Every pool owner knows that pool maintenance works hand-in-hand with pool usage and that maintenance sure is a lot of work, especially when the trees that often provide shade shed their leaves gradually or fully.
You might be thinking that leaves sound so harmless after all, but a continued accumulation of these leaves can really give you a lot of trouble in the pool, and that is why there are pool cleaners to get rid of them.
Pool cleaners for leaves do you a great service by ridding the pool of leaves which are often the largest debris sizes as well as other types of debris.
In a variety of ways, this piece will primarily answer the question of what is the best pool cleaner for leaves, with a little extra, so come aboard the cleaning express.
Top 3 Recommendations
Best Overall – Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool [Vacuum] Cleaner
Runner Up – DOLPHIN E10 Robotic Pool [Vacuum] Cleaner
Best Alternative – Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner
A Guide To The Best Pool Cleaner for Leaves in 2022
1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner – Best Overall Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic pool vacuum cleaner is a great topper amongst the most fabulous robotic pool cleaners for leaves, and here is why.
As a robotic cleaner designed for large and extra-deep in-ground pools of up to 50 feet, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is the ultimate automatic pool cleaner to tackle all surfaces from gunite to plastic, and others, without stress.
This it does with its 60 inches tangle-free cable allows the cleaner to work independently without getting snagged while cleaning.
It features a powerful suction motor with an incredible 4500 GPH suction rate. It utilizes its standard dual scrubbing brushes alongside large twin cartridges to every part of the pool of dirt and debris by trapping and locking it all in.
Unlike other pool cleaners, this robotic cleaner is an energy-efficient model with superior cleaning power that guarantees you a clean swimming pool within a 2-hour cleaning cycle.
In addition to this, the product features a start button and a weekly scheduler that includes 3 settings for every day, every other day, or every 3rd day for easier cleaning.
Pros
- Offers fast and efficient cleaning
- Offers full pool coverage
- Dual filtration system
- Easy programming
- Comes with a 5-7 years warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t clean stairs
- No remote control
2. DOLPHIN E10 Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner – Best Above Ground Pool Cleaner
You must have been wondering all the while if there is anything for an above-ground pool. And yes, there is a mighty and powerful model, the Dolphin E10 automatic pool cleaner.
With a specific fit for all above-ground pools, the E10 works well with swimming pools measuring up to 30 feet long.
Featuring a 4000 GPH suction rate while using a single front high-speed scrubber, the cleaner is a powerful model that does not require a booster pump yet offers you a full clean service in about 1.5 hours. Again it’s easy to use, and it is a great energy saver thanks to its CleverClean technology.
Additionally, the model comes with a large single-click basket filter type that is top loading to handle all kinds of debris.
For pool owners who desire to handle finer particles, you can combine the cleaner with Dolphin ultra-fine filters to get every tiny spec out.
Finally, the cleaner is easy to clean thanks to its quick water release feature that effortlessly lets water out of the cleaner with ease.
Pros
- Perfect for above ground pools
- Quick cleaning cycle
- Features a quick-release system
- Energy efficient with no booster pump needed
- Easy usage and maintenance
Cons
- Non-anti-tangle cable
- Cleans only the floor
3. Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner – Best Robotic Cleaner for Inground Pool
In the category of robotic cleaners that really get cleaning going, we have the Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic cleaner for any in-ground pool, which is a topper amongst Polaris cleaners for many good reasons.
For movement, it employs the Vortex vacuum technology, which offers an oversized suction capacity to capture all kinds of debris on the pool’s floor and surface, including large debris.
All of these while ensuring that the pool vacuum is suspended and in constant motion for effective and long-lasting cleaning.
Well balanced on a 4 wheel Drive Technology alongside a solid-blade scrubbing brush, the robotic pool cleaner can easily tackle any surface area and corner of the pool, including the pool walls, staircases, etc. And to easily reach the tough areas, its rear water propulsion system allows it to do so with ease.
Again, to store all the debris captured, it features an easy-to-clean filter canister which is designed with a dirty canister indicator whenever the canister is full and requires cleaning.
Asides from that, the model offers a customizable cleaning cycle and a 7-day programmable timer which can be easily set with the motion-sensing remote control.
And finally, the robotic pool cleaner comes with a 70 feet cable, a tangle-reducing swivel, extra-large debris canister, a premium caddy, and handheld remote control.
