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Pressure side pool cleaners are self-propelled and clean your pool using your existing pool pump or a booster pump to help propel them around the swimming pool.
The use of pool cleaners makes these cleaners more efficient compared to conventional suction cleaners. They’re faster and more powerful.
But you have to do a little research if you’re in search of the best model. This is so since there are quite many of them in the market.
We will give you some answers after taking into account a number of important factors, and point you to the ten best models that will do a great cleaning job of your pool.
Quick Comparison
If you don’t have time to read the complete article, here are our top picks.
10 Best Pressure Side Pool Cleaners
Pentair LL505PMG Kreepy Krauly Pool Cleaner – Best Overall
The Pentair LL505PMG Kreepy Krauly Legend pressure pool cleaners can clean an entire pool in under 3 hours.
And Pentair LL505PMG Kreepy Krauly is the best overall choice for darker colored swimming pools.
Key Features:
- Large intake throat
- Steady grip traction
- The large capacity collection bag
- Versatile sweep hose
- Four-wheel design
Product Description:
The LL505G Kreepy Krauly pressure pool cleaners have a separate booster pump or pool pump, which is great because it is able of delivering optimum cleaning power, speed, and performance.
These Kreepy Krauly pressure pool cleaners have four wheels instead of three found in conventional models, which means it is more stable and it doesn’t tip over easily as the dirt and debris bag gets full.
The four-wheel-drive system pressure pool cleaner is the best in the industry because it offers more traction and more speed on sloppy pool bottoms and walls.
Another good feature that comes with this model is the powerful built-in back-up valve that’s programmed to maneuver out of tight spots easily.
But the thing is, the LL505G Letro Legend pressure pool cleaner may come with missing parts, especially the leaf bag attachment.
Pros:
- Booster pump design delivers optimum suction power and speed
- The four-wheel design doesn’t tip over even when the bag is full
- Four-wheel drive system generates superior traction and speed
- Easy to maneuver tight spots with the built-in back-up valve
- Large intake valve makes cleaning large debris a breeze
Cons:
- Possible to receive a model with missing parts
- A Separate booster pump or pool pump is sold
Conclusion:
The LL505G Letro Legend pressure pool cleaners are designed to offer the best performance. It’s probably the only pressure-side cleaner that’s capable of cleaning an entire pool under three hours.
Polaris 280 All Season Pressure Side Pool Cleaner – Best Pool Cleaning Kit
Ideal for removing large debris from in-ground pools as well as other surfaces, the Polaris 280
All Season Pool Cleaner includes a shaft drive, inline back-up valve, and a tailsweep pro.
Key Features:
- Powered by double jets
- Requires a booster pump
- Shaft drive with classic tires
- Works with tail sweep pro
- Inline back-up valve
Product Description:
The Polaris 280 All Season pressure pool cleaners work with a polaris booster pump to effectively power the unit, which is good because the pump supplies the needed PSI for effective cleaning.
It’s ideal for sweeping, scrubbing, and vacuuming the bottom and the walls of all in-ground swimming pools of any given shape and size.
You will really appreciate the inline valve that does a great job of powering the automatic backup so as to prevent cornering when cleaning tight spots.
Another great feature is the cleaner’s compatibility with the tail sweep pro, which is good because the tail sweep pro delivers 50 percent more flow for superior sweeping.
But beware, you can very easily receive a Polaris 280 with a defective collection bag and holder.
Pros:
- Polaris Booster pump design delivers more pressure for cleaning
- Shaft drive system improves traction on the pool floor
- The inline valve prevents cornering around tight spots
- Tail sweep pro provides maximum water propulsion
- Comes with a complete kit that includes replacement bags and a feed hose
Cons:
- It’s easy to receive a defective collection bag
- Seller may refuse to back up their product
Conclusion:
It may take you some time to figure out how to attach the Polaris 280 to your new pool. But once you do, you will appreciate its performance.
