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10 Best Cheap Pool Cleaner 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner, Always Cleaning, Never Charging, with Wall Climbing Scrubber Brush, Ideal for In-Ground Pools up to 40 FT in Length

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,121
Type of Pool Cleaner
Pool Size and Shape
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
17596 reviews

Type of Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is a powerhouse that effortlessly climbs walls and thoroughly cleans every corner of the pool.
Pool Size and Shape
Despite initial skepticism, I was impressed with how effectively it navigates and cleans the entire pool, even the deep end.
Ease of Maintenance
This vacuum has transformed my pool maintenance routine, making it easy to achieve crystal clear water with minimal effort.
Cleaning Cycle Time
The cord's buoyancy feature prevents tangling, ensuring smooth operation throughout the cleaning process.

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.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,121
Type of Pool Cleaner
Pool Size and Shape
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
17596 reviews

Type of Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is a powerhouse that effortlessly climbs walls and thoroughly cleans every corner of the pool.
Pool Size and Shape
Despite initial skepticism, I was impressed with how effectively it navigates and cleans the entire pool, even the deep end.
Ease of Maintenance
This vacuum has transformed my pool maintenance routine, making it easy to achieve crystal clear water with minimal effort.
Cleaning Cycle Time
The cord's buoyancy feature prevents tangling, ensuring smooth operation throughout the cleaning process.
#2

Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner, Wall Climbing Scrubber Brush, Top Load Filter Access, Ideal for Above/In-Ground Pools up to 33 FT in Length

Rating
9.8
Type of Pool Cleaner
Pool Size and Shape
Debris Type

Most important from
9957 reviews

Type of Pool Cleaner
Convenient, simple, and effective. This cleaner is easy to set up and gets to work immediately, leaving the pool nearly spotless.
Pool Size and Shape
While it does not clean the waterline or climb stairs, it still covers most of the pool efficiently, often requiring just a single cycle.
Debris Type
The Dolphin efficiently vacuums up debris, including pebbles and acorns, and climbs pool walls to clean thoroughly.
Ease of Maintenance
The top-load filter access simplifies maintenance, making it easy to clean the debris bucket with a garden hose.
Cleaning Cycle Time
While it does not clean the waterline or climb stairs, it still covers most of the pool efficiently, often requiring just a single cycle.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and efficient pool cleaning solution. Notably, it excels in its wall-scrubbing capability, ensuring thorough cleaning for both above-ground and in-ground pools up to 33 feet in length. The active scrubbing brush works effectively on various surfaces and takes away the need for manual cleaning, which is a major plus for pool owners seeking convenience. The top-load filter access simplifies maintenance, allowing for easy debris removal and contributing to consistently clear water.

A plug-and-play system enhances user-friendliness: just plug it in, place it in your pool, and it will clean within two hours. This simplicity makes it accessible even to those who are not tech-savvy. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. This model does not clean the waterline, which might leave some areas less pristine. Additionally, while it is energy efficient, it is a corded model, which could limit mobility and convenience slightly compared to cordless options.

The unit's weight of 14 pounds might be a bit cumbersome for some users, and regular maintenance of the filter is required to keep it running optimally. Nevertheless, with a strong reputation and good balance between performance and cost, this pool cleaner is suitable for budget-conscious pool owners who still desire efficient cleaning.

Rating
9.8
Type of Pool Cleaner
Pool Size and Shape
Debris Type

Most important from
9957 reviews

Type of Pool Cleaner
Convenient, simple, and effective. This cleaner is easy to set up and gets to work immediately, leaving the pool nearly spotless.
Pool Size and Shape
While it does not clean the waterline or climb stairs, it still covers most of the pool efficiently, often requiring just a single cycle.
Debris Type
The Dolphin efficiently vacuums up debris, including pebbles and acorns, and climbs pool walls to clean thoroughly.
Ease of Maintenance
The top-load filter access simplifies maintenance, making it easy to clean the debris bucket with a garden hose.
Cleaning Cycle Time
While it does not clean the waterline or climb stairs, it still covers most of the pool efficiently, often requiring just a single cycle.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Pool Cleaner

Choosing the right pool cleaner can make maintaining your pool much easier and more efficient. When selecting a pool cleaner, it's important to consider various factors to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are some key specifications to look at and how to navigate them.
Type of Pool CleanerPool cleaners come in three main types: suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic. Suction-side cleaners attach to your pool's suction line and use the pool's pump to move around. Pressure-side cleaners use the return water from your pool's pump to move and collect debris. Robotic cleaners are self-contained units that operate independently of your pool's pump and filter system. Suction-side cleaners are generally the most affordable and are suitable for smaller pools with light debris. Pressure-side cleaners are good for larger pools with more debris, while robotic cleaners offer the most convenience and efficiency but are usually more expensive.
Pool Size and ShapeThe size and shape of your pool can influence the type of cleaner you need. Larger pools may require more powerful cleaners or those with longer hoses to cover the entire area. Irregularly shaped pools with many corners or steps may benefit from robotic cleaners that can navigate complex layouts more effectively. For smaller, standard-shaped pools, a suction-side cleaner might be sufficient.
Debris TypeConsider the type of debris that commonly falls into your pool. If your pool collects a lot of leaves, twigs, and larger debris, you might need a cleaner with a larger intake and debris bag. For pools that mostly accumulate fine dirt and sand, a cleaner with fine filtration capabilities is essential. Suction-side cleaners are generally good for fine debris, while pressure-side and robotic cleaners can handle larger debris more effectively.
Ease of MaintenanceMaintenance is an important factor to consider. Some pool cleaners require more frequent emptying and cleaning of filters or bags. Robotic cleaners often have easy-to-access filter cartridges that can be quickly cleaned, while suction-side and pressure-side cleaners may require more manual effort. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, look for cleaners with easy-to-clean filters and minimal parts that need regular attention.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency is another important consideration, especially if you want to keep operating costs low. Robotic cleaners are generally the most energy-efficient as they operate independently of your pool's pump and use less electricity. Suction-side cleaners rely on your pool's pump, which can increase energy consumption. Pressure-side cleaners also use the pool's pump but may have their own booster pump, which can add to energy use. If energy efficiency is a priority, a robotic cleaner might be the best choice.
Cleaning Cycle TimeThe time it takes for a pool cleaner to complete a cleaning cycle can vary. Robotic cleaners often have programmable cycles and can clean a pool in a few hours. Suction-side and pressure-side cleaners may take longer and are often left to run for several hours or even overnight. If you want quick cleaning, a robotic cleaner with a shorter cycle time might be ideal. For those who don't mind longer cleaning times, suction-side or pressure-side cleaners can be a good fit.

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