10 Best Cheap Pool Cleaner 2026 in the United States

The Aiper Scuba S1 is a cordless robotic pool cleaner designed for hassle-free cleaning of various pool shapes and sizes, making it suitable for medium to large pools thanks to its long 180-minute battery life. It features double filtration, using both a fine 3-micron and a standard 180-micron filter, which captures a wide range of debris from large leaves to tiny dirt particles, resulting in noticeably clearer water. The smart WavePath 2.0 navigation system enables efficient cleaning of the pool floor, walls, and waterline without missing spots, which is especially beneficial for pools with complex shapes.

Controlling the cleaner through a smartphone app adds convenience and allows users to receive updates that improve the device over time. The filters are replaceable and easy to handle, although the cleaner weighs about 24.5 pounds, which may be a bit heavy for some users when removing it from the pool. Its battery-powered operation eliminates tangled cords and is designed to be energy-efficient for longer cleaning sessions.

Priced as a budget-friendly option, the Aiper Scuba S1 offers features commonly found in more expensive models. Some users might find the app setup challenging if they are not comfortable with technology, but the 2-year warranty and positive customer ratings provide confidence in its durability and performance.

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 Polaris MAXX is a suction-side automatic pool cleaner designed for all in-ground pool surfaces, making it a versatile choice if you have a concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass pool. It handles various debris well, from fine silt to larger leaves, thanks to its advanced HALO technology and active scrubbing brushes that focus on stubborn dirt. Its smart navigation system helps it move efficiently around the pool, including climbing walls, which improves cleaning coverage.

For those concerned about energy use, this model is energy efficient and includes a regulator valve to control water flow and reduce wear, which can help extend its lifespan. Maintenance is fairly simple since it has replaceable scrubbing brushes and a design meant to handle debris without frequent clogging. While it offers strong cleaning performance and energy savings, it is a bit heavier (over 21 pounds) and fairly large, which might make handling or storage slightly cumbersome.

The 39-foot hose length is sufficient for most average-sized pools but might be limiting for very large pools. It operates on standard AC power and doesn’t require complex assembly, which adds to user convenience. If you're looking for a reliable, energy-conscious pool cleaner that can tackle various debris and pool surfaces without breaking the bank, the Polaris MAXX is a solid pick. However, if you have a very large pool or prefer a lighter device, you might want to consider these factors.