Last Updated on January 30, 2023
After researching the best vacuums for Intex pools here is what we found:
Choosing the right vacuum is essential since it is one of the most used tools you have for keeping your pool clean. We found that the size of your pool, its location in your yard, how much debris ends up in your pool, and how much time you want to dedicate to vacuuming are the most important considerations. Read on to see our recommendations.
As you probably know by now, having a pool is a great asset to your family but it does come with a bit of maintenance work to keep it clean and running at its best. You are probably looking for the best vacuum for intex pools…
Best Vacuums For Intex Pools At A Glance
Why you need a vacuum for your Intex Pool
The most important maintenance task to keeping your above ground pool clean is vacuuming your pool. This helps to remove the debris that accumulates from dust, dirt, tree debris, and everything else that ends up at the bottom of your pool! Without some type of vacuum, that debris accumulates and eventually affects the water quality of your pool.
If you do not regularly vacuum your pool, that will increase the burden on your pool’s pump and filtration system. We covered the Best Pumps for Intex Pools HERE.
That is one of the good reasons for you to get a pool vacuum for your Intex pool ASAP!
So how do you select the best pool vacuum for your Intex pool?
- Best Vacuums For Intex Pools At A Glance
- Why you need a vacuum for your Intex Pool
- Our Top Picks – Pool Vacuums For Intex Pools
- Best Handheld – Intex Rechargeable Vacuum
- Best Cordless Robotic – Aiper SMART
- Best Pressure Side Robotic – Intex Automatic Pool Cleaner
- Best Suction Side – Zodiac Ranger
- Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Pressure Side Automatic Pool Cleaner
- How To Choose The Best Vacuum For Your Intex Pool
- Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Vacuums For Intex Pools
- What is the best vacuum for Intex pools?
- How often should I use my Intex pool vacuum?
- How long do pool vacuums last?
- What are the benefits of using a pool vacuum?
- Can I use these vacuums on other pools like Coleman, Summer Waves or Bestway?
- How can I vacuum my pool without a pump?
- Do I need to vacuum my pool even if I leave a cover on it?
- Best Pool Vacuum For Intex Pools – Final Thoughts
Our Top Picks – Pool Vacuums For Intex Pools
Best Handheld – Intex Rechargeable Vacuum
- Suitable for use with all pure spas and above ground pools up to 18' Diameter
- Includes two interchangeable brush heads, USB cable for recharging, 94" Lightweight telescoping Aluminum shaft, & SHAFT adapter to fit longer/wider telescoping aluminum shaf
- Automatic shutoff feature when vacuum is not submerged in water, IPX8 waterproof switch for added protection against water submersion
- Keep pool water clean by vacuuming out dirt and debris
Our first pick is the Intex Battery Operated Rechargeable Vacuum. Owners of smaller intex pools overwhelmingly use this vacuum to keep the bottom of their Easy Set Pools clean. We also recommend this vacuum in our article about how to keep kiddie pools clean.
The batteries take around 4-6 hours to charge and owners report a run-time of around 40 minutes which is enough to clean most smaller Intex pools.
This vacuum is completely self-sufficient. That means you do not need to hook it up to your pump and filter at all.
The Handheld Vacuum is Best For:
- Owners of Easy Set inflatable pools
- Those on a limited budget
Pros
- Simple to use, no hoses to attach
- Two interchangeable heads for different cleaning needs
- Lightweight
Cons
- Unsure of how many seasons the rechargeable batteries will last
- Can take longer to vacuum pool due to smaller size
Advice from Real World Users:
- Do not be put off by the size, the telescoping handle makes it possible to reach the middle of the pool easily.
- The unit does not power on until it is submersed in the water, so don’t worry that your unit is not working if you turn it on outside of the water.
- If you find it difficult to push this around from the outside of the pool, just hop in and use it while walking around in the pool.
Best Alternatives Available
Best Cordless Robotic – Aiper SMART
- UNPARALLELED CLEAN CAPABILITY: Dual Motor System and closer large inlet collect and filter more dirt and debris than ever before, saving you time, and leaving you with a crystal clear pool.
- FLOOR & WALL: The Aiper Elite Pro cleans more than just your pool floor, it also cleans your pool walls! Great for all pool types, just click and forget and let the Pro do its job. Suitable for above...
- ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN: Weighing 10 pounds, the Aiper Elite Pro is light enough for most the family to use and is ultra-portable and the quick water release makes your Elite Pro storage ready in...
- FAST CHARGING & IMPROVED BATTERY LIFE: The Aiper Elite Pro takes 2-2.5 hours to full charge and each charge provides up to 120 minutes of cleaning capabilities, enough to clean pools up to 1300 Sq.ft.
Robotic pool cleaners come in two main types, suction or pressure. Both types require you to connect your hose to either your pump or to an outlet in your pool. The hose can be quite a hassle to deal with.
A new category of robotic cleaners has emerged, cordless. This robot has a rechargeable battery and has its own suction basket. This means that it does not need to be connected to either power or suction/pressure.
