Best Automatic Cleaners for Vinyl Pools

Are you looking to up your vinyl pool cleaning game? Well, you're in luck, because we've put together a list of the best automatic cleaners for vinyl pools! Whether you're shopping for a suction side, pressure side, or robotic cleaner, this guide will help you find the best automatic cleaner for your vinyl pool.

The Importance of Using a Vinyl-Friendly Cleaner

Not all pool surfaces are created equal, and neither are all automatic pool cleaners. Vinyl-lined pools are more sensitive and susceptible to surface damage than concrete or gunite pools. Automatic pool cleaners designed for vinyl pools have soft and smooth wheels and cleaning mechanisms to protect the vinyl lining. Using the wrong automatic cleaner in your vinyl pool may result in surface scrapes, tears, or more severe damage. The following pressure side, suction side, and robotic pool cleaners are all suited for use in a vinyl-lined pool.

Pressure Side Cleaners for Vinyl Pools

Pressure side automatic cleaners are a great option for vinyl pools, because they are cost effective and preserve your pool filter. These cleaners connect to your pool system's return jet and use the water pressure to move around the pool. The bag attached to the cleaner collects dirt, leaves, and other debris directly, which keeps the debris from going through the filter. This means a longer filter lifespan and less filter cleaning! Let's take a closer look at some of the top-rated pressure side cleaners.

Polaris 280

The Polaris 280 is one of the most dependable pressure side cleaners on the market. It's been Polaris' most popular pool cleaner for years, and with good reason. Double venturi jets give the cleaner great suction and speed, and the 31 feet of hose guarantee it will clean every inch of your pool. With a 1-year manufacturer's warranty and easy-to-find parts, this cleaner is a breeze to maintain and repair. Keep in mind that the Polaris 280 requires a separate booster pump. Even with the added cost of a booster pump, the cleaner is still one of the most affordable solutions available.

Polaris 65 Turbo Turtle

With just under 25 feet of hose, the Polaris 65 Turbo Turtle is the perfect pool cleaner for small above ground pools. This fun cleaner is powered by pressurized water, and unlike the Polaris 280, does not require an additional booster pump. Easy installation and efficient cleaning abilities make the Polaris Turbo Turtle one of the most popular pressure side cleaners for above ground vinyl pools. Not to mention it's definitely the cutest cleaner on the market!

Kreepy Krauly Letro Legend II

The Kreepy Krauly Letro Legend II is the only "creepy crawly" you want in your pool! Dual thrust jets and a large capacity debris bag make the Letro Legend II one of the best cleaners in this category. With powerful front-wheel drive, this cleaner has excellent traction, even on inclines. Unlike the Polaris 280, the Letro Legend does not require a separate booster pump, which makes this cleaner a very affordable option for pool owners. An ample 30 feet of hose provides plenty of length for the cleaner to reach every nook and cranny of your pool's interior.

Suction Side Cleaners for Vinyl Pools

Suction side cleaners are a great option for vinyl pools for several reasons. For starters, they do not require an additional booster pump, so there is less equipment to purchase and maintain. Suction side cleaners also do not have a self-contained debris bag, which eliminates the need to empty and clean the cleaner. However, a slight downside to suction side cleaners is that all the debris gets passed into your pool filter. This could mean backwashing more often for sand or D.E. filters, or cleaning the filter cartridge more often.

Zodiac MX6 & MX8

The Zodiac MX6 is a compact version of the bigger Zodiac MX8. Compared to its big brother, the MX6 is lighter, faster, and more energy efficient. The 39-foot twist-lock hose is much easier to work with than a standard pool hose, allowing for a quick and easy set up. The MX6's flow regulator controls excess water flow, and allows the cleaner to work with lower-powered pool pumps. Thanks to the Cyclonic Suction feature, the MX6 provides superior suction and wall-climbing capabilities.

Hayward Pool Vac XL

While all the cleaners listed above work well on all pool surfaces, the Hayward Pool Vac XL has a model that is specifically designed for vinyl pools. Built-in AquaPilot technology lets you pre-program the cleaner's steering for a spotless, full coverage clean. And for added cleaning power and efficiency, the Hayward In-Line Leaf Canister traps large debris before it heads into the pool skimmer.

Hayward Navigator Pro

Just like the Hayward Pool Vac XL, the Hayward Navigator Pro is designed exclusively for vinyl pools. While the Vac XL and the Navigator Pro might look slightly different on the outside, both cleaners have identical internal components. With 40 feet of hose length, these two cleaners offer top-notch cleaning capabilities, and are known for their quiet functionality.

Robotic Cleaners for Vinyl Pools

Robotic pool cleaners require the least work for pool owners. With the latest advancements in pool equipment technology, these cleaners are just as safe as other types of cleaners. Most robotic pool cleaners also have a remote-controlled option, which allows you to direct the cleaner if you just need to hit a few dirty areas. Robotic pool cleaners have self-contained debris bags, and they operate independently of your pump and filter system, so there's less strain on your pump and less debris in your filter. Robots tend to be a little more expensive than other cleaner types, but the up-front investment lets you spend more time swimming and relaxing by the pool!

Dolphin E10

The Dolphin E10 is one of the most affordable robotic pool cleaners on the market. This energy-efficient automatic cleaner has a 40-foot hose, and is ideal for both small inground pools and above ground pools. The Dolphin E10 robot will leave your pool surfaces sparkling in about 1.5 hours. Its quick-speed active brushing will eliminate algae and dirt with ease. In addition, its "plug and play" feature makes it simple and straightforward to use, with just the touch of a button.

The large top-load net canister makes cleaning out debris easier than ever. Designed to be 8x more energy efficient than suction and pressure side pool cleaners, the Dolphin E10 is a reliable robotic pool cleaner designed to meet your needs.

Aqua Products Sol

Don't let the cute, compact look of the Aqua Products Sol robotic cleaner fool you. This small but mighty unit is a cleaning pro, and will leave your pool dirt free in just 2.5 hours. Powerful but gentle scrubbers swiftly remove scum, dirt, and other debris from the floor and walls of your pool. An abundant 50 feet of cable length guarantees a complete clean of every inch of your pool.

The "EZ-Clean" debris basket makes debris removal quick and easy - simply take out the canister, dump the debris, and rinse it off! This lightweight, efficient cleaner is a top choice for inground vinyl pools.

Hayward Shark Vac XL

Hayward is one of the highest-rated brands in the pool industry, and for good reason! The Hayward SharkVAC XL is one of the most vinyl-friendly robotic pool cleaners out there. This energy-efficient cleaner calculates the size of your pool and programs itself to create the fastest cleaning route. Emptying and cleaning your SharkVAC XL is effortless with its handy top-access filter cartridge.

While the SharkVAC XL is pricier than other robotic pool cleaners, there's no questioning its expert cleaning abilities and incredibly easy-to-use functions.

Keeping your vinyl-lined pool clean and dirt free doesn't have to be a time-consuming chore! Vinyl-friendly automatic pool cleaners are the best way to cut your pool cleaning time in half. Before purchasing your new automatic cleaner, verify that it is safe for your pool's vinyl liner. Stop in to your local Leslie's to see our selection of automatic pool cleaners, and speak with one of our expert associates about the best option for you.