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Best handheld pool vacuum 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]
Last Updated September 1, 2023
Looking for ways to bring your handheld pool vacuum to the next level? Then you’ve come to the right place. I’m Brayden Diaz. Let’s discuss this topic to help you select best handheld pool vacuum for 2018 and take your experience to a whole new level with aerators.
In this article, I will be categorizing the items according to their functions and most typical features. Now I’m going to recommend a few handheld pool vacuum you can pick from to get started quickly and easily.
Let’s get to it!
Best handheld pool vacuum of 2018
If you’re reading this, it is very likely that you’re scouting for the best handheld pool vacuum. Following is the list of top three handheld pool vacuum of 2018. I want to find something that’s designed well (both for aesthetic purposes and efficiency). Simply review and buy them.
Test Results and Ratings
| Rank | №1 | №2 | №3 |
| Product |  |
 |
 |
| Total | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Ease of use |
5 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
| Versatility |
4 points
|
5 points
|
4 points
|
| Durability |
5 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
| Quality |
5 points
|
5 points
|
5 points
|
| Awards |  |
||
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the handheld pool vacuum by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
№1 – Water Tech Pool Blaster Catfish Li Pool & Spa Cleaner
| Total: |
4.8
|
Why did this handheld pool vacuum win the first place?
I don’t know anything about other models from this brand, but I am fully satisfied with this product. The material is stylish, but it smells for the first couple of days. I am very happy with the purchase. It is definitely worth its money. The product is top-notch! I really enjoy the design. It is compact, comfortable and reliable. And it looks amazing!
5
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
№2 – Aura 6250 Paradise Power Spa Vacuum
| Total: |
4.5
|
Why did this handheld pool vacuum come in second place?
The material is pretty strong and easy to wash if needed. Managers explained me all the details about the product range, price, and delivery. The design quality is top notch and the color is nice. I like this product. For such a low price, I didn’t even hope it to be any better. It’s decently made.
4
|
5
|
4
|
5
|
№3 – Intex Handheld Rechargeable Vacuum with Telescoping Aluminum Shaft and Two Interchangeable Brush Heads
| Total: |
4.3
|
Why did this handheld pool vacuum take third place?
A very convenient model. It is affordable and made of high-quality materials. It is inconvenient to use due to the size. I am going to get something different next time. I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new. It doesn’t squeaks nor bents. Looks great in my apartment.
4
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
handheld pool vacuum Buyer’s Guide
Dolphin 99996323t
The Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Cleaner is top of our list of best pool vacuums. The Dolphins is extremely easy to use as there are no hoses to connect, simply plug it in and out it in the water. It is a good idea to move the Dolphin back and forth when placing it in the water, just to remove any trapped air as this can impede its performance.
Once in the water, the Dolphin gets to work, moving around the pool to hunt out any dirt and grime it can find. The Dolphin swimming pool vacuum picks up all sorts of dirt and debris from the pool, even the tiny bits you don’t know are there. If you think your pool is clean, get hold of a Dolphin and you might be surprised at what it finds.
The Dolphin has a hour cycle to ensure your pool is clean and will climb the walls to get as much dirt as possible. The motor is extremely energy efficient and will shut down when the cycle is over, this means you do not have to watch it work or rush to turn it off.
Once the swimming pool vacuum is removed from the pool and empty of water, cleaning the filters and dirt traps is quick and simple, leaving the Dolphin ready for its next swim. An excellent automatic pool cleaner at a very good price.
Hayward TigerShark
The Hayward TigerShark QC RC9990GR Swimming Pool Robotic Cleaner with Quick Clean Technology is a very close second on our list. As the name would suggest, the Tiger Shark is one mean swimming pool vacuum, taking care of the entire pool including floor, walls and steps under the waterline.
Another ‘plug and play’ system, the setting up of the Tiger Shark is quick and simple, just plug in and place in the pool. The Tiger Shark calculates the most efficient way to clean the pool making it very good at saving time and energy, once the clean is complete, the unit will shut down.
