Pool Vacuum Head Buyers Guide

Pool vacuum heads are your primary tools to make your pool spick and span. These go through almost regular wear and tear to bring you a thoroughly clean and hygienic pool. However, regardless of the quality, they are bound to wither away, which prompts a replacement.

Similarly, there are countless manufacturers out there with multiple options for pool vacuum heads. Colors might not matter as much, but choosing the right material and the properly compatible head is paramount. You need a part that works with your cleaning system. That can make the process a little challenging.

There are subtle differences and factors you might have to consider. Therefore, we are bringing you this guide to ease up your selection process. Here you will find answers to all the questions and some essential tips to make a buying decision. Whether it’s sweeping or vacuuming the pool, you will be ready with a perfect pool vacuum head. So, let’s begin!

Factors to consider when buying pool vacuum heads

The guide for helping you get the best pool vacuum head is divided into several segments. Now, most of the time, these segments or points might correlate with each other. However, that is to ensure that you can have a clear understanding of the guide. It will help you clear out any confusion and even answer some of the questions.

Remember, before you begin these considerations, try to determine the purpose of the pool vacuum heads. How many are you going to buy? What is the power source you have? How often will you use these cleaners? These factors will matter from the frequency of cleaning the pool to the type of elements you use. There’s a lot that goes into consideration.

Finally, remember the type of debris because that will determine the nozzle’s opening for sucking the trash and so on. With that in mind, let’s begin the guise:

Compatibility factor

The first thing you would have to look at is the compatibility of the pool vacuum heads. It should work in sync with your pool circulation pump. More importantly, it should have a proper fitting, potential adjustments, and the right type of pool vacuum head for the pool. Here’s a brief overview of each factor that matters:

Fitting option

Does the pool vacuum head come with a hose, or do you have to use a separate hose? That’s the first thing that should run through your mind. If it doesn’t come with a hose, you would have to use the one you own. Alternatively, you might have to buy a new one. Either way, the hose’s size should be something that would fit your pump and the pool vacuum head.

As we are talking about heads, they need to work with the shaft you own or plan on buying for the vacuum. That’s the second fitting consideration to make. Many pool vacuum heads come with an adjustable fitting option to make it easier for you to choose them.

Adjustments

As mentioned above, many pool vacuum heads come with a flexible option. If you get an adjustment type head, ensure it can still fit with the type you have. Some offer a universal fit, while others would show you the width and size they support for fitting. Now, adjustments are always a great option, as you can snug-fit almost everything with them.

The problem is when the adjustment module goes loose. That’s one problem you need to be ready for. If you disconnect and fix the head too many times, that will happen. However, if you leave it as it is and use the module while cleaning the head, you will make it last longer.

Pool compatibility

It is perhaps the most crucial consideration when determining the ‘compatibility’ of your pool vacuum heads. You need to understand the floor type for your swimming pool. If it is vinyl, then your vacuum head should be vinyl-friendly. Similarly, there are two different types of pools. There are above the ground and in-ground pools.

Most of the people own in-ground pools but also find above-ground pools economically. As above-ground pools don’t have too much depth, the design requirement for them is different. In short, always check the types of pools your pool vacuum head can clean and support. Some can even help you clean spas and whatnot. So, it’s worth reading the instructions, manuals, or information.

Pool booster pump

Some pool vacuum heads might have extensive width or size. If there are too many functions, it might require you to invest in a booster pump. A booster pump is an additional investment that primarily boosts the power of your cleaning unit. If you have the funds, you can get a more advanced pool vacuum head, almost like an automatic cleaner for yourself. Of course, a booster pump for a standard pool vacuum head is unnecessary unless you have a massive pool.

Looking at the design

Whether you got the answer for your compatibility factor or not, the design holds priority next to compatibility. It is when you will look at the physical aspects and components of your pool vacuum heads. If the above-given factor weren’t helpful, this factor certainly would be. You would have to consider these things in the design to get the best option:

Width is essential

The first thing would be the width of the vacuum head. Think about it. When we go searching for vacuum heads, we want the most width. It correlates to the vacuum’s cleaning capacity. The wider it is, the more space it will cover. Hence, the faster the cleaning process will be. That’s true! But there’s another factor you would have to consider.

You can’t go too broad because it might cause problems with the maneuverability. Let’s say you can compromise with that. One thing you can’t compromise with is the power of your pump. Excessive width without a powerful pump to back it up won’t work. You will end up with a highly inefficient cleaner that simply won’t bear you many great results.

Therefore, you need to find a balance between width and the pump. If you have a powerful pump, you can go crazy. However, most pool vacuum heads come with standard width that would enable an average powered pump to power it.

Weight for depth

The weight consideration is something you would have to make. It will determine the portability and ease of carrying. You can’t get too heavy a pool vacuum head, or it won’t work that effectively, especially for the pool walls. If it uses a handle to clean the pool manually, you can get a lightweight vacuum head.

Anyway, if you leave a vacuum head in the pool, it needs to have enough weight. Now, why is this weight ratio necessary? The water pressure might make the vacuum heads lose their grip or never reach the surface for deeper pools. Therefore, the deeper you go, the heavier the pool vacuum head you will need. It’s that simple. If you want your pool vacuum to bring you precise cleaning with good power and performance, you need proper weight.

