There are two independent toothed discs that ensure improved traction and let the machine clean corners and walls with relative ease. The anti-block wheels will make obstacles like staircases, angles, and ladders a cakewalk.
The package does not include instructions.
The Zodiac W78046 T5Duo can clean pools with gentle and composite slopes. The model can also clean pools with flat bottoms. With its help, this unit can clean oval, rectangular, and free-shape pools, made from fibreglass, granite, tiles, painted concrete, vinyl, tiles, and more.
In-ground pools and above-ground pools with rigid walls, maximum 12 x 6 m, above-ground pools with rigid walls, maximum 9 x 5 m
Dia-cyclone diaphragm
44 cm
6 m/min
By the user on the suction line or skimmer
12 x Twist-lock hoses, 1 x Wheel deflector, 1 x Flow gauge, 1 x Flowkeeper valve
2 years
The machine can work with most pool shapes, including oval. It is able to sweep granite, fibreglass, PVC (both reinforced and standard), tiles, concrete (even painted), the list goes on. The twist-lock hoses will create a tight and secure seal.
The cleaning width is limited.
The Zodiac T3, armed with long fins, will be accessing tight/sharp corners with ease, keeping the entire pool clean. Using anti-block wheels, this machine will be able to defeat bottom drains, stairs, even ladders, all whilst moving at 6.5 metres per minute and without stopping.
Above-ground pools with rigid walls, maximum 9 x 5 m
Dia-cyclone diaphragm
30 cm
6.5 m/min
By the user on the suction line or skimmer
10 x Twist-lock hoses, 1 x Wheel deflector, 1 x Flow gauge, 1 x Flowkeeper valve
2 years
Made from heavy-duty polypropylene, the unit can survive everyday submersion without corroding or rusting with time. With its 60-centimetre cleaning width, the machine will be spending less time on medium-size pools than sweepers with an average cleaning width.
Some connection points are flimsy.
The Jacksking Swimming Pool Cleaner will be automatically removing different pollution particles like dust, dirt, debris, even small insects and leaves. Using the long pole, you can increase its reach, whilst its quiet operation will let the unit sweep the pool without disturbing the neighbours.
In-ground pools and above-ground pools
Dia-cyclone diaphragm
60 cm
N/A
By the user on the suction line or skimmer
12 x White strip tube, 1 x White bracket, 6 x White accessories, 1 x Cleaner pillar, 1 x Blue round cleaning brush, 1 x Blue round fixed shelf, 1 x Yellow long pole
Amazon's 30-day return policy
The bristles on the round cleaning brush are made from high-density silicone hairs that will not start shedding within the first few years, at the very least. The long pole will increase the sweeper's reach. The machine can clean both in-ground and above-ground pools.
The unit is not great with steps.
The KOWE Swimming Pool Vacuum Cleaner follows does not reinvent the wheel and we're fine with its conservative approach. Constructed using high-quality polypropylene, the unit is not easily deformed and will allow you to use it without worrying about rust and corrosion down the road.
In-ground pools and above-ground pools
Dia-cyclone diaphragm
60 cm
N/A
By the user on the suction line or skimmer
12 x White long pipe, 1 x White bracket, 7 x Accessories, 1 x Cleaner support, 1 x Blue round cleaning brush, 1 x Blue round fixed bracket, 1 x Yellow long pole
Amazon's 30-day return policy
Aside from debris particles, dust, and sand, this unit can capture small stones, tree seeds, leaves, and more. Its corner movement is more impressive than mid-range models'. The supplied hoses are airproof and scuff-resistant, so what the sweeper captures will not be leaking out.
The model is slow.
Sweeping pools manually is a drag. But even the more affordable suction-side cleaners cost hundreds. Worry not though as the PAXCESS Pool Cleaner will come to the rescue. With this machine, you can maintain a clean pool without sweeping it yourself or without paying more than 100 quid.
In-ground pools, maximum 10 m long
Dia-cyclone diaphragm
~ 50 cm
N/A
By the user to the existing filtration system (at least 1/2 horsepower (1000 gal/h) is required)
16 x Airproof hoses, Set of accessories
1 year
Steps, Angles, Ladders? No Sweat
The Zodiac W78046 T5Duo has been described and marketed by the people behind it as a simple and efficient unit and while we can agree with the efficient notion, simple is not the word we would use to describe this one. To start with, there's nothing simple about the company's unique motion system that ensures suction even when targeting the smallest spaces. Between two independent but equally flexible toothed discs, the unit offers excellent traction in and around corners and on walls, and that's besides improving the machine's manoeuvrability.
While there's nothing humble about its output, what we appreciate about this product before anything else is the little details that make its operation as convenient as it is. These little details include anti-block wheels so that the unit can get past various obstacles without third-party assistance. Steps, angles, even ladders, this machine can handle them all. Of course, the company's signature twist-lock hose has not gone anywhere as well, creating a tight seal and a secure connection.
