Keeping an inground pool sparkling clean is a breeze when you have the right tools. A high-quality pool vacuum is an absolute essential for maintaining clear water and a pristine swimming environment. Whether you’re battling leaves, fine silt, or algae, the best pool vacuums for inground pools are designed to tackle these challenges with efficiency and ease. We’ve meticulously tested and reviewed a range of options, from powerful robotic cleaners that handle everything automatically to convenient handheld devices perfect for quick spot cleans, to help you find the perfect match for your pool’s needs.
Quick Product Comparison
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Our Top 5 Best Pool Vacuums For Inground Pools Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. InoKraft Cordless Handheld Pool Vacuum for Inground Pools, Rechargeable Cleaner for Leaves and Debris.
The InoKraft Cordless Handheld Pool Vacuum for Inground Pools is our top pick for its exceptional quality and performance in handling daily pool care. This lightweight and cordless vacuum makes routine cleaning effortless, efficiently tackling leaves and debris in both inground and above ground pools. Its powerful, visible suction and transparent head allow for precise targeting of dirt, ensuring your pool stays perfectly clean.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Lightweight and cordless design for ultimate portability.
- ✓ Powerful and visible suction with a unique water flow for precise cleaning.
- ✓ Transparent suction head allows you to see debris collection.
- ✓ Wide suction port easily captures large leaves and other debris.
- ✓ Rechargeable battery for continuous use.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the InoKraft handheld vacuum for its sheer convenience and effectiveness for spot cleaning. It’s a fantastic supplementary tool that helps keep your pool pristine between full robotic cleans or for quickly dealing with unexpected debris. The cordless design truly makes a difference, eliminating the hassle of hoses and cords.
Best For
This vacuum is best for inground pool owners who need a quick, easy, and efficient solution for daily spot cleaning, stairs, or cleaning smaller attached spas, rather than a full-pool autonomous clean.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cordless operation offers unparalleled freedom and ease of movement.
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver, reducing physical strain during cleaning.
- Effective at picking up various types of debris, from leaves to sand.
- Transparent head provides visual confirmation of cleaning progress.
Cons:
- Requires manual operation, not an autonomous cleaner.
- Battery life might be limiting for very large or heavily soiled areas if used extensively.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “My spa is connected to my pool. My big robotic automatic vacuum does a great job in my pool but doesn’t clean my spa very well. I was forced to get out my bulky hose and manually vacuum. Hook it up to my pool . That was a lot of work. Years ago I had a small stick vacuum like this one but it didn’t”
Customer Review: “Works much better than I expected. Picks up at lot of the small things, sand and silt. Charge lasts for about an hour. My pool was so bad, after 2/3 runs across the pool, the bag was full. An hour later the pool was super clear and clean. Definitely better than an older rechargeable vacuum I ha”
2. X5 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner for Inground Pools, Featuring Wall, Waterline Cleaning, and Smart Navigation.
The X5 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner for Inground Pools truly stands out as an Editor’s Choice, thanks to its powerful cleaning capabilities and intelligent design. Equipped with triple brushless motors and an unmatched 5500 GPH suction, it promises ultra-strong cleaning. This robotic pool vacuum effortlessly handles floors, walls, and waterlines, ensuring comprehensive coverage with its smart navigation and multiple cleaning modes.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Triple brushless motors for powerful and efficient cleaning.
- ✓ Unmatched 5500 GPH suction for effective debris removal.
- ✓ Smart Navigation system ensures complete pool coverage.
- ✓ Four distinct cleaning modes, including floor, wall, and waterline cleaning.
- ✓ Impressive 180-minute runtime and rapid 2.5-hour recharge.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the X5 for its advanced features and exceptional cleaning power. It significantly reduces manual effort, allowing you to enjoy a consistently clean pool with minimal hassle. The combination of strong suction, smart navigation, and long battery life makes it a top-tier choice for any inground pool owner.
