If you have a swimming pool surrounded by trees, you're probably well aware of how quickly water fills the foliage. Enter the best leaf pool cleaners designed to fit the specific size, surface, and type of pool you have, whether you have an above-ground or in-ground style. The ideal method for your pool will also meet your needs in terms of cleaning (do you want to spot clean or empty your pool of leaves and dirt?) and the level of physical effort you require.
Before you choose the best pool cleaner to remove leaves from your pool, you must answer a few questions:
What type of swimming pool do you have?
Above-ground and in-ground pools have different types of pumps, filter sizes, and flow rates, so if you're considering using a pool vacuum to suck up leaves, start by finding the right cleaner for your system. Each model specifies the type of pool it is suitable for, so be sure to check the details when purchasing. It's also important to keep in mind the length or diameter of your pool so you can choose a cleaner with a hose that's long enough.
What type of pool cleaner do you need?
Pool cleaners come in many shapes and styles, so here are the most common options you have to choose from:
- Pool Skimmer The pole has a mesh net on the end. This is the most practical option and may not be ideal if you have a lot of leaves, but is great for quickly cleaning up stray leaves.
- A manual pool vacuum connects to a standard garden hose to provide suction without the need to be connected to your pool's filtration system. They have a vacuum head on the end of a long pole that can be pushed along the edge and floor of the pool, but you have to move it yourself. The pieces are stored in a separate bag, which also needs to be emptied.
- A pressure-side vacuum can be connected to the pool's return line, or it can move on its own using water pressure from the pool's filtration system. Debris is collected in a separate bag and will not clog your pool's filter. They usually have wheels, a sweep hose to remove debris from the pool bottom, and a hose to connect a return line or filter. Depending on the model, they may require a separate booster pump.
- A suction-side pool vacuum attaches to your pool's skimmer and uses the suction from the filter to move around on its own while sucking up debris. They don't require any additional pumps, but also rely on the pool's filter to catch debris (no separate bags to empty). However, if the filter becomes filled with leaves, suction will slow down and it may need to be cleaned through a vacuuming process.
- Robot vacuums use electricity or battery power to operate on their own, cleaning the entire pool bottom and sometimes even the pool walls. Some even have a programmable timer so all you have to do is empty the frag bag or cartridge. This is a convenient option, but probably the most expensive.
Finally, if you're looking for an extra precaution so you don't have to clean up the leaves in the first place, netting will help prevent leaves from getting into your pool. Leaf netting can be installed over a winter pool cover or placed over an open pool when not in use to capture leaves before they fall.
From hand skimmers to robot vacuums, check out some of the best leaf pool cleaners on Amazon that can remove debris and provide you with crystal clear water.
1. A highly rated robot vacuum cleaner for inground pools
Recommended Pool Size: Up to 50 feet | Pool Type: Inground | Pool Shapes: Rectangular, Oval, Kidney, Freeform | Pool Surface: All Types | Extras Required: None | Weight: 19 lbs
This pool cleaning robot might be a bit of a luxury, but if you want to be able to scrub the walls and bottom of your inground pool in less than two hours at the push of a button, this is the vacuum cleaner for you. The pool cleaner comes with a 60-foot cable that can cover pools up to 50 feet long. There are two easy-to-use filters, one for leaves and debris and another for sand, silt and pollen, so your pool is spotless and free of leaf clogging. It can also remove some algae. The robot vacuum connects to a power box that plugs into an outlet, so you don't need any other equipment, and it's 90% more energy efficient than vacuum cleaners and pressure cleaners. Additionally, Dolphin can navigate around obstacles and choose the most efficient path. Comes with a convenient handle for easy installation and removal from the water. It's recommended to take the vacuum out of the pool, empty and rinse the filter after each use (reviewers say this is easy to do).
More than 8,000 reviewers gave Dolphin an overall rating of 4.5 stars, with several pool owners praising the robot's ability to handle leaves even after hurricanes and tropical storms. Also great: You can choose from three scheduled cleaning settings to easily keep your pool water pristine. Wi-Fi-enabled models are also available.
