# Review of the Best Handheld Pool Vacuums
No matter how well they’re covered, pools and spas are bound to collect dirt and debris—and few tools are as useful as removing that debris as handheld pool vacuums. These models tend to be more compact and maneuverable than other types of swimming pool vacuums, making them an ideal alternative for above-ground pools and other types of small pools. They also tend to be more affordable, so they’re usually a safe option for buyers on a budget.
## How We Chose the Best Handheld Pool Vacuums
In order to arrive at our choices for the handheld pool vacuums on this list, we consulted many different sources and opinions. We began by researching other expert guides and reviews on the subject, which gave us an idea of some of the top-performing and most popular models on the market. We also sought out best-selling models from major retailers and brands, paying close attention to features like price, reputation, design, and customer service. We then looked at individual user reviews to get a sense of how these models performed in the real world. In total, from a pool of dozens of models and over the course of many hours of research, we were able to narrow down the list to the best options discussed below.
## Our Top Picks
Based on our research, these are the best handheld pool vacuums on the market today. We made sure to include options across a range of categories, including models for above- and inground pools, for cleaning up leaves, and for pool owners on a budget.
### Pool Blaster Max Li Cordless Pool & Spa Vacuum
**Design:** Battery-powered
**Runtime:** 60 minutes
**Best for:** Above- and inground pools
**Pros**
– Cordless, hoseless design makes it easy to use in many different types of pools
– Battery runs for 1 hour and recharges in under 4
– Multilayered filter bag captures both bulky and fine types of debris
– Large debris chamber doesn’t need to be removed constantly
**Cons**
– Telescoping handle must be purchased separately
– Charging cable and port can be tricky to use
– May not be able to capture especially fine debris, such as silt or algae
The Pool Blaster Max Li handheld pool vacuum from Pool Master strikes a great balance between performance, cost, and ease of use. It is strong enough to suck up most kinds of debris, from acorns and twigs to dirt and sand, while being streamlined enough to maneuver in pools of many different sizes.
Part of the Max Li’s maneuverability is due to its cordless design, allowing it to run for up to 60 minutes on a single charge. It features a removable 10.5-inch vacuum head for general cleaning, as well as a nose-cone head that can help get into tight corners and areas. It comes with a reusable filter bag that effectively traps sand, dirt, and many other kinds of debris.
### Intex 28620EP Rechargeable Handheld Pool Vacuum
**Design:** Battery-powered
**Runtime:** 50 minutes
**Best for:** Above-ground pools and spas
**Pros**
– Great balance between performance and price
– Very lightweight and easy to handle
– Comes with 2 brush heads, a charger, and a telescoping shaft
– Automatic shutoff feature senses when unit is not fully submerged in water
**Cons**
– May be too small for large inground pools
– Filter bag is small, requiring frequent replacement
– May not work well on larger, heavier debris such as leaves
The Intex handheld pool vacuum is the perfect choice for owners of small pools and those on a budget. This compact model is capable of sucking up a variety of dirt and debris, despite its small size. It comes with two interchangeable brush heads, a USB charging cable, a 94-inch telescoping aluminum shaft, and a shaft adapter.
The Intex vacuum is extremely lightweight and needs to be fully submerged in water to work effectively.
### Efurden Handheld Rechargeable Pool Cleaner
**Design:** Battery-powered
**Runtime:** 60 minutes
**Best for:** Above- and inground pools
**Pros**
– Telescoping handle can be replaced with a longer pole to reach deep parts of pool
– Filter chamber is easy to remove, clean, and reuse
– Brush head can be removed to expose nozzle for more targeted suction
– Offered in 4 different colors
**Cons**
– Included telescoping handle may be too short for deep end of pool; longer handle is not included
– Battery has a long recharging time of 8 hours
– Must be fully submerged in water to work
The Efurden handheld pool vacuum is ideally designed for maneuvering around large, deep pools. Its compact motor is capable of displacing 8 gallons of water per minute, creating enough suction to pick up even heavier debris. It also comes with a 69-inch telescoping handle, allowing it to reach far corners of above-ground pools, spas, and hot tubs.
The Efurden vacuum features a large chamber of fine mesh, ensuring even smaller debris is trapped inside.