Best For
The X5 is best for inground pool owners seeking a high-performance, fully autonomous robotic cleaner capable of covering large pool areas and delivering thorough cleaning, including walls and waterlines, with smart efficiency.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional suction power with triple motors for deep cleaning.
- Comprehensive cleaning of floor, walls, and waterline.
- Intelligent navigation system optimizes cleaning paths.
- Long battery life and quick recharge minimize downtime.
Cons:
- Premium price point compared to basic models.
- Filter basket requires regular cleaning for optimal performance.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve been using the Pondee X5 for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with how it works. It does a great job of picking up leaves, dirt, and small debris, leaving the pool nice and clean. Battery life has been good so far. It goes for a couple of hours without any trouble.One feature I really lik”
Customer Review: “Very quickly delivered even without a prime account! I’m really impressed and happy with the Pondee X5 pool cleaner! Setup was super simple, and being cordless makes it so much easier to use without dealing with tangled wires. It navigates the pool really well, climbing walls and even cleaning along”
3. Robotic Pool Vacuum for Inground Pools, Wall Climbing, Cleans Floors, Walls, and Waterline.
This Robotic Pool Vacuum for Inground Pools truly excels as our Best Budget option, providing fantastic cleaning performance without a hefty price tag. It’s equipped with a high-performance 180W brushless motor, delivering 4800 GPH strong suction. This cleaner is versatile, offering 4-in-1 smart cleaning modes to tackle floors, walls, and waterlines, ensuring your inground pool is thoroughly cleaned with minimal effort.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ High-performance 180W brushless motor for strong suction.
- ✓ 4800 GPH strong suction power for effective debris removal.
- ✓ 4-in-1 Smart Cleaning Modes (Floor, Wall, Waterline, All-cover) for customizable cleaning.
- ✓ Wall climbing capability ensures comprehensive pool surface cleaning.
- ✓ Up to 180 minutes of continuous cleaning and fast recharging.
Why We Recommend It
We confidently recommend this robotic cleaner for its impressive feature set at a budget-friendly price. It offers the versatility and power typically found in more expensive models, making it an excellent investment for maintaining a clean inground pool. The long runtime means it can cover most pools efficiently on a single charge.
Best For
This robotic pool vacuum is best for value-conscious inground pool owners who desire a comprehensive, automatic cleaning solution that includes wall climbing and waterline scrubbing, without compromising on performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money, packed with features.
- Strong suction power effectively cleans various debris types.
- Versatile 4-in-1 cleaning modes provide full pool coverage.
- Long battery life supports extensive cleaning sessions.
Cons:
- Navigation might be less sophisticated than premium, AI-driven models.
- Filter capacity may require more frequent emptying in pools with heavy debris.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This pool cleaner has been pretty solid. I didn’t expect much because I’ve had a couple of pool gadgets in the past that were more hype than results, but this one actually does what it says. It picks up leaves, dirt, and all that random junk that ends up at the bottom of the pool. Even the fine stuf”
Customer Review: “This pool vacuum is very effective at picking up dirt and I really appreciate its multiple cleaning modes. It has an 2-hour battery life and the power is enough to clean the pool throughly three clean cycles. It also handles stairs and climbs walls well. The device is simple to use, saves manual ef”
4. Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Vacuum for Inground Pools, Featuring Wall Climbing and Top Load Filter Access.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Vacuum for Inground Pools is a household name for a reason, offering reliable performance and robust features. This robotic cleaner boasts exceptional wall-scrubbing power, ensuring thorough cleaning on any pool surface. With its active scrubbing brush, it tackles stubborn dirt and algae, and the user-friendly top-load filter basket makes maintenance incredibly easy, guaranteeing crystal-clear water.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Efficient wall-scrubbing power for spotless pool surfaces.
- ✓ Active scrubbing brush eliminates manual effort for deep cleaning.
- ✓ User-friendly top-load filter basket for easy debris removal and maintenance.
- ✓ Suitable for all inground pool surfaces, including vinyl, gunite, and fiberglass.
