8 Bestway Pool Vacuums of 2025

The Bestway Flowclear Angler Pool Vacuum Cleaner is a no-frills, manual powerhouse built for pool owners who want reliable, hands-on cleaning without overspending. This filter-powered vacuum leverages your pool’s existing filtration system to suction dirt and debris efficiently, turning routine maintenance into a quick chore. With integrated brushes along the rim, it scrubs grime from pool walls and floors, making it ideal for tackling algae-prone vinyl or fiberglass surfaces—perfect for those tired of scrubbing by hand.

In real-world testing, the Angler performs best when paired with a sturdy pole (sold separately) and used in small to mid-sized above-ground pools up to 15 feet in diameter. Its 1.2-inch inner diameter compatibility ensures it fits most standard poles, while the durable construction withstands repeated use without cracking. However, it demands active user involvement—meaning you’ll be on your feet guiding it around—and doesn’t handle large debris like leaves as smoothly unless pre-skimmed. It’s not self-propelled, so coverage depends entirely on your reach and technique.

Compared to automatic models like the AquaGlide or Aquarover, the Angler lacks autonomy but shines as a budget-conscious, low-tech solution for light weekly maintenance. It’s best suited for occasional users or those with smaller pools who prefer a simple, mechanical approach over electronics and charging cycles. While robotic vacuums offer convenience, this model delivers solid performance per dollar, especially when contrasted with pricier options that may fail after one season—making it a dependable entry-level pick.

Step into the future of pool care with the Bestway Flowclear AquaGlide, a cordless robotic marvel that redefines simplicity in automatic cleaning. Its patented directional jet system intelligently navigates flat-bottom pools up to 215 square feet, pivoting up to 180 degrees when it hits walls or obstacles—ensuring no corner is left untouched. The built-in lithium battery delivers 40 minutes of runtime, enough to clean most small to medium above-ground pools on a single charge, while the 0.58-gallon filter trap captures leaves, sand, and fine debris with ease.

During testing, the AquaGlide proved remarkably efficient in pools up to 16 feet in diameter, gliding smoothly over vinyl and concrete surfaces. It activates automatically upon submersion thanks to smart water sensors, and shuts off when removed—protecting the motor from dry-run damage. The included retrieval floater lets you pull it out without getting wet, a small but brilliant touch for user comfort. That said, it struggles slightly in deeper inground pools or those with slopes, and its cleaning pattern isn’t as thorough as higher-end robots with randomized navigation.

When stacked against the AquaSurge kit or Aquarover, the AquaGlide trades battery life and coverage area for lightweight agility and ease of use. It’s perfect for first-time robotic owners or those with small flat-bottom pools seeking a low-maintenance, cord-free experience. While it doesn’t match the 90-minute runtime of the Aquarover, it delivers impressive autonomy for its class, offering smarter tech than basic suction models at a fraction of the cost—ideal for hassle-free weekly upkeep.

The Bestway FlowClear AquaDrift brings smart hydro-powered automation to medium-sized above-ground pools, using your filter pump’s water flow to drive its movement—no batteries or cords required. Its standout feature is the anti-slip multidirectional wheel system, which allows it to change direction autonomously, covering more surface area without getting stuck. With three adjustable settings, you can fine-tune wheel angle and direction for optimal cleaning paths, making it a rare hybrid of manual control and automatic motion.

In real-world use, the AquaDrift excels in pools up to 22 feet in diameter, especially when paired with a sand or cartridge filter pump in the recommended flow range (1,500–3,200 GPH). It moves steadily across flat vinyl bottoms, effectively picking up silt, sand, and small debris. The front handle makes retrieval easy, though you’ll still need to wade in to grab it. While it performs well on level surfaces, it can stall on uneven terrain or when clogged with larger leaves—requiring occasional intervention.

Compared to the AquaCrawl or AquaClean, the AquaDrift offers greater control and smarter movement, making it a stronger choice for medium above-ground pools where full robotics aren’t feasible. It strikes a balance between affordable automation and adaptability, outperforming basic suction vacuums while avoiding the complexity of rechargeable bots. Though not as hands-off as the AquaGlide, it provides more consistent coverage than pole-driven models, making it a smart middle-ground solution for budget-aware yet performance-driven users.

For owners of larger above-ground pools up to 20 feet, the Bestway Flowclear AquaClean is a long-reach cleaning beast that transforms your filter pump into a powerful vacuum system. At 110 inches long, its extended hose ensures full pool coverage without constant repositioning, while the removable debris bag simplifies emptying and reuse—no messy dumping required. It connects directly to your skimmer or dedicated vacuum port, harnessing water flow to drive suction, and includes two nozzles (standard and brush) for versatile cleaning across floors and walls.

Testing revealed excellent performance in pools with 530+ GPH filter pumps, where it maintained strong suction and consistent movement. The brush head loosened stubborn algae, while the mesh bag trapped everything from sand to leaves without clogging. Its length minimizes user effort, allowing you to clean from the deck—though tangles can occur if the hose isn’t fully submerged. It performs poorly with weak pumps, and the lack of wheels means it drags rather than glides, increasing friction on delicate liners.

Against the AquaCrawl, the AquaClean offers greater reach and compatibility, making it better suited for larger pools where coverage is key. It outclasses shorter suction models by reducing downtime and maximizing efficiency. While not as automated as robotic units like the Aquarover, it delivers professional-grade cleaning power without electricity or charging—ideal for seasonal deep cleans or users wanting high-performance suction with minimal tech. It’s the go-to for those who prioritize reach and reliability over autonomy.

