The 4 Best Pressure Side Pool Cleaners of 2024, According to Testing and Research

The Bottom Line

The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner quickly became our pick for the best pressure side pool cleaner during testing. We were impressed with how small, lightweight, and easy to handle it is, as well as how it meticulously removed any size of debris without making a sound. If you need the best pressure side pool cleaner for an above-ground pool, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Above Ground Pool Cleaner is simple to maintain and easily cleans medium and large debris.

Our Testing Process

To get the most accurate results, we tested pool cleaners at home over three weeks, using each model at least three times during this period. We first evaluated the setup, timing how long it took to unpack and properly install the pool cleaner. We took note of the debris present before and after cleaning, the cleaning pattern and abilities, and the length of time needed to clean. We also considered ease of use, design, noise level, size and storage, and maintenance. The overall results were calculated accordingly: 15% setup, 25% ease of use, 15% design, 35% effectiveness, and 10% value.

What to Know About Pressure Side Pool Cleaners Before Shopping

Weight

“Knowing the weight of a pressure side pool cleaner is important because it helps ensure compatibility with your pool’s surface and size, and determines if it can operate efficiently without causing damage,” Steckel explains. It also impacts handling and installation—you want something that’s light enough to maneuver and lift for transport and storage. Our top pick, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner, weighs about 6 pounds, which is on the lighter side.

Cable Length

The cable length determines the cleaner’s reach and coverage in your pool. “Having the appropriate cable length prevents the cleaner from being too short and limiting its coverage, or too long and causing tangles or unnecessary drag,” Steckel says. It also contributes to efficient cleaning and saves time by avoiding the need for manual repositioning or extra adjustments.

Pool Length

According to Steckel, “the size of the pool directly affects the effectiveness and efficiency of the pool cleaner.” A too-small cleaner might be unable to cover the entire area, while a too-large cleaner might be bulky and struggle to maneuver around a cramped pool. Plus, an appropriately sized cleaner can navigate the pool more effectively, reducing the need for manual intervention or additional cleaning efforts.

Filter Style

The filter style matters for many reasons: it represents different levels of filtration and debris capacity, which is what helps clean your pool. It also helps you anticipate maintenance and availability/cost of replacements. Finally, Steckel says the filter style ensures compatibility with your pool’s existing filtration system for optimal performance.

For example, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner has a single chamber debris bag with a 2.25-inch inlet, which means it’s great at vacuuming up larger debris but not fine debris. Another is the Hayward TriVac 700 Pressure Pool Cleaner, which has an extra large debris bag with a 6-quart capacity, allowing you to spend less time on maintenance because you get to empty it out less.

Suggested Pool Type

In-ground and above-ground pools are very different, particularly when it comes to durability. Above-ground pools, which are typically less expensive and often made of lower-end vinyl, can’t handle a more powerful pressure side pool cleaner due to the risk of damage. As a result, they thrive with simpler options like the Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Above Ground Pool Cleaner. In-ground pools are designed to last many, many years, so they can take a more intense cleaning. Most of the best pressure side pool cleaners are meant for in-ground pools.

Polaris 360 In Ground Pressure Side Swimming Pool CleanerDespite other Polaris pool cleaners performing incredibly well during our testing, this one fell short, earning an average ranking of 3.5 out of 5. It took 45 minutes to set up, and despite several two- to four-hour cleaning sessions, we found it wasn’t great at reaching the pool’s corners. It also tended to float in the pool because of its lightweight. The fact that we found the plastic “doesn’t make it feel especially stable and long-lasting” was the final straw.

Your Questions, Answered

Can you leave a pressure side pool cleaner in the pool between uses?

“Pool cleaners should be stored outside of the pool when not in use to maximize the lifespan of it,” says Dr. Claudia Duncan, owner/CEO of Professional Pool Management, member of the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, and certified pool operator (CPO) instructor. This is because chlorine and other chemicals can be corrosive, breaking down and discoloring the cleaner. Although it’s common to leave them in the pool anyway, your (often expensive) cleaner will definitely last longer if you follow best practices.

How do you install a pressure side pool cleaner?

Installing a pressure side pool cleaner involves a few steps. First, gather up your supplies: “This may include the pool cleaner itself, a dedicated pressure cleaner line or return outlet, and a pressure regulator,” Steckel says. Next, he recommends you prep the pool by checking for an appropriate water level and a running filtration system, then cleaning out any large debris or objects.

The most crucial part to get right is connecting the cleaner. According to Steckel, this means “if your pool has a dedicated pressure cleaner line, locate the connection point on the pool wall or floor. If not, identify a suitable return outlet where the cleaner can be connected.” From there, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for how to connect the cleaner’s hose to the appropriate connection point.

“Depending on the cleaner and your pool’s requirements, you may need to adjust the water flow or pressure through a regulator or control valve installed on the cleaner hose,” he continues. Then prime the cleaner by submerging it, including the hose and vacuum head, in the water, allowing all the air to escape. Once it’s all gone, the cleaner will sink to the pool floor and you’ll be able to start it up to observe its movement and performance. Adjust the water flow, hose length, or other settings as necessary to optimize the cleaner’s effectiveness.

The last part is just maintenance: “Regularly inspect the cleaner for any blockages, wear and tear, or performance issues. Clean or replace the filter bag as needed and perform routine maintenance tasks recommended by the manufacturer to keep the cleaner in good working condition,” Steckel finishes.

How does a pressure side pool cleaner work?

Simply put: “It uses the pool’s actual pump, rather than an external device,” Duncan explains. “They use pressure from the pool pump to push the water and collect the debris.”

More specifically, “to operate effectively, a pressure-side pool cleaner requires a connection to either a pressure cleaner line or a return outlet within your pool. This connection is established as the last part of your pool’s filtration system,” Steckel explains. In addition to the debris collection, pressure cleaners also dislodge and release extra particles that can’t be picked up so your pool’s natural filtration system can capture them.

Who We Are

Quincy Bulin is a writer who covers products and home topics, making this story the ideal intersection of her work. In addition to the testing, to find the best pressure side pool cleaners, she conducted hours of research and consulted David Steckel, home expert at Thumbtack, and Dr. Claudia Duncan, owner/CEO of Professional Pool Management, member of the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, and certified pool operator (CPO) instructor.