Helpful Amazon review: “My pool was filled with twigs and leaves. I browsed what I could and then put my dolphin in and wished it good luck. Wow. This is amazing. [… ] I love my Dolphin and recommend it to anyone who doesn’t want to spend hours pushing a vacuum wand around the pool. ”
2. Affordable battery-operated robot vacuum for all pool types
Recommended Pool Size: Up to 860 square feet or up to 6.6 feet deep | Pool Type: Inground or Above Ground | Pool Shapes: All Shapes | Pool Surface: Concrete, Fiberglass, Vinyl Liner | Extras Required: None | Weight: 12.1 lbs
If you want a pool cleaning robot but don't have an outlet available (or don't have an above-ground pool), consider the PAXCESS Cordless Robot Vacuum. After four to six hours of full charging, it can run for up to 90 minutes. The vacuum automatically docks at the edge of the pool when the battery is low or when cleaning is complete. The robot won't clean your pool walls, but its bottom brush and two suction doors will keep your in-ground and above-ground pool floors sparkling. Additionally, the reusable filter tray collects fine debris and leaves. It's safe for all pool surfaces up to a maximum water depth of 6.6 feet, and you can adjust its nozzles to control the robot's path along the pool floor.
No additional equipment is required and PAXCESS comes with a two-year warranty. However, this vacuum cannot clean walls or remove algae.
Helpful Amazon Review: “I have 3 live oak trees that shade my pool and this time of year they all drop their leaves and this will last for 6 to 8 weeks before the leaves drop. The pool needs to be cleaned daily as the leaves will gets soaked in water and sinks to the bottom. This pool vacuum has proven that it can handle this daily cleaning regimen perfectly so far I'm very happy with this unit and look forward to having a 'leaf-free' pool during the fall and winter months. ”
3. Fan-favorite pool skimmer with lifetime replacement guarantee
Recommended Pool Size: Any Size | Pool Type: In-ground and Above Ground | Pool Shapes: Rectangular, Oval, Kidney, Freeform | Pool Surface: All Types | Extras Required: Standard size telescopic pole (not included range) | Weight: 1.25 lbs.
Over 6,000 reviewers give the ProTuff Pool Skimmer an overall rating of 4.7 stars, and it's easy to see why. The 19.5-inch-wide skimmer attaches to a telescoping pole (sold separately) and features an easy-glide shovel front that collects large amounts of leaves with every slide. The double-seam nylon bag holds up to 50 pounds of debris so you have to empty it less often. The sturdy aluminum frame won't bend or break, but if anything should happen to the skimmer, ProTuff offers a lifetime warranty (and according to reviewers, they stand by it). Fans praise the ProTuff for being durable and capable of handling heavy-duty jobs with ease.
While this pool skimmer will fit most people, it's also available in a 23-inch size if you need a larger net. Both sizes of skimmers are great for collecting leaves or debris from the water surface or pool bottom, but if you want to collect silt or smaller particles, the brand also sells a 17-inch silt rake that you can buy in a bundle in either size Skimmer.
Helpful Amazon review: “We had a huge storm a few nights ago and most of the flowering shrubs ended up in my pool. I needed to make multiple trips to the trash can and between rakes and skimmers It took a lot of swapping to get most of the leaves and [petals] out of the pool. Luckily I had the ProTuff pool net ready. There was so much debris in it that it was difficult to fish it out of the water. I’m excited about being able to rake up stuff that’s sunk to the bottom without changing tools.
4. Manual vacuum head for picking up large leaves in any pool
Recommended pool size: Any Size | Pool Type: Inground & Above Ground | Pool Shapes: All Shapes | Pool Surface: All Types | Extras Required: Standard Garden Hose and Standard 1.25" Pool Rod | Weight: 1.82 lbs
Whether you're cleaning leaves from the bottom of your pool or skimming leaves from the top, this manual leaf vacuum has you covered. Simply attach it to your garden hose, attach a standard metal pole, and push the vacuum around your inground or above-ground pool like a house vacuum. Measuring 15 inches, with a center bottom opening and eight high-pressure water jets, the leaves you suck up are placed into a reusable leaf bag that must be emptied once filled. Additionally, there are four multi-directional wheels so you can easily maneuver the vacuum along your pool floor.
