If plants and trees surround your swimming pool, you may notice most leaves settling in from time to time.
Leaf removal is possible with skimmer nets and vacuums. However, the most efficient method to eliminate the leaves is using a leaf vacuum called the leaf eater, leaf catcher, leaf bagger, or leaf gulper.
Let’s discuss the top pool leaf vacuums available today and how you can choose the one that works best for you.
What to Consider?
The best pool vacuum that meets your needs will be determined by your pool, the filters you’re using, the amount of manual labor you can put into maintenance, and what you’re willing to pay.
1. Power
Many pool vacuums depend on the pump in your pool and/or filter to suction. However, some models run on batteries or come with built-in filters that make vacuuming easier but are generally the most expensive option. Before choosing the right pool vacuum, be sure it’s compatible with your setup.
2. The Type of Debris
Other considerable aspects when shopping for an appropriate pool vacuum is the debris you’re cleaning and whether or not it’s possible to connect it to the pump in your pool and/or the filtration system. Certain vacuums are better suited to big debris, like leaves, while others can capture small pieces of dirt.
3. Manual Vs. Automatic
If you’ve got a small pool, you may prefer to push the manual vacuum around once or twice a week. However, those who prefer a hands-free cleaning might prefer a robotic or automatic vacuum.
Be aware that the larger the number of moving components that a pool vacuum features to work with, the more maintenance it’ll require and the higher the chance of it falling apart.
4. Pressure Vs. Suction
Pool vacuums are also classified as “pressure-side” or “suction-side.” The pressure cleaners were made for use with one side, which is the “pressure” side, of your pump.
They usually collect debris in a bag that is floating over the vacuum. Suction cleaners are attached to your pool’s skimmer or an appropriate cleaner line and function than the vacuum.
How Did We Decide?
When selecting pool vacuums for this list, We wanted to offer solutions suitable for all kinds of pools, such as in-ground hot, above-ground, and in-ground tubs, made from different materials.
Since pool vacuums can vary drastically in cost. We picked out products with a variety of price levels, with options between $100 and $50 for those for a price range that is affordable.
While reviewing products, we considered the company’s reputation and the reviews from customers. We tried vacuums that performed well, proved reliable over a long time, and had average customer reviews of four stars or higher.
1. G3 Automatic Pool Vacuum
Specifications
- Weight: 17.9 pounds
- Pool Type: In-ground
- Dimensions: 9” x 41” x 19”
- Cleaning Coverage: Floors, walls, and steps
- Type: Suction-side
- Automated vacuuming
- Very little maintenance is required
- Cleans floors, walls, and steps
- It is only for ground pools.
Zodiac is an established and well-known brand in the world of swimming, and this pool vacuum is perfect for in-ground pools since it can clean the walls, floors, and steps of tile, concrete, and vinyl pools with assistance.
It is compatible with any single dual-speed or variable-speed pump and does an excellent job cleaning up medium and small-sized particles.
The pool vacuum comes with an enormous disc with 36 tiny “fins,” which help it stick to the surface of your pool, but it isn’t able to get stuck on light fixtures, drain covers, lights, or other obstructions.
It is equipped with scuff-resistant pipes which won’t damage the pool’s walls. The best part is that the design has only one moving component, which reduces the possibility of paying for maintenance.
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2. Battery-Powered Cordless Pool Vacuum
Specifications
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 21 x 10.5 x 7 inches
- Coverage: Floors, walls, and staircases
- Type: Battery-powered
- Pool Type: In-ground, above-ground
- Battery-powered operation
- No vacuum hose required
- Debris needs to be manually removed
Most pool vacuums require suction from a pump to use. This model, however, spares you the effort of moving the hose around due to the battery-powered design.
It comes with a lithium-ion battery (rechargeable) that provides up to 1 hour of vacuuming each charge and allows you to get your pool clean or even quickly clean up a few spots.
The pool vacuum collects all kinds of small and large particles, which are then sucked up inside the “capture chamber” and the filter bag, which you empty after cleaning.
The vacuum head is fitted with a variety of brushes that help in the stirring of dirt, sand, and other particles of fine size. It can be used with any standard pole for the pool (not included).
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3. Milliard Pool as Well as Spa Vacuum Head
Specifications
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 13.5 x 5 x 3 inches
- Type: Suction-side
- Cleaning Coverage: Floors
- Type of Pool: Inground or above-ground
- Cheap
- Compatible with all pools
- Simple to utilize
- Doesn’t include poles or vacuum pipe
If you’re comfortable moving it around, this vacuum head is a reasonable alternative for in-ground and above-ground pools. The item is weighted, which means it’ll sink into the bottom of your pool. Purchasing an extension pole will allow you to move it around.