When you start counting these features, the model's versatile disposition becomes quite evident. To wit, this unit can clean private in-ground pools as well as standard above-ground pools with rigid walls measuring as much as 12 x 6 metres. These pools can be oval, rectangular, any shape really. The floors can be flat. They can also incorporate a gentle or composite slope. As far as pool surfaces are concerned, the model can handle anything from liners and polyester hulls to tiles, reinforced PVC, granite, painted concrete, fibreglass, vinyl, and more.
A Nice Package
Generally speaking, the Zodiac W78046 T5Duo will have no issues with fine and medium debris, though above-average debris pieces might cause occasional hiccups. Looking at the overall package, we're working with the company's standard suite that includes 12 twist-lock hoses, 1 wheel deflector, 1 flow gauge, and 1 flowkeeper valve. What's a little less standard is that the suite does not include an instruction manual, which is a little odd since there's usually one supplied with these pool sweepers and, considering how layered this machine is, some instructions could not hurt.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £225.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B006TB2ZGQ |
Accessing the Tightest Corners
Whilst the previous machine from the same company is a little more impressive than this one, the thing is that most people do not need as much output and as many features as that machine's offering. The Zodiac T3, on the other hand, has been designed to meet everyday people's needs, and the model does that exceptionally well. Sure, there are some drawbacks here as well. To name one, the cleaning width caps at 30 centimetres, which is not great. With this much cleaning width, the machine can sweep above-ground pools with rigid walls measuring less than 9 x metres. Anything above that will present noticeable challenges.
But, again, assuming you're working with a small or medium-sized pool, which most people are, the width will be sufficient. The fins on its head will be more than sufficient though. No, these fins do not just improve the machine's mobility, they also improve its efficiency. Using these fins, the sweeper can access the tightest, sharpest corners and is able to sweep all pool shapes, from oval to rectangular to free-shape pools. Not unlike its more expensive peer, this machine is also fine with most materials. Granite, concrete (including painted), fibreglass, PVC (reinforced or standard), tiles, vinyl, you name the material, the model can handle them all.
What's more, its movement speed measures 6.5 metres per minute, making the machine even more expedient than the aforementioned premium-class relative. Borrowing from the same relative, this unit also adopts anti-block wheels. Owing to these wheels, this suction-side sweeper can clean staircases, ladders, corners, and bottom drains, the obstacle's irrelevant as the machine can defeat them all.
Twist-Lock Hoses
Construction-wise, we're working with pretty much the same specimen, including the twist-lock hoses that separate the company's models from middling pool sweepers. Keeping the connection secure, these hoses can be connected right to the suction point or the pool skimmer, ensuring that the seal remains tight. Apart from the 10 hoses, the machine is shipped with 1 wheel deflector, 1 flow gauge, and 1 flowkeeper valve, a standard Zodiac package except that, this time, they didn't forget to add an instruction manual.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £174.93 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00CLUZJU8 |
Tough Thermoplastic Construction
The Jacksking Swimming Pool Cleaner might seem a little tame at first. But, when you get to know this fellow, you start forming a second impression that's almost 100% opposite the initial one. For starters, its cleaning width is brilliant. Measuring 60 centimetres, this machine spends less time cleaning medium-sized pools than its more expensive counterparts with less cleaning width.
But, before that, let's figure out what this product is constructed from. Besides certain connection points that seem more flimsy and fragile than most (primarily the one around the head), the machine adopts high-strength polypropylene, so you can submerge the head without worrying that some parts might start showing corrosion signs eventually or forming rust patches with time. No, despite its flexible nature, polypropylene is a tough thermoplastic, lightweight yet practically uncrackable. As long as you avoid high heat exposure, which is not difficult, this machine should easily last years, maybe even decades.
Quiet Operation
From the operation perspective, the model automatically removes most pollution particles from pools, including dust, dirt, and fine-/medium-sized debris pieces. It can sweep the bottom as well as the walls without experiencing noticeable discomfort. To add more, because the machine automatically connects to the pool filtration system, you can start sweeping almost right away, as soon as you assemble the unit.
On that note, the assembly part should not present noticeable challenges. The instructions that come with the package are straightforward and not as convoluted as you'd expect considering how many accessories are shipped with the sweeper. Speaking of it, these accessories include 12 white strip tubes, 1 white bracket, 6 white general-use accessories, 1 cleaner pillar, 1 blue round cleaning brush, 1 blue round fixed shelf, and 1 yellow long pole.