You literally turn it on and drop it in the pool and walk away. That’s it. Intex pool owners really love this simple vacuum. It takes about two hours to charge, and it runs for about an hour on each charge. That is plenty of time to clean even the largest Intex pool.
The Aiper SMART Robot is Best For:
- Owners who don’t want to worry with hoses or cords
- Any size above ground pool
Pros
- Easy to assemble, you can use it within 10 minutes of unboxing
- Surprising suction power for a small robot
- Large debris basket
Cons
- Is frequently out of stock
- Needs to be emptied frequently if pool is very dirty
Advice from Real World Users:
- The cleaner comes with a special hook that you put on the end of your pool pole to retrieve the cleaner once it is done cleaning.
- There are special settings that make the cleaner better for round or rectangular pools, refer to the manual.
- When the robot is near the end of the battery it automatically returns to a wall to make it easier to retrieve.
Best Alternatives Available
Best Pressure Side Robotic – Intex Automatic Pool Cleaner
- Cleans your pool without effort!
- Requires a filter pump with a flow rate between 1,600 - 4,000 GPH (6,056 - 15,140 L/hr)
- Automatically reverses direction to vacuum the entire pool floor For use with 7.32 m (24 ft) and smaller diameter pools
- Includes 24 ft. 7 in hose that attaches easily to existing pool inlet
If you are looking for an automatic solution to save time in your pool cleaning schedule, then you need a robotic pool cleaner. We have an article dedicated to the best robotic pool cleaners, but for Intex pools we recommend their own automatic pool cleaner.
It is important to note that this is a pressure side vacuum. This means that it connects to the outlet of your pump and contains the collected sediment in its own filter, not into your sand filter.
This cleaner works on a “set and forget” method. You simply put the cleaner in the pool, and let it run and when you come back the pool is clean.
The Automatic Cleaner Robot is Best For:
- Owners of larger pools with sand filters
- Those who don’t want to bother with a handheld cleaner
Pros
- Easy to assemble, you can use it right away
- Good suction power to remove larger debris
- Picks up fine particles better than other vacuums
Cons
- Is frequently out of stock
- Needs to be emptied frequently if pool is very dirty
Advice from Real World Users:
- The cleaner comes with various length hoses, this is because people have different size pools and need different length hoses.
- Remember, this vacuum connects to the discharge outlet in your pool not your inlet, this is a common mistake for new owners.
- You need a sand filter with at least 1500 GPH in order to use this robotic cleaner
Best Alternatives Available
Best Suction Side – Zodiac Ranger
- Effectively cleans above-ground swimming pools (not recommended for Intex/soft-sided pools), including dished-out bottoms up to 72 inches.
- One moving part technology, eliminates annoying hammer or flapper noise; works quickly, effectively, and quietly.
- Unique Deflector Wheel helps prevent it from getting caught on steps, ladders and corners!
- Comes pre-assembled for easy installation and includes 32 feet of feed hose.
Another great pool vacuum to use in your Intex pool is the Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner.
It’s been equipped with one moving part technology that eliminates annoying flapper or hammer noise commonly associated with other pool cleaners.
The unique Deflector Wheel helps prevent it from getting caught on steps, ladders, and corners of your Intex pool.
The Zodiac Ranger comes with a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
What Customers Love
- It comes pre-assembled, so you can use it right away.
- It cleans the bottom of their Intex pools well.
Main Customer Complaint
- Some customers receive the item with some missing parts.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Pressure Side Automatic Pool Cleaner
- Suitable for all aboveground pools up to 5-feet deep.
- Installs easily in minutes.
- Powered by the pressure of clean water returning to your pool, leaving both the filter and skimmer free to eliminate contaminants.
- Operates with pumps and filtration systems normally found on aboveground pools and vacuums the bottom and sweeps the sides in three hours or less.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Pressure Side Automatic Pool Cleaner is made specifically for above ground pools and does not need any specialized equipment to work. It can work by just using the pump and filtration system that came with your Intex pool set and does a great job cleaning out debris, insects, dust particles, and algae.
It has a filter bag, so it does not need to utilize your filtration system. And it can easily catch debris, like twigs and leaves, in your pool on its own.
Another unique feature of this device is its patented jet sweep assembly. This blows pool water against your Intex pool’s wall to loosen debris in hard-to-reach places and then sweeps them to its filter bag.
The product comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
What Customers Love
- It offers great value for money.
- The vacuum can easily reach deep parts of their Intex pools.
Main Customer Complaint
- The hose gets tied up more often than not.
How To Choose The Best Vacuum For Your Intex Pool
Your pool vacuum is an essential tool to properly maintain your Intex pool. Without it, your pool filtration will have to work harder to provide you with clean and clear pool water.
If you’re having a difficult time selecting the right pool vacuum for your Intex pool, then you might consider answering these questions first:
- What’s the size of your Intex pool?
- Do you have an inflatable pool or a framed pool?
- What type of pool vacuum are you looking for?
- How much are you willing to spend on your Intex pool vacuum?