The head is polypropylene with stiff bristles that wrap around its edges to scrub away debris and algae. Its vacuum port can be used with the standard 1.25 and 1.5-inch vacuum hoses (not supplied).
There are two relief valves on one side of the pump. These valves let the suction flow out when it becomes blocked or seals too tight against the floor of your pool. This keeps it from lifting the lining of your pool or overstressing the pump.
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4. XtremepowerUS Automatic Suction Pool Vacuum
Specifications
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 40.5 x 5.5 x 1.75 inches
- Cleaning Coverage: Walls, floors
- Type: Suction-side
- Weight: 12 pounds
- The type of pool is in-ground.
- Affordable price
- Adjustable hose length
- Steps aren’t cleaned
- It only picks up small particles
The automatic suction vacuum is suitable for in-ground pools with a length of up to 30 feet and will scrub both the floors and walls of the pool with no effort on your own.
It is designed to connect to the existing filtering system and requires, at minimum, a three-quarter horsepower pool pump for maximum performance.
Its XtremepowerUS pool vacuum comes with an elastomeric ripple cleaner suitable for use on any surface. It has multiple sections of hose that can be detachable, allowing you to adjust the overall hose length to best fit your pool.
But, it’s intended to eliminate small particles and algae from your pool. It’s not for to remove larger objects such as sticks or leaves that result into the cause of obstructions.
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5. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool
Specifications
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 16 x 10 x 16 inches
- Cleaning Coverage: Walls, floors
- Type: Robotic
- Pool Type: In-ground
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Hands-free vacuuming
- Scheduling feature
- Cleans walls and floors
- Expensive
- It’s impossible to clean the steps
- Filters require regular cleaning
As an automated vacuum cleaner that could be used at home, this robot pool vacuum functions independently to clean the walls and floors of any in-ground pool that is up to 50 feet in length.
It comes with two scrubbing brushes and two filters built-in for better cleaning. It doesn’t require hooking a vacuum hose. Connect it to your power source using the tangle-free cord, and let it go to work.
The robotic pool vacuum will normally remove your pool’s debris within less than two hours. It also includes an automatic scheduling feature, so you can keep it in good shape every day, every second day, or even every third day.
Be aware that you can clean filters regularly because it’s not join to the filtering system in your pool.
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6. Zodiac MX6 Automatic Suction-Side Vacuuming Pool
Specifications
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 40.4 x 8.9 x 14.8 inches
- Type: Suction-side
- Cleaning Protection: Floors, walls, and water line
- Pool Type: In-ground, above-ground
- Automated operation
- Cleans the water line
- It is easy to install
- Not good for large debris
In-ground pool vacuums are designed to wash surfaces and walls. However, If you’re looking to keep the surface of your pool clean with a robot, the Zodiac MX6 has you covered.
The vacuum features rugged tracks that let it run all the way up through the wall of the swimming pool until the surface, which reduces hands-on maintenance.
Zodiac MX6 can be used in tile, concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl pools. Its efficient operation is compatible with variable-speed and two-speed pumps.
The hoses that swivel can be fitted with an attachment for quick connection, which makes it simple to install, and it regulates the flow of water through the vacuum to ensure optimal performance.
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7. HydroTools Pool Vacuum
Specifications
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 10 x 5 x 2 inches
- Cleaning Coverage: Floors
- Type: Suction-side
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Pool Type: In-ground, above-ground
- Weighted design
- Fits a variety of sizes of hose
- Simple to make use of
- Only clean floors
The half-moon vacuum is the most basic if you’re looking to purchase a simple vacuum with no movement. The design is weighted to sink to the lowest point of your pool and is attached to the standard telescoping rod, permitting you to move it across the floor to collect dirt and other debris.
The suction-style vacuum is compatible with both 1.25 as well as 1.5-inch hoses. Its hard nylon bristles assist in moving dirt, which you can take into your pool’s filter.
Additionally, this vacuum is budget-friendly, which means it won’t cost a dime on your budget to maintain your pool.
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8. Zodiac Ranger Pool Cleaner
Specifications
- Dimensions (L x W x H) 16 x 9.5 x 40.5 inches
- Cleaning Coverage for Floors
- Type: Suction-side
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Type of Pool Above-ground
- Easy to utilize
- Includes the hose
- Compatible with all above-ground swimming pools.
- Not recommended for in-ground pools.
Many automated pool cleaners are suitable for pools on the ground; however, this one was made specifically for above-ground models that can reach 72 inches and includes models with bottoms that are dished.
