With the best pressure-side pool cleaner, keeping your pool clean is less daunting. The market is swarmed by different types of pool cleaners, styles, and brands, which makes it hard to find the right pool cleaner.
The information and reviews you will read in this article will help you find the product that will suit your needs. Each product reviewed includes its pros and cons to help you decide. Also discussed in this article are the factors that you need to consider when buying a pressure-side pool cleaner.
Let this post serve as your guide in finding the right product for your pool.
Top 3 Recommendations
- Overall Best – Polaris Vac-Sweep 360
- Runner Up – Pentair LL505G Kreepy Krauly
- Best Quality – Pentair 360228 Kreepy Krauly Racer
7 Best Pressure Side Pool Cleaner in 2022
1. Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 by Zodiac
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 is the updated look of its old model. This pool cleaner works fast with its 3 jet nozzles. This cleaner is created to run without a booster pump. With the cost of the pump, this is a great improvement.
It can get rid of debris of various sizes and be dumped into an easy-to-remove filter bag. As a result, wear and tear are reduced. The motor requires less maintenance because it has a belted drive device.
And since you don’t need a booster pump, it is more affordable as compared to 380. When it comes to performance, the quality and speed of cleaning have greatly improved. It has that innovation in a successful frame. The tool performs at a high level.
When it comes to durability, this pool cleaner is durable enough to last longer. Polaris 360 drive mechanism applies shaft to a belt system. This significantly reduces the moving parts as well as the difficulty in replacing the damaged parts.
With Polaris 360, you can get a lot of savings and reduce the tight operation where you can spend what you need and still optimized the performance.
Pros
- Operates fast and efficient
- Shaft to the belt-driven mechanism
- It does not need a booster pump
Cons
- Costly parts replacement
2. Pentair LL505G Kreepy Krauly Legend Pressure
With Pentair LL505G Kreepy Krauly, the daunting task of cleaning the swimming pool has become easy. This 4-wheeled, compact pool cleaner only weighs 22.7 pounds. This pressure-side pool cleaner has a hydrodynamic body design along with a four-wheel to provide a high degree of stability. Because of this feature, tippling problems are eliminated.
This unit also has a balanced system that provides efficient cleaning by discharging any system interruptions and imbalances. You can easily carry out the unit with its front-wheel drive. It has treated traction tires to provide a superior grip that lets the LL505G deal and clean inclined surfaces without losing balance.
The unit has a large collection bag to collect and store debris of different sizes from large particles to twigs and leaves. The cleaning ability of the pressure-side pool cleaner is complemented by its large throat intake. The pressure produced because of its booster pump collects in dirt and can clean the pool within 1 to 3 hours.
It comes with a bigger cleaning bag. Thus you don’t need to clean it every day. In cleaning the bag, you need to use a water hose to remove the finer grit attached to the bag. You might find it an added work, but it is worth it. You don’t need to be an expert to install it. The company manual includes an easy to follow steps on how to set up the machine. Cleaning the debris from behind the stairs and on the tight corners is easy.
Pros
- Lightweight makes it easier to operate and handle
- High speed for quicker and efficient cleaning
- High capacity cleaning bag to collect a large quantity of debris
Cons
- The long tail hose may tangle if the unit is driven in an unorganized manner
Read more: Pool skimmers for above ground pools
3. Pentair 360228 Kreepy Krauly Racer
The Pentair 360228 Kreepy Krauly Race Side Pressure Pool Cleaner is the improved version of the old model available in the market. As compared to other pool cleaners, it has four ventures, which enables the user to clean the pool better as compared to other devices. It is one of the powerful units in the market because of some distinctive features.
This unit has a bigger vacuum intake, which is more than 40% as compared to the regular pool cleaners. Also, it has 1/3 more cleaning capacity as compared to the usual pool cleaners that use pressure to swipe debris. This Pentair pool cleaner provides a variety of helpful features that can make your pool cleaning job a lot easier than others. The unit offers an ultra-bright LED screen to illuminate the spot, which means cleaning the pool at night is possible.
This unit has 40% more vacuum intake of debris of any shape and size. It has front, rotating brush scrubs, can take out all the dirt and debris that is hidden. You can program the unit to clean continuously without interruption. This innovative device represents one of the best that can be purchased at an affordable price.
The Pentair 360228 Kreepy Krauly Racer can climb the stairs. It is a helpful device that can clean the entire pool, including the bottom and all the corners where the dirt usually hides.