Cleaning of the Tiger Shark swimming pool vacuum is no more difficult than setting the machine up to clean, removing the filter cartridges is easy and a quick spray with the hose ensures the pool vacuum is ready to go the next time your pool needs a clean.
The Tiger Shark is a good machine for the price, although it is more expensive than the Dolphin.
Baracuda G3
The Baracuda GW03000 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner attaches to your pool filtration system. While this may be considered an inconvenience it does have the benefit of no trailing cables which can be a trip hazard.
The swimming pool vacuum works well with only one problem, it is not compatible with the raised anti-vortex drain cover. Baracuda are aware of this problem but it is unclear if this will be rectified in future models. For those who have a flat drain cover, the Baracuda pool cleaner is a very effective machine for the price.
A year warranty on the machine is provided, with years for the hose supplied. Although this is not among the most expensive swimming pool vacuums in our list it does seem to have a few problems and the warranty is not as good as others.
Baracuda GW03000
It thoroughly cleans the swimming pools including walls. It is capable of removing dirt, debris, twigs, leaves and pebbles too! The device has a self-adjusting control meant to regulate water flow to make sure the pool gets clean even when horsepower is low. It comes ready so starting it will be the first step in your procedure. The Gcleaner comes with a 3ft. Hose and a scrub disc that can be can have an additional pool vacuum for more performance. It has been tested against the toughest pools including vinyl and fiberglass pool surfaces. The wheel defector helps the Gto go around steps, corners, and ladders in more complex pools.
Another one from Baracuda similar to the previous one but the features will show a slight difference.
The Baracuda G3 is powerful even when under low power supply to clean efficiently. Any small or medium-sized debris will not be left in the pool, and it will go to the wall, steps, and the corners too. Thorough cleaning is enabled through connection to any pump disregarding the speed, and the FlowKeeper regulates water flow for peak performance to be achieved in the end. Navigation inside the pool is enabled by the wheel deflector, and the fin disc is designed to increase adhesion to the pool surface as cleaning progress. Instructions include Attaching the disc, wheel deflector, and hose, and connecting to the skimmer or dedicated suction line. That’s all.
Canister
Canister vacuums are also popular — especially in the UK. They are a bit more versatile than uprights, because you can lift the canister and take it wherever you want to go. Canister vacs still tout a full-sized engine, so you gain versatility without losing power. They are known for working well on stairs, because you can carry the canister and use the long wand extender to tackle each level with ease.
Handheld
These little mini-vacs are great for smaller jobs. Some are cordless, so they work well for quick and easy cleaning or as a compact on-the-go option for RV owners. It’s also a great supplement if your main vacuum doesn’t offer many attachments or if you’d rather not pull out your whole vacuum every time you spot a mess.
Most versatile
If you have asthma or allergies or are just generally concerned with air quality, a vacuum with a HEPA filter might be worth your consideration. Many of them are removable and can be cleaned with water until they need to be replaced. This might all sound really good, but some non-HEPA models can do just as well as their High Efficiency Particulate Air counterparts. So do your research — emission reduction can vary a lot.
Forward
The Shark Rotator TruePet is a very good vacuum cleaner. It has powerful suction, operates as an upright, a canister and a handheld, and it comes with a host of attachments. In addition, it works well on pet hair and consumer ratings are excellent.
GAME 485Spa and Pool Vacuum
The GAME 485Spa and Pool Vacuum is a vacuum that operates on hand power, no batteries or electrical power required. That’s right, you heard correctly. The GAME gets its suction from the motion of the handle. It is a great vacuum for either your pool or Jacuzzi and it is easy to use. It can handle a variety of debris too! From leaves to dirt and grim, this model is perfect for keeping your pool clear and clean. If you have a larger pool, it may be a little harder to use this particular vacuum but it works great for small applications.
Stumble
Shares 12 Our buying guide will give you right direction to choose the best suction pool vacuum and what to look for when you find it. Swimming is the fourth most-popular activity or sport in U.S.A. So, it is very important to keep clean the swimming pool all over the year (Stat. – Census Bureau, USA).