### Aiper Pilot H1 Cordless Pool Vacuum
**Design:** Battery-powered
**Runtime:** 60 minutes
**Best for:** Hot tubs, above-ground pools, inground pools
**Pros**
– Battery-powered design means no messy cords or hoses
– Comes with 2 filters for capturing debris of varying size
– Lightweight body and ergonomic handle make it easy to maneuver
– Easily and quickly disassembles for storage when not in use
**Cons**
– Telescoping pool handle not included
– Doesn’t roll as smoothly across some pool floors as other models
– Can get clogged with larger debris like leaves
The Aiper handheld pool vacuum is designed to make pool cleaning as effortless and efficient as possible. The battery lasts 60 minutes on a single charge, and it’s suitable for a range of pool sizes, from small spas to large inground pools. It weighs only 3.5 pounds and boasts a large, ergonomic handle, making it lightweight and comfortable enough to handle for extended periods.
The Aiper vacuum comes with two filters for sucking up and trapping both small and large types of debris.
### PoolSupplyTown Pool Spa Jet Vacuum Cleaner
**Design:** Manual
**Runtime:** N/A
**Best for:** Small pools and spas
**Pros**
– Doesn’t require batteries or recharging
– Fine mesh bag captures even the smallest debris, such as sand and silt
– Very easy to handle and operate
– Great value for price
**Cons**
– Requires a garden hose hookup; does not come with telescoping handle
– May not be as powerful as some electric models on the market
For a very simple pool cleaning solution, the jet vacuum from PoolSupplyTown is a great option. It requires no electricity and utilizes the water pressure from a standard garden hose to create enough suction to draw leaves and other debris into the mesh bag. It’s a minimalist vacuum that’s great for thoroughly cleaning spas, hot tubs, and small above-ground pools.
The jet vacuum is effective for spot-cleaning large inground pools as well.
### Wybot Hyson 100P Handheld Pool Vacuum
**Design:** Battery-powered
**Runtime:** 60 minutes
**Best for:** Spas and above-ground pools
**Pros**
– Large, contoured handle and lightweight design make the vacuum easy to operate
– Wide brush head covers lots of surface area but is also removable for more targeted pool vacuuming
– Strong motor creates powerful suction
– 59-inch telescoping handle is included
**Cons**
– May release dirt and debris if pulled out of the water too quickly
– Included telescoping handle may still be too short for deep ends of some pools
– Not ideal for large inground pools or very dirty pools
The Wybot handheld pool vacuum is perfect for cleaning above-ground pools of all shapes and styles. Its powerful 30-watt motor boasts a flow rate of up to 25.8 gallons per minute, creating enough suction to capture everything from leaves and sticks to fine sand. The vacuum is easy to maneuver thanks to a lightweight design and a large, contoured handle.
The Wybot vacuum comes with a 59-inch telescoping handle for reaching far corners of more spacious inground pools.
### Pool Blaster Battery-Powered Leaf Vac
**Design:** Battery-powered
**Runtime:** 3 hours
**Best for:** Above- and inground pools
**Pros**
– Versatile design that functions as both skimmer and floor vacuum
– Large vacuum opening and mesh bag prevent clogging
– Runs longer than other vacuums at up to 3 hours
– Lightweight and easy to use
**Cons**
– Does not come with pool pole
– Won’t pick up small debris like sand or dirt
– Batteries are not rechargeable
The Pool Blaster battery-powered leaf vacuum is specially designed to suck up large clumps of leaves without getting clogged or bogged down like other handheld vacuums. It runs on eight AA batteries and boasts a longer runtime—up to 3 hours—than competing vacuums. The vacuum is extremely lightweight at just 2.35 pounds.
The Pool Blaster leaf vacuum can be used both as a floor vacuum and as a skimmer to remove leaves from the surface of the pool.
## What to Consider When Choosing a Pool Vacuum
Various factors impact a handheld pool vacuum’s performance, so it’s important for pool owners to consider their particular pool setup and needs while shopping for one. Like most pool vacuum cleaners, including robotic vacuums, handheld models can vary in terms of design, particularly when it comes to their power source. While there are many rechargeable handheld pool vacuums on this list, some may take standard batteries, plug into a wall outlet via an electrical cord, or run on water pressure provided by a hose. Some may be designed for specific pool sizes, from small above-ground pools to large inground ones. They may also incorporate filters designed to handle different types of debris, from fine dirt and sand to heavier leaves and sticks. No matter the pool size or design in question, buyers may also want to consider their own budgets, as handheld pool vacuums can vary greatly in terms of price and value.
### Pool Type
One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a handheld pool vacuum is pool type, and, specifically, pool size. Pools come in various shapes and sizes, and some handheld vacuums might be more suitable for smaller or irregularly shaped pools, while others may work better for larger or more standard pool designs. Features such as the presence of steps, corners, or unusual shapes may impact the maneuverability and reach of the handheld vacuum. These vacuums can also vary in terms of handle length, which can affect how far the machine can reach across a pool. For example, above-ground handheld pool vacuums may incorporate short handles capable of reaching only a few feet into the water, while handheld inground pool vacuums may come with longer telescoping handles that are able to reach the bottom of the deep end of larger pools.