Pros
- Uses high-grade technology to function
- Easy to set cleaning session
- Full pool coverage
- Remote controlled
- Easy to clean large debris canister
Cons
- High-priced
4. Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Inground Pool Cleaner – Best Pressure Side Cleaner for Small Inground Pools
Swimming pool owners in need of a pressure-side cleaner for their in-ground pool should consider The Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 as it’s not only ideal for in-ground swimming pools, but as one of the best Polaris cleaners, it offers assured quality.
Fully compatible with all in-ground pools and surfaces, such as a fiberglass pool, the automatic pool cleaner features a 32-inch long hose ideal to cover all areas of a small inground pool with ease.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 is capable of capturing both medium-sized and large-sized debris such as leaves, acorns, pebbles, etc., alongside other small objects found in the pool.
And for storage, the cleaner includes an all-purpose debris filter bag with a hook and loop closure system to make opening and closing easy.
In addition to that, the model is powered by 3 venturi jets with a 2.25-inch wide vacuum inlet for easy debris picking, and it utilizes an in-line backup valve to reach all areas of the pool while rolling on an all-wheel belt drive.
Plus, since it is powered by the water pressure from the pool’s filtration system, it does not require a booster pump.
Pros
- Suitable for all in-ground pools
- Employs powerful suction
- Features a large mesh bag
- No booster pump required
- Rolls on an all-wheel belt drive
Cons
- Not ideal for larger pools
5. XtremepowerUS Premium Automatic Suction Vacuum-generic Climb Wall Pool Cleaner – Best Adjustable Cleaner
Want a pool cleaner that is perfect for any kind of small to medium, round, or whatever, then you should really give the XtremepowerUS Premium Automatic Suction Vacuum cleaner a try.
As a cleaner that comes with 10 hoses that are easily connectable, the XtremepowerUS Premium Automatic Suction cleaner offers deep and wide coverage of your pool to rid it of all kinds of debris from leaves to algae and much more with its adjustable debris suction pad.
Perfectly designed to work independently without electricity, it easily attaches to the pool’s filter system or pool pump to give you the required suction you need.
Plus, it is capable of reaching every corner and area of the pool, from the walls to the staircases and more.
And, of course, the suction cleaner is an easy-to-maintain model that offers effortless performance and long-lasting usage.
Pros
- Adjustable debris suction capacity
- Offers full cleaning coverage
- Works without electricity
- Works at any pressure level
Cons
- Quite expensive
6. Hayward W3PVS20GST Poolvergnuegen Suction Pool Cleaner – Best Easy Maneuver
The Hayward Poolvergnuegen suction cleaner is one of the few robotic cleaners that offers real maneuverability combined with efficiency.
The suction cleaner that comes in 2 0r a 4-wheel drive features a steering system with multi pre-programmed steering sequences designed for full pool coverage.
This is backed up with super robust tire treads that aid its superior maneuverability features. These tire treads allow the cleaner to effortlessly cross obstacles and hurdles along the pool floor with ease.
In addition to that, the model boasts of self-adjusting turbine vanes, which provide maximum power to clean and rid the pool of all kinds of large dirt, and with its interchangeable throat, you can switch from low suction flow to high suction flow based on your pool’s need.
Ideal for in-ground swimming pools, the suction cleaner comes with a 33 feet long hose for the 2 wheeler and a 40 feet long hose for the 4-wheeler.
Pros
- Great maneuverability
- Features self-adjusting turbine vanes
- Large tire treads for easy access
- Features long cables
- Interchangeable throat for better suction
Cons
- Customer service complaints
7. Hayward RC9740WCCUB SharkVac XL Robotic Pool Cleaner – Best Easy Maintenance
While other vacuum cleaners are more particular about keeping your pool clean, the Hayward SharkVac model does that and, even more, makes its personal maintenance a breeze.
It is designed with an out of water sensor to prevent motor burn up whenever the cleaner is out of the water and a beach entry sensor that reverses its direction whenever the cleaner starts climbing out of water.
This way, you can easily reduce the frequency of instances that can lead to the cleaner malfunctioning.
In addition to this, this is one of the few pool cleaners for leaves that utilizes a smart steering technology, alongside a dual filtration system that allows it to cover more ground thanks to its 50-foot long cord in a faster period of time while offering a complete clean up within 2 hours.
The pool cleaner is energy-saving as it works without the pool’s filtration system and without a booster pump. Finally, it offers fast debris removal with easy cleanup thanks to its top-access filter that can be easily rinsed out with a garden hose.