Using a pool with a ton of dirt and debris isn’t a great idea. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most horrible and repulsive realities (bound to seriously reduce your fun) you’re ever face as a swimming pool owner or as a person who is looking to clean a pool.
To make matters worse, pinning down the best pool vacuum cleaner isn’t exactly easy – pool maintenance being an art and a science with a ton of varying and completely different options, all with equally varying degrees of efficiency, ease of operation and all suited for different scenarios.
Having maintained a swimming pool for several years (primarily via robotic pool cleaners, automatic pressure cleaners, automatic suction cleaner – and an array of other methods), we have decided to compile the best pool cleaner reviews consumer reports to help you with your general pool maintenance and importantly, assist you in the all-important task of keeping both dirt and leaves out of your precious super pool.
Why we picked the Dolphin Nautilus
If you’re looking for the best robotic pool cleaner in order to get a crystal clear; dirt free and super sparkling swimming pool, it is difficult to get any option better than the Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Cleaner.
Armed with a swivel handle, the Dolphin robot vacuum cleans pool floors, tackles coves and brilliantly ensures that the walls of your pool are also properly taken care of ensuring both a dirt, debris and leaf free experience.
Why we picked the Solar Breeze
If you get decent amount of sunshine where your pool is sited, there is no reason why you should bother with any other type of automatic pool cleaner for large debris.
The best option for you is a solar powered swimming pool cleaner that will brilliantly deploy sun rays and do the dirty job of pool cleaning for you while you save both the earth and some dollars on energy bills in the process. This is the exact reality that the Solar Breeze NX Automatic Pool Skimmer makes possible.
Hose length
We always recommend to buy a pool cleaner which has a good hose length so that it can go to the bottom of the pool and scrub everything. So, try to choose a vacuum cleaner which has at least one or two meter extra lengthy hose than your pool cleaner.
Certificatio
You may need to mix water and electricity for some kinds of vacuum. In this case, they need to ensure that the vacuums are going to be safe. There are various kinds of certifications (CE, UL, ETK, CSA) and they are generally differed by regions. So, ensure that the device has been certified for your region. Some vacuums may show multiple certifications which identify that safety is important.
Forgetting Other Pool Care
If you don’t maintain your pool, you can’t make it germ free by just using a top-notch pool sweeper. Chemical balance, temperature and run times are all set as recommended. Improper balance will create green algae in the pool and if this happens, it will add more expenses to your budget.
This is defined as the speed at which a pool cleaner can clean within a given period. This rate is usually measured in gallons per hour. Choosing a cleaner with a high rate means that even its debris and dirt storage capacity is also big. Hence, if you have a big pool, such kind of a cleaner would be highly recommended.
Size and weight
The bigger you cleaner is, the more powerful its motor and also the heavier it will be. The choice of the size and weight will be highly based on your specific needs and preferences.
Does your pool give you a headache when it comes to cleaning, and you are now looking for the easiest way to achieve this without much hassle? Well, correct me if I am wrong, but most pool owners, especially those whose pools are intended for residential use, normally don’t see the value of investing in a robotic pool cleaner. It is such a sad thought because until you experience the power of such a machine, you can never tell of its greatness.
If you would like to give these machines a shot, then let me share my opinion about my best pool cleaner, the Polaris F9450 and the wonders it can do for your pool. In my view, no other pool cleaner can beat the Polaris F9450 and so far, it is one of my favorite from a list of over 100 such cleaners. Let me explain. It is worth mentioning that with a pool of 50 feet long, the Polaris F9450 will adequately cover all the areas for a spotless clean. Actually, for the many times I have used it, I have never had reservations on how its performance. Even more, if your pool is frequently used or it’s for commercial purposes, you will not have to worry about maintaining it. This vacuum cleaner is powerful, and it gets almost all sizes of debris in your swimming pool. Furthermore, it comes with a large canister that filters dirt ranging from the smallest to the largest particle in your pool. You can even remove the filter, empty and then rinse before replacing.
