Pool vacuums, though technically considered a pool accessory, are a realistic necessity for owners of above ground and inground pools.

There are many different versions of the pool vacuum. The swimming pool vacuum you choose as the best pool vacuum to suit your needs will depend on how much labor and money you plan to expend cleaning your pool.

Basic pool vacuum cleaners consist of water-powered units, with or without a motor, and a pool vacuum hose. The simplest of these units are brush heads or leaf suction heads that attach to a regular garden hose. The vacuum head has a mesh collection head above it. Pool vacuum cleaners such as these use the force of the water from the running hose to force leaves and debris into the collection bag. For a simple and very inexpensive unit, they work quite well. One advantage of using this kind of pool vacuum is that it helps refill evaporated pool water as is works.

This is not the only option for above ground pools, however. Vacuums that attach to skimmers and utilize water already circulating in the pool are another choice. These vacuums work on pools inground or above. Of cleaners ground and pool side vacuum/brush systems of this kind work the best for little money. Brush heads serve double duty to clean off algae growth as you go.

An above ground automatic pool vacuum is also an option. These are the same automatic pool vacuum systems used in inground pools. Pool robot vacuum units scrub while they vacuum away debris. They clean pool floors as well as pool sides.

There are some very good, dependable names in automatic (or robotic) pool vacuums. The Robo clean pool vacuum (made by Dolphin) is one of them, joined by Hayward pool vacuums and Robotech pool vacuum. The Hayward Phantom pool vacuum is a mid-priced vacuum that rises to the top of the pool after vacuuming the perimeter to skim the top as well. Hayward is also a notable manufacturer of high quality commercial pool vacuum units.

Pool vacuums are essential in keeping above ground and inground swimming pools clean. Automatic pool vacuums (sometimes called robotic pool vacuums) do this with a minimum of labor, effortlessly keeping your pool a clean, healthy place to swim. The pool industry has risen to the challenge of keeping swimming pools places of enjoyment, reducing maintenance tasks so that more time is spent swimming and lounging than cleaning and maintaining the pool.