10 Best Cheap Pool Cleaner 2025 in the United States

The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 is a pressure-side pool cleaner designed for in-ground pools of various shapes and surfaces, including vinyl, fiberglass, gunite, pebble, and tile. It operates with the help of a separate booster pump, which powers dual venturi jets to create strong suction. This allows it to clean the pool efficiently in about 3 hours, which is relatively fast for its category. Its large 2.25-inch inlet is great at picking up bigger debris like leaves, acorns, and pebbles—types of debris that some other cleaners might miss. The included single-chamber debris bag makes it easy to collect and remove this debris, simplifying maintenance.

Since it relies on a booster pump, this can mean an extra energy cost compared to simpler suction-side cleaners, so keep that in mind if energy efficiency is a top priority. The 31-foot hose provides decent reach for most pool sizes but might require an adjustment or professional installation, which adds to the initial setup effort. This cleaner is lightweight at just over 6 pounds and doesn’t require assembly, making it user-friendly. However, needing a separate booster pump might add complexity and cost for some buyers.

If you have an average-sized in-ground pool and want a cleaner that handles large debris well without breaking the bank, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 is a solid choice with reliable performance. Energy use and installation needs could be considerations depending on your setup.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner is a solid choice for in-ground pools up to 50 feet in length. It offers the convenience of scheduling cleanings remotely through its always-connected Wi-Fi feature, making it easy to maintain your pool even when you're not home. The wall-climbing scrubber brush ensures thorough cleaning on various pool surfaces and shapes, which is a significant advantage for those with uniquely shaped pools or different surface types.

The top-load filter basket simplifies debris removal and filter maintenance, which is ideal for users looking for minimal upkeep. Additionally, the plug-and-play system allows for straightforward operation, cleaning your pool in just 2 hours, which is relatively efficient in terms of cleaning cycle time. However, the product is relatively heavy at 35.4 pounds, which could make it challenging to handle for some users.

While it is energy efficient, it requires an AC power source, which might limit its placement flexibility. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus offers a good balance of advanced features and ease of use for those willing to invest in a reliable pool cleaner, though it may not be the cheapest option available.

The Dolphin Explorer E25 is a solid choice for pool owners who want a user-friendly robotic cleaner without breaking the bank. It can comfortably clean pools up to 50 feet long, making it suitable for many standard residential pools. Thanks to its ability to climb walls and scrub the waterline, it handles various pool shapes and surfaces quite well—this means less manual scrubbing for you.

The cleaner targets common pool debris effectively and features a top-load filter basket that’s easy to remove and clean, reducing upkeep hassle. Its cleaning cycle lasts about 2 hours, which is relatively quick and convenient. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can schedule cleanings remotely using an app, adding to its ease of use. The Dolphin is self-propelled, so it moves around the pool independently, saving you effort. On the energy side, it’s designed to be efficient, so it won’t cause a big spike in your electric bill.

However, it weighs around 34 pounds, which might be a bit heavy to lift in and out of the pool for some users. Also, while it offers good value, it’s not the cheapest model on the market, so very tight budgets might find better options elsewhere. Maintenance requires regular filter cleaning to keep performance high, but there’s no complex assembly needed. The Dolphin Explorer E25 provides reliable cleaning with smart features, making it ideal for pool owners who want effective, low-effort pool maintenance without spending too much.