You will also feel comfortable while using this model since its long cord rarely tangles. This means that you will clean easily without any issues. Better yet, it doesn’t rely on water pressure or a booster pump hence does an amazing job cleaning the bottom of your pool. Although some pool designs can cause it to flip when climbing the walls, this is not a deal breaker since you can turn off that mode. Moreover, its brushes will scrub off all the dirt and algae on your pools surface and even though it costs a couple of 100 dollars, you can be sure never to regret your purchase.
Aqua EZ 5-in Handheld Pool Vacuum
The Hayward Tiger Shark QC RC9990GR with Quick Clean Technology is one of the top quality cleaner in the market. The robotic system in the Hayward cleaner works best for cleaning up the dirt and the grime off your inground pool. Cleaning a pool is a daunting task, but with an inground cleaner, it becomes very easy and also extremely less time consuming.
Dolphin 99996323
The Dolphin 9999635Triton with Caddy Swivel Cable is a fierce competitor in the fight for the cleaner. It equipped with most sought after features like microprocessor technology that anyone would want in a in a good cleaner.
Work Efficiency
They don’t just save time, but their work is going to be better seven days a week than manual done. Manually, we may end up giving up on really small debris, but with them, you can filtrate every type of debris. Same amount of work can now be done in less time, which increases the work efficiency. Also, some cleaners use less power, to deliver same work, adding up to overall efficiency. So it is preferable to switch to a cleaner as soon as possible.
If we consider suction side cleaners, they’re efficient than manual working on the pool. Pressure side are a better option if your pool is big, and you require to remove some large debris. Robotics work well than all of them, because of their set and free capability. They also clean the whole pool, and filtrate the debris into the bag. Solar ones are suggested if you’re investing good, and a regular user. Their work efficiency depends upon how you’re going to use them.
Cost Effectiveness
If we look at this prospective, they save quite a time, and time is money. They save lot of cost by saving your time, and doing the work all by themselves.
Solar pool cleaners use negligible energy to work, making them work almost free. You just need to invest for one time only. Robotic type need electricity, but they do clean the pool with an hour. If you have to make it do by a worker, it is obvious that they’re going to charge more than the electricity consumed. Overall, they help save the money, by making the pool clean, and hygienic, because nobody wants an infection due to debris running in the pools.
Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Power Supply. Control panel installation and cables are an important part of pool vacuum cleaners, so you need to pay close attention to their requirements. Take a look at specs like output voltage (2V DC, for example, is a common requirement) and make sure your electrical system can support it. This is especially important for models sold internationally, which may have varying power requirements.
Not Taking Safety Precautions. Pool vacs add a bot and a long cord to your pool area. Be very careful when it comes to tripping or stumbling hazards. Even falling onto the bot in the pool can result in some serious injuries. Pool bots should be used while the pool is empty, but we know it can be tough to find time when a pool is both uncovered and not in use. Be careful no matter what.
How to Use a Pool Vacuum
While above ground pools are often less maintenance, they still require some care in order to keep it sparkling clean. While a pool cover will definitely help to keep out debris, you are eventually going to need a pool vacuum to keep it from growing algae on the pool walls and floor. If your pool water is cloudy, this is a sure sign it is in need of a cleaning and you should probably not be swimming in it. You should also always vacuum your pool immediately before you shock your pool to remove any large debris first.
How to Use a Manual Pool Vacuum manual pool vacuum should consist of a vacuum head, a hose and a pole. The first thing you want to do is hook up the long pole to your vacuum head. The pole will allow you to move the vacuum around the bottom of your pool with ease to collect the debris.
Next, you will need to connect one end of the hose to the vacuum head itself. This should be fairly obvious where to connect on any pool vacuum. One side of the hose will likely have a swivel head and this is the side that will attach to the head.
