Suction-side pool cleaners are the opposite of pressure-side pool cleaners, and they work particularly well in pools that have more suction power than the pool requires for basic functionality. I prefer pressure-side cleaners, but I decided to research suction-side units anyway and give my honest opinion on them. Here are the best options currently on the market. If you want a quick answer, I think the Zodiac G3 is the best suction-side pool cleaner on the market after my testing. Read more about that cleaner and other options below.
Suction-Side Pool Cleaners: My Top Picks
After my research and testing, I found four suction-side pool cleaners that I think are best-in-class. Here are all the details about my top picks.
Zodiac Baracuda G3
⭐ Best Value
In my opinion, this is the best value suction-side cleaner on the market.
Research Score: 4.65/5
- Cleaning Ability: 5
- Durability: 5
- Compatibility: 4
- Installation: 4
- Price: 5
What’s Great:
- Versatile
- Compatible with most pumping systems
- Excellent at cleaning small and medium debris
- Works on floors, walls, and steps
Limitations & What Needs Improvement:
- Not effective on large debris
- Doesn’t work as well on unusual pool shapes, such as slopes or curves
Specs:
- Product Weight: 2 lbs.
- Pump Compatibility: Single, two-speed, or variable-speed
- Additional Tools Required: Pump only
- Cleaner Type: 36-fin disc + suction
Research Notes
The Zodiac Baracuda G3 is a great suction-side pool cleaner that does the job at a good price point. It can easily remove small to medium-sized debris from all sides of the pool and can even clean your walls and stairs! This incredibly durable product should last you a few pool seasons, but if you find it breaking down within the first 90 days, you should be able to get a replacement. This pool cleaner is compatible with all pumps and surface types but only works best with rectangular pools. This easy-to-install model is an excellent all-around pool cleaner that I highly recommend!
Cleaning Ability
The G3 is a great suction-side pool cleaner that quickly removes small to medium-sized debris from your inground pool. However, the debris intake isn’t quite large enough to handle some items like acorns or large twigs. So, you may want to supplement this suction-side pool cleaner with a quick skim with a net beforehand. The compact self-adjusting flow control valve is a great plus in this Zodiac pool cleaner, too, as it helps to regulate the water flow so that it performs at its best – even when the pump is not too strong. The G3 also has fantastic mobility and movement; this suction-side pool cleaner can move around the pool (including the walls and stairs) without getting stuck on fittings like lighting, drains, and other features.
Durability
I particularly like the large size of the cleaning disc and the scuff-resistant hoses. Owners who have used other suction pool cleaners know how trouble-worn hoses can be, so the more durable these are, the better! The simplicity of the product also ensures that this product is more durable with easy-to-replace parts. This unit comes with a 90-day warranty, so if there are any manufacturing defects you notice within those first few months, you’ll be able to replace it.
Compatibility
Due to the self-adjusting flow control valve, the Zodiac G3 works particularly well with low-speed pumps and automatically regulates water flow for peak performance. Zodiac sells it both with and without an additional finned disc, further improving its flexibility. This suction-side pool cleaner works with all inground pool surface types. However, with that said, no unit is perfect. Notably, this automatic cleaner works best on only rectangular pools. This automatic cleaner will not clean as effectively if you have an oval, kidney, or irregularly shaped pool.
Installation
The simple design of this cleaner makes it easy to install – even for new pool owners! It’s easy enough that most people won’t need a complete manual. Simply attach the disc, wheel deflector, and hose, and connect the vacuum to the suction line or skimmer. However, I have had to dock off one point for installation, as the unit does not come with the complete instructions manual – only a quick start guide. To access the manual, you’ll need to search online.
Price
The Zodiac Baracuda G3 is not the cheapest suction-side pool cleaner on the market but is definitely reasonably priced. Especially considering its cleaning ability and ability to climb walls and even stairs, I think the price is more than fair! You definitely get a good bang for your buck with this model.
Notes From Other Testers
With over 5,000 reviews, the G3 is highly rated, with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Of these reviews, 86% rate this pool cleaner 4 or 5 stars. These testers particularly like that the model is easy to assemble, has good suction power, and is great value for money. Many testers love that the G3 works just as well with low-speed pumps. On the flip side, there are some complaints regarding the product’s ability to clean up larger debris. But this is easily remedied by using a skimmer net.
