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Its time to prep your pool for the summer.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner on the edge of an inground pool

Photo:Real Simple

The best pool cleaners tackle tricky corners and even scrub the walls, keeping your water crystal clear.

Somerobotic pool cleanerseven have smart navigation systems to catch anything you might have missed.

We also spoke withGary Hohne, president and CEO of pool service company Brighton Pool.

Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure In-Ground Pool Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

It takes a fairly long time to clean.

It performed exceptionally well on all types of debrisbig and smalland on every surface of our pool.

Six months in, its still working as well as on day one.

Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner cleaning a pool

PHOTO: Real Simple

Plus, you’ve got the option to schedule cleanings and switch up the configs via the app.

It doesnt clean the waterline, but we didnt mind.

Best Suction Side

Hayward The PoolCleaner Suction Cleaner

Its thorough and pretty hands-off.

Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner displayed on the edge of a pool

The cleaning process is slow and non-methodical.

Stubborn debris requires strong suction, and we loved how hands-off and effective the Hayward Suction Cleaner was.

It sucked up large amounts of debris and climbed the walls, even in the deep end.

Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner cleaning a pool

After using it for a month, its still exceeding our expectations.

This suction cleaner was super easy to set up.

It also comes with three interchangeable flow options and self-adjusting turbine vanes to prevent clogging.

Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner displayed on the edge of a pool

Our main complaint is its speed.

The cleaners path didnt have much rhyme or reason, so its sporadic route took a while to complete.

Best Vacuum

Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner

The vacuum has very strong suction power.

Amazon Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

The included pole is short.

After the push of a button, the equipment activates and gets the job done during its 45-minute runtime.

Also, the dust cup is fairly small, requiring frequent emptying of heavy debris.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner on the side of a pool

PHOTO: Real Simple

Still, we recommend this cleaner for its durable make and sizable (and removable) vacuum head.

pop in: Vacuum |Pool pop in and Length: All |Cord Length: Cordless |Weight: 6 lbs.

Best Skimmer Net

U.S.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner on the edge of an inground pool

It cant be used for pool floors.

For quick touch-ups and surface maintenance, we swear by the U.S.

Pool Supply Leaf Skimmer Net.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner on the side of a pool

It cleared bugs, leaves, mulch, and other debris from our pools waterline without missing a beat.

Six months later, it’s still a regular part of our pool cleaning routine.

It was high quality, sturdy, and easy to maneuver.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner on the edge of an inground pool

However, for surface skimming, we find it perfect.

We also noted the pools conditions before use, including the amount of debris and clarity of the water.

We cleaned each pool, timing how long it took to complete the process.

Hayward The PoolCleaner 2-Wheel Suction Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

After each cleaning, we assessed how easy the emptying and cleanup process was.

For devices with Wi-Fi compatibility, we tested the app’s features and functionality.

For battery-operated models, we timed how long they took to fully charge.

Person using Hayward The Pool Cleaner 2-Wheel Suction Cleaner in blue pool with small white dog looking on

PHOTO: Real Simple

According to Hohne, these are best for pools with light debris.

Our top pick, thePolaris Vac-Sweep Pressure In-Ground Pool Cleaner, is a pressure cleaner.

“They collect larger debris like small branches, twigs, and leaves too.

Hayward The PoolCleaner 2-Wheel Suction Cleaner unboxed next to a pool

These are best reserved for spot cleaning or above-ground pools and spas.

Some skimmer nets have short handles, which can make the cleaning process more time consuming.

Thats why we loved theU.S.

Person using Hayward The Pool Cleaner 2-Wheel Suction Cleaner in blue pool with small white dog looking on

Pool bang out

There are two types of pools: above-ground and in-ground.

When tackling an above-ground pool orjacuzzi, we recommend a spot cleaner thats compact and less powerful.

If youre cleaning a larger in-ground pool, go for something larger with stronger suction.

Hayward The PoolCleaner 2-Wheel Suction Cleaner unboxed next to a pool

For example, theDolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaneris made to clean above-ground pools.

Most pool cleaners can cover up to 50 square feet, which is adequate for most residential pools.

That said, a cleaners range largely depends on its cord length.

Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

Shorter cords may not be long enough for larger pools, but they are less prone to tangling.

A person uses the Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner to clean a pool

PHOTO: Real Simple

The Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner is used to clean the bottom of a pool

The head and bag on the Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner

A dog watches the Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner clean a pool

The Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner plugged into a charger

The pieces of the Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner before assembly

A person uses the Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner to clean a pool

The Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner is used to clean the bottom of a pool

The head and bag on the Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner

A dog watches the Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner clean a pool

The Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner plugged into a charger

The pieces of the Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner before assembly

U.S. Pool Supply Professional Swimming Pool 6 Foot Leaf Skimmer Net

PHOTO: Amazon

A person uses the U.S. Pool Supply Professional Swimming Pool 6 Foot Leaf Skimmer Net to clean a pool

PHOTO: Real Simple

A person cleans a pool using the U.S. Pool Supply Professional Swimming Pool 6 Foot Leaf Skimmer Net

A person uses the U.S. Pool Supply Professional Swimming Pool 6 Foot Leaf Skimmer Net to clean a pool

A person collects debris using the U.S. Pool Supply Professional Swimming Pool 6 Foot Leaf Skimmer Net

A person uses the U.S. Pool Supply Professional Swimming Pool 6 Foot Leaf Skimmer Net to clean a pool

A person cleans a pool using the U.S. Pool Supply Professional Swimming Pool 6 Foot Leaf Skimmer Net

A person uses the U.S. Pool Supply Professional Swimming Pool 6 Foot Leaf Skimmer Net to clean a pool

A person collects debris using the U.S. Pool Supply Professional Swimming Pool 6 Foot Leaf Skimmer Net

A dog watches the Pool Blaster Catfish Ultra Pool Cleaner clean a pool

Real Simple

A person collects debris using the U.S. Pool Supply Professional Swimming Pool 6 Foot Leaf Skimmer Net

Real Simple