Handheld Pool Vacuums

1. Intex 28620E

With a compact build that has no more than a length of 5.5”, 6.9” in width, and a height of 39.4”, Intex 28620E also offers a lightweight of 4.7 lbs, ensuring no troubles when operating it. It is energized by the Ni-Mh battery, which displays an incorporated, chargeable aspect, once you’ve connected it, through the USB, to a plug. However, it will require 8 up to 10 hours, to recharge completely, giving a working time of 40 up to 50 minutes. It has no limits regarding what style of the basin it can freshen up, and it is supported by its manufacturer, with a guarantee period of 1 year, beginning the second you acquire it.

No matter what kind of liter has gathered, its 2 screens – a multipurpose, and a fine type – will assist in a complete sanitizing. Moreover, the two, distinct, brush heads ensure all areas will be cleansed. So, the triangular one ensures you can access corners and larger areas, meanwhile, the small, narrow one doesn’t only aid you in cleaning crevices, but it sports a removable nozzle, so you’ll also sweep not only vacuum.

Never mind accidentally turning the unit on, the unique in-water action style is fixed to permit the unit to be turned on only when introduced in water. To double the safety, it has an automatic shutoff, that will hinder land-operation, as it will completely shut it off when removed from water. Although it does have a single speed, it shows an IPX8 water-resistant switch, together with a long, collapsible pole. It is made of aluminum, for increased durability and, when extended, it can reach up to 94”, therefore offering extensive length.

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2. Pool Blaster Catfish 20000CL

Compatible with any regular swimming pool poles, it gives you high versatility when it comes to what the pool model can be used with. The multi-purpose filter screen is reusable, thus you won’t have to spend additional money on new ones, while the other 2 microfilters will take care of finer debris. The broad cleaning path measures 7.4”, giving you high output as it will not be necessary to go over the exact spot. Additionally, its abilities are at their best when used in a water body that doesn’t go lower than 9” and higher than 12 feet, and it has a moderate temperature ranging from 5 degrees C and 40 degrees C.

Its compact structure gives it 16.87” in length, a width of 7.44”, and a height of 7”, as well as a lightweight of 3.05 lbs, so you’ll never tire your arms or hands. Its inner lithium battery gives up to 45 minutes of constant use, while its short charging time, 4 to 5 hours, won’t have you wait too long until you can use it again. It eliminates the guesswork involved with charged battery level, thanks to the LEDs, while its user-friendly control ensures you can easily utilize it. The electric circuits and motor are sheltered by a locking cap, and it is backed by a warranty of 1 year, beginning right as you acquire it.

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3. Pentair R201276

It has a compact, stiff rubber structure that measures only 24.8” in length, 15” in width, and 9” in height, helping you easily guiding it underwater. It features a unique suction system, which uses the teamwork between velocity, and flex strips, to get rid of debris from your pool. It can be adapted to your cleaning speed, as the 8 side-placed ball-bearing wheels are fully adjustable, giving total control over the vacuum velocity.

It offers a stainless steel swivel handle which makes its underwater use extremely easy, allowing you to take corners and completely remove debris from the floor. The under-edges are completely sealed, which means that it will trap debris particles under the flap, concentrating them in one place, stopping them from dispersing in water. Moreover, it has two additional weights that will make sure it is constantly connected to the pool’s ground, so it won’t miss a spot.

It includes a 1.5” hose swivel connection, which allows it to be used according to your preferences. You can connect it directly to the pool’s pump and skimmer, set it on suction-mode, and begin your cleaning. This will give you unlimited cleaning time, but will also remove some water, lowering its level. On the other hand, you can use it just as a head accessory, while combining and connecting it to a battery-powered vacuum. Despite giving you limited time to remove debris, the overall activity will last less.

Everything you need to begin the second you take it out of the box is already included in the package, as it contains the swivel connection, ball-bearing wheels, and the stainless steel nut and bolt that keeps everything together. It also includes a warranty of 1 year, which will begin the moment you buy the unit.

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4. Hayward SP1068

Sporting a triangular design, the contoured shape will ease the corner and step-cleaning, giving you free access to remove debris stuck on the ground. Measuring 11.25” in width, 3.5” in height and 11.75” in depth, it also has a feather-like weight, only 3 lbs, keeping the cleaning process facile, without tiring you. The molded, thermoplastic material gives it durability, guaranteeing it will last through use on different styles of basins, both above and in-ground.

To give you full view over the cleaning activity, thus making sure you’ve cleaned all areas, it has a see-through feature. Although the hose is not included, it can be linked with any 1 ¼” and 1 ½” model. The swivel connector prevents accidental tangling, while its wide 360-degree range gives you facile underwater maneuverability. Furthermore, it also sweeps the ground, due to its 3-brush edge bristles, giving a returnable period ends in 90 days, while the warranty expires in 1 year from the date of your acquisition.