Pros
- With LED screens to illuminate during night cleaning
- The brush can scrub all the debris
- Its vacuum intake is 30% higher as compared to others
Cons
- The sweeping tail can make the unit a bit unstable
4. Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900
This premier pressure-side pool cleaner has a powerful extra-wide suction system that can go up to 40 GPM with a 5-liter dual-chamber debris bag. It can get rid of the largest debris in your pool. The TailSweep PRO feature of this unit enables it to blow leaves and dirt out of hard-to-reach areas such as corners. Its drive system works well also on sloped surfaces as flat.
The unit can disperse high-pressure water jets via a center diffuser, thus significantly reducing water splashing outside the pool. It can direct the jets into corners and also those hard-to-reach areas to get rid of the leaves and other debris.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 has an all-wheel drive train that can deliver optimum torque as it cleans the pool. This latest system makes use of a stainless steel chain for better performance, more cleaning time, and fewer issues.
It comes with a zipper-accessible five-liter bag that can hold a lot of dirt without the need to empty it out. You don’t need to pause every now and then, as cleaning out the bag is lessened.
The wide Trax tires have better climbing action and the best cleaning ability. Polaris Vac-Sweep has the widest tires as compared to others, which means superior tire contact with the pool. Thus, cleaning the slopes is not a problem at all.
Pros
- Includes a 31-feet hose
- Best for all in-ground pools
- With the three-wheel design for an optimum performance
Cons
- It comes with a high price
5. Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 By Zodiac
If you want to shorten your pool cleaning time, this Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 can help you out. Getting the service of professionals to do the cleaning is a waste of time and money. This unit can do the task within a few hours and without spending a lot on it.
It can pick up and remove everything from the smallest particle to large objects like leaves, pebbles, and debris that could be on the bottom of your pool. The chamber filter bag of the cleaner removes dirt before it could reach the filter and the basket. With this feature, there is no need for you to clean the filter, and it also helps extend the filter’s lifespan.
The two cleaning jets provide power to this cleaner for a quicker cleaning process for about three hours. It is recommended for cleaning in-ground pools regardless of shape and size. This unit is equipped with 31 feet hose, which makes it easy to reach different parts of the pool.
It operates independently with a pool skimmer. In the case of skimmer breaks, it is easy to get a replacement part. But, for the skimmer to eliminate the debris and contaminants from your pool, you will need a booster pump.
This Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 might not be the best unit for cleaning the walls, but if the walls have an upward curve, then it is a good choice. Nonetheless, it will seldom get stuck on the steps, cloves, and corners. It is a model that will provide clearer water for a healthier and safer swimming experience.
Pros
- Recommended for in-ground pools
- It includes a 31 feet feed hose
- The dual jets can clean the pool in less than three hours
Cons
- The wheels can scratch up the pool’s liner
6. Pentair LL505PMG Kreepy Krauly Platinum
The Pentair LL505PMG Kreepy Krauly Platinum is a powerful pressure-side pool cleaner for darker in-ground pools. If the pool is full of leaves and debris, the Platinum model of Pentair LL505PMG is a helpful device.
The suction and speed are impressive because of their dual jets. You can complete the cleaning process as fast as one hour. This four-wheel-drive cleaner will make sure that the unit gets the best traction even on inclined surfaces.
You will not have a hard time carrying this tool as it is lightweight. Attached to it is oversized debris that can collect all the debris without the need of emptying it regularly. Pentair uses a booster pump, which you need to buy separately. It works with the use of water pressure to move and vacuum the pool at the fastest time possible.
It has a built-in backup valve that triggers every 3.5 minutes. With this, you are sure of full pool coverage and prevent cleaning from getting trapped into the stairs and in deep corners. The water flow is regulated with its pressure relief valve. It maintains a continuous travel speed for efficient cleaning.
Pros
- Powerful speed and suction
- Easy to install and use
- It can suck up large debris such as pebbles, acorns, and leaves
Cons
- The parts can easily wear out
7. Hayward TVP500C TriVac 500 Pressure Cleaner
This pressure-side pool cleaner is equipped with unique AquaDrive technology. This technology has water jets, which produce pressure that can facilitate how this cleaner moves in the water. Because of this, the Hayward TVP500C can easily move across the pool, collecting all the dirt. The cleaner has complete coverage of the swimming pool interior as it minimizes the impact after completing the process.
Also, this pool cleaner is designed with a venture jet system that includes an extra-wide vacuum inlet. So, the venture jets pick up the dirt from the pool, and then the inlet sucks it up. This technology is very advanced in that it seldom leaves any debris in the water.
An extra-large six-quart debris bag is attached to it, so you can work continuously and longer without the need of emptying it. When it is time to empty the bag, you can remove the float at the top and rinse it using a garden hose.