It is connected to the skimmer in your pool and includes 32 feet of the feed line. This makes it simple to install.
The vacuum is specifically designed to wash the floors and walls of your above-ground pool, and its huge wheel deflector makes it easier to move around the pool and prevents it from being stuck on ladders and steps.
Furthermore, the design has only one moving element–no wheels or gears–making maintenance simple and reducing the possibility of it failing.
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9. Poolmaster 28316 Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
Specifications
- Cleaning Coverage for Floors
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 6.6 x 3.3 x 3.3 inches
- Type: Pressure-side
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Pool Type: In-ground, above-ground
- No requirement of vacuum hose
- Works quickly
- It only is possible to capture the bulk of debris
This pool vacuum is to take large leaves out of swimming pools. It is connected to the standard garden hose that powers eight water jets at one side of the head, pushing massive chunks of debris into a general-purpose leaf bag.
The head is set on four multidirectional wheels that can be moved using any standard pool pole which can sell separately.
The 15-inch diameter of this unit allows it to quickly tackle the largest spaces, but you’ll likely require a different vacuum cleaner to collect dust and particles of small size that will pass through the bag.
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10. Paradise Power Spa Vacuum
Specifications
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 5 x 5 x 58 inches
- Cleaning Coverage: Floors and stairs
- Type: Siphon
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Pool Type: Spas
- Very user-friendly
- There is no need for power
- Suction doesn’t have to be continuous
A large-sized pool vacuum is usually too big for a hot or spa tub, and that’s where this model is useful. This compact, self-contained model does not require batteries or hoses to function.
Instead, it uses the simple siphon mechanism to collect dirt and debris. It’s also able to manage coins and small rocks!
The vacuum is set up on a telescoping pole with 7 feet, allowing you to easily reach every corner of the spa. After you’ve finished cleaning, you’ll be able to remove the debris accumulated inside the device’s filter.
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11. Poolmaster 28300 Pool Leaf Vacuum
Specifications
- Weight: 1.82 pounds.
- Pool surface: All Additional equipment requires a Standard garden hose and a standard 1.25-inch pole for the pool.
- Size of pool recommended: Any size.
- Pool type Shape of the pool
This manual leaf vacuum can accomplish the task when cleaning the leaves off at the base of your swimming pool or skimming up the top of your pool.
Simply connect it to the garden hose, connect a standard pole, and then push the vacuum across your above or in-ground pool the same way as an indoor one.
With a 15-inch diameter, an opening at the bottom center, and eight high-pressure water jets, the leaves you collect are put into bags that are reusable and are then emptied once it’s empty. In addition, four wheels can be redirected so you can effortlessly move the vacuum across the pool floor.
Reviewers say that setting up is straightforward, and the vacuum you can use immediately; however, they note that it’s not a good option for getting rid of algae.
The Poolmaster model has been specifically designed to eliminate large amounts of debris and leaves; however, if you’re trying to remove finer particles or silt, the model is suggested.
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12. Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Cleaner for Pools
Specifications
- Dimensions: 20x10x 23″
- Type: Pressure-side
- The type of pool is in-ground
- Cleansing Coverage: Floors, walls
- Removes debris from the pool’s filtration system
- Installation is simple and easy to do
- Cleansing takes 3 hours or less
- Captures large and small debris
- Small bag for collection
- The mesh screen is easily blocked
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 is our best option for cleaning your inground pool. The pressure of water from your pool’s return line creates the pressure-side pool cleaner, which you can apply to all in-ground forms and surfaces of your pool, such as pebbles, vinyl tiles, pebbles, and many more.
Three jets provide the most powerful vacuuming capabilities, and its massive 2.25-inch inlet allows for the capture of smaller and large debris.
A sweep hose in the kit helps get it into difficult corners and steps. If you desire, you can upgrade to the brand’s TailSweep PRO to provide greater thorough cleaning.
The 31-foot hose is according to the dimensions of your pool. Additionally, the debris bag is designed to hold the tiniest of debris, like pebbles and leaves to keep them out of the water’s filtration system.
In contrast to other Vac-Sweep models that require a booster pump to be added and can clean your whole pool in 3 hours or less, you can get back in the water faster!
Also,
This all-wheel-belt drive is used to scrub and vacuum the floors and walls of your pool. Its backup valve in line frees the unit in case it becomes stuck.
There are a few minor disadvantages that are worth mentioning. First, this filter is small, and you will require frequent emptying when your pool contains many large pieces of debris. In addition, the hose’s mesh screen must be cleaned regularly, or the vacuum’s pressure will be affected.