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5. Aura 6250

A perfect choice for owners of small pools or spas, Aura 6250 gives you precision and accuracy for in-depth cleaning. The construction is aluminum, for heavy-duty, time-resistant utilization, and it can be extended up to 7’ in length, so it increases the reach. The siphon-based vacuuming demands no batteries to work, as well as no garden hose or pump, so it supplies you with limitless utilization time.

It has a simple operation, but it must be completely submerged underwater. So, it permits you to pick up varying amounts of debris, from leaves and sand, up to small pebbles, placing it in the transparent 3” tube. Secured in place by the screen filter made of stainless steel, the liter won’t return into the water. It has a simple cleaning method as well, by unscrewing the nozzle to get rid of debris.

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6. Poolmaster AIR

Its ABS construction features rounded corners, with no sharp edges that could harm the structure of your swimming basin, making it a great choice for all types of pools. Although it has no pole of its own, it can easily adapt to any regular size types, and it also requires a direct garden hose connection. Thus, it will also remove water, helping reduce the water level, in turn preventing overflowing.

To optimize the cleaning procedure, the air-relief valves will automatically adjust to the depth of the pool, enhancing the overall maneuverability underwater. So, it won’t tire your hands even when used to get rid of the debris from the bottom of the pool. Plus, the brushes, smartly placed at the bottom of the unit, will wash the lining, removing stuck scuff from walls and floor.

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7. Poolmaster 28300

The tough ABS construction makes it unyielding to oxidation and deterioration that results from frequent water exposure, as it may be utilized together with all styles of pools, saltwater types among others. Sporting a round, compact design, it has 5.5” in height, and 15” in diameter, and it is extremely lightweight, 1.8 lbs, so it won’t exhaust your hands or arms when using it. A garden hose connection is in order, and while it doesn’t include a pole of its own, it is connectable to normal, regular types. Since it can float, as a result of its 8 water-jets, it will access the entirety of the water, including the surface.

The integrated brushes will give the basin a good scrub, with no amount of scuff left after the vacuuming, while its 4 multi-directional rollers increase underwater utilization. The 2 leaf-bags offer a stress-free way of keeping track of the vacuumed debris, averting it from re-entering the spa. It offers a period of 90-days to return it, along with a limited 1-year warranty, both starting right as soon as you acquire it.

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8. Pool Supply Town PST-463

Whereas it has no pole of its own, it can be merged with regular 1 1⁄4” diameter models. Not only will it take little storing space, but it will give you stress-free usage, too, due to its tight construction model. The 2.53 lbs weight makes it simple to maneuver, as your hands won’t get exhausted, while the capability to link with standard garden irrigation hoses will produce a venturi effect when switched on. It prevents overflowing, and it also permits a lengthy use, since it demands no battery to function.

Even more, the 3 brushes, situated at the bottom, will also sweep the surfacee, ensuring to remove scuff, without moving twice through the same zone. Furthermore, it has a collection bag, for quick dispose of the collected liter, hindering it from returning into the water, as it is made from fine mesh. Secured with elastic, it facilitates trouble-free removal, making the unit highly versatile for both sorts of pool – above, and in-ground.

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9. Pool Blaster Water Tech Max Li

Relatively lightweight, 5.78 lbs, you won’t get weary when using it, while its small design guarantees you’ll have no issues moving it or storing it. It needs 4 to 5 hours to recharge the inner lithium-ion battery, while, in turn, supplying you with 60 minutes of uninterrupted use. Equipped with one X-treme multilayered filter, it can handle several kinds of liter, preventing them from returning into the water.

Even more, its triangular head can easily access corners, while the smartly-placed brushes will sweep the basin’s floor throughout the vacuuming process. The ABS construction won’t oxidize nor deteriorate with time, ensuring its use in saltwater pools, while the base-placed wheels increase its underwater mobility. The manufacturer promises a 1-year warranty, that starts the second you acquire your unit.

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10. GAME 4855-BB

Lightweight, 1 pound, it ensures you’ll have a stress-less time when employing it to cleanse the pool. It measures 55.5” in length, and sports a diameter of 2.9”, making it useful for several types of pools, comprising above and in-ground, spas, hot tubs or Jacuzzis. Although it is perfect for quick fixes, it not recommended on large surfaces as its nozzle isn’t wide enough for wide surfaces. It can deal with small-scale debris, and it can be utilized indefinitely, as it requires no connection to pumps or hoses.

More than just vacuuming the debris away, it will also give the lining a good scrub, due to the slide-on brush included in its design. It has a small filter that will keep the withdrawn debris from returning into the water, while its pump-like suction ensures simple operation. It has a limited 90-day warranty which activates the moment you acquire the product.