Zodiac F5T Pressure Side Pool Cleaner – Best Three Wheel Design
The Zodiac F5T Pressure Side Cleaner offers good pressure side vacuum power for picking up almost any type of large debris on your pool surface.
Key Features:
- Booster pump required
- Large capacity single chamber filter bag
- Three-wheel design
- Dual venture jet vacuum
- Inline backup valve
Product Description:
These pressure pool cleaners require the additional suction power of a booster pump, which enables it to circulate warm, clean water and pick large debris.
The superior pressure created by the booster pump ensures the skimmer is free to get rid of surface contaminants and debris.
These pressure pool cleaners have a large capacity filter bag that effectively collects all the dirt and debris before it goes to the pump basket and single chamber filter, prolonging the life of the pool’s filtration system.
The Zodiac F5T pressure pool cleaners are equipped with a quality inline backup valve, which does a good job of freeing the cleaner around corners and tight spots.
What you may not like; however, is the fact that the cleaner doesn’t do a good job of cleaning fine debris. And sometimes it gets stuck on the stairs.
Pros:
- These pressure pool cleaners have a pressure design that offers optimal power
- The inline backup valve helps free the unit from tight spaces
- Large capacity filter bag improves pool filtration
- Maximized circulation helps move water to reduce cold spots
- A great choice for all in-ground pools
Cons:
- May not be the best choice for cleaning fine debris
- Booster pump required
Conclusion:
The Zodiac F5T Pressure Side Cleaner is a good choice for all in-ground pools. But it may not be the best choice for cleaning fine debris.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport Pressure Side Pool Cleaner – Best PosiDrive System
Introducing the Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport pressure pool cleaners, a good quality pressure side cleaner that features the best PosiDrive system.
Key Features:
- All-wheel PosiDrive system
- Dual-chamber super bag
- Tail sweep pro compatible
- Requires a booster pump
- 31-foot feed hose
Product Description:
These pressure pool cleaners need a dedicated pressure line as well as a booster pump to effectively power up its hydro gears and supplement your pool’s filtration system with additional water.
You will really appreciate the all-wheel PosiDrive system, considering that its stainless steel drive chain generates more torque for maximum speed as well as performance and also supplements your pool with 40 GPM of extra pool filtration
These pressure pool cleaners come with a dual-chamber zippered super bag, which is great because it allows the unit to clean more debris, making the cleaning process faster.
These pressure pool cleaners are also equipped with a tail sweep pro, which is a powerful sweep hose enhancement that does an amazing job of blowing debris out of hard to reach spots and corners.
There is one flaw in the design, though. One of the tubes/hoses is not strong enough to hold onto the screw cap when water pressure increases.
Pros:
- Booster pump supplies the extra pressure needed for maximum performance
- PosiDrive system delivers superior torque performance
- The dual-chambered super bag allows for faster and more effective cleaning
- Tail sweep pro blows debris easily out of corners
- Supplements your pool with 40 GPM of extra pool filtration
Cons:
- One of the tube attachment isn’t strong enough and may become loose
Conclusion:
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport pressure pool cleaners offer reliable pool vacuum power, good traction, and effective debris collection. But you are likely to face some design flaws.
Pentair LL505PMG Pressure Side In-Ground Pool Cleaner – Best Dual Thrust Jets
The Pentair LL505PMG pressure pool cleaners are a uniquely designed forward-wheel-drive pressure side cleaner that will do a good job of cleaning all your in-ground swimming pools.
Key Features:
- Dual thrust jets
- Front-wheel drive
- Foul wheel design
- Disposal bag
- The lightweight frame and improved wheel design
Product Description:
This good quality pressure side cleaner has dual thrust jets, which is great because they deliver maximum power of suction and speed.
These pressure pool cleaners feature a front-wheel-drive system and heavily treaded tires, which together offer maximum traction for superior coverage of all your pool floor and walls.