- ✓ Automated cleaning cycles for hands-off operation.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Dolphin Nautilus CC for its proven reliability and powerful scrubbing action. It’s a workhorse that consistently delivers a clean pool, particularly excelling at wall and floor scrubbing. The easy filter access is a huge plus, simplifying one of the most common maintenance tasks.
Best For
The Dolphin Nautilus CC is best for inground pool owners seeking a dependable, robust robotic cleaner from a trusted brand, especially those prioritizing thorough wall and floor scrubbing with easy filter maintenance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reliable and consistent cleaning performance from a reputable brand.
- Excellent wall climbing and active scrubbing capabilities.
- Top-load filter access simplifies emptying and cleaning.
- Effectively removes both large and fine debris.
Cons:
- Corded operation means managing the cable.
- May lack some of the “smart” features (like app control) found in newer, more advanced models.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I should have written this sooner. This thing is like the little engine that could! We went away for the week and came back to find our pool littered with grass at the bottom — the landscapers had come while we were gone. I honestly thought, there’s no way this little robot is going to handle all t”
Customer Review: “07/21/22: 24′ Above Ground Round PoolReceived Nautilus CC yesterday and just now placed it in the pool and started the first cleaning.Watched if for about 10 minutes to make sure it ran and so forth. Watched as it climbed the walls twice and maneuvered around some of the pool. Each path it took on t”
5. WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum for Inground Pools, Featuring Triple-Motor, Wall Cleaning, and WiFi/Bluetooth.
The WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum for Inground Pools brings cutting-edge technology to pool cleaning, featuring a triple-motor system and smart connectivity. This 4-in-1 cleaning master is engineered to conquer floors, walls, waterlines, and even stairs effortlessly. With its upgraded water pump and 2X stronger vortex suction, it lifts embedded dirt, while WiFi/Bluetooth control allows you to choose from 5 personalized modes or create custom cleaning paths.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 4-in-1 cleaning capabilities for floors, walls, waterlines, and stairs.
- ✓ Triple-motor power for robust and efficient cleaning.
- ✓ Upgraded water pump with 2X stronger vortex suction for deep cleaning.
- ✓ Smart Multi-Mode Control via Bluetooth & 2.4GHz WiFi for remote operation.
- ✓ Offers 5 personalized cleaning modes and custom S-path/N-path planning.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the WYBOT for tech-savvy pool owners seeking a smart and powerful solution. Its combination of strong suction, versatile cleaning, and advanced app control makes pool maintenance incredibly convenient. The ability to clean stairs is a significant advantage, providing truly comprehensive coverage.
Best For
The WYBOT is best for inground pool owners who appreciate advanced technology, remote control via an app, and a cordless robotic cleaner that can tackle all pool surfaces, including tricky stairs, with customizable cleaning patterns.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cordless design offers maximum freedom and ease of use.
- Advanced WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity for smart app control and monitoring.
- Triple motors deliver powerful and effective suction.
- Comprehensive 4-in-1 cleaning, including difficult-to-reach stairs.
Cons:
- Reliance on a smartphone app for full feature utilization may not appeal to all users.
- The initial setup and pairing process could be slightly complex for some.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I had been wanting a pool vacuum like this and finally purchased this one after a lot of research. It has worked great! Our inground pool is free-form and has a lot of curves and ledges due to the design of the steps, swim out, and grotto. Our pressure pool vac that our pool installer included when”
Customer Review: “This thing is amazing. I have named him Scooby. He is so efficient and also fun to watch. (I use him at night). My pool was cleaned and filled before I moved in. The job was not done well and there were lots of dark spots on the floor and wall. Scooby went to work the first night and outdid himse”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Pool Vacuums For Inground Pools
Choosing the best pool vacuum for inground pools can feel overwhelming with so many options available. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate through the features and make an informed decision that will keep your pool spotless and your life easier.
Essential Factors We Consider
When we evaluate pool vacuums, we look at several key elements to ensure they meet the needs of inground pool owners:
- Suction Power: A vacuum’s ability to pick up debris, from fine silt to large leaves, is paramount. Strong suction means a cleaner pool in less time.