Reviewers report that setup is easy and the vacuum can be used immediately, although they note that it doesn't help with algae removal. This Poolmaster model is designed for removing large leaves and debris, but it is recommended if you want to remove silt or finer particles.
Helpful Amazon Review: "I have 3 huge maple trees next to my pool - I mean they are over 60 years old. You have no idea how much trouble I go through every day to keep my 18 foot tall pool clean .I use a pool vacuum and skimmer to remove leaves, "helicopters", debris, etc. but this is very time consuming. I bought the Big Sucker and within 5 minutes I had all the leaves and debris removed. Vacuums up dirt/sand and has a pool party. If you have trees over/around your pool, this thing is a lifesaver and easy to use. ”
5. Hand vacuum cleaner with stick for above ground pools
Recommended pool size: Up to 4 feet deep | Pool Type: Above Ground | Pool Shapes: All Shapes | Pool Surface: All Types | Extras Required: Standard Garden Hose | Weight: 1.2 lbs.
This hand vacuum for above-ground pools comes with a 48-inch wand, so you only need a garden hose to start cleaning leaves in pools up to 4 feet deep. The vacuum draws dirt and debris into an easily removable mesh bag that can be used to scrub the bottom and sides of your pool. Make sure the vacuum is fully submerged before use, otherwise water will spray everywhere. Also, keep in mind that this vacuum is not recommended for removing algae.
Helpful Amazon Review: "Most pool sweepers don't come with a pole! This one does and is so easy to use! I just used it for the first time on our 12'x36" index pool and it did an amazing job! It sucks everything in from the bottom, even the huge leaves from our oak trees! Great product and great price! Would recommend to anyone with an above ground pool! "
6. Pressure Side Cleaner for Underground Pools
Recommended Pool Size: Any Size | Pool Type: Inground | Pool Shape: All Shapes | Pool Surface: All Surfaces including Vinyl, Fiberglass, Gunite, Pebble, and Tile | Extras Required: Booster Pump | Weight: 6.2 pound
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 sweeps, scrubs and vacuums the walls and floors of your inground pool in three hours or less. Dual nozzles provide powerful suction, while the 2.25-inch inlet valve picks up large debris and retains it in a separate filter bag. A 31-foot cleaning hose is trailed behind the vacuum, allowing it to reach steps and other tight corners. One fan was pleasantly surprised that the vacuum and its filter bag were "easy to remove and clean." Some reviewers also note that this vacuum helps prevent algae.
Helpful Amazon review: “It runs several hours a day to keep our 25,000-gallon pool perfectly clean, which is a tough job since we have an overhanging sycamore tree that dumps leaves and seeds every day in the fall. ”
7. Pressure Side Cleaner for Above Ground Pools
Recommended pool size: Up to 5 ft. Deep | Pool Type: Above Ground | Pool Shape: Up to 24 ft. Round | Pool Surface: Vinyl, Fiberglass | Extras Required: None | Weight: 13.94 lbs.
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 can vacuum the bottom and sweep the sides of an above-ground pool in three hours or less. This vacuum does not require any booster pump and is powered by water pressure from the pool return pipe. The device skims along the water's surface, while a 24-foot hose attached underneath directs the water to the bottom of the pool, loosening debris. Leaves and twigs are collected by a separate filter bag, keeping your pool's filter free of clogging. Polaris also distributes filtered water throughout your pool as it cleans in a random pattern, keeping your pool clear and clean. Reviewers like the simple setup and the way this vacuum blocks algae and picks up leaves and large debris, but suggest this model may not be the best for silt, sand, or other particles.
Helpful Amazon review: “We have a 21-foot above-ground pool. The Polaris Vac Sweep is great for keeping leaves and other debris out of the pool. It also circulates from the bottom to help keep the pool chemicals stirred and prevent algae buildup ”
8. Reviewers Love Suction Side Cleaner
Recommended Pool Size: Any Size | Pool Type: Inground and Above Ground | Pool Shape: All Shapes | Pool Surface: Concrete, Tile, Vinyl, Fiberglass | Need Something Extra: Reviewers Recommend Zodiac Leaf Catcher Canister | Weight: 6.54 lbs.