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13. DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner Automatic
Specifications
- Type: Robotic
- Pool Type: In-ground
- Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 16 inches.
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Cleaning Protection: Floors, walls
- Dual filters
- Ideal for pools with a maximum of 50 feet
- Built-in weekly scheduler
- Cleans pools in 2 hours
- Not the best option for the stairs.
- The customer service could be better.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is another well-known robotic model that’s much more affordable. It’s suitable for pools in the ground up to 50 feet in length (though some claim it’s great for above-ground pools, too).
It cleans the majority of pools in less than two hours. In addition, you don’t have to do anything while using the machine; it will automatically scrub the floors and walls.
In our testing, we discovered that this pool cleaner was simple to install. It needs to switch on and toss into the swimming pool. The robot analyzes and maps the entire pool to ensure efficient cleaning.
Additionally, its flexible swiveling cable, free of tangles, ensures it doesn’t get caught while it moves through. We discovered that the cleaner could remove a significant amount of dirt and grime.
Our test subject liked that you can set the machine on an automatic schedule, eliminating the trouble of starting it manually.
The only downside to the robot vacuum cleaner is that it is prone to get stuck on the stairs, and the customer support isn’t great.
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14. Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner
Specifications
- Weight: 20.3 pounds
- Type of pool: Robotic
- Cleaning Coverage: Walls, floors, and water line
- Ideal for pools with a maximum of 50 feet
- Three kinds of filters
- Cleans the walls and waterline
- Anti-tangle cable
- Built-in weekly scheduler
- The price is extremely high.
The task of cleaning your pool is hands-free when you have The Dolphin Premier Pool Cleaner. It’s a high-priced robot with a wide range of advanced features.
It’s designed to work for in-ground pools up to 50 feet long, and its plug-and-play design allows it to be installed and begin use.
It not only cleans the walls and floors of fiberglass, vinyl, and gunite pool surfaces, but it also scrubs the waterline to ensure the entire swimming pool is clean and sparkling.
The power comes from two motors and two scrub brushes, and the company claims it uses 90% less energy than pressure and suction cleaners.
Its three types of filter–micro-cartridges, standard cartridges, and an oversized leaf/debris bag–more efficiently capture debris, and you can buy disposable debris bags for easy maintenance.
An anti-tangle cable will ensure it won’t get caught up in cleaning. Its intelligent navigation software will ensure you cover every square inch of your pool.
Additionally, the weekly scheduler will automate the cleaning process at the time and date you want.
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15. Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000
Specifications
- Type: Suction-side
- Weight: 18 lbs
- Swimming Pool: inground
- Cleaning Area: Walls, floors, and steps
- The risk of breakage is finite.
- Cleans floors, walls, and steps
- Large fin disc for better suction
- Uses low-speed pumps
- Not ideal for large debris
- Larger pools require additional hoses
It’s possible to keep your inground swimming pool in tip-top shape by using this Zodiac G3 Automatic Pool Cleaner.
The suction-side cleaner comes with a large 36-fin disc which allows it to stick to the wall surfaces and floor and avoids becoming stuck to lighting drain covers, lights, and fittings.
It is compatible with any single-, two-or variable-speed pump. It can automatically regulate water flow and work well with pumps at lower speeds.
The pool cleaner comes with only one moving part, which reduces the possibility of breaking and allows for simple maintenance. It connects to your suction or skimmer line with no special tools and is equipped with scuff-resistant lines that won’t scratch the pool’s walls.
Be aware that this cleaner works best for medium and small debris. It can also clog the pool, likely if it is in contact with excessive amounts of sticks or leaves.
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16. Pool Blaster Max Cordless Cleaner
Specifications
- Dimensions: 21 x 10.5 x 7.25 inches.
- Cleaning Decking: Floors, stairs
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Pool: Above-ground, in-ground
- Type: battery-powered
- Simple to use
- One hour of runtime
- No requirement of hoses or cords.
- Ideal for cleaning the stairs
- Pole is not there
If you’re not afraid of moving a pool cleaner using your hands, then the Pool Blaster Max is a battery-powered, cordless option available at a low cost.
This innovative rechargeable pool cleaner doesn’t require hoses or cables, and the battery can provide up to one hour of runtime on one charge, enough to wash even the biggest pools.
It includes the 10.5-inch vacuum head to clean big areas and crevice nozzles to get deep into areas. It’s an excellent alternative for cleaning the pool’s stairs, as well as other features that are difficult to reach.
This Pool Blaster Max has a large debris-capturing chamber that can hold anything from sand and dirt to leaves, twigs, and acorns. It’s easy to remove and open the filter.