XtremepowerUS 75037
⭐ Best Low-Cost Option
XtremepowerUS makes the best budget option based on my testing and research.
Research Score: 4.2/5
- Cleaning Ability: 3
- Durability: 4
- Compatibility: 5
- Installation: 5
- Price: 5
What’s Great:
- Easy to adjust
- Works well on curves
- Highly flexible hoses and weights
Limitations & What Needs Improvement:
- Does not work on stairs
- Does not suck up leaves
Specs:
- Product Weight: 12 lbs.
- Pump Compatibility: 3/4 hp or 1600 GHP minimum, preferably one hp
- Additional Tools Required: Pump only
- Cleaner Type: Round flapper
Research Notes
The XtremepowerUS 75037 is one of the most affordable pool cleaners on the market today, without sacrificing the cleaning ability. Although the cleaning ability does not match up to more expensive units, it is still effective. It is most effective with smaller debris, including algae, but may have a harder time with larger debris, like leaves. Installation is a breeze for this pool cleaner, so this is a great model for those new to automatic pool cleaners. I like to think of this as a practice unit where you can get hands-on experience with suction-side pool cleaners at a minimal cost.
Cleaning Ability
This unit offers an adjustable hose length, which is relatively rare in this industry but extremely useful for minimizing the risk of tangles and providing better mobility. This model can even clean walls, though it may get stuck on the stairs. Unfortunately, the unit can clog easily in some pools, and the included documentation doesn’t address issues like the hose and weight management. But once you get the hang of the suction-side pool cleaner, the XtremepowerUS 75037 should clean your pool at around ten feet per minute. Although this model can clean things like algae, small dirt, and dust, it’s worth mentioning that this pool cleaner does not clean up leaves.
Durability
The XtremepowerUS 75037 is flimsier than other models, but much more durable than it may look at first glance. It should last you a couple of pool seasons. And thanks to its simple design, it will be reasonably easy to fix if you encounter any issues. In addition, you can pay extra for a two or 3-year warranty with this product.
Compatibility
This particular XtremepowerUS model comes with ten hose lengths to work on pools up to 30’. To clean effectively, this pool vacuum requires a pool pump with at least one hp or 1600 GHP. When working correctly, it cleans about ten feet per minute. As a plus, this model is compatible with both inground and above ground pools.
Installation
The QR code on the box will lead you to an installation video that will help you set this suction-side pool cleaner up in 15 minutes! Other testers particularly love that this unit is easy to install, giving it a 4.1 out of 5 stars in terms of ease of installation! You should be able to get this pool cleaner up and running in no time.
Price
XtremepowerUS’s 75037 is one of the most affordable units currently on the market, and companies often sell it significantly below its list price. I’ve seen it as much as 65% off! This is the suction-side pool cleaner to get if you’re on a budget. And despite its low price, it still works well and vacuums your pool surfaces effectively.
Notes From Other Testers
The XtremepowerUS 75037 is one of the market’s most popular suction-side pool cleaners. The low price of this model draws many testers in, and most are pleasantly surprised by the cleaning ability of this cheap pool cleaner. Out of almost 20,000 reviews, this XtremepowerUS model has 3.9 stars out of 5, with more than half of the reviews giving this product 5 stars. Testers particularly love that this unit is easy to install and works incredibly well. Just make sure to clean your filter before you plug this pool cleaner in! On the other hand, a point of complaint is that this pool cleaner does not work as well as some other suction-side pool cleaners on the market.
Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Inground Universal Pool Cleaner
⭐ Most Durable
Research Score: 4.65/5
- Cleaning Ability: 5
- Durability: 5
- Compatibility: 4
- Installation: 5
- Price: 4
What’s Great:
- One of the most durable units on the market
- Does not need a booster pump
- Works with most common pool sizes
Limitations & What Needs Improvement:
- The hose isn’t quite long enough for large pools
- Cleans slower than some other units
Specs:
- Product Weight: 19 lbs.
- Pump Compatibility: N/A
- Additional Tools Required: None
- Cleaner Type: Round flapper
Research Notes
There’s something to be said for durability in an industry where far too many cleaners break too easily. Pentair’s Kreepy Krauly line is one of their better models. To begin with, the model has only one moving part, which helps ensure years of reliable cleaning from the waterline to the bottom of the pool. While the cleaning ability and durability are huge advantages of this pool cleaner, it’s worth mentioning that this product is one of the more expensive models on the market. But the value for money is still great, as this product should last you several pool seasons. Another disadvantage is that this Kreepy Krauly tends to clean the pool much slower than other models, but if that and the hefty price point are not big issues for you, this pool cleaner should be at the top of your list!
