A suction pool cleaner is powerful and effortless, a good choice to clean your pool. You have to connect it to your pool’s filter or skimmer. Once connected, you just need to start the cleaner and let it do its job.
Here are the best suction pool cleaners you can buy in 2025:
- Best Overall: Zodiac Baracuda G3
- Best For In-Ground Pools: Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction
- Best For Consistent Performance: Hayward PoolVac XL
- Best For Hopper-Bottom Pools: Pentair Kreepy Krauly Great White
- Best For Above-Ground Pools: Hayward Wanda the Whale
- Best For Leaves: Pentair 360040 Kreepy Krauly
| 6 Best Suction Pool Cleaners | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Zodiac Baracuda G3 | |
Best For In-Ground Pools | Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction | |
Best For Consistent Performance | Hayward PoolVac XL | |
Best For Hopper-Bottom Pools | Pentair Kreepy Krauly Great White | |
Best For Above-Ground Pools | Hayward Wanda the Whale | |
Best For Leaves | Pentair 360040 Kreepy Krauly | |
Best Overall: Zodiac Baracuda G3
- Powerful, Durable yet Quiet
- Small to medium-sized debris
- Automatically regulates water flow
- Wheel Deflector to avoid getting stuck
- 36-Fin Disc & Scuff-resistant hoses
- Navigation system is not so great
Zodiac Baracuda G3 is my pick for the best overall suction pool cleaner. It is powerful, durable, yet quiet. The cleaner picks up from sand to medium debris on the pool’s floor, walls, and steps. It features a smart valve called FlowKeeper to regulate the water flow, ensuring a steady performance even on a low-speed pump. This makes Zodiac Baracuda G3 a good choice for dual-speed or variable-speed pumps.
Zodiac Baracuda G3 features a wheel deflector to prevent the cleaner from getting stuck in tight corners. The head is quite special with a 36-fin disc to clean a wider path and adheres to any surface - it works on concrete, tile, vinyl, all the surfaces. The hose is scuff-resistant so it won’t cause damage to the pool’s surface.
The only drawback of Zodiac Baracuda G3 is that the navigation system is not so great - the clean pattern is quite repetitive. It requires a bit of babysitting; Nevertheless, it does get the job done.
| Zodiac Baracuda G3 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 41.5 x 8 x 18 inches |
Weight | 18.2 pounds |
Highlight Features | FlowKeeper Valve; Wheel Deflector; 36-Fin Disc; Scuff-resistant hoses |
Zodiac Baracuda G3 is powerful, durable, yet quiet, suitable for all surfaces.
Best For In-Ground Pools: Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction
- Low-flow design for 2-speed pumps
- The included hose is super long
- Cleans walls and waterline aggressively
- Cyclonic suction for efficient performance
- Easy to assemble and install
- Gets stuck occasionally
Like Zodiac Baracuda G3, Zodiac MX6 works well on dual-speed or variable-speed pumps thanks to its flow-regulator vale. This is a significant feature as dual-speed pumps are becoming popular these days - they can run on low-speed mode to meet day-to-day needs of circulation and chlorination while saving a lot of energy. Zodiac MX6 features cyclonic suction technology for efficient cleaning performance even on low-speed pumps.
The articulating turbine blade is designed to climb and scrub walls and waterline effectively. The included hose is super long, making the cleaner ideal for large pools. Besides, Zodiac MX6 is pretty easy to assemble and install. However, the cleaner requires some babysitting as it sometimes gets stuck in corners or some things get stuck in the blade, making it unmoveable.
| Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 40.4 x 8.9 x 14.8 inches |
Weight | 17.4 pounds |
Highlight Features | Flow-regulator vale; Cyclonic suction; Super long hose; Articulating turbine blade |
Zodiac MX6 works well on dual/variable-speed pumps thanks to its flow-regulator vale.