Where a pool is situated can also determine the type of handheld pool vacuum that is needed. Pools that are located under trees or near other plants may collect more debris than others, which will call for a vacuum capable of handling larger amounts of leaves and sticks. Similarly, pools that are situated near beaches or the like may tend to collect sand and smaller debris, which will require a vacuum with a finer filter. A pool’s surface may also influence a vacuum’s performance—above-ground pools are often made of soft and flexible materials like vinyl, while inground pools typically have sturdier surfaces, such as concrete or fiberglass.
### Power and Suction
Power and suction are other features that can greatly affect the performance of a handheld pool vacuum. As previously noted, some pools may collect more or different types of debris than others, so it’s important to confirm that the vacuum is powerful enough to pick up the objects in question. A more powerful motor generally results in stronger suction, allowing the vacuum to effectively remove both small and large particles. Additionally, robust suction is essential for handling various types of debris, including leaves, sand, algae, and other sediments that might settle at the bottom or cling to the pool walls.
When trying to ascertain a vacuum’s power and suction, it’s helpful to consider the unit’s specific design. Many handheld vacuums rely on electric motors to create suction, and the size of the motor can often be found in the manufacturer’s specifications for the product. Other vacuums may need to be connected to a pool pump or even a garden hose to generate suction, which can vary according to the model’s design. It may also be worth noting how the model is powered: whether by recharged or standard battery, electrical cord, or by water pressure delivered via hose.
### Additional Features
Many other features can impact the performance of a handheld vacuum. For handheld battery pool vacuums, runtime can be an important factor depending on the size of the pool, as larger pools typically take more time to clean. Additionally, the design of the vacuum itself is worth considering, as shape, weight, and other ergonomics can affect the model’s maneuverability and ease of use.
Filter type is another crucial feature to consider, particularly in pools that tend to collect either very large or very fine debris. Fine mesh filters are adept at capturing small particles like sand and silt, while cartridge filters are efficient at collecting finer debris but may require regular cleaning. The size of the filter is also important, as it determines not only the size of debris it can handle but also the amount.
Lastly, when it comes to handheld electric pool vacuums in particular, it’s important to note the size and length of the handle. Most handheld pool vacuums are designed to be portable and easy to operate, resulting in shorter handles that may not be long enough to reach the deep end of some pools. Many models are compatible with telescoping handles or pool poles that can increase their reach, though these accessories are not always included and may need to be purchased separately.
## Tips for Using a Handheld Pool Vacuum
Using a swimming pool vacuum can remove much of the hard work from pool cleaning, but there are steps users can take to make the process even more efficient. First and foremost, before vacuuming, it’s important to make sure the pool water is at the proper level to avoid air entering the system, as this can hinder the vacuum’s performance. Additionally, it’s worth skimming the surface and brushing the walls of the pool to loosen and remove any debris that might obstruct the vacuuming process. When vacuuming, move the machine slowly and methodically across the pool floor and stop over any heavy accumulations to ensure everything is captured. Don’t forget to empty the filter regularly to maintain the vacuum’s suction power and prevent debris from circulating back into the pool water.
Regularly maintaining a cordless handheld pool vacuum can also help ensure and increase its performance. That means cleaning the vacuum filter or replacing the filter cartridge as recommended by the manufacturer to prevent clogs and maintain maximum suction power. Lastly, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for your specific handheld pool vacuum to ensure safety and performance.
– Move the vacuum slowly and methodically across the pool’s bottom to allow it to pick up debris effectively
– Empty the filter regularly to prevent clogs and maximize suction power
– Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe operation and performance
## FAQs
If you’re still wondering how to get the most out of your handheld pool vacuum, here are some commonly asked questions about the various types of pool vacuums out there as well as some best practices on how to vacuum a pool in general.
### Q. How do I clean my pool without electricity?
You can use manual pool-cleaning tools, such as skimmers and nets, to remove any floating debris in the pool. There are also manual pool vacuums available that generate suction using the water pressure from standard garden hoses.
### Q. What kind of vacuum do I need for a pool?
The ideal kind of vacuum depends on the pool in question. Large inground pools that collect a lot of debris may require full-size pool pump vacuums to be thoroughly cleaned, but many smaller pools can be cleaned using more compact—and affordable—portable pool vacuums.
### Q. What is the fastest way to vacuum a pool?
The fastest way to vacuum a pool is to use an efficient and powerful pool vacuum system. Move the vacuum slowly and carefully across the pool bottom, making sure to pick up any debris left behind.
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