This pressure cleaner is recommended for an in-ground pool that measures 20 x 40 feet. The cleaner covers around 9-inch wide path each time it moves up and down. Thus, having this coverage capacity, you just need a few hours to complete the task. Hayward TVP500C is designed to clean vinyl-lined pools safely. It is also strong enough to clean fiberglass, concrete, and gunite pool surfaces.
This cleaner requires a booster pump to run, and you need to buy it separately.
Pros
- Does not clog
- Easy and fast to assemble
- It does not produce any annoying sound
Cons
- It can get stuck in the tighter parts of the pool
Things to Consider Before Buying Pressure Pool Cleaner
To make it easier for you to decide which pressure side pool cleaner will fit your pool, here are some factors you need to consider:
Pool Compatibility
If you have an above-ground pool, a pressure-side pool cleaner will not suit you. You have to keep in mind also that most cleaners were designed to clean the pool with a depth of 8 feet and ten by 10-foot surface area. However, for those bigger than the mentioned size, you can increase the machine coverage by buying an additional hose.
Make sure that the cleaner you buy won’t create any damage on the pool surfaces. Some cleaners may tend to damage pools that are made of vinyl or tile.
Suction Power
Most of the pool cleaners are powerful enough to suck up large-size debris from your pool. So, if your pool has accumulated debris of different sizes, it is best to choose a pressure cleaner over a suction cleaner. It’s because suction cleaners do not have enough pressure to filter big debris.
Booster Pump
The pressure side pool cleaner needs enough pressure to circulate and function efficiently. If the pressure from the pool’s pump is not enough, you might need to purchase a booster pump for the cleaner. It only means that if you have extra money and use more effort before you can complete the cleaning process.
Therefore, it is a must that you check a pool cleaner if it includes a booster pump or not. Make sure that the cleaner is suitable for the swimming pool system that you have.
Ease of Use
Most pressure-side pool cleaner is easy to use. You just need to attach the hose and turn on the pool’s cycle system. Units with booster pumps are more technical, so make sure you know how to handle this without the help of a professional.
Installation is also a must to consider. You will be buying the unit dismantled to make it easier to transport and deliver. Make sure that the installation process is simple and easy to follow without the need for sophisticated tools. It is much easier to use it, especially if it is your first time.
Maintenance
This is yet another essential consideration when deciding. The primary purpose of buying a pressure-side pool cleaner is to make the cleaning process easier. So, make sure that you choose a less complicated model that you easily clean and maintain. The bag attached to it should be big enough to make sure you won’t need to empty and clean it every few minutes.
Quality Control
This factor is a vital ingredient in determining how efficient and the lifespan of a pressure-side cleaner. A premium quality pool cleaner may require you to pay an added cost. However, in the long run, it will be worth it.
The Venturi Effect
This type of pool cleaner usually works using the so-called Venturi effect. It is named after the discoverer of this Giovanni Battista Venturi, an Italian physicist. In water dynamics, the velocity of an incompressible fluid like water needs to increase when passing through a constriction or choke point. The static pressure should decrease based on the principle of conservation of mechanical energy.
When the water flows into a large tube, it suddenly goes into a smaller tube. The water speed will increase and decreases the static pressure in direct correlation. The fluid in the bigger tube moves slower and has higher pressure as the water in the smaller tube has lower pressure and moves quicker. The pressure differential is the one that makes the pressure side pool cleaner works.
Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQs)
How often do I need to run the pool cleaner?
If you swim a lot, then you need to use your pool cleaner at least once a day or every other day. In case you don’t use your swimming pool that much, you can run your pool cleaner every one to two weeks.
How do the pool cleaners work?
Pressure side cleaners are attached to the pressure side of your pool’s circulation system known as booster pump cleaners. The water is then pushed or pumped back to the pool propels. These units have their internal hydraulic power plant.
Why do you need to use a pressure-side pool cleaner?
One of the primary reasons for having a pressure-side pool cleaner is because they are effective in cleaning the pool. As compared to robotic and suction pool cleaners, the pressure side cleaners work faster and are more efficient.
If you have an entire pool pump for a single pressure line, it means that the vacuum has the power to agitate the debris and move it into any pool size. Pressure cleaners make your pool filtration system work better.
Conclusion
In this best pressure side pool cleaner review, we have given you information and ideas to help you find the right product for your pool. Some are worthy of your time and attention, while others are not. A specific product may possess the features that you are looking for, but you cannot afford the price. So, when selecting, it is best that you consider the one that you can afford but has the features you need for your pool.
I recommend Polaris Vac-Sweep 360, as it has all the features that a swimming pool owner will be looking for. It rarely gets stuck, backs up well, and manages to complete the work faster. A unit that works dependably is worth buying, and this is one of them.