Cleaning Ability
The powerful suction of this pool cleaner helps it to remove debris of all sizes from the pool. However, as with most suction-focused cleaners, it struggles with larger debris, so you may need a skimmer net to help. The regulator valve helps regulate the water flow to allow optimum performance. This pool cleaner can clean your entire pool from the waterline to the bottom, so you won’t have to worry about missed spots. No wonder this model is one of the most popular suction-side pool cleaners worldwide.
Durability
This Kreepy Krauly has only one operational moving part, with no gears and wheels. This simple design means this product is more durable, as fewer parts can break down. And even if it does break down, this model is relatively easy to fix. However, as this suction-side pool cleaner is one of the most durable cleaners out there, you won’t have to worry about the unit breaking down any time soon. One unit should last you between 5 to 10 years.
Compatibility
This unit works without a booster pump and plugs directly into the skimmer. It should work with all pool surfaces, but unfortunately, the hose isn’t quite long enough to handle larger pools.
Installation
Thanks to its simple design, this unit is relatively easy to assemble, with other testers rating it a 4.3 out of 5 for easy assembly. In addition, the Kreepy Krauly comes with an extensive manual that goes through installation step-by-step. For most DIYers, you should be able to get this pool cleaner up and running within 30 minutes!
Price
The biggest drawback to this model by far is its price. This unit is a little more expensive than many other suction-side pool cleaners, and that can make it a harder sell. However, with that said, although there are certainly more affordable pool cleaners on the market, the Kreepy Krauly does have great value for money, considering its durability. One unit should last you several pool seasons, so you should be saving more money in the long run, as you won’t need to buy a replacement every couple of years, as you may need to with cheaper units.
Notes From Other Testers
With more than 1,000 reviews, the Kreepy Krauly has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. 80% of these reviews rate this product 4 or 5 stars. Testers particularly love that this unit is easy to assemble, has good suction power, and is good value for money. So, despite the high price, it’s easy to see that most testers consider this Kreepy Krauly worth it. Many testers have used Kreepy Krauly for decades, and it seems that the general consensus is that the durability of this product is unmatched, and this unit really shouldn’t need replacing in fewer than five years. On the flip side, testers don’t like that this unit is particularly slow compared to other cleaners.
Hayward 500 Aquabug Suction Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
⭐ Best for Above Ground Pools
Research Score: 4.5/5
- Cleaning Ability: 4
- Durability: 4
- Compatibility: 5
- Installation: 5
- Price: 5
What’s Great:
- Available in several different styles
- Gentle enough to avoid damaging most surfaces
- Essentially a mobile drain
- Easy to install
Limitations & What Needs Improvement:
- Not strong enough for particularly tough debris
- Can fail quickly if not built properly
Specs:
- Product Weight: 9 lbs.
- Pump Compatibility: N/A
- Additional Tools Required: None
- Cleaner Type: Drain
Research Notes
Hayward is an industry name for a reason. The Hayward 500 Aquabug is available in many different fun styles. Unlike most pool cleaners, this suction-side pool cleaner is specifically made for above ground pools and does a great job cleaning the floor of the pool. Its maneuverability is decent, and the bumper ring helps guide the cleaner away from walls, ladders, and other fixtures. However, with that said, this pool cleaner does not do the best job with particularly tough debris or larger debris. But for regular use, this Hayward model is a great pool cleaner that is also easy to install.
Cleaning Ability
The Hayward 500 Aquabug can clean the entire bottom of your pool quickly and effectively. To help it maneuver around the pool, it has a bumper ring that guides the unit away from walls, stairs, and ladders. Although this pool cleaner does not clean walls or stairs, this shouldn’t be surprising considering that it’s a pool cleaner built for above ground pools! It is a gentle but effective cleaner that shouldn’t scruff up or damage your pool surfaces. Notably, it’s not as good at picking up leaves and larger debris, making it a poor choice in some pools with large contaminants.
Durability
If assembled correctly, the Hayward 500 Aquabug should last you several pool seasons. Many testers have reported that their unit has lasted them five years or more! But the model must be assembled correctly in the first place, as it is known to fail otherwise. Unfortunately, testers who have had issues with this model have had problems finding replacement parts or a replacement model.