Pros
- Highly technological
- Easy to maintain
- Offers full coverage with a thorough cleaning
- Energy-saving with no booster pump required
- Comes with a long power cable
Cons
- Cable gets tangled easily
- Filter changing can be tedious
8. Dolphin Triton PS Plus – Best Control
Another undisputable Dolphin pool cleaner is the Dolphin Triton which offers superior control features that make the entire functional and easy to flow.
Featuring a smartphone operating system, the Dolphin Triton PS Plus is a perfect model for large-sized in-ground pools with a 50 feet range.
The smartphone operating system alongside a controlling application offers an easy, hands-free, efficient cleaning experience.
In addition to that, the cleaner offers a wide range of functionalities, including a scheduled weekly cleaning, programmable timer, spot clean option, a quick clean option, and so on, all very easy to navigate and employ with ease.
Perfect for cleaning out fine dust as well as algae, the Dolphin Triton PS Plus uses front high-speed scrubber brushes alongside standard back scrubbing brushes to clean out the pool.
And with its extra-large single click basket filtration, it cleans all kinds of surfaces and areas with a cleaning rate of a quick 1-hour capacity and a standard 2-hours cleaning cycle time.
Pros
- Controlled by a smartphone operating system
- Features a wide range of functionalities
- Covers all areas
- Large filtration capacity
Cons
- Quite expensive
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Pool Cleaner for Leaves
Pool cleaner types
Pool cleaners fall into three main categories, manual pool cleaners, automatic pool cleaners, and robotic pool cleaners.
The manual pool cleaner involves manual cleaning, the automatic pool cleaners come in two types of suction side cleaners, and the pressure side pool cleaner entails an automated cleaning process.
Note that the pressure side pool cleaner is more appropriate for leaves as it is designed to handle larger particles and the suction side cleaners are ideal for smaller particles.
Finally, the robotic pool cleaners are also automatic but are more advanced in functionality as they often function with the direction of remote controls and truly cut down any need for personal interference, unlike regular pool cleaners.
Pool type and size
In terms of pool types and pool sizes, pool vacuum cleaners are either suitable for above-ground pools or for in-ground pools.
The difference is that an above-ground pool is much smaller, measuring about 30 feet long, and would work well with pool cleaners that have between 30- 40 feet long coverage.
Inground pools that are much bigger, measuring a maximum of 60 feet long, require pool vacuum cleaners that will provide a wider coverage between 40-60 feet long.
Also, keep in mind that there are saltwater pool types that require pool cleaners designed to withstand saltwater effects and deal with dirt related to saltwater pools.
Pool surface and shape
As with the pool surface, a few robotic pool cleaners are designed to handle all kinds of pool surfaces, being suitable for vinyl pools and for vinyl pool liners, as well as for pebblecrete.
On the other hand, some are not designed to be as delicate. Hence, you need to be sure about the surface type that your pool is best for to avoid ruining your pool floors.
The pool surface and the shape of the pool also come into play as different pool cleaners are differently equipped to tackle various shapes and surfaces.
Some models do well in delicate surfaces like the vinyl surface, while others are best for tougher ones.
And some models are more equipped to handle some pool shapes as well as areas of the pool such as the pool wall, the staircases, and other hard-to-reach areas of the pool floor.
Debris size and type
All pool vacuums are designed to keep your pool clean by ridding it of dirt and debris, but before that, you have to consider the debris type and size that your pool cleaner will be encountering.
A pool leaf vacuum will not only rid your pool of leaves but also other forms of debris, and although the leaf is large debris, there are other tiny particles and fine particles like dust, pollen, sand, etc.
Larger debris with larger volumes will require a higher suction capacity cleaner, and smaller debris requires less.
When figuring out what you need for your own swimming pool, keep this in mind.
Cost
The good news is that pool vacuum cleaners come with different price tags, so there is surely one that will match your needs as well as your pocket at the end of the day.
But keep in mind that the more functional pool cleaners are, the higher the price. Hence, robotic pool cleaners top the list as the most expensive, the automatic pool vacuum offers a more medium-ranged price, and the manual models offer a very cheap range.
But don’t be discouraged with the general classification as there are still those that are affordable for you in all three types.
Concluding Thoughts
Pool cleaners work to facilitate your daily pool cleaning to ensure that you keep your pool clean with very little work.
Be it an automatic pool cleaner or robotic vacuum cleaners, pool cleaners for leaves save you a great deal of work while also protecting the pool pump and pool filter from extra work.
Now that you know just what to look out for, we do hope you’ll get the best pool cleaner for leaves to keep your pool water clean and sparkling.