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Best Automatic Suction Side Cleaners of 2024

 

Here are the Top suction side cleaners on the market for 2022. Suction side cleaners are easy to install and work off of your pool's existing pump and filter. For most pool owners these are affordable and effective automatic cleaners. Here are the cleaners ranked for you and you will find that any of these will be a great choice for your pool. 

 

#1 Polaris ATLAS XT

The Polaris ATLAS XT is the most complete suction side cleaner on the market today. It can pick up dirt as well as large leaf debris without getting jammed. It has scrubbing brushes on the bottom to help lift dirt and debris from the surface. It also will clean the pool walls up to the waterline (depending on pool suction and surface type). All the parts are modular which means when a part wears out you will just need to change that one part and not multiple parts.

 

New improved engine design to capture long stringy debris to sand

The new Halo technology of the engine will prevent long string-like debris from clogging it. This will also allow debris to easily pass through the throat of the cleaner.

 

New design tracks with inner groove and track-guard ensuring strong traction

The new tracks do give this cleaner great traction in your pool. They will also prevent the cleaner from getting stuck on the main drain of your pool.

 

Powerful suction capability

The new Halo engine is pretty amazing. The robust gears spin the turbines and directional devices inside the cleaner with ease.

 

Dual scrubbers make short work of debris and algae

The scrubbing action of this cleaner is pretty unique. No other suction cleaner comes close really unless you move into the robotic category.

 

Suitable for most in-ground pools up to 20 ft x 40 ft

With 12 hose sections each measuring 1 meter you get 39 feet of hose. This is plenty of hose for even a large pool.

 

Cleans both floor and walls

The wall-climbing ability of the ATLAS XT is truly amazing. In most cases, it will climb the pool walls up to the waterline

 

 

 

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#2 Hayward AquaNaut 200, 400, 450 & Phoenix 

The AquaNuat and Phoenix by Hayward is the top choice. The AquaNaut is based on the PoolCleaner by Poolvergnuegen which is now part of Hayward. The new body style and the dark-colored hoses give it a fresh new look but with the same sound engineering of the PoolCleaner. The Super Hump Tires and V-Flex turbine gives it the edge over the Pentair Rebel & Warrior.

 

Now there are three AquaNaut models to choose from including the retail store only AquaNaut 450. You can also purchase the Hayward Phoenix which is the same cleaner but sold exclusively at Leslie's pool stores.

 

 

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#2.5 Poolvergnuegen the "PoolCleaner" the Next Generation Version    

The PoolCleaner has been around for many years and was sold under the Poolvergnuegen brand until Hayward acquired it. The PoolCleaner is the same exact cleaner as the AquaNaut cleaner, it just uses the old name and body style. You can find it for less than the AquaNaut usually unless Hayward is running some for of rebate for the AquaNaut. The V-Flex turbine, Super Hump tires, and long-lasting parts make this a top choice.

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#3 ZODIAC MX6 ELITE

The MX6 ELITE Features the great wall climbing ability of the MX8 ELITE but in a smaller package. The compact size makes it ideal for small to medium size pools and it is designed to work with Variable Speed Pumps running at lower RPM (lower speeds). Easy to set up and the scrubbing brushes will clean the pool floor and with its amazing climbing ability, it will scrub the walls to the water line. 

 

 

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#4 KREEPY KRAULY® GREAT WHITE® & Dorado Cleaners

The Great White and it's retail Pool Store only cousin the Dorado cleaner are a unique choice for a suction side cleaner. Both feature a 15-inch wide cleaning path and the bottom is lined with bristle brushes so the cleaner will scrub the pool surface and walls of dirt and debris. It would be a great choice if your pool has a lot of dirt in it each week. It is designed to climb the walls to the tile line and the pre-programmed geared turning cycle keeps it from getting stuck in the steps and main drain.

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#5 Pentair Kreepy Krauly 

The Kreepy Krauly has been around for over 30 years. Recently redesigned and updated this is a solid cleaner. It is the only bouncing type cleaner to make the top 5 and would be great in a vinyl pool or fiberglass pool.  It picks up dirt, algae and large debris very well. Priced under $300 - it is a great bargain  and a very good cleaner

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#6 Hayward Navigator & PoolVac V-Flex

The number one problem with the old version of this cleaner was that the A-Frame & Turbine would wear out quickly. Hayward has given these cleaners a new lease on life with the redesigned V-Flex Turbine. The V-Flex Turbine not only picks up dirt and large debris but it is designed to last a very long time. So fewer parts mean a much better cleaner.

 

These are retail pool store cleaners only and not sold online. They also come with a two-year warranty.

 

The Navigator and PoolVac V-Flex would be a good choice if you live in an area where your pool gets a lot of dirt. These are great at picking up dirt.

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