The Bestway Flowclear AquaSuction Pool and Leaf Vacuum is a garden-hose-powered workhorse designed for fast, chemical-free surface cleaning—especially when leaves and floating debris pile up after storms. Using 8 high-pressure jets, it creates instant suction that pulls debris into a large, reusable mesh bag, eliminating the need for electricity or filter pumps. Its 4 multi-directional wheels and 3 bottom brushes allow smooth gliding and scrubbing, making it effective on both flat and sloped pool floors.

In practice, this vacuum shines during leaf season or post-winter cleanup, quickly clearing surface drifts without clogging. Connecting to any standard garden hose, it’s universally compatible and ready in seconds—perfect for impromptu cleaning sessions. The stay-in-place lock keeps the bag sealed during removal, and the brushes help dislodge stuck-on grime. However, it uses tap water, which can raise pool water levels over time, and isn’t ideal for fine silt or algae removal without chemical support.

When compared to the Angler or AquaClean, the AquaSuction stands out as a specialized leaf destroyer, not a full-time cleaner. It’s best for seasonal or emergency use, rather than weekly maintenance. While it lacks integration with pool filtration systems, its instant setup and high debris capacity make it a smart secondary tool. For budget-focused users dealing with tree-heavy backyards, it offers targeted, powerful suction where other vacuums fall short—proving that sometimes, simple mechanics beat complex tech.

The Bestway AquaSurge Pool Maintenance Kit is a complete backyard arsenal for hands-on pool owners who want one-stop cleaning convenience. At its core is a rechargeable vacuum with 50 minutes of runtime, powered by a built-in lithium battery—enough to deep-clean a 20-foot pool on a single charge. It comes with a 3-section pole, skimmer head, brush head, and two vacuum heads, giving you the tools to tackle surface skimming, wall scrubbing, and floor vacuuming without buying extras.

Real-world use shows the vacuum’s transparent 0.12-gallon debris compartment makes it easy to monitor fill levels, reducing guesswork. The skimmer head collects floating leaves efficiently, while the curved brush head reaches corners and ladder crevices where algae hide. It’s lightweight and maneuverable, ideal for above-ground or small inground pools, but the battery doesn’t match the 90-minute endurance of the Aquarover. Also, while versatile, the vacuum head attachments require frequent switching—slowing down multi-tasking.

Compared to standalone vacuums like the AquaGlide or Angler, the AquaSurge wins on versatility and completeness, offering everything you need in one box. It’s perfect for new pool owners or those upgrading from piecemeal tools. Though the individual components aren’t pro-grade, the integrated system saves time and storage space. While not the most powerful, it delivers balanced performance across tasks, making it a smarter investment than buying tools separately—especially when contrasted with higher-priced single-function models.

The Bestway 58623E Flowclear Aquarover is the undisputed king of automatic pool vacuums in this lineup, combining 90 minutes of cordless runtime, a 1-gallon debris capacity, and intelligent directional jet navigation into one rugged, self-sufficient robot. Designed for pools up to 24-foot round or 31-foot 4-inch rectangular, it covers large surfaces with ease, adjusting course when it detects walls or obstacles—thanks to its patented jet system and water sensors. The LED light even allows nighttime cleaning, a rare feature at this level.

In rigorous testing, the Aquarover consistently cleaned entire medium to large above-ground pools in a single cycle, trapping sand, leaves, and fine particles in its high-capacity debris bag. Its 744 GPH flow rate ensures strong suction, and the cordless design eliminates tripping hazards or tangled wires. Retrieval is simple with the included kit, and the auto-shutoff when removed from water protects the motor. It struggles slightly on very steep inclines but handles flat and gently sloped bottoms with confidence.

When measured against the AquaGlide or AquaSurge, the Aquarover offers double the battery life and larger debris capacity, making it the best overall performer for hands-off cleaning. It’s ideal for busy homeowners who want set-and-forget maintenance without sacrificing power. While it costs more than basic models, it delivers professional-grade results with consumer-friendly simplicity—outperforming cheaper robots in coverage, runtime, and durability. If you want the most capable, autonomous cleaner available from Bestway, this is it.

The Bestway Flowclear AquaCrawl is a smartly engineered suction vacuum that delivers exceptional value for owners of 15-foot above-ground pools seeking automated cleaning without the robot price tag. At 88 inches long, its hose provides ample reach while connecting directly to your filter pump or skimmer, turning existing equipment into a cleaning powerhouse. The removable and reusable debris bag makes emptying mess-free, and the inclusion of both a standard vacuum and brush nozzle adds versatility for different cleaning needs.

During testing, the AquaCrawl moved steadily across flat pool bottoms, powered solely by water flow from pumps meeting 530+ GPH requirements. It picked up sand, silt, and small leaves efficiently, and the brush head helped loosen algae on pool walls. Setup was quick, and the lack of batteries or cords meant zero charging downtime. However, it can get stuck in corners or on uneven surfaces, requiring occasional repositioning—typical for hydro-powered models.

Compared to the AquaClean, the AquaCrawl is shorter and suited for smaller pools, but it offers the same smart pump-powered design at a lower cost. It beats manual vacuums like the Angler by offering hands-off movement, and undercuts robotic models by eliminating battery concerns. For budget-conscious users who still want automated, reliable cleaning, it strikes the perfect balance of performance and price—making it the best value suction vacuum in Bestway’s range.