You will really like the large capacity debris channel that comes with the Pentair LL505PMG, considering how easily the huge intake throat picks up debris and leaves.
But these pressure pool cleaners have a few inadequacies, though. It may not clean shallow ends of your pool properly and the debris bag gets holes easily.
Pros:
- This pressure side cleaner a good choice for cleaning darker colored pools
- Dual thrust jets generate maximum speed and power
- It gives great traction for superior floor coverage
- The four-wheel design prevents tipping
- A large-capacity debris channel makes the cleaning process faster
Cons:
- Doesn’t do a very good job of cleaning shallow ends
- Debris bag gets damaged easily
Conclusion:
The Pentair LL505PMG pressure pool cleaners along with dual thrust jets produce the power and speed you need for cleaning your pool. But you may need to be prepared to buy replacement debris bags more frequently.
Zodiac Turbo Turtle Pressure Side Pool Cleaner – Best Model for Above-ground Pools
If you are looking for a high performing pressure side pool cleaner for your aboveground pool, look no further than the Zodiac Turbo Turtle pressure pool cleaners.
Key Features:
- Good low-pressure design
- Patented jet sweep
- Unique filter bag
- Quick and easy installation
Product Description:
The Zodiac Turbo Turtle pressure pool cleaners don’t require a booster pump. It works perfectly fine with pumps and filtration systems, which are usually found on aboveground swimming pools.
These pressure pool cleaners come with a jet sweep assembly that does an amazing job of blowing water against the walls of your pool to loosen debris in tight spots.
These pressure pool cleaners come with a heavy-duty filter bag that ensures all the debris is collected before reaching the filter system or pump basket. This helps to prolong the life of the pool’s pump.
But the thing is, the brand’s customer support team isn’t very responsive and it may take a while before you get a customer support agent talking to you about your problem.
Pros:
- Jet sweep design blows debris out of tight spaces
- Filter bag ensures that all the debris is trapped
- Installation is remarkably easy and quick
- A flexible hose that doesn’t tangle easy
- Polaris Turbo turtle colorful looks help decorate your pool
Cons:
- Poor and slow customer response time
- One of the jets may malfunction
- Wear and tear is not that great
Conclusion:
The Zodiac Turbo Turtle pressure pool cleaners are a great option for any aboveground swimming pool. It may take a few hours to clean your pool, but it will get the job done eventually.
Zodiac F5B Polaris Vac Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner – Best Anti-Tangle Hose
The Zodiac F5B Polaris Vac sweep 280 pressure pool cleaners are compatible with in-ground swimming pools and it runs self-sufficiently off the power of its booster pump.
Key Features:
- Booster pump required
- Connects to a 1.5-inch dedicated line
- Automatic Pool cleaner
- Three-wheel design
- 31-foot feed hose
- Heavy-duty tail sweep attachment
Product Description:
This inground pool cleaner automatically vacuums, sweeps and scrubs your pool from top to bottom in about 3 hours or less.
These pressure pool cleaners have an enlarged opening at the bottom to pick up and collect debris like pebbles, and leaves.
Plus, this automatic pool cleaner has an exceptional filter bag that removes the debris before it reaches the filter.
This automatic pressure-side Polaris pool cleaner has a double jet design, which is a great feature that provides superior vacuuming power for faster and more effective pool cleaning.
Another good feature is that the cleaner can run self-sufficiently off its booster pump, increasing the pressure needed to effectively clean your pool.
There is a possibility of receiving a refurbished product. The three-wheel design may also prove to be a disappointment because it has a tendency of getting stuck.
Pros:
- Easy to connect to a 1.5 inch dedicated pressure cleaner line
- Runs effectively off a booster pump for superior cleaning
- The enlarged opening makes debris collection super easy
- Great wear and tear
- Double jet assembly makes cleaner faster
- Has a good tail sweep attachment that increases water propulsion
Cons:
- Possible to receive a refurbished product
- The three-wheel design may get stuck in tight spaces
Conclusion:
The Zodiac F5B Polaris vac sweep 280 Cleaner is a good option for use with dark bottomed pools. But the three-wheel design may prove challenging to use.
