Top 5 best suction pool cleaners review – 2021
If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best suction pool cleaner is then i’d recommend the Hayward PHS41CST AquaNaut.
Suction cleaners have long been a popular choice for pool owners when it comes to pool maintenance. They are one of the more affordable options when it comes to pool cleaners. Quiet, easy to install and operate they are a great choice for beginner or experienced pool owners.
We’ve decided to take a look at the features, benefits, pros & cons of our favourite top 5 suction side pool cleaners of 2021 to help give you the information you need to choose one for yourself.
Here are the cleaners we’ll be reviewing
- Hayward PHS41CST AquaNaut
- Hayward Poolvergnuegen
- Zodiac MX8 Suction-Side Cleaner
- BARACUDA G3 W03000
- Zodiac MX6 Suction-Side Cleaner
Hayward PHS41CST AquaNaut
The Hayward Aquanaut is a versatile suction pool cleaner designed for nearly any pool type and pool surface. Equiped with a 40ft hose this allows it to reach all the sides of even larger pools. This cleaner uses its adjustable roller skirt to keep constant suction even when rolling over uneven surfaces. The AquaNaut has adjustable variable vanes know as V-Flex technology which automatically adjust to allow larger debris to pass through it. It also comes with three easily interchangeable throats to improve debris passage and suction performance, making it ideal for use with variable-speed pool pumps.
The one downside to this cleaner is that its wall climbing ability is not guaranteed when it comes to all pool surfaces. The Hayward AquaNaut is also price at the higher end when it comes to suction pool cleaners.
Pros:
- Handles large debris
- Easy setup
- Long hose connectors
- Light weight
- Good for most pool surfaces
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can struggle with certain wall surfaces
Hayward Poolvergnuegen
Much like our favourite model, the Hayward Poolvergnuegen is a versatile suction pool cleaner that is designed for any pool type or pool surface. It packs similar patented features like its V-Flex technology designed to automatically adjust to allow larger debris to pass through it. This cleaner also uses adjustable roller skirts that allow it to keep constant suction even while cleaning over uneven surfaces or over obstacles.
This model is also on the expensive side when it come to suction pool cleaners, even more so then the AquaNaut. We didn’t feel like it had enough added features to justify the extra price tag this is why we have put it as our runner up. With all things considered we still feel like this is a reliable and well designed cleaner.
Pros:
- Handles large debris
- Easy setup
- Good for most pool surfaces
- Good traction
Cons:
- Very expensive
Zodiac MX8 Suction cleaner
The Zodiac MX8 is a powerful suction side cleaner designed for small pools. It uses its patented Cyclonic Suction to deliver a thorough, fast and aggressive clean. The MX8 features X-Drive navigation which allows it to carefully navigate around your pool while its two directional gears on the bottom of it allow it to reverse if it runs into any trouble. It also feature dual cyclonic suction which allow for extra grip when cleaning walls and gives it a wider cleaning path. Its ultra efficient design requires less flow than most cleaners in its class for maximum energy savings and is a great choice for solar, 2-speed, and variable-speed pumps.
However this Suction pool cleaner can struggle with cleaning steps and cleaning around corners. It also needs to be cleaned often.
Pros:
- Ultra energy efficient
- Thorough and efficient
- Able to run on multiple pool types
- Able to reverse
Cons:
- Needs cleaned often
- Can struggle with steps and corners
BARACUDA G3 W03000
The Baracuda G3 W03000 is an affordable yet effective suction pool cleaner. Designed to handle small and medium debris while thoroughly cleaning pool walls and floors. The G3 comes with a FlowKeeper valve which allows it to automatically regulates water flow ensuring peak performance even with low-speed pumps. It uses its 36-Fin Disc to ensures maximum adhesion on all pool surfaces, and eliminates hang-ups on lights, drain covers and fittings. The Baracuda also comes with 39ft of long-life hose feed.
However the Zodiac does struggle with large debris like leave or sticks which become stuck in cleaner. It has also been know to get stuck on steps or corners and then needs to be manually moved.
Pros:
- Very good value
- Operates well on low speed pumps
- Good suction power
- Powerful scrubbing
Cons:
- Can’t handle large debris
- Gets stuck on stairs
Zodiac MX6 Suction-Side Cleaner
The Zodiac MX6 is an ultra efficient low flow suction pool cleaner designed for both in-ground and above ground pools made of concrete, tile, vinyl and fiberglass. It packs many of the same feature as the Zodiac MX8 such as X-Drive navigation, cyclonic suction and its ultra energy efficient design. The main difference with this model as it lacks the ability to reverse due to having having no reverse gear.
The MX6 has also been know to struggle with larger debris like leaves and sticks which can make it become clogged.
Pros:
- Energy Efficient
- Able to run on multiple pool types
- powerful suction
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- No reverse feature
- Can clog easily
our best suction side pool cleaner summary
For us, the best suction pool cleaner was the Hayward AquaNaut. We loved the fact that it came with interchangeable throats allowing it to handle larger debris like leaves and sticks while the other cleaners either became clogged or didn’t have the suction power when performing the same task. We also liked the fact that it came with a 40ft hose giving it the ability to clean both small and larger pools. It also performed well when it came to cleaning the pool walls where most cleaners suction pool cleaners struggle.
Though the Hayward Poolvergnuegen was on a similar level when it came to performance, it did come with an added price tag. Unfortunately we felt like no extra beneficial features were added to justify the extra cost.
It is for these reasons we feel like the Hayward AquaNaut was the best suction pool cleaner when it comes to price vs performance.
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