Frabr245 is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Top 15 Best Suction Side Inground Pool Cleaners In 2024

Gretchen Rubin
  Mar 28, 2024 10:19 PM

Choosing best suction side inground pool cleaners is not a small matter. You’ll be using this product for a long time, so you must ensure you get the one most suited for you. This guide should help make that decision easier by comparing some of the top products on the market today.

A quick look on the internet for reviews for many best suction side inground pool cleaners shows that although a friend may recommend the product you want; however, it is not worth its money. Before making purchases, there are a few things to look into when buying a product so that its worth becomes easier.

Let’s look at some of the various features, and at the end of this article, you will hopefully have gained enough information to make a knowledgeable decision.


Overview

If you have a small pool and just need to clean it occasionally, a suction-side pool cleaner is a fantastic choice because it is easy to use, quiet, and inexpensive. In addition to being the most convenient cleaners to use, all you need to do to get one up and running is connect it to the intake side of your pool's pump system with a simple connector.

While improvements have been made, there is still a significant gap across models. In order to assist you choose the best suction-side pool cleaner, we put many top models through rigorous testing and compiled these detailed reviews. There are a plethora of models and alternatives available in this sector of the market. For those who require supplementary material, we have provided a buyers' guide to assist in selecting the most appropriate option.

For more information about the top suction-side inground pool cleaners, please continue reading!


Compare Products

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Types

Robotic

The autonomous robotic pool cleaner is widely regarded as the best option because it utilizes sophisticated artificial intelligence to plan its own course through the water and is equipped with cutting-edge mobility features. These devices are more intricate, heavy, and expensive than their simpler counterparts. They thrive in unusually big or unusually shaped ponds.

Pressure-side

Pressure-side cleaners use filtered water from the pool's return line to do their work. When it comes to use, they are preferred to suction-side pool cleaners, although they do have a few limitations.

Most configurations call for a booster pump to force extra water into the cleaner, providing the necessary thrust to shift and suck up grit and grime. Their larger intake mouth makes them ideal for clearing out things like acorns and leaves.

The pricing is a major drawback of these. Already, the cost of pressure-side cleaners exceeds that of suction-side cleaners. The cost of the pump booster may increase the total by several hundred dollars. So, even though they are superior, they are not always more cost-effective. In addition, the booster pump is sold separately.

Suction-side

The most basic and cost-effective type of pool cleaner is the suction-side cleaner. They are easily installed and most effectively deal with debris in the pool of a moderate size, like as grass and dead bugs. Models exist that are very effective at removing finer particles of dust, sand, and dirt. They don't have many extras and need to be cleaned frequently.

If you're researching suction-side pool cleaners, you probably already have some idea of what you're looking for: something that's easy to use, can handle trash of a small to medium size, won't break the bank, and doesn't have a ton of extra features.

Suction Strength

The suction of the cleaner is coupled with the propulsion of the pool pump to move debris off the pool floor and walls. The minimum pump flow rate specified by the manufacturer is usually sufficient for the cleaner to function. The recommended flow rate for suction pool cleaners is between 1,600 and 2,200 GPH.

Hoses

With a 1.5-inch hose, suction pool cleaners can easily remove dirt and debris from the water and deposit it in the skimmer basket of the pool's filtration pump. The suction pool cleaner can only reach so far because of how long its hose is. Most suction pool cleaners have seven to ten feet of hose that may be joined together to reach a maximum of thirty to forty feet.

The length of the hose needed to reach the deepest part of the pool can be determined by measuring the distance from the skimmer to the pool's farthest corner. In order to adequately clean a 6-foot-deep pool, one will need a hose that is at least 36 feet long if the furthest point from the skimmer is 25 feet distant.

Type of Pool Surface

Pay close attention to how well the pool cleaner works with the pool's finish. Surfaces for swimming pools can be anything from concrete or Gunite to vinyl or fiberglass to tile or even pebbles. It's possible that a pool cleaner won't be able to remove dirt or climb the wall of the pool if it can't create enough suction on the surface. In certain extreme cases, the pool cleaner may even scratch the pool's finish. The most effective suction pool cleaner works with a wide variety of pool finishes.

Pool Size

The most appropriate suction pool cleaner depends on the pool's dimensions. For pools with limited space, both in- and above-ground, a compact suction pool cleaner that can easily navigate the pool's contours is the ideal option. In order to effectively clean a larger pool, a high-velocity cleaner that can reach all of the pool's corners is required.

Required Pump Flow Rate

Suction capacity is perhaps the single most important component in determining how well and how often a suction pool cleaner works. Clean your pool with minimal effort by using a suction pool cleaner that connects to your pool pump. A suction pool cleaner uses the suction created by the pool pump to collect debris and deposit it at the pool's base or close to the pool's walls.

It is important to note that many suction pool cleaner manufacturers specify a minimum pump flow rate for optimal performance. Given that it's the very minimum, anything less than that grade might not be worth it for the aforementioned suction pool cleaner, as it might not provide the kind of service or cleanliness you'd want for. A basic suction pool cleaner will require a flow rate of between 1600 and 2200 GPH, or gallons per hour. Although the manufacturer's rating may offer you a general notion of the unit's suitability for your pool, you should still examine it.

Type and Intensity of Debris

Which suction pool cleaner you should get depends on a number of factors, including the pool's kind and the typical detritus found in it. Different models of suction pool cleaners can only deal with specific kinds of trash due to their unique design parameters. Almost any of the market's regular offerings can remove heavier material and larger particles like leaves and dirt from the air.

Large pieces of detritus provide a difficulty. Some methods for pool cleaning can efficiently clear out this kind of dirt, while others will struggle. However, certain suction pool cleaners might become clogged during use, necessitating manual unclogging of the hose before continuing. The hose and suction pool cleaner's layout are the two most important factors. As a result, before settling on a suction pool cleaner, this is an important consideration to keep in mind.

FAQS

How do suction pool cleaners work?

A suction pool cleaner attaches to the skimmer of your pool via a 1.5-inch hose, allowing it to draw water from the pool. As it travels around the pool, the pool cleaner vacuums up dirt and debris and deposits it in the filter and pump basket.

How often should I use my suction pool cleaner?

Once a week or so while the pool cover is off, use a suction pool cleaner. It is recommended to take off the cover and run the cleaner once a month during the off season.

Why do people like suction pool cleaners?

The most cost-effective cleaner for your pool is a suction cleaner. They don't need a booster pump and have less moving parts than conventional pool cleaners, so they're less likely to break.

Conclusion

For what it's worth, we do hope you found our reviews helpful and learned something from our guidance to making a purchase. We wish you much success in your search for a suction pool cleaner and many happy hours of use of your pool without the drudgery of cleaning it.


5
2 ratings