The best thing one can have in summer is the swimming pool in the home.
Along with the enjoyment comes the responsibility of cleaning the pool as well to maintain the hygiene. Now, the bigger the pool is the more time it is gonna take to clean manually. But to make the job easier you can invest in the best above ground pool cleaner and get the job done every time you have to.
Now choosing the high-quality above ground pool vacuum cleaner is also a challenging task as there are a plethora of options available in the market and selection of the right model depends on several factors.
Therefore, I have crafted this list of top robotic pool cleaners to help you choose the right model for your needs without breaking the bank.
That said, let’s get started with the selection of a worthy pool cleaner.
Best Above Ground Pool Cleaner
These are the advanced machine to clean the seasonal pools as well as permanent in-ground units. So without further ado, let’s get started…
1. Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner – Best of 2024
Here we have the Dolphine Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner, a model that came in 2016 and became popular right after the launch. Thanks to its competitive performance, great design, and durable construction with an affordable price tag.
It’s not an average pool cleaner and comes with more features than any mid-market price range. Unlike other cleaners, the Dolphine Escape doesn’t require any additional accessories to get a start, it’s a plug and play device.
It comes with a forty-foot long power cord that you can connect with the closest power supply source and leave the Dolphine Escape in the pool. The highly efficient motor consumes less electricity and hardly takes an hour or less to finish the most above ground pools.
The latest navigation system installed in this unit ensures the robot reaches to every inch of the pool to clean the pool quickly as well as efficiently. Remember, the Dolphine Escape cannot climb pool walls.
What makes the robot move smoothly over the slick spots or folds in the pool liner is its treads, that’s why the pool bottom remains safe. Although it’s a lightweight unit and you can easily carry with bare hands, but to make it lighter you can use a water release valve.
The Dolphine Escape uses brushes to remove algae but not entirely so the filter cartridge captures the remaining algae and debris inside the pool.
The unit comes with a thirty-day return policy by the manufacturer and one year warranty, you may not get this deal from unauthorized dealers. There are tons of unauthorized online retailers but you most probably get this offer so nothing to worry about.
Overall, the Dolphine Escape is the most amazing automatic pool cleaner that ensure your pool gets cleaned efficiently and quickly meanwhile protecting the surface of the pool. The price tag is neither expensive nor cheaper, so if you really want to eliminate the chore of cleaning the pool manually, consider getting this unit to get hassle-free pool cleaning.
2. Zodiac Ranger Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
Here we have another cool pool cleaner, the Zodiac Ranger a unit that comes pre-assembled with thirty feet of hose and just requires to connect with a water hose that can propel it.
According to the demand for flow, it can automatically adjust itself, So if someone temporarily reduces the GPM, the unit won’t stall anyway.
Furthermore, the Zodiac Ranger is a reliable and quicker model that hardly jams while doing its job and doesn’t require relocating. The ring around the head of Zodiac Ranger makes it easier for you to either pull it out or move to another direction.
Does the perfect job around the ladder and corners and would never be stuck in dished out the bottom pool. The best part? It can climb pool sides so you get to clean the bottom as well as the sides of the pool at the same time.
This automatic suction side pool cleaner is prohibited to be used in the soft-sided pool, and if there are index skimmers inside your pool, chances are the Zodiac Ranger can get tangled with them.
3. Hayward 900 Pool Cleaner
Another great automatic pool cleaner we have is the Hayward 900. This compact model offers the outstanding job of cleaning the pool thanks to the whale-like design.
This design makes kids enjoy swimming in the pool instead of being afraid that is the case with many other cleaners.
The unit comes in “Diver Dave” and “Aqua Bug” designs but the whale design is the one that has received numerous reviews from significant customers. Plus, it’s much cheaper in price, even the cheapest by this brand but offers the same performance.
The operation is smooth and quiet that makes it kids and pet-friendly. Plus, the unit features a drive that ensures the cleaner goes to the bottom of the pool.
The installation is pretty easy, and the Hayward 900 works without a booster pump. You can use it with your existing pool filter it can give enough power which is around 1500 gallons of water per minute.
Overall, the Hayward 900 is a great unit but not ideal for a pool having a wavy bottom or dish shape which keeps the pool trapped; the hard wheels can rip up the pool bottom. Regarding performance, the unit is awesome and offers the best bang for the buck.