Pentair 360228 Racer Pressure Side Pool Cleaner – Best Front Rotating Brush
Introducing the Pentair 360228 Racer, a quality cleaner that offers maximum debris removal within the shortest duration possible.
Key Features:
- It needs a booster pump
- Front rotating brush
- Quick Snap-On debris bag
- Extra-Large intake bag
- Ultra-bright LED lights
Product Description:
The Pentair 360228 Racer efficient design starts with a quick connect hose fitting, which is great because it is easy to connect as well as disconnect from any dedicated pressure line.
This model features a massive front rotating brush that scrubs as well scour for deep detailed cleaning of debris, pebbles, and leaves at the floor of the pool. We feel these are the best pressure pool cleaners out there.
The vacuum tube is also larger in diameter, which is a great thing because it allows the unit to swallow debris from the pool floor with remarkable ease.
Unlike other pressure-side cleaners, the Pentair 360228 Racer cleaner works in both forward and reverse modes for faster and more efficient cleaning. This cleaner has an automatic reverse feature that kicks in every few minutes.
But the thing is, the parts of these pressure-side cleaners aren’t long-lasting. You may need to replace the feed line wall connector a few times for as long as the unit remains operational.
Pros:
- Quick-connect hose fitting allows for quick installation
- Easy to connect to a 1.5 inch dedicated pressure cleaner line
- The front rotating brush scrubs debris easily off the pool floor
- Large diameter vacuum tube hastens the cleaning process
- Cleans in both forward and reverse directions
- Ultra-bright LED lights illuminate the water at night
Cons:
- Some require replacement parts to be changed frequently
- May get stuck on the stairs
Conclusion:
The Pentair 360228 Racer is an innovative cleaner for all your in-ground pool cleaning. But some parts are cheaply made.
Zodiac Polaris 165 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner – Best Float Hose Design
Introducing the Zodiac Polaris 165, a decent quality cleaner that features one of the best float hose designs.
Key Features:
- Operates with filtration systems and pumps
- Patented jet sweep assembly
- Unique filter bag
- 1.5-inch threaded return line
- Float hose of 32 feet
Product Description:
The Zodiac Polaris 165 is compatible with the filtration system and pump found on most fiberglass and vinyl pool surfaces.
This cleaner features a patented jet sweep design that blows water against the walls of the pool to release the debris.
It has an easy to remove filter bag that is so good at trapping all the debris and dirt before it reaches the filter or the pump basket. We feel these are the best pressure pool cleaners out there.
But buyer beware, you can easily receive a used or refurbished product that has issues, such as defective jets and the inability to move back and forth.
Pros:
- A great choice for cleaning fiberglass and vinyl in-ground pool surfaces
- Effective at removing debris from hard to reach places
- Easy to connect to the filtration systems and pumps of in-ground pools
- Filter bag prevents debris and dirt from reaching the filter or the pump basket
- Has a suitably long hose that doesn’t tangle easily
Cons:
- Possible to receive a used or refurbished model
Conclusion:
The Zodiac Polaris 165 pressure pool cleaner will do a good job of cleaning your in-ground pool. But it might take you some trial and error to get the ideal hose length for your pool.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner – Best Value for Money
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 pressure pool cleaner is one of the most economical pressure side pool cleaners for your aboveground swimming pool.
Key Features:
- Patented jet sweep assembly
- Connects to filtration systems and pumps
- Innovative filter bag design
- 1.5-inch threaded return line
- Float hose of 24 feet
Product Description:
This worry-free pressure side pool cleaner has no moving parts. Instead, it attaches to your filtration system.