Once you’re able to come up with answers to those questions, it’ll be easier for you to decide on what pool vacuum you should purchase.
Pro Tip: By creating a perfectly flat bottom in your pool, vacuuming it will be much easier since there are no crevices where dirt can get trapped. We cover how to use foam tiles under your Intex Pool in this article.
Types of Pool Vacuum Cleaners For Intex Pools
There are four types of pool vacuums available for use on Intex pools. They are…
Suction Pool Vacuums
Suction pool vacuums work by using the suction power of your Intex pool pump to collect dirt and debris in your Intex pool. For this reason, this type of pool vacuum uses the most energy among other pool cleaners. You may need a more powerful pump to run some of these types of vacuums. These also use your pool filter to trap the dirt, which means you will need to change your filter or backwash your sand filter more often.
Pressure Pool Cleaners
Often referred to as pressure-side cleaners, this type of pool vacuum utilizes the water returning to your Intex pool. Unlike suction pool vacuums, pressure pool cleaners do not add any burden to your filtration system. This type of pool vacuum is best for those with medium to large-sized Intex pools that often have large debris in them.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners are considered the most efficient pool vacuums today. They do not require being attached to your pump or filtration system, as they have their own motor and filter inside them.
They can clean your Intex pool without much work on your part. A robotic pool cleaner is a plug and play device that’ll do all your pool cleaning for you. The main drawback of having one is its high upfront cost.
This pool vacuum is best for Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool owners.
Handheld Pool Vacuums
Handheld pool vacuums are an inexpensive way to maintain your Intex pool and keeping your pool water clean from dirt and debris.
Using a handheld pool vacuum is similar to the vacuum you used in your home or your car, you have to maneuver it manually throughout your pool area.
It may take a longer time for you to clean your Intex pool using a handheld pool vacuum, despite it being the most affordable. This type of pool vacuum is best for Easy Set pool owners and those who have Intex kiddie pools at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Vacuums For Intex Pools
What is the best vacuum for Intex pools?
The best pool vacuum depends on your pool size. For large Intex pools, we highly recommend getting a robotic pool cleaner.
If you’re looking for a more affordable pool vacuum, then the best we can recommend is the Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner.
How often should I use my Intex pool vacuum?
This highly depends on how many times you use your Intex pool each week. Vacuuming your Intex pool at least once a week should be enough if you’re not using it often.
Now, if you use your pool often, using your pool vacuum twice or thrice a week is advised to keep your pool water clean from dirt and debris.
How long do pool vacuums last?
Pool vacuums can last you for several years. Of course, this depends on how you use it and if you properly clean and store it after every use.
Going with a trusted brand like Hayward, Intex, or Maytronics (for Dolphin pool cleaners) is suggested to endure you are getting a good quality pool cleaner in the first place.
What are the benefits of using a pool vacuum?
Using a pool vacuum in your Intex pool is a great way for you to maintain it and this will help extend the lifespan of your Intex pool.
Also, having an Intex pool vacuum will ease the burden on your filtration system to clean your pool water. This saves you money when it comes to replacing your filter media since you don’t have to do it often compared to not using a pool vacuum.
And of course, using a pool vacuum gives you a better swimming pool experience by letting you have cleaner and clearer water in your Intex pool.
Can I use these vacuums on other pools like Coleman, Summer Waves or Bestway?
Yes, all of the vacuums mentioned in this article can work with the other major brands of above ground pools also. Keep in mind that you may need an adapter.
How can I vacuum my pool without a pump?
Some vacuums connect to a simple garden hose and use the pressure from the water to collect dirt in a sock-trap. A pool pump is not needed to use these types of vacuums.
Do I need to vacuum my pool even if I leave a cover on it?
Many people leave a cover over their pool such as a
Best Pool Vacuum For Intex Pools – Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many options to choose from when it comes to your pool vacuum or pool cleaner.
We highly recommend getting a robotic pool vacuum for those with a large-sized Intex pool as it’s very energy-efficient and can clean your whole pool in less than 2 hours.
For those with average-sized pools or pools with less than 24 feet in diameter, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 65, Zodiac Ranger Automatic Pool Cleaner, or Hayward W3500 Aquabug Pool Vacuum should be enough to properly maintain your Intex pool. They’re powerful enough to remove the debris in your pool’s interior.
Finally, for those in a budget or have a smaller-sized pool, the Intex Handheld Rechargeable Vacuum should get the job done and give you a clean and clear pool water to swim on.
Did not find the Intex pool vacuum you were looking for? Try these other options.
The filters on these pools are a mystery. I have a vacuum I hook up to the skimmer, and at first the suction is great, then it falls off. Several times I have to block the intake water, cut the pump off and unscrew the plastic top on the filter and just let the water run. No amount of backwashing, etc. will clean it out. After a few minutes I put it all back together and the pump works fine. It’s a mystery to me. Wish Intex would allow you to upgrade filters when you buy the product, and also that ladder that is pure junk with the 1 inch wide steps.