What is a suction-side pool vacuum?
As the name implies, suction pool vacuum cleaners rely on the suction side of the pool equipment to clean. They connect to the pool skimmer or a dedicated suction line and work around the pool collecting debris and sending it out through the pool’s filtration system.
The cleaner is propelled around the pool by the movement of the water being sucked through it once the hose is connected and the filter pump is running. Movement is automatic once connected, but it is random. Designs and features vary, including the ability of some models to climb walls.
Suction pool cleaners are the most cost-efficient cleaners, but they also tend to have more moving parts that need to be replaced over time. Additionally, their reliance on the pool filter to clean the water can create the need for more frequent filter cleanings.
Why should I buy a suction-side pool vacuum?
Fans of suction-side pool cleaners like that they’re bagless: Because these pull leaves and debris directly into the pool filter, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of emptying a debris bag every few days. These cleaners also score extra points for being one of the most affordable pool cleaners on the market.
3 Advantages of Suction Pool Vacuum Cleaners
- Suction pool vacuum cleaners operate using the existing filtration system.
- Looking to save money? Suction pool cleaners are the most affordable automatic pool cleaning option.
- Suction cleaners move in patterns to clean the entire pool.
Which suction-side pool vacuum should I buy?
Considering a suction pool cleaner? Here are three of our top picks:
The Pentair Rebel®
The Rebel features Pentair’s Slow Flow Turbine design, which helps prevent clogs and makes quick work of small and large debris. The Rebel’s compact design is ideal for angles and corners, and its specially designed tires roll easily over obstacles.
The Hayward Goby IG Suction Side Cleaner
Engineered to be user-friendly and quiet, the Goby IG Suction Side Cleaner can connect to your pool’s skimmer or suction port in 10 minutes. The Goby is powered by your pool pump and comes equipped with an impressive 32 feet of hose.
The Zodiac MX8™ Elite
The MX8 Elite’s strongest selling point is its Cyclonic Scrubbing Brushes, which promise to tackle super-fine, stuck-on, and otherwise tough-to-remove debris. This suction cleaner features thoughtful details like a wide cleaning path and replaceable scrubbing brushes, and it’s engineered to work with variable-speed pumps and solar power.
Recommended Brands
Hayward automatic pool cleaners provide superior cleaning, reliability, and convenience for every pool owner. From groundbreaking robotic pool cleaners to high-performance pressure and suction cleaners, Hayward has your pool cleaning needs covered.
Zodiac® strives to deliver the perfect pool experience that enhances comfort, enjoyment, and peace of mind for pool owners with high-quality suction-side pool cleaners that take the hassle out of pool maintenance.
