Hayward PoolVac XL Suction Pool Cleaner

Our take

The Hayward PoolVac XL Suction Pool Cleaner is a suction-side cleaner driven by your pool pump from Hayward. It cleans the floor and walls, navigates at random, turning when it bumps into a wall, and has no app.

On paper it scores 5.5 out of 10 (basic) against other suction-side cleaners. Its strongest areas are filtration (7.0) and cleaning coverage (6.5). Where it gives ground: navigation (4.0) and warranty (4.0). Random navigation: it can miss spots and take longer to cover the pool.

The best price we found is $459 at Leslie's. The typical suction-side cleaner we track costs $404, so this one is pricier than most. For what it does, its value score is 4.0 out of 10.

If you want waterline scrubbing, the cheapest we track with it is the Zodiac MX6 Suction-Side Pool Cleaner at $349.

To spend less for nearly the same spec score, the Zodiac Baracuda Ranger Above-Ground Suction Pool Cleaner rates 5.5 for $269.99.

For about the same money, the Pentair Kreepy Krauly Kruiser Suction Pool Cleaner scores higher (6.1) at $489.99.

Bottom line: a basic pick for low running cost and nothing to charge.