Best For Consistent Performance: Hayward PoolVac XL
- Patented AquaPilot technology
- Wide vacuum inlet & Unique wing design
- No-pulsating hoses
- Powerful yet Smooth and Silent
- Easy to assemble and use
- Does not climb stairs well
Hayward PoolVac XL features the patented AquaPilot technology for smart navigation that covers every inch of the pools, from floor, walls, to the waterline. However, it gets stuck at the stairs. The cleaner has a wide vacuum inlet and a unique wing design for faster and more efficient performance. The suction power is pretty powerful.
This design, along with no-pulsating hoses, helps Hayward PoolVac XL operates smoothly and quietly. You can relax peacefully in the pool while letting the cleaner do its job. Besides, it won’t take more than 10 minutes to assemble and install the cleaner. This is a pretty “easy-going” suction pool cleaner.
| Hayward PoolVac XL Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 38.4 x 11.6 x 9.9 inches |
Weight | 19.2 pounds |
Highlight Features | Patented AquaPilot technology; Wide vacuum inlet & Unique wing design; No-pulsating hoses |
Hayward PoolVac XL operates smoothly and quietly, providing consistent performance.
Best For Hopper-Bottom Pools: Pentair Kreepy Krauly Great White
- SmartTrac Programmed Steering
- Unique turning mechanism
- Bristle-drive mechanism
- Safe spring-loaded cover
- For gunite, fiberglass, vinyl, etc.
- The included hose is not great
Pentair Kreepy Krauly Great White features the SmartTrac Programmed Steering, which helps the cleaner get around obstacles easily and ensures it cover all the surfaces of the pool. The cleaner also features the unique turning mechanism to help it get away from tight corners or when being stuck. In terms of navigating, Pentair Kreepy Krauly Great White is one of the best. This makes the cleaner perfect for uneven surfaces like which of hopper-bottom pools.
Pentair Kreepy Krauly Great White features a 15" cleaning head with the bristle-drive mechanism, which is powerful enough to knock loose the most stubborn dirt. It works well on gunite, fiberglass, vinyl, all the surfaces. Besides, it has a spring-loaded cover vacuum port for safety.
Pentair Kreepy Krauly Great White is perfect if not for the included hose. Since the price of the cleaner is very high, I expect that every part of it is of great quality. However, the hose is quite short and it’s pretty easy to get stuck at the joints.
| Pentair Kreepy Krauly Great White Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | |
Weight | 18.8 pounds |
Highlight Features | SmartTrac Programmed Steering; Unique turning mechanism; Bristle-drive mechanism; Safe spring-loaded cover |
Pentair Kreepy Krauly Great White is perfect for uneven surfaces and stubborn dirt.
Best For Above-Ground Pools: Hayward Wanda the Whale
- Unique design - a cute whale
- Unique turbine system for quiet operation
- Contoured head for easy navigation
- Deluxe bumper ring minimizes friction
- Easy to install and easy to use
- For small pools
Hayward Wanda the Whale has a unique design - a cute whale. While this is not a powerful cleaner, it perfectly suits above-ground pools. It moves smoothly and quietly around the pool.
The turbine system is designed to balance out the water flow for consistent and gentle operation. The contoured head helps the cleaner move smoothly in the most effective patterns. The deluxe bumper ring minimizes friction so the cleaner can easily turn around when being stuck in tight corners.
Hayward Wanda the Whale is an easy-to-install and easy-to-use suction pool cleaner. However, it is suitable for small pools only.
| Hayward Wanda the Whale Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 12 x 12 x 11 inches |
Weight | 15.7 pounds |
Highlight Features | Unique turbine system; Contoured head; Deluxe bumper ring |
Hayward Wanda the Whale moves steadily, smoothly and quietly, suitable for small pools.
Best For Leaves: Pentair 360040 Kreepy Krauly
- Roller strap to scrub walls and steps
- Dive float directional system
- Automatic regulating-valve
- Cleaner wings for better performance
- Durable and no replacement need
- Occasionally gets stuck
Not many pool cleaners can climb on stairs. Pentair 360040 Kreepy Krauly is a rare model that can do it. However, it does get stuck occasionally on stairs or drains. Definitely, Pentair has a lot of work to do on this model.