4. Pentair Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac Suction
With just one moving part, the Pentair Kreepy Krauly is the most reliable and durable pool cleaner that features a skimming valve that enables the unit to run at the same speed even if the water pressure varies. The unit works well while connected with a pool pump having a minimum of three-quarters of a horsepower.
Furthermore, the Pentair Kreepy Krauly uses a random operating pattern to ensure every inch of the pool is covered, and the 32′ long hose helps the cleaner to clean larger in-ground as well as above ground pools. If you have a longer pool, you can get extra hose but make sure the pool pump is capable to generate enough power for that.
Moving on, this pool cleaner works great on a pump of 2000 GPM or higher power that makes it ideal for cleaning larger pools.
Overall, the Pentair Kreepy Krauly is a superior pool cleaner that is quiet, unobtrusive above ground pool cleaning machine that gest the job is done without breaking your bank.
5. VIVOHOME Above Ground Pool Cleaner
The VIVOHOME is another nice pool cleaner that is designed for budget consumers. It’s a wheel-less cleaner that can damage the vinyl pool bottom. But it’s suitable for both inground and above the ground pools.
You can connect the unit with your existing filtration system until and unless your existing system can deliver a power of minimum 1000 gallons per hour for this sweeper.
Avoid using the unit with a system where other items are also attached like a skimmer. Experts say the VIVOHOME is an ideal cleaner for pools less than 33 feet long.
6. Smartpool SmartKleen
The second last above ground pool cleaner on our list is an expensive but highly efficient pool cleaner. This intelligent vacuum cleaner like a pool cleaner can detect it’s current location as well as the shape of the pool. Plus, it can automatically change direction and rarely gets trapped.
Furthermore, the Smartpool SmartKleen is a lighter unit compared to its heavy-weight competitors, and it is great to be used for viny pools, fiberglass, and concrete pools.
If you have a pool like 28 feet long and six feet deep then Smartpool SmartKleen is for you. But according to reviews, it’s not great for in-ground swimming pools but works fine for above ground pools.
Overall, the Smartpool SmartKleen is a supreme pool cleaner that is not great for inground pools but works great for above ground pools.
7. Aquabot Pool Rover Junior Model
Here we have the Aquabot Pool Rover Junior that is smaller but more expensive than models from the same brand. The model comes with forty feet of floating cable. It’s designed to take care of above ground pools but shows navigation issues with dish-shaped pools.
It quickly cleans the bottom and picks up any kind of debris like leaves and twigs well, but leaves behind the dirt and silt. On the other hand, the unit is easy to clean.
The Aquabot uses a 24-volt pump and gets the job done without using your existing pool filtration system. So this becomes useful where using a pool pump powered unit requires putting in a more powerful pool pump or you tend to use the unit while the pump is turned off.
Overall, the Aquabot is a great above ground pool cleaner and comes with a two-hour automatic shut off for electricity consumption. The price tag is slightly overpriced but the performance it offers is worthwhile.
8. Pool Rover Model S2 40
The last but not least unit in our arsenal is Pool Rover Model S2 40. A model that can take care of a pool up to forty feet long. It can climb the walls and can clean up to six inches radius.
Compared to the siblings, the unit won’t scrub up to the waterline, but sometimes while cleaning the walls, the unit can flip over until manually corrected.
Moving on, the Pool Rover Model S2 40 captures big debris like acorns, leaves and so on. In the case of slit suction, the bag requires frequent emptying of the unit will lose the suction.
The recommended way to run the unit is in the shallow section of the pool. The best part is that it uses a similar propulsion system like the vacuum to power up the wheels and doing that when it climbs up while vacuuming, the speed slows down and unit slides back to the deep end.
The downside of this unit is that it wears out pretty quickly. So it’s required to get the unit maintained regularly like replacing the filter bags or wheels.
Overall, the Pool Rover Model S2 40 is a perfect model for cleaning above ground pool. If the unit dies shortly after arrival, the company bears the expense of shipping and returning the new model to your door.
Final Words
That’s all for this list of automatic above ground pool cleaning machines. I hope you will be able to choose a great unit for your needs according to your budget. If you like the article don’t forget to share it with others.