For the most part, you can figure them out without instructions, like the round cleaning brush that lets this suction-side system sweep the bottom, while the yellow long pole enables you to increase the machine's reach. Last but not least, the model's practically silent.
| Last updated price | £343.55 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07WWGG9F5 |
Following the Common Playbook
The KOWE Swimming Pool Vacuum Cleaner follows the common playbook that is deployed across almost all pool sweepers. From where we're standing, there's nothing necessarily great about this product but there are a few advantages that earned this unit a spot on the list, albeit not the best spot.
First things first, we can appreciate the overall package that the company ships you with this pool-sweeping machine. Needless to say, you receive 12 white pipes, nothing interesting about them. There's also nothing interesting about the white bracket that connects these pipes to the head and the 7 general-use accessories that you receive with the kit.
But there's something interesting about the cleaner support, the round cleaning brush, the round fixed bracket, and the long pole. The pole's yellow, which is usually the case with these extension poles, no idea why. The brush and the bracket are blue, matching the model's blue and white paintwork. As you can imagine, the pole will let you extend the head's reach so that the machine can sweep medium-sized in-ground pools and above-ground pools with matching ease. The round fixed bracket will support the round cleaning brush, using which the unit will be capturing more dirt and moss at a time. The brush is as corrosion-resistant as the main unit, fitted with high-density yet flexible bristles that should not start shedding anytime soon.
60-Centimetre Cleaning Width
Now, pivoting towards the main unit, there are almost no differences between this one and the one from Jacksking, so we'll keep things brief. The machine's also primarily made from polypropylene, so you don't have to worry about rust and corrosion or easily breaking the sweeper by hitting it against the walls. Just like its competition, this one is quite good at absorbing dust, dirt, and debris particles from the wall and the bottom.
The noise levels on this one are also pretty modest, which means, chances are, the vacuum will not be disturbing the neighbours or the people who live with you whilst sweeping the pool. But the best part is the 60-centimetre cleaning width, covering larger pool parts at a time, thus wasting less time cleaning the overall pool.
The machine's not great with steps, which is unfortunate but not too concerning. Besides that, the KOWE Swimming Pool Vacuum Cleaner should not disappoint, sweeping pools and automatically discharging what the unit's absorbed into the pool's filtration system, making its upkeep and maintenance a breeze.
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B08FB8CW1W |
Acceptable Trade-Offs
The PAXCESS Pool Cleaner is the least expensive entry on this list. Because the product costs less than 100 quid, there are certain trade-offs that come without saying when you're talking about low-end suction-side pool sweepers. Most aren't that bad but its operation speed is quite slow (somewhere around 4 metres per minute), which is unfortunate since everything else here presents an attractive package relative to the product's price tag. To name one, its cleaning width measures 50 centimetres. Though there are models that stretch the cleaning width as much as 60 centimetres, this is still nothing to sneeze at, covering more pool real estate at a time than most sweepers.
Matching its less affordable peers, this model can climb walls, capturing leaves, hairs, tree seeds, different debris particles, small stones, sand, dust, and more. The surprising part is that this machine is also quite good at accessing and sweeping corners, so even pools with an unusual shape will not stand a chance against this cleaner. However, unlike more expensive models, this one cannot sweep stairs. Also, the machine is not great with right-angled walls.
Though we're not done with the main unit quite yet, the 16 upgraded hoses deserve some recognition as well, so let's switch gears and discuss them for a moment. First, they're airproof, so you don't have to worry about fine debris and different small particles leaking out. Second, the hoses are long and scuff-resistant, meaning that you won't be replacing them anytime soon.
Unfettered Cleaning
Like most pool sweepers, this one also comes with a spiral wound vacuum hose, enabling unfettered cleaning. The subject hose measures almost 10 metres, giving the vacuum an impressive reach. With this reach, the model easily covers medium-sized in-ground pools (10 metres long or less).
Setting these details aside, the PAXCESS Pool Cleaner is not bringing anything new to the table, which's more than fine considering its budget disposition. Like most suction-side sweepers, this one attaches to existing filtration systems. These systems should be boasting at least 1/2 HP (1000 gal/h) pressure-wise, something that most filtration systems can do.
To give you the gist, what we have here is the cheapest way to keep your pool clean without using a manual vacuum cleaner. As cheap as it is, the model produces decent results and should easily last at least a few years without breaking down.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B08547HSXN |
What Is a Pool Sweeper?
Robotic pool cleaners are great, we love them, most people who have some experience with them do. But most people cannot afford them without making noticeable financial sacrifices. At the same time, even customers on a tight budget seldom feel like sweeping their pool manually, there's nothing especially exciting about that. So, you settle for a suction-side pool sweeper. They're a lot less expensive than robotic cleaners. You can buy a decent, functional model for as little as 100 quid. Sure, these sweepers abuse the filtration system, but they can clean and maintain sizable pools without you helping or paying more than 500 quid, meaning that certain compromises are inevitable.