The vacuum head can then be lowered to the bottom of the pool along with the hose. Make sure to keep the other end of the hose in your hand. You can then place the other end of the hose in front of the water intake (where water enters the pool) so that you fill your hose entirely with water. If you see bubbles, that is a good sign! Once the water is flowing into the hose with no air bubbles, it will sink beneath the surface.
By using the long pole connected to your vacuum head, you can glide the head along the bottom, sides and steps of your pool and begin collecting debris. It is best to avoid any large leaves or other debris until you are almost finished so that you don’t clog the vacuum. Clean up any and all of the sand from the bottom and then pick up anything else. Obviously, large debris that can easily be picked out of the pool with a net should be done first so as not to clog or harm your pool vacuum. Once your pool is clean, you can then disconnect the hose from the filter.
Pressure-side Pool Vacuum
Check Price Now pressure-side automatic pool vacuuming systems are best for pools that tend to collect large debris. This system is powered by the water pressure as it skims the surface and sucks the debris into a separate bag rather than the filter. Because it focuses on the larger debris, it sometimes missed the dirt which is then collected into the filter. These can be purchased with or without a booster pump so the price can vary greatly. Since these are powered by water pressure, a booster pump is usually recommended in order to operate effectively. Even with a booster pump, they are usually less expensive than the robotic vacuums.
Manual Pool Vacuum vs. Automatic Pool Vacuum
Pentair Kreepy Krauly, or a manual pool vacuum cleaner system? Unfortunately, I cannot answer that for you as it really is a matter of opinion and budget. A manual system is going to be the least costly of your options. It will require more work from you, but you will likely do a better job than any automatic vacuum, especially around your above ground pool steps or ladder which is difficult to reach for most automatic pool vacuums. It also means your pool will likely not need to be cleaned as often. On the other hand, if you prefer to actually be able to enjoy your pool rather than clean it and if your budget allows for it, then automatic cleaner might be the best bet for you. Once you set it up, it does all of the work for you.
Allergies
If you are sensitive to mites and dust or have seasonal allergies. There are vacuums that come with a certified HEPA Filter which traps 99.percent of dust and harmful allergens.
However, it is imperative that you clean it regularly with water and change the filters after every six months to avoid any kind of allergic reactions.
Noise
Most people do not like noisy vacuum cleaners, and if you live in an apartment, where there are babies, you would not want to wake them up. It is essential that you choose a vacuum cleaner that is within 60-6decibel range, this will be quiet, and you can still handle all your cleaning activities with ease.
Weight
Weight plays a key role in selecting a vacuum cleaner, small size to the medium are recommended for multi-level houses and heavy duty is recommended for single floor houses so do your research and pick the one you can carry around and store easily.
Pets
There are vacuums that are manufactured specially to help clean up pet hair as young children and babies are more prone to allergic reaction from pet hair. When looking for a vacuum cleaner for pet hair, it is important to choose a vacuum cleaner that has at least 1Amps of power so it can pick up those tiny hairs and also ensure it comes with crevices and special brushes that you’ll need for cleaning purposes.
Bag or bagless
Some of the features to look out for includes whether the vacuum cleaner will be bag or bagless. Both types of the vacuum cleaner have shown to be very effective in cleaning the areas. Bagless often offers more convenience because it can be detached and dispose of the dirt, but you do have to get the replacement bags. On the other hand, the bagless one’s come with a dustbin that can be cleaned countless times, so it is a matter of personal preference.
Features
Single motor- this type of vacuum is driven by a single motor, and it gives average power and suction on the floor and carpet surface. Recommended for light cleaning services.
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the handheld pool vacuum by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
Final Word
First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.
Most important, have fun and choose your handheld pool vacuum wisely! Good luck!
So, TOP3 of handheld pool vacuum
- №1 — Water Tech Pool Blaster Catfish Li Pool & Spa Cleaner
- №2 — Aura 6250 Paradise Power Spa Vacuum
- №3 — Intex Handheld Rechargeable Vacuum with Telescoping Aluminum Shaft and Two Interchangeable Brush Heads
Questions? Leave a comment below!
Chatting about handheld pool vacuum is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better!
