Best Pool Vacuum Head in 2022 – Reviewed
Although no one likes the household chores, vacuuming a pool is even worse when the winter months are in full flow. The bite of the morning can really put your off going outside, but since it is an essential part of pool care, it has to be done. This is why it is always a good idea to make it as seamless as possible, by using a quality vacuum head.
The better products will make the task easier, even after stormy weather. Because we want to help make this as simple a decision as possible, we have created a list of the best pool vacuum heads available. Each one is going to be a welcomed addition to the thankless task that is pool maintenance.
Quick Summary of Best Pool Vacuum Head
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: HydroTools by Swimline Clear Weighted Triangle Pool Vacuum Head
With one of the most popular brands comes a popular shaped pool vacuum heads. The triangle design is weighted to make it easier to move along the bottom of the pool, collecting fallen debris. It is ideal for fiberglass and vinyl-lined pools and gets into every corner easily so there is nothing left behind.The attractive price point is a bonus and with angled brushes, it doesn’t take many strokes to pick everything up. It should fit your current hose, with 1.25 to 1.5-inch hoses being compatible. It is a simple design, but an effective one that can lift algae and stubborn dirt easily, to leave a pool looking its crystal clear best.
- Triangle design gets into corners easily
- Angled brushes lift algae and debris
- Compatible with most hoses
- Great value
Also Recommended: Milliard 14” Flexible Spa and Pool Vacuum Head, Great for Cleaning Debris from Pool Floors
Another popular. pool vacuum head, and is compatible with most pool poles and can be adjusted to fit. The flexible head makes it easier to clear the floor of debris at different angles as it curves to the bottom. It is weighted to ensure it stays on the floor and this also makes it easier to move.The wheels are free rolling which keeps the device off the lining to protect it as it moves, picking up debris. With a 1.4-inch suction connection and 14-inch wide cleaning surface, it will help anyone get through the task in double-quick time with minimal effort.
- Great for lifting small debris
- Easily maneuvered
- Weighted to make it easier to move
- The 14-inch wide cleaning surface
- Not as good at getting into the corners
Best Affordable: U.S. Pool Supply Flexible 12
with a 12 inch width, this pool vacuum head can get around a pool faster than a lot of the alternatives but has a flexible angle thanks to the pole connector. It is easy to move on the pool floor thanks to the weighted design and the bristles are strong enough to lift some of the more difficult debris. The handle features EZ clips to make it easier to attach to 1.25-inch poles and 1.25 or 1.5-inch hoses.There is a 1-year guarantee included but for the price, it is hard to better the value you get. It has all the hallmarks of a quality product to make pool cleaning as easy as possible.
- Weighted head
- Flexible pole connector makes it easier to move
- Good value
- Strong bristles
- Can be tricky to keep flat
Best Wide Head: Milliard Extra-Wide 19
At 19 inches wide, this is a pool vacuum head that is going to cut down the time it takes to get around the pool floor. With a flexible head and heavy-body, it is easy to move although you will not need as many strokes thanks to the wide design. With free-rolling wheels and a weighted design, it glides better than a lot of the competition and makes the suction mechanism a lot smoother.The ABS plastic is durable and built to last a long time, even with constant use and because of the 1.5-inch suction port, it is compatible with most hoses.
- Wide 19 inch head
- The heavy body makes it easier to move
- Durable ABS plastic
- Aluminum handle
- Wheels aren’t always as stable
Best Value: HydroTools by Swimline Weighted Half Moon Pool Vacuum Head
Don’t be fooled by the half-moon shape, this is a pool vacuum head that means business. The plentiful bristles underneath make sit easier to scrub debris that has built up and lifts algae before sucking it away. It has a durable feel to it and makes it easy to get around a pool faster than with an old vacuum head.It easily attaches to an extension pole and hose and offers a decent amount of suction from its position at the bottom. The pole attachment tilts making it easier to move it at different angles, ideal for reaching those spots a little further away. We like that the bristles are replaceable although they do seem to last a while before this is necessary.
- Lots of bristles to make it easy to scrub
- Easy to move thanks to the pole attachments tilt
- Replaceable bristles
- Not as good at working in different directions
Best For Corners: Swimming Pool Corner Vacuum Brush with Adjustable Vacuum Ring
Although a triangular design eliminates the need for such a product, this can make a neat extra for anyone who finds that their pool vacuum head doesn’t quite clean those corners well enough. It attaches easily and can also be used to clean stairs and other corners. The adjustable vacuum ring makes this possible and is completely safe when used on vinyl liners.Because the bristles are at a 45-degree angle, it helps to lift old debris that is that bit more stubborn and comes with a one year guarantee. Although not everyone is such a perfectionist, it makes sense to get into those places that a regular head cannot reach.
