10 Best Suction Side Pool Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Polaris MAXX Premium Suction-Side Automatic Pool Cleaner is designed to work well with all types of in-ground pool surfaces, cleaning floors, walls, and waterlines effectively. Its active scrubbing brushes help tackle stuck-on debris, which means it does a thorough job of cleaning even tricky spots. One standout feature is the HALO Technology, which handles a variety of debris from fine silt to larger particles without clogging, making it reliable for pools that gather different kinds of dirt. The cleaner uses smart navigation to move in multiple directions, improving coverage and its ability to climb walls, which is great for pools with varied shapes or steep inclines.

It comes with a 39-foot hose, suitable for most average-sized pools, giving it enough reach to cover a typical pool without needing extra hose extensions. The Polaris MAXX also focuses on energy efficiency, running on lower water flow rates thanks to its hydraulic design and a regulator valve that helps reduce wear, potentially extending its lifespan. Maintenance is made easier with replaceable brushes and a design aimed at minimizing clogging issues.

A few considerations include its weight of over 21 pounds, which might make handling during setup or removal somewhat challenging. While the hose length fits most pools, very large pools may require additional hose lengths to reach every corner. Additionally, it is designed specifically for in-ground pools, so it is not suitable for above-ground pools. For those with average to large in-ground pools seeking a cleaner that efficiently handles various debris types while saving energy, the Polaris MAXX provides a strong cleaning performance combined with thoughtful maintenance features.

The Zodiac MX8 Elite is a strong choice if you're looking for a suction-side pool cleaner that works well across various pool sizes. It connects easily either through a dedicated suction line or the skimmer, making installation straightforward without extra hassle. Its powerful suction combined with cyclonic scrubbing brushes helps remove algae and fine debris effectively, cleaning more thoroughly than many basic models. The included Zodiac Cyclonic Leaf Canister is a helpful addition for catching leaves and larger debris before they reach your filter, easing maintenance.

The cleaner features MaX-Drive Navigation with 360° movement patterns, allowing it to cover the pool floor comprehensively without missing spots. It has a wide cleaning path, which speeds up the cleaning process by covering more ground efficiently. While designed to climb pool walls, it may be less effective on very steep or textured surfaces. Weighing 24 pounds and made of durable plastic, it is sturdy though somewhat heavier to handle compared to lighter models.

Maintenance is generally easy thanks to the leaf canister and removable brushes, though regular cleaning of these parts is necessary to maintain high performance. For those seeking an energy-efficient, powerful cleaner that handles both small particles and larger debris well and navigates effectively, the MX8 Elite is a suitable option, especially for medium to large residential pools.

The Hayward W3PVS20JST Poolvergnuegen Suction Pool Cleaner is designed for in-ground pools up to 16 x 32 feet, making it suitable for average-sized residential pools. One of its standout features is the patented self-adjusting turbine vanes that ensure maximum suction power and efficient debris passage, including large debris. This is advantageous for those who have pools with varying levels of debris. Additionally, the patented adjustable roller skirts help maintain optimal suction on uneven surfaces and when encountering obstacles, which is beneficial for pools with irregular floors or walls.

The 33-feet hose length is sufficient for the specified pool size, ensuring good coverage without frequent repositioning. The cleaner also features 2-wheel drive and tire treads that enhance its climbing ability and maneuverability around obstacles, ensuring thorough cleaning. The multiple pre-programmed internal steering sequences are designed to cover the entire pool efficiently.

As for maintenance, the product is relatively easy to take care of with simple rinsing and regular filter cleaning. However, some users might find the 12-pound weight slightly cumbersome if they need to frequently handle the cleaner. While the product is self-installed, it does require hydraulic power to operate. Its design and features make it an efficient and reliable option for those who want thorough cleaning of their in-ground pools without too much hassle.