Using the pool cleaner manually or hooking it up to an ordinary telescoping pole for your pool (not supplied) is possible.
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17. Pool Blaster Catfish
Another leaf vacuum that you can choose from is a cordless model.
A cordless pool leaf vacuum operates similarly to a regular leaf vacuum, but it doesn’t require you to connect an extension hose to produce suction.
Does the suction come from a uni-cordless model?
These vacuums are battery-powered and feature a fan blade that sucks up leaves.
Everything else is the same. They require a pole to move the unit, and everything is kept in a mesh bag.
- It doesn’t require a garden hose. Sometimes, a hose could become tangled or too short, limiting the cleaner’s area of use.
- The price is relatively low at less than $100, with bags that you can change for between $20 and $30.
- Battery powered, with approximately 3 hours of running time.
- As batteries age, you’ll be required to replace your batteries (usually will require eight “AA” batteries)
- It won’t scratch the walls or floors, as it cleanses
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Are Pool Leaf Vacuums Worth It?
- It only requires the use of a garden hose for suction (hoseless/cordless models are also available)
- The cost is affordable, ranging between $50 and $100.
- The various sizes of bags permit the grabbing of any size of leaves without overcrowding the vacuum
- You must manually operate the vacuum
- The brushes on the unit are not sufficient to scrub the surface of the pool
- Only creates light suction for light debris
Things to Think About Before Buying the Best Pool Cleaner for Leaves
1. The Type and Size of the Pool
Regarding the types of pools and sizes, Pool vacuum cleaners are suitable for above-ground pools or in-ground pools.
The distinction between an aboveground and an in-ground pool is smaller, measuring around 30 feet in length, and is ideal for pool cleaners with between 30-40 feet coverage.
The inground pool that is bigger, reaching a maximum of 60 feet, needs pool vacuum cleaners that can give greater coverage of 40 and 60 feet.
Remember that saltwater pools come in various types that require pool cleaning equipment specifically designed to resist saltwater effects and remove dirt associated with saltwater pools.
2. Types of Pool Cleaners
Pool cleaners fall into three categories: manual, automatic, and robotic pool cleaners.
You can clean the manual pool cleaner by hand, while the automated pool cleaners come in two kinds of suction side cleaners. The other is the pressure side cleaner is a computerized cleaning procedure.
It is important to note that the pressure side cleaner for pools is better for leaves because it’s specifically designing for larger particle sizes. Likewise, these suction cleaners are suitable for smaller particles.
The robotic pool cleaners are automated, but they are more sophisticated in their functionality since they typically operate with the help of remote controls and can reduce personal interference in contrast to regular pool cleaners.
3. Size and Type of Debris
Each pool vacuum is designed to help keep the pool spotless by removing dirt and debris. But, before doing that, you need to consider the type of debris and size your pool cleaner faces.
An effective pool leaf vacuum not only clears the pool of leaf debris but as well other kinds of debris. Although the leaf is a large piece of debris, there are also small and fine particles such as pollen, dust, sand, and more.
Larger amounts of debris will require a greater suction capacity cleaner. Conversely, smaller particles require less.
In determining the things you require for your swimming pool, be aware of these.
4. The Shape and Surface of the Pool
In addition to the surface, several robotic pool cleaners have been designed to work with all types of pool surfaces. They are suitable for vinyl pools, vinyl liner pools, and pebblecrete.
However, certain pool surface types are not for as tough. Therefore, you must be aware of the type of surface your pool is to prevent destroying the floors of your pool.
The pool’s surface and shape are also in play since different pool cleaners can clean different designs and shapes.
Some models are great for delicate surfaces, such as the surface made from vinyl, and others are better suited to tougher ones.
Certain models are equipped to deal with a certain shape of pools and parts of the pool, like the walls, the stairs, and other areas that are difficult to access from the pool floor.
5. Cost
The good thing is that these vacuums are available at different prices, So there’s surely one that meets your needs and your budget at the end of the day.
However, remember that the more efficient the pool vacuums, the more expensive they cost. Therefore robotic pool cleaners are at the top of the list of most expensive. The automatic pool vacuum has a moderate price, while the manual models are an inexpensive choice.
Don’t get dissatify by the general classification because there are still some reasonable across all three categories.
Conclusion Ideas
Cleaners for pools help with the daily cleaning your pool to ensure you keep your pool spotless with little effort.
It could be an automated pool cleaner or robot vacuum cleaner; cleaning leaves from pools can save you lots of effort while protecting the pump in your pool and filter from the burden.
Now that you are aware of what to be looking for, we’re sure you’ll be able to find the most effective pool cleaner to keep the water in your pool sparkling and clean.