- Ideal for getting into pool corners
- Can also be used on stairs, steps, and other places
- Bristles are at a 45-degree angle
- Only good for hard to reach places
Best For Different Angles: Poolmaster 27402 Deluxe Air Relief Vinyl Liner Swimming Pool Vacuum
With bristles to the side and underneath to lift debris on the floor and walls of a pool, this is a vacuum head with a bit of a difference. There is a quality feel to it from the stainless steel tension spring handle to the dual air relief valves that help to make the suction strength adjustable.The hose adapter has a swivel mechanism to make it easier to move at different angles, something a lot of products fail to offer. It is easy to submerge and use, and compatible with 1.25 to 1.5-inch vacuum hoses.
- Plenty of bristles
- Easy to move at different angles
- Dual air relief valves to adjust the suction
- Pricier than a lot of the competition
Pool Vacuum Head Guide
To keep your pool in top condition, you need the tools to make a thankless task easier. This is why a lot of people look for the best pool vacuum head as a means of making the job go a lot faster. The best vacuum heads are capable of picking up debris both minute and a lot bigger without an issue.
When you know what the better products are capable of, it makes it easier to find a top product. Because they’re not all built the same, we have created the following buyer’s guide.
What To Look For In A Pool Vacuum Head
Compatability
Because we are looking for the best vacuum head, we also need to make sure it fits the pole. Some products are fine to attach to any common type of pole whilst others are made to go with the brand’s products.
Before you buy, make sure you don’t need a new pole so you are good to go when it arrives. It also needs to fit the hose and standard sizes tend to be 1-1/4 to 1/1/2 inches.
See-Through Head
This isn’t a feature you will get with most pool vacuum heads but it can make cleaning a lot more convenient. being able to see the area under the head can ensure you don’t miss debris around the sides.
As we said, it isn’t the most common but it can be a useful feature if you can get the right model.
Width
As with any cleaning product, the wider it is, the fewer strokes it is going to take to clean the area. With a pool vacuum head, most are around 14 inches. This is fine for most pools although the larger the pool, the wider you will want the vacuum head to be.
Shape
The pool vacuum head shape will go a long way towards making life easier. This is especially the case with hard to reach places and corners which is why triangle-shaped heads are popular.
Weight
How much does a pool vacuum head weigh? Well, they all differ but some are weighted to ensure they stay on the bottom and you don’t have to work so hard to get it to stay there. This keeps the pressure where you need it.
Bumpers
To prevent the head from scratching or bumping the sides of the pool, look for a product that has rubber bumpers around the edges. This ensures a smooth movement around the difficult to reach areas where you might add a bit more force to get the job done.
Suction
This is one of the most important aspects of any vacuum, but even more so with a pool vacuum head. Because of the amount of debris that they often need to collect, the suction has to be up to the task. Some brands will promise the world in this area but look to customer reviews if you aren’t sure if the brand you are considering is going to clean your pool without leaving debris behind.
Quality Bristles/Wheels
These components are part of what either makes the vacuum head difficult to maneuver or easy to move along the bottom of the pool. As long as the wheels are reliable and the bristles don’t shed too easily, you should find that it has enough quality to get your pool nice and clean every time.
Hose Adaptors
If you end up with a pool vacuum head that doesn’t fit your hose, it might not be useless just yet. With hose adaptors available, you might have to wait a little longer before you use it but it does mean you don’t have to send the vacuum head back.
Most are easy to screw on and come in different sizes.
How Often Should I Vacuum My Pool?
Sometimes you only need to take a quick look at the bottom of the pool to see it needs a good vacuum. When using it frequently throughout the summer months, it can be a good idea to vacuum it twice a week to make sure it is always looking its best and most hygienic.
If you use a pool cover then you might get away with longer periods between vacuuming your pool but there is nothing wrong with lifting the cover and giving it a once over.
How To Use a Pool Vacuum Head
The first thing you need to do is attach the head to the hose line. Then, attach the head to a telescopic pole to give you a longer reach. After this, you need to get the other end of the hose and attach it to the intake section of the pool. This will push water through the pole, taking debris with it to clean your pool.
If you see air bubbles then don’t despair, this is a sign that it is all working just fine.
Is A Quality Pool Vacuum Head Worth It?
Consider this, if you buy a cheap vacuum for your home, how much longer do you think it is going to take to get the job done? The same approach should be taken when looking for a pool vacuum head. The better the quality, the less time you will have to spend on those cold mornings around the pool.
Also, they tend to be more reliable. This means that not only will they collect debris without leaving some behind, but they will last longer so you won’t have to replace it anytime soon.
How Much Does A Pool Vacuum Head Cost?
This varies depending on the size and brand you go for but you can pick up a budget product for around $80. If you want a higher spec product that has quality bristles, a wider head and is made from durable materials then you should consider products over $100.
As long as you aren’t too rough with it, a pool vacuum head should last a long time, ensuring your pool is easy to clean and always looks its best.
