10 Best Above Ground Pool Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Aiper Scuba S1 robotic pool cleaner is a strong choice for above-ground pool owners looking for a thorough and convenient cleaning solution. Its double filtration system, including an ultra-fine 3-micron filter alongside a standard one, captures both large and tiny debris, leaving pool water clear and well-maintained. With a long 180-minute battery life, it can clean larger pools in a single session without needing a recharge, which is a big plus for hassle-free maintenance.

The smart WavePath 2.0 navigation ensures the cleaner covers the entire surface efficiently, including walls and waterline, so you won’t have to worry about missed spots. Using the mobile app to control the cleaner and receive software updates adds modern convenience, making operation simple even for those not comfortable with tech. It’s also designed for durability and backed by a 2-year warranty, providing confidence in its long-term use.

One downside is that it weighs nearly 17 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for some users when handling it in and out of the pool. The charging time is about 4 hours, so planning cleaning sessions ahead is important. The Aiper Scuba S1 delivers excellent cleaning performance, energy efficiency, and smart features that make it well-suited for above-ground pools, especially for users who want a set-it-and-forget-it style cleaner.

The Aiper Scuba S1 is a cordless robotic pool cleaner designed to work on both inground and above-ground pools, making it versatile for various pool types. It offers strong suction with dynamic scrubbing to clean floors, walls, and waterlines effectively. Its large filter basket can trap both big debris and fine dirt, which helps keep your pool water clear. Thanks to its upgraded WavePath Navigation 2.0, it intelligently plans cleaning routes to cover the entire pool without wasting time or missing spots. The caterpillar treads provide great mobility over steps, corners, and other uneven surfaces, ensuring thorough cleaning.

Four cleaning modes—Auto (full coverage), Eco (energy-saving periodic cleaning), Floor only, and Wall only—allow you to customize cleaning based on your needs and save energy when desired. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery powers the cleaner for up to 150 minutes, which is generally enough for typical pool sizes. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, plus it requires no complicated setup. The cleaner is built from sturdy plastic and comes with a two-year warranty, which adds confidence in its durability.

Although the Aiper Scuba S1 is efficient and user-friendly, its performance on very large pools may require multiple cleaning cycles due to battery limits. Additionally, as a robotic model, occasional filter maintenance and cleaning of moving parts are necessary to keep it running smoothly. This cleaner suits pool owners seeking a hands-off, energy-efficient solution that covers full pool surfaces and handles varied debris with minimal effort.

The iGarden Pool Cleaner K36 is a cordless robotic vacuum designed for both inground and above-ground pools up to about 3,800 square feet, making it suitable for most residential pools. It features strong suction with a turbine-grade impeller and three brushless motors, capable of handling various debris including leaves, dirt, and fine particles thanks to its large 4-liter debris basket with fine mesh. Its dual rubber brushes and anti-slip tracks enable it to climb walls and clean waterlines effectively, which is a helpful feature for thorough maintenance.

This model stands out with its smart navigation system that maps the pool and optimizes cleaning routes in real time, improving efficiency and coverage. The robot runs up to 220 minutes on a single charge for floor-only cleaning, or 150 minutes for full cleaning including walls and waterline, which is ample for weekly pool upkeep. It offers user-friendly controls via a touchscreen on the unit and a smartphone app, allowing easy mode selection and scheduling. The automatic parking feature, which docks the cleaner underwater when the battery is low, simplifies retrieval.

Energy-wise, it uses a lithium-ion battery that charges in about 3.5 hours and includes a power-saving mode for routine cleaning, making it more efficient than traditional electric pool vacuums. Built from sturdy materials with a 3-year warranty, it promises reliability and long-term support, though its 21.6-pound weight might be a bit heavy for some users when lifting out of the pool. The iGarden K36 delivers powerful, intelligent cleaning that adapts well to different pool surfaces and sizes, with convenient app control and durable design. Its cordless nature and long runtime provide flexibility, but those with very small pools might find some features more than needed, and the initial investment could be higher than simpler cleaners. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a thorough, hands-off cleaning experience for above-ground or inground pools.