 6 | XtremepowerUS 85037 | Suction-side | Wide 10-inch cleaning path, durable construction, easy maneuverability |
| 7 | Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 | Pressure-side | Triple venturi jets, 31-foot hose, optimized steering |
| 8 | Intex 28650EG | Suction-side | Wide cleaning head, 24-volt motor, debris collection net |
| 9 | Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac | Suction-side | Push button operation, swiveling nozzle, rugged bumper |
| 10 | Hayward WV201K2 Tiger Shark | Robotic | Smart technology, efficient debris pickup, 90 minute run time |
Buying Considerations
Keep these key factors in mind when choosing the right battery powered pool vacuum:
- Pool type and size: Make sure to get a vacuum suitable for your specific pool. Robotic models are ideal for concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass. Suction-side work well in concrete or vinyl. Pressure-side are best for vinyl.
- Debris amount: If you deal with lots of leaves or large debris, look for powerful suction and intake capabilities.
- Convenience: Robotic vacuums offer maximum convenience but are expensive. Suction-side and pressure-side cleaners still make the maintenance process easier and cordless.
- Runtime: The larger your pool, the more runtime you’ll need to complete cleaning without interruption.
- Storage: Make sure the vacuum, hose, and accessories can be stored cleanly out of the way when not in use.
- Warranty: Opt for at least a 1-year warranty. 2-3 years is ideal for investment protection.
- Filters: Multiple filtration elements will catch more fine debris for clearer pool water.
- Swivel: Look for a model with a swivel neck or hose connection so it can easily maneuver around your pool.
- Ease of cleaning: Choose a model with easy-to-clean filters you can rinse off to maintain performance.
The Verdict
When it comes to the best battery pool vacuum, there are a few models that rise to the top. The Dolphin E10 is our top overall pick. This robotic cleaner features excellent suction power, triple scrubbing brushes, and SmartNav scanning to thoroughly clean vinyl, concrete, or fiberglass pools up to 50 feet in length. It runs for up to 2 hours on a full charge so you can clean the entire pool in a single session.
For a top suction-side cleaner, we recommend the Hayward AquaNaut. It combines strong suction with advanced steering to easily maneuver around your pool for complete floor coverage. The swivel design and quick dump filter bag also make the cleaning process extremely convenient.
On a budget, the XtremepowerUS 85037 delivers impressive performance. It can connect to any standard 1.5-inch diameter pool pole to clean the floor, walls, and steps. The large 10-inch width cleans efficiently and makes this a great value-packed choice.
While robotic models like the Dolphin E10 offer maximal convenience, they come at a price. For most homeowners, a quality suction-side or pressure-side cleaner like the Hayward AquaNaut or Water Tech Blue Diamond will get the job done effectively and save money over a robotic vacuum.
Conclusion
Keeping your pool sparkling clean has never been easier thanks to battery powered pool vacuums. Cordless convenience makes vacuuming simple and eliminates hazards. Choosing the model equipped with the ideal power, runtime, and features to handle your specific pool allows you to take the hassle out of maintenance. Use this guide to pick out the best battery powered pool vacuum for your needs and enjoy crystal clear water with minimal effort this pool season.