Generally speaking, these swimming pool cleaners are not the most sophisticated machines but, even so, they can usually sweep different pools with relative ease. Certain mid-range and high-end models can even clean stairs, ladders, and drains. Capturing countless small particles, from dust and debris to small stones and leaves, these sweepers work together with the filtration system and let you enjoy swimming in a nice, clean pool.
What Features to Compare
Pool Types
There are suction-side sweepers that can maintain most pool types but, generally speaking, they're almost as expensive as pressure-side systems. The best suction-side models can handle both in-ground pools and above-ground pools (including inflatable hot tubs) with rigid walls but the more affordable models are usually not that great at cleaning the above-ground ones, especially those that incorporate rigid walls.
Besides that, there're also shape and construction differences. Nowadays, people make pools from practically anything, including not just concrete, granite, and tiles but also PVC, fibreglass, vinyl, and more. Some models can sweep them all, some cannot. Some models can clean and maintain flat-bottom pools as well as pools with a composite or gentle slope, whereas others struggle with unusual pools. There are also oval pools and countless free-shape/free-form pools and budget sweepers can seldom handle those.
Cleaning Width
This part is easy. As you can imagine, apart from making the machine less compact, there's no downside to having more cleaning width. Sure, sometimes, that means the unit is not as good at accessing tight corners but, more often than not, you can replace the brush and you'll be fine. The more cleaning width you have the less time the machine spends cleaning the entire pool, so grab as much as you can.
Movement Speed
Movement speed is inseparable from cleaning width. You can have as much cleaning width as possible but with the machine sweeping one metre per minute, what good will that do you? Conversely, when the unit matches its movement speed with its cleaning width (that will usually mean somewhere around 5-6 metres per minute), that's when you have a sweeper than can cover medium-sized pools in less than 20-30 minutes.
Overall Package
Suction-side sweepers, pressure-side models, manual units, robotic solutions, when you're discussing different vacuum cleaners, the product is seldom complete without an accessory list, sometimes impressive, sometimes not quite. Like most vacuum cleaners, pool sweepers are usually shipped with different hoses and brushes. They can be supplied with replaceable poles and, at times, even with items like flow gauges and wheel deflectors. What you want here is both quality and quantity. Make sure that the hoses are airproof and, at least to some extent, scuff-resistant. Otherwise, they will not last even a few years.
Different Pool Cleaners and What Separates Them
Whilst pool filters keep the water pretty clean, they cannot remove dirt and debris that will stick to the walls or wind up on the bottom or ladders. As you'd expect, this is where different pool cleaners come into play. Generally speaking, these fall under four categories: manual, suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, so let's figure them out.
Suction-Side
These are the cleaners that we're reviewing here. Since we've already discussed them at great length, we'll keep this part brief. First, besides manual vacuums, they're the cheapest option between the four. Again, attaching to existing filters' suction side, they usually dump the debris that they've captured into the filter pump. These vacuums move in random patterns around the pool. Installing them is as easy as flooding a nose, attaching that nose to the pool pump's suction side, and attaching the flooded suction cleaner. Sometimes, you'll have to adjust the valve to make sure the flow meets the desired range but that's about it. An average person with a modest pool on a limited budget who has no time or desire to clean the pool manually will usually find suction-side systems sufficient, even though they're not necessarily merciful towards the pool's filter and are not quite as efficient as the competition.
Manual
These are essentially standard vacuum cleaners. They usually come with a long pole that you hold standing outside the pool and sweep the bottom, walls, and everything surrounding the pool with. Of course, manual vacuums are the most affordable option but they put almost as much drain on the pool's filter as suction-side cleaners and, needless to say, they require manual labour, which is about as fun as you would expect (spoiler alert: it is not fun at all).
Pressure-Side
Pressure-side systems work by attaching to the filter pump's pressure side ad moving around the pool relying upon the water pressure for force. More often than not, aside from the current filtration system that you're working with, these vacuums require booster pumps so that you can increase water circulation. They're not quite as expensive as robotic cleaners but, when you also count the booster pump, pressure-side systems become a lot less affordable than they might seem initially. On the upside, they do not dump debris into filters, so the filtration system that you're using should not start deteriorating as fast as they usually do working with suction-side vacuums.
Robotic
Robotic cleaners are effective and energy-efficient. They also cost a hefty fortune. Instead of abusing your pool's filtration system, these robots are self-contained and self-sufficient units. You plug them into an outlet and off they go. Sometimes, they even include fancy software, using which these robots map the pool and ensure that its entire surface's cleaned. The more expensive, premium models can even climb walls. Again, you'll have to pay through the nose, but if you have the financial means, there's no reason not to go with a robotic cleaner.