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Buying Guide

Created to support your task of keeping your swimming pool clean, handheld vacuums come in different shapes and sizes. Determined by your needs, preferences and the unit’s abilities, you’ll be tempted to pick one model over the other. So, to ensure you’ve made the perfect selection, here are some factors you should be mindful of before setting in stone your decision.

Basin Size

Completely linked to their construction, is the surface a handheld model can cover. Some units can cover more ground, making them exquisite for a wide area of pool sizes, while others work wonders with smaller scales. So, it is of utmost importance to remember how large your pool is.

Surface Texture

Another important criterion is the texture of the inner lining of your pool has. What is the floor made of? Gunite? Fiberglass? Or maybe it has a concrete structure? Select a cleaner that can accommodate the surface without harming the material.

Debris Amount and Style

Debris comes in several sizes and amounts, from fine sand, up to large leaves, pebbles, and even twigs. So, the most frequent type of liter you’ll have to deal with is linked to the location you’ve installed your pool at. If it’s around trees, for example, leaves are prone to fall sooner or later into the water. So, ensure the cleaner can tackle that type of liter.

Energy Source

Various models are powered differently, by distinct energy sources. While some take their energy from inner-placed batteries, others use a siphon-based suction or even the pump-like pressure of a garden hose. Depending on your cleaning style, and how you prefer your unit to be powered, you have plenty of choices to pick from.

If you’re the type to clean quickly with a lot of power, a battery-user unit is a great choice. If you’d rather take your time, and focused on detailed debris removal, a siphon-based is ideal. While if you want to also reduce the water level during the cleaning, a hose-pressure type is better suited. All in all, if you keep in mind the above-mentioned factors, as well as your needs and preferences, surely you’ll be able to pick a unit that can satisfy all your requirements.

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Final Thoughts

While many opt for an automatic way of maintaining the swimming pool clean, taking the matter in your own hands gives several benefits and self-content. All the above-mentioned units can transform into a trustworthy partner in the fight against debris, scuff, and silt, and, surely, by now, you’ve already picked your favorite. However, if you’re still debating which to pick, let’s quickly review our top choices.

Best Overall Handheld Pool Vacuum : Intex 28620E
Intex 28620E comes with all the needed features to keep your swimming pool spick and span, with a stress-free operation and less to none fatigue. Compact and featherweight, it includes a retractable pole, which can extend your reach into the depth of your pool. The rounded edges give you access to corners, while the brushes will sweep the floor. Taking its power from the inner battery, it assures up to 50 minutes of uninterrupted utilization, giving it a wide swimming pool compatibility.

Editor’s Choice : Pool Blaster Catfish 20000CL
Equipped with several filters it will deal with all types of debris, Pool Blaster Catfish 20000CL is another high-quality choice you should keep in mind. Made from durable materials, it has a light weight which gives enhanced mobility underwater. Powered by an inner battery, it guarantees up to 45 minutes of continuous use, while its ability to merge with regular-size pool poles ensures you’ll have no issues using it with any style of the basin.

Best for Above-ground Swimming Pools : Pool Blaster Water Tech Max Li
Pool Blaster Water Tech Max Li is a perfect choice for keeping your above-ground pool free of any possible debris without tiring yourself out. Giving you a full hour of uninterrupted cleaning, its triangular head with rounded corners can is gentle with the inner pool lining, yet strong enough to get rid of different types of liter. Plus, it’s compatible with regular-size poles, too, so you won’t have any trouble reaching the far end of your basin.

Best for In-ground Pools : Hayward SP1068
Directly linked to your pool’s system, Hayward SP1068 has no time limit requirement. The resistant construction gives you a full view of the cleaning area, while the side brushes will mop the floor, removing scuff. Light-weighted, it doesn’t tire your hands or arms, while its 360-degrees swivel ability enhances its underwater maneuverability.

Best for Small-scale Pools : Aura 6250
Durable, constructed from a mix of ABS, aluminum and stainless steel, Aura 6250 needs no additional connections to keep your spa or small-scale pool perfectly clean. Its siphon-based suction gives a simple yet efficient operation, while its retractable pole gives you a wide reach. Its nozzle allows detailed cleaning as well, while the no-time-limit operation enables you to clean at your own pace.

Best for Large Swimming Pools : Pentair R201276
If your pool is wide, spreading in a large area, Pentair R201276 is exactly what you need to keep it spotless. The adjustable rollers give not only underwater mobility, but also velocity, which, in turn, will be converted into suction. The sealed rim will keep debris put, preventing its spread, while the rubberized platform will adapt to the form of the pool. It comes with a swivel ability, so you’ll have no trouble moving it around.