Top 11 Pool Cleaners of 2024: A Comprehensive Review and Testing

**Keeping Your Pool Clean: The Best Pool Cleaners Reviewed**

Pool owners understand the importance of keeping their pool clean and well-maintained. With the help of high-quality pool cleaners, this task becomes much easier. In this review, we will explore some of the best pool cleaners on the market, tested and evaluated for their design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value.

**Best Overall Pool Cleaner: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner**

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner is a top performer in our testing. With a perfect score in design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value, this robotic cleaner is a standout choice for in-ground pools. Its pool mapping technology and efficient cleaning capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for pool owners looking to save time and effort in maintaining their pool.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is compact, lightweight, and equipped with strong filters that can handle leaves and sediment with ease. Its smart navigation system allows it to climb walls and scan the pool bottom for debris, providing a thorough clean in a short amount of time. While it may be on the pricier side and lacks Bluetooth connectivity, its performance more than makes up for these minor drawbacks.

**Best Budget Pool Cleaner: Aiper Seagull SE Robotic Pool Cleaner**

For those looking to keep costs down without compromising on quality, the Aiper Seagull SE Robotic Pool Cleaner is a great option. With high ratings for setup, design, ease of use, and value, this cordless and compact cleaner offers efficient cleaning at an affordable price. It may struggle with larger debris and walls, but its overall performance and convenience make it a smart choice for small pools and above-ground setups.

**Best In-Ground Pool Cleaner: Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner**

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful and easy-to-use cleaner designed specifically for in-ground pools. With top scores in design, ease of use, and effectiveness, this cleaner offers a thorough clean with minimal effort. Its WiFi connectivity, multiple cleaning modes, and user-friendly app make it a smart choice for pool owners looking for convenience and consistent results.

**Best Above-Ground Pool Cleaner: Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner**

The Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner is an efficient and reliable choice for above-ground pools. With excellent ratings for design, ease of use, and effectiveness, this cleaner excels at collecting debris and maintaining pool cleanliness. While it may be on the pricier side and lack foldability for storage, its performance and efficiency make it a worthwhile investment for above-ground pool owners.

**Best Cordless Pool Cleaner: Aiper Seagull Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner**

The Aiper Seagull Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner is a cordless and compact option for pool owners looking for minimal effort in cleaning. With high ratings for setup, design, ease of use, and effectiveness, this cleaner offers efficient cleaning with a long battery life. While it may struggle with stairs and require frequent recharging, its overall performance and cordless design make it a convenient choice for both in-ground and above-ground pools.

**Best Smart Pool Cleaner: Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner**

For those looking for a smart and efficient pool cleaner, the Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner is a top choice. With perfect scores in setup, design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value, this WiFi-enabled cleaner offers convenient control and thorough cleaning capabilities. Its strong suction power, four-wheel drive, and user-friendly app make it a standout option for pool owners seeking a high-tech cleaning solution.

**Best Pool Cleaner for Spot Cleaning: Poolwhale Pool & Spa Vacuum**

The Poolwhale Pool & Spa Vacuum is a cost-effective and compact option for spot cleaning and small pools. With ratings for design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value, this pressure vacuum cleaner offers efficient cleaning with minimal effort. While it may struggle with larger debris and require manual assistance, its overall performance and affordability make it a practical choice for quick touch-ups and small pool maintenance.

**Best Pool Cleaner for Floors: Pentair Kreepy Krauly Pool Cleaner**

The Pentair Kreepy Krauly Pool Cleaner is a reliable choice for pool owners focused on cleaning pool floors. With ratings for setup, design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value, this automatic cleaner offers thorough cleaning and efficient debris collection. While it may have limitations on stairs and walls, its performance on pool floors and gentle cleaning approach make it a top pick for floor-focused cleaning needs.

**Best Suction Pool Cleaner: Hayward The PoolCleaner Suction Cleaner**

The Hayward The PoolCleaner Suction Cleaner is a highly effective and reliable option for pool owners seeking a suction-side cleaner. With top ratings for design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value, this cleaner offers powerful suction and thorough cleaning capabilities. While it may have a longer run time and lack some advanced features, its overall performance and ease of use make it a top choice for suction cleaning needs.

**Best Pressure Pool Cleaner: Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner**

The Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner is a high-quality and efficient option for pool owners looking for a pressure cleaner. With perfect scores in setup, design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value, this cleaner offers powerful cleaning and convenient control features. Its performance on all pool areas and user-friendly app make it a standout choice for pressure cleaning needs.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, choosing the right pool cleaner can make a significant difference in the maintenance and cleanliness of your pool. Whether you opt for a robotic, suction, pressure, or manual cleaner, it’s essential to consider factors such as pool type, cleaning coverage, cord length, and budget when making your decision. The pool cleaners reviewed in this article have been thoroughly tested and evaluated to provide you with the best options for keeping your pool clean and ready for use.

**About the Author**

This review was written by Rachel Simon, a seasoned writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and other publications. The testing process involved evaluating 27 different pool cleaners over several months, with input from Gary Hohne, president and CEO of pool service company Brighton Pools. The products featured in this review have been vetted and approved by the Real Simple Selects team, ensuring quality and performance.

**Real Simple Selects**

Real Simple Selects is a seal of approval given to products that have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation by the Real Simple team. Whether purchased or provided as samples, all products are tested for performance and quality to earn a spot on the Real Simple Selects list. For more recommendations and top-rated products, look for the Real Simple Selects seal on a variety of home and lifestyle items.

In conclusion, investing in a high-quality pool cleaner can save you time and effort in maintaining your pool, ensuring it remains clean and ready for use. Consider the factors mentioned in this review when choosing a pool cleaner that best fits your needs and budget. With the right pool cleaner, you can enjoy a sparkling clean pool all season long.