The cleaner has an innovative bag at the bottom with a venturi on it, which is great because it is capable of pulling in leaves and other debris.
Its patented jet sweep design generates enough power for blowing out debris from tight as well as hard to reach places.
The cleaner; however, has a poor quality hose that has the tendency of tangling. It has to be supervised to make sure that the hose doesn’t twist.
Pros:
- It’s a reasonably priced pressure side cleaner
- Venturi effect helps pull debris and leaves easily
- Random cleaning pattern allows you to swim while the cleaner does its job
- Extremely easy to connect to the filtration system and pump
Cons:
- Hose has a tendency of twisting
- May not effectively clean the entire pool
Conclusion:
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 is a great choice for a tight budget. But you shouldn’t overestimate its performance and know beforehand that the hose isn’t anti-tangling.
Buyer’s guide
Getting the best model that befits your budget and pool cleaning requirements doesn’t have to be a difficult proposition.
Here are a few things that we strongly advise you to take into account when buying a pressure pool cleaner.
High and Low-Pressure Design
There are two main types of pressure side swimming pool cleaners you can consider: low-pressure pool cleaners and high-pressure pool cleaners
The low-pressure designs don’t require a booster pump, but they tend to have a slightly larger diameter feed hose compared to the models where the pressure is high.
These pressure pool cleaners only connect to one of the wall returns of your pool, which means they are not suitable for pools with slit or floor returns.
You can conveniently connect a low-pressure model to your regular return line using compatible adapters.
The main advantage of this design is its cheap price point and less stressful installation process.
But the low-pressure pool cleaners may not be the best choice for cleaning large pools.
High-pressure side pool cleaners; on the other hand, need a booster pump for them to be operational.
Usually, they would need a higher PSI for the hydro-gears to run.
Most pressure pool cleaners would require a 3/4 horsepower booster pump that can provide more than 50 PSI for the ultimate performance as well as efficiency.
Another great feature of these models is automatic operation. They can automatically turn themselves on and off to save energy.
Choose a High-Quality Booster Pump
This goes for the pressure models that require a booster pump.
We insist that you choose high-quality pressure pool cleaners because not all booster pumps are created equally.
The best booster pump is supposed to be highly powered for maximum efficiency.
The most appropriate model should have 3/4 horsepower that can generate 50 PSI at 12 GPM.
The booster pump of the pressure pool cleaners should have an ergonomic drain plug that is integrated with an O-ring for easy tool-less removal when winterizing or draining.
You should also go for an industry-leading design that offers superior compatibility with your pressure-side pool cleaner and filtration pumps.
Robust Construction
You don’t want to buy a pressure side pool cleaner that comes with a flimsy construction because it will not last long.
Go for a model that comes with heavy-duty wheels and a drive system that is capable of providing 50% more torque needed for propelling the cleaner around the pool.
Make sure the pressure pool cleaners come with a strong bag, preferably a dual-chambered zippered bag that can pick as well as store more debris.
This will reduce the number of times you have to clean the bag.
Also, look for a pressure side pool cleaner that comes with a high-quality tail sweep, which not only improves sweeping but also prevents water from spraying out of your pool.
A good tail sweep should be able to improve the flow by about 50%. A higher velocity gives a superior feed for the ultimate sweeping action.
It is also good to ensure that you can get a good replacement tail sweep in case the original one fails.
There should be a good aftermarket option with snap and quick attachment.
Conclusion
The winner of this roundup is Pentair LL505G Letro Legend Pool Cleaner. This exceptional product does a much better job compared to most highly-priced models.
It comes with a very innovative and robust construction that is front-wheel driven for generating maximum traction for superior pool coverage.
Unlike three-wheel pressure side pool cleaners, the four-wheel design on this model prevents tipping for unattended and uninterrupted performance.
Its heavy-duty tail sweep allows for ultimate sweeping action and eliminates spray.
Don’t forget the high capacity bag and large intake throat for easy picking of large debris.