With its solid track design and sturdy housing, it's easy to see why reviewers affectionately refer to the Zodiac Suction Side Cleaner as a "little tank." It uses cyclonic suction to vacuum in-ground and above-ground pool floors, articulated turbine blades to climb and scrub pool walls, and even skim debris from the waterline, driven by programmable navigation. The Zodiac connects to your pool's skimmer or 1.5-inch vacuum line and uses your pool's filtration system to collect debris, or you can connect the Zodiac Leaf Catcher Can attachment, which catches large leaves without clogging the skimmer basket. Featuring a low-flow design for pools with a variable-speed pump, this vacuum promises to use less energy while providing deep pool cleaning, and its 32-foot hose allows it to reach plenty of range. Reviewers report that assembly is easy but do not recommend this cleaner for algae.
Helpful Amazon Review: “After researching all types of pool cleaning equipment. I chose this one. It turned out to be a great choice! Reasonably priced and already assembled. All you have to do is connect the hose. Connect it Submerged in water and turned on the pump. It moved very fast in a random pattern. My pool was 30 feet long and it cleaned the entire surface in one hour! .I maintain the chemicals and the pool is always crystal clear and leafless.”
9. Suction side cleaner for above ground pools
Recommended Pool Size: Any Size | Pool Type: Above Ground | Pool Shapes: All Shapes | Pool Surface: All Types | Extras Required: None | Weight: 13.8 lbs
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly attaches to the above-ground pool's skimmer line and vacuums the pool floor at a steady cleaning rate regulated by an internal skimming valve. Its baffle is an operable moving part that rotates, loosens debris, sucks up debris, and transports it to your pool's filter, which may require occasional unclogging if a lot of leaves are picked up. The vacuum comes with a 32-foot hose and moves in a random pattern so it can thoroughly cover the entire pool floor. One reviewer even noticed some wrinkles on the pool liner and found that the Pentair moved over them easily and did an "excellent job cleaning." Other reviews also note that the vacuum is good for picking up loose algae.
Helpful Amazon review: “I’ve used a lot of these side-suction pool vacuums over the past 15 years. Of all of them, this one is easy to maintain and seems to be made of sturdy materials. It Doesn't get stuck on the ladder, and best of all, it doesn't let leaves get stuck in the inlet causing it to stall. I haven't had to pull it up to clear the inlet for any reason and the inline regulator allows me to attach it directly to mine. Auxiliary suction line installed for easy connection and storage. I can open the valve to full flow and the unit runs continuously. It comes with everything needed to connect the poolside filter and it comes with a diverter to prevent backflow of water. Push the hose, but I don't have to use it."
You May Also Like: Leaf Netting for Inground Pools
Dimensions: 18 x 36 feet (selected), 30 x 50 feet
Capture foliage above your pool in any season with this leaf net for inground pools. It's made from durable polyethylene woven and black mesh fabric and can fit an 18 x 36-foot pool, or you can choose a version in a 30 x 50-foot size - each with a 4-foot overlap. Equipped with heavy-duty cables and winch tighteners, this leaf net can be easily installed on your pool in warm weather or cold conditions (there are hose loops to securely install over your winter pool cover).
Helpful Amazon review: “I only use it about 4 weeks a year – right after the first frost, when the leaves are falling. In Texas, we don’t winterize our pools, so when the leaves on the neighbor’s trees fall This is great when it falls and blows into our yard. Use a pipe filled with water to hold the net in place easily."
You May Also Like: Leaf Netting for Above Ground Pools
Size: 18 feet round
Catch leaves before they fall into the water with this leaf net for above ground pools. It's made from durable woven polyethylene and black mesh fabric and has an 18-foot circumference, giving you a 3-foot overlap to fit most pool tops or pool covers. Attach the included heavy-duty cable and winch tightener and you can take extra precautions to prevent leaf fall year-round.
Helpful Amazon review: "I have been using this netting on my pool cover for two winters. When you remove the netting in the spring, all the leaves and branches come off with it. Works perfect and seems very durable. I expected this This situation will last at least a few more years.”