Compatibility
The Hayward 500 Aquabug is my choice for above ground pools. Not all cleaners are compatible with above ground pools, so this model is a godsend. The manufacturer rates it for all above-ground pool surfaces, including concrete, vinyl, tile, and fiberglass. It can even work with inground pools as well. It operates separately from your pool’s filtration system, connects directly to your skimmer, and comes with a 32-foot hose.
Installation
This Hayward suction-side pool cleaner is known to be easy to assemble and install. In fact, Hayward is so confident that this pool cleaner is easy to install that it claims that pool owners should be able to get it running within 10 minutes! No additional equipment or tools are required to install this model. The instruction manual has illustrations to help set it up with no issues.
Price
The Hayward 500 Aquabug is an excellent product at a great price. Especially if you install this model correctly, you’ll find that this suction-side pool cleaner is well worth the money, as you won’t need to buy another model for a few pool seasons.
Notes From Other Testers
Most testers love the Hayward 500 Aquabug, rating it an average of 4 out of 5 stars from close to 2,000 reviews worldwide. They love the model’s design, making it a particularly fun choice for kids to watch the cleaner do its work on the pool. Not many pool cleaners are rated to work on above-ground pools, and other testers love that this Hayward model does its job exactly as advertised. That said, some testers have had issues with the lackluster cleaning ability compared to other models.
Recap: The Best Suction-Side Pool Cleaners
- Zodiac Baracuda G3: Best value
- XtremepowerUS 75037: Best low-cost option
- Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Inground Universal Pool Cleaner: Most durable
- Hayward 500 Aquabug Suction Above-Ground Pool Cleaner: Best for above ground pools
How They Compare
Cleaning Ability and Price Comparison
I created a scatterplot showing my cleaning ability and price scores for all top picks to show which cleaners have the best value for your dollar. The Zodiac G3 was the shining star of this analysis. Pentair and Hayward are decent values, and XtremepowerUS is certainly the budget option.
Durability Comparison
- Zodiac Baracuda G3 – 5
- Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Inground Universal Pool Cleaner – 5
- XtremepowerUS 75037 – 4
- Hayward 500 Aquabug Suction Above-Ground Pool Cleaner – 4
The G3 and Pentair Kreepy Krauly came out on top for durability.
Compatibility Comparison
- XtremepowerUS 75037 – 5
- Hayward 500 Aquabug Suction Above-Ground Pool Cleaner – 5
- Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Inground Universal Pool Cleaner – 4
- Zodiac Baracuda G3 – 4
The script was flipped on compatibility – the XtremepowerUS and Hayward cleaners outshined the competition.
Installation Comparison
- XtremepowerUS 75037 – 5
- Hayward 500 Aquabug Suction Above-Ground Pool Cleaner – 5
- Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Inground Universal Pool Cleaner – 5
- Zodiac Baracuda G3 – 4
All of these suction-side cleaners were really easy for me to install.
Other Suction-Side Pool Cleaners Researched
- Zodiac MX8 and MX6 – These options are way too expensive for their cleaning power. You might as well upgrade to a robotic pool cleaner at this point.
- Hayward Poolvergnuegen Suction Pool Cleaner – I didn’t love the cleaning ability of this one. Especially for the price point.
- Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner – The Zodiac G3 and XtremepowerUS cleaners that I recommend are better values for the same level of cleaning power.
- Hayward AquaNaut 400 Suction Pool Cleaner – This suction-side cleaner is similar to the Poolvergnuegen model – not enough cleaning power for the price point.
My Research Criteria
Let’s take a closer look at the research criteria I used to determine the best products in this article and other factors to consider when looking for the pool cleaner that’s best for you. For more types of cleaners, check out my recommendations for the best automatic pool vacuum.
Cleaning Ability
Of course, with any type of pool cleaner, it is imperative that the cleaner can effectively clean your pool. Many factors come into play here, including mobility, suction power, the size of the pump basket, and the ability to pick up debris of all sizes. I also put into consideration whether or not the suction-side pool cleaners could cover the entirety of the pool.
Due to the importance of the cleaning ability of each of these suction-side pool cleaners, cleaning ability accounted for 30% of the total research scores of each product.