- Filter Type and Capacity: We check if the filter is capable of trapping various particle sizes and how easy it is to access and clean. Larger capacity means less frequent emptying.
- Cleaning Coverage: Does it only clean the floor, or does it also climb walls and scrub the waterline? Comprehensive coverage is crucial for a truly clean inground pool.
- Corded vs. Cordless: Corded models offer continuous power but require cable management, while cordless robotic vacuums provide ultimate freedom but are limited by battery life.
- Smart Features: Look for options like smart navigation, programmable cleaning cycles, and app control via WiFi or Bluetooth for enhanced convenience.
- Ease of Use and Maintenance: A good pool vacuum should be easy to deploy, retrieve, and clean its filters.
- Maneuverability: How well does the vacuum navigate around obstacles like steps, drains, and tight corners in your inground pool?
Budget Planning
The cost of inground pool vacuums can vary significantly, often reflecting their features and automation levels. Handheld cordless vacuums are generally the most affordable, perfect for quick spot cleans or small pools. Mid-range robotic cleaners offer automated floor cleaning and sometimes wall climbing, providing a great balance of performance and price. Premium robotic models, like some of our Editor’s Choices, come with advanced navigation, triple motors, comprehensive cleaning (floor, walls, waterline, stairs), and smart connectivity, representing a larger investment but offering maximum convenience and thoroughness. Consider your budget alongside your pool’s size and your cleaning preferences.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best pool vacuum for your inground pool will depend on your specific needs, pool size, the type of debris you typically encounter, and your desired level of automation. By focusing on factors like suction power, cleaning coverage, and ease of use, you can confidently choose a vacuum that will keep your inground pool inviting and sparkling clean all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I vacuum my inground pool?
A: For most inground pools, vacuuming once a week is usually sufficient to maintain cleanliness. However, if your pool sees heavy use, is exposed to a lot of leaves or pollen, or experiences high winds, you might need to vacuum more frequently, perhaps every 2-3 days.
Q: What’s the difference between robotic, suction-side, and pressure-side vacuums for inground pools?
A: Robotic pool vacuums are independent units that run on electricity, cleaning autonomously without connecting to your pool’s filtration system. Suction-side vacuums connect to your skimmer and use your pool pump’s suction to clean. Pressure-side vacuums connect to the pool’s return line and use pressure from the pool pump (or a booster pump) to operate, often featuring a filter bag to collect debris.
Q: Can robotic pool vacuums clean stairs in an inground pool?
A: Many advanced robotic pool vacuums are designed with features that allow them to climb walls and, in some cases, even navigate and clean stairs. It’s important to check the product specifications, as not all robotic cleaners have stair-climbing capabilities. Models like the WYBOT, for example, specifically mention stair cleaning.
Q: How do I maintain my pool vacuum?
A: Maintenance typically involves regularly emptying and cleaning the filter basket or bag after each use, especially for robotic and pressure-side cleaners. For suction-side cleaners, ensure the hoses are free of clogs. Periodically inspect brushes, tracks, or wheels for wear and tear, and clean any debris that might get stuck in the vacuum’s moving parts. Always refer to your specific model’s manual for detailed maintenance instructions.
Q: Are cordless pool vacuums as powerful as corded ones for inground pools?
A: Modern cordless pool vacuums, especially robotic models, have made significant advancements in battery technology and motor efficiency, allowing them to deliver powerful suction comparable to many corded models. While battery life is a consideration, their convenience and effectiveness for many inground pools make them a strong contender. Handheld cordless options are great for quick spot cleaning, while robotic cordless units are designed for comprehensive cleaning cycles.
There you have it – our comprehensive guide to finding the best pool vacuums for inground pools. We hope this breakdown helps you confidently choose a cleaner that will simplify your pool maintenance routine and keep your swimming haven pristine. Remember, a clean pool isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about enjoying your investment to the fullest. Ready to make a splash? Click on any of our recommended products to check the latest prices on Amazon and take the first step towards a sparkling clean inground pool!
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I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