Pentair 360040 Kreepy Krauly works on concrete/gunite only. It features a dive float directional system that guides cleaner to cover all the surface of the pool, from the bottom, walls, drains, stairs, and the waterline. The automatic regulating-valve keeps the cleaner run smoothly even on low-speed pumps. The cleaner wings are designed to capture leaves, dirt and debris effectively, enhancing the cleaning performance. Moreover, with the durable one-moving-part design, Pentair 360040 Kreepy Krauly requires no replacement even after many years of service.
| Pentair 360040 Kreepy Krauly Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 42 x 16.5 x 7.5 inches |
Weight | 15 pounds |
Highlight Features | Roller strap; Dive float directional system; Automatic regulating-valve; Cleaner wings |
Pentair 360040 Kreepy Krauly captures leaves, dirt and debris effectively with its wings.
How To Choose The Best Suction Pool Cleaner?
Here are some things that you should take into account when choosing a suction pool cleaner:
- The navigation system: There are a few things you need to know. Does the cleaner cover all the spots of your pool? Does it climb walls and stairs? Does it clean the waterline? - If it does not, you can use it for infinity edge pools. A good navigation system also makes sure that the cleaner gets out easily when being stuck in tight corners.
- Suction power: This depends much on your filter system. However, some cleaners have more power than others when being connected to the same filter.
- The hose length: The hose included in the same package with the cleaner tends to be not so long - about 30 feet. If your pool is longer than 30 feet, you’ll need to buy a separate 40ft or even 50ft hose. Besides, it’s pretty easy for debris to get stuck in the joints of the hose (if the hose is not so well-made). You should check this issue or read reviews first before purchasing a separate hose.
- Compatibility with dual-speed pumps: Dual-speed or variable-speed pumps are increasingly featured in pools. While operating at low speeds, these pumps meet the everyday needs of circulation and chlorination, so they save a lot of energy. Many suction pool cleaners can't run on low-speed mode though. If your pool features a dual-speed or variable-speed pool, you need to find a suction cleaner that can run on low-speed mode.
Which Brands Make The Best Suction Pool Cleaner?
Zodiac
Zodiac is a brand of several most popular cleaners for pools. They have great models of all types, including robotic cleaners, suction cleaners, and pressure cleaners. Zodiac Baracuda G3 and Zodiac MX6 are my two picks for the best suction pool cleaners. Both are of great quality and have a smart design with smart functions. In terms of quality and smart design, Zodiac is the to-go brand.
Hayward
Hayward has a long tradition of making pool equipment. With more than 80 years of experience, Hayward provides the highest-quality pumps, filters, heaters, lights, cleaners, etc. for backyard and commercial pools. Hayward's products are famous for energy efficiency and little maintenance required.
Pentair
Pentair is a huge company specialized in smart, sustainable water solutions. It has a good reputation across the world. Pool cleaners are only a minor product line of Pentair. Besides pool cleaner, they also deliver other spa and pool products such as pumps, pool automation, heaters, lights, water treatments, filtration systems, pool valves. Besides spa and pool products, they also provide solutions for drinking water like filtration systems and softening systems. Pentair is also well-known for their social responsibility programs, via which they provide safe water in Honduras, India, and Nairobi. With nearly 70,000 employees worldwide, this is a brand you can trust.
FAQs
Why should I use suction pool cleaners?
It’d be better to clean your pool once a week to avoid dirt and debris accumulating into a large heap, which cause you tons of trouble. Algae in the water may cause the pool to look cloudy or even worse, green. Swimming in a dirty pool may put your health at great risk.
How do you install a suction pool cleaner?
A suction cleaner requires to be connected to your pool filter system.
How long can my suction pool cleaning tool last?
Good suction pool cleaners should last for more than 7 years (with some parts replaced).
How do the suction pool cleaners work?
A suction cleaner uses the pool’s pump to suck small debris into the pool’s filter system. The debris is collected in the pool’s filter. So, a suction cleaner requires to be connected to your pool filter system.
Why doesn’t my pool vacuum have suction?
It may be the pump or the filter that is clogged. You should check these two places to see if they are clogged.
Conclusion
A suction pool cleaner is powerful and effortless, a good choice to clean your pool. Remember to clean your pool weekly.