Durability
The last thing you want is for your suction-side pool cleaner to break down after just a couple of uses. It’s important that you pick a brand that is vetted and known to produce quality products that will last a few pool seasons. Pool cleaners often bump into surfaces and go through a lot of wear and tear, so I put each product to the test to ensure that they can last through several pool cleanings. I also looked at the warranty each product comes with, as you want to ensure you’re covered in case something is faulty.
The durability of the suction-side pool cleaners I’ve vetted above accounted for 20% of the product scores.
Compatibility
There are a few considerations regarding the compatibility of the suction-side pool cleaner with your pool. First of all, you want to make sure the hose length is compatible with the size of your pool. The last thing you want is for your new pool cleaner not to be able to reach certain parts of your pool. You also want to ensure your suction-side pool cleaner is compatible with your pool surface. Some pool cleaners can handle all pool surface types, and others will only be compatible with certain surfaces. In particular, if you have a pebble finish to your plaster pool, for example, you’ll want to double-check that the suction-side pool cleaner will work on the surface of your pool before you make the purchase.
Taking all of this into consideration, I have ranked the compatibility of each of the top suction-side pool cleaners. Compatibility accounted for 20% of the total research score.
Installation
Before you can even begin using your suction-side pool cleaner, you’ll need to install it. Ease of installation is crucial for many pool owners, especially those who don’t want to waste time setting up pool equipment. That’s why I’ve given special consideration to the ease of installation of each suction-side pool cleaner on my list. I’ve also taken into account the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the product.
The installation makes up 15% of the product scores.
Price
When buying any product, price is a huge consideration. Although a higher price tag often means a more quality product, this is not always the case. So, I’ve made sure to pick products with good value for money. Another factor influencing the price is the brand reputation or features a suction-side pool cleaner may have. These extras may or may not be worth it for you, depending on what you are looking for.
Price affected 15% of each of the suction-side pool cleaners’ product scores.
What Else To Consider
Here are the additional criteria to consider when choosing the suction-side pool cleaner for your pool.
Required Suction Strength
Different suction-side pool cleaners require different levels of suction strength. If the suction isn’t strong enough, then the cleaner won’t work effectively. If the suction is too strong, that could also stop the unit from working as it should.
Many suction-side pool cleaners use booster pumps that provide added power when existing suction systems are too weak. I don’t like these systems very much because they’re another point of failure, but they may be your only option if your pool’s suction is too weak to support a cleaner.
There’s one other point I’d like to make about suction-side pool cleaners here. Most of them only function when your pool’s pump is on, even if they require a booster pump for added power. This means you may need to run your pool’s entire pumping system while your suction-side pool cleaner is active, and that can be a deceptively large use of energy.
If you know you want to use a suction-side cleaner, consider pool control systems that allow you to use the filter pump without having to run every other part of your pool at the same time. This can keep costs down and reduce overall wear and tear on your system.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is an important consideration for suction-side cleaners. The more complex a product is, the more likely it is that it will fail early in its life cycle. Some complexity is tolerable when it provides added value, but for the most part, I gave additional points to products that kept things as simple as possible while remaining effective.
When complexity is unavoidable, I gave additional points to products that are easier for people to use. For example, the Zodiac Baracuda G3 is compatible with a wide variety of pump systems, which makes it easy to use in many different pools. In contrast, the XtremepowerUS 75037 isn’t quite as compatible, so it received fewer points in my final tally.
Pools have different requirements, so always compare your needs to what a suction-side pool cleaner is designed for before you consider buying it.
Hoses, Weights, and Other Features
Features are characteristics or qualities of an automatic pool cleaner outside of their direct cleaning functions. These include things like additional weights, hose lengths, pump requirements, and other attributes that help these units distinguish themselves from each other.
The main concern with features is that many of them are designed for specific types of pools. For example, some hoses are designed for extremely large swimming pools, and trying to use them in smaller pools could push a suction-side cleaner off course. A cleaner isn’t better just because it has features. Instead, those features need to match your pool as closely as possible. Before you start shopping, grab some paper and write down all the problems you currently have with your pool. This could include things like a dirty waterline, lots of debris in different areas, or insects landing on top of the pool. Once you have that list, you can compare it to the listed features of each pool cleaner to see how many of them you can solve. If you decide that suction-side cleaners aren’t for you, check out my recommendations for robotic pool cleaners and pressure-side pool cleaners. I also researched the best pool pumps for inground and above ground pools (and a lot of other equipment) if you’d like to check that out.
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