Secondary handle

Sometimes there are two handles in the pool vacuums. How? Well, there’s the shaft that you might use to move the head around inside the water, especially when you clean the walls. Similarly, there is a secondary mini handle for the pool vacuum heads. What’s the purpose? It allows people to quickly move the vacuum in the water by getting in the water.

You get added stability, and if you want to fix the vacuum head to the cleaning system, it is slightly more comfortable. Sometimes, it even eliminates the requirement for the shaft. The second handle is an added convenience but not something you should prioritize. You can eliminate it if it’s adding to the cost for no reason.

Getting the right material

You might think that there is a single material, and that’s ‘plastic’ available for pool vacuum heads. Well, you’re not wrong. However, it is deeper than that. There are many different plastic types, and vacuum cleaning heads for the pool also come in other materials. Either way, you‘re about to find out that quality matters, even when you buy something from plastic. Here’s everything you need to consider:

The durability

When you browse through pool vacuum heads, you might notice it. Some heads are bendable. Others are more rigid. Some have a thicker shell, and others seem like fiber. That’s what it means to have the right material durability. You need proper thickness, but that’s where things get a little tricky. Thickness is not everything.

It can add to the weight, first of all. Second, you need to see if it can withstand shocks from falls. Of course, it is improbable that your vacuum head will receive too many shocks. Still, you need something that won’t shatter like glass if you drop it.

Material’s integrity

Your material’s integrity has everything to do with the quality of the material. What does it mean? If your fabric has high integrity, it can survive the corrosive property of the water. Yes, due to using chlorine and other agents, your water is bound to have higher ph. It might be more corrosive, especially for your pool vacuum heads. Therefore, they need to have anti-corrosion properties.

If your water has higher content for calcium, magnesium, and other elements, you most-certainly want a high-grade material. That might cost a little extra, but it will be worth the investment. Similarly, if you’re going to use more potent cleaning agents on your cleaner, you would need premium quality.

Components that matter

The cleaning option

Most of the pool vacuum heads come with a detachable body or something you can unscrew. It enables you to clean it from the inside, especially for dust and debris collected there. The cleaning should be pretty straightforward for the brushes, rubber, and the body. However, if it doesn’t offer in-depth cleaning like that, you might run into trouble as the vacuum head won’t last as long as you might think. The cleaning option is vital, especially for the filter or the trash bag your vacuum might have.

Brush type and build

Check for the brush and see what kind of cleaning they offer. The design of the brush and the material will say it all. It shouldn’t be too rough on the vinyl pool, or there will be scratches, and it will eventually damage the coating. Of course, the compatibility check will cover this point, but not necessarily.

You need to check if the brushes will cover the pool and won’t stay up due to the wheels. The elevation level should be on point, and there should be enough brushes to offer sweeping like motion efficiently.

The grip of the head

Rubber materials would be there around the base of your pool vacuum head and it. This ensures anti-slip and better grip underwater. Some pool vacuum heads come with ‘brush-like’ rubbers to further assist in the cleaning. It could be a great choice.

Either way, apart from the weight and the brush, your pool vacuum head needs to have a firm grip according to the suction power. If there isn’t enough power or grip for it to stay connected, it wouldn't get better. So, always check for it.

Looking at the wheels

Finally, there should be wheels in the cleaner. If there aren’t wheels, you are bound to run into the problem. Why? Because it will be hard to move the vacuum around. Some pool vacuum heads rely entirely on the suction power to carry, and that’s fine. But always check for the maneuverability option.

You need to see where it can go and what it can do. Some pool vacuums would have a grip on the water’s surface to clean the debris like leaves and such, for sweeping. Others can even climb on the walls vertically and offer thorough cleaning. The quality of wheels also matter.

Look at the wheels and see whether they are rubber, rigid plastic, or other material. Some wheels offer better clearance to move around in the water with elevated treads. That could be a practical choice. It depends on the kind of debris you have in the pool and the cleaning you require.

Value for money

The final consideration would be to get the right value for the money. It all breaks down to these aspects.

Ease of maintenance

Most prominently, the pool vacuum head should be easy to clean and maintain. There shouldn’t be too much inconvenience or a requirement for service. The more straightforward pool vacuum head you get, the easier it will be. If you truly want to determine the worth of a cleaning product, always check for the maintenance requirements.

Warranty

Many dealers or manufacturers offer a warranty. This guarantee would securely let you know that you don’t, at least, have to worry for that duration. But, be careful when checking for warranties. Some manufacturers have a limited time warranty on specific components, which they might hide through fine prints.

Others might have a warranty starting from the date of manufacturing. So, if you end up buying an older product, you won’t be able to reap the benefit of these guarantees. There are many marketing tricks and schemes, as long as you can look past them, you will get something valuable.

Ease of use and maneuverability

This is a combination of the grip, wheels, and handle factor. You need to check for how long of a shaft you can use, how long of a hose you can use. Some pool vacuum heads lose power with longer hoses and might even lose vertical cleaning prowess with deeper pools. So, these are some of the things to notice.

If the weight is too much, it would be taxing for you to move the pool vacuum head. However, if you leave it to automatic movements and whatnot, there’s no need for you to worry about it. In simple words, there.

Design and aesthetics

If you have a commercial pool for business or specifically for kids, you might want to focus on design and aesthetics. There are many options, from creative dolphin-like designs to robotics and even car-like appearances. All of this depends on personal preference, but you have to remember that design is just a perk when considering value for money. There’s no need for you to pay excessively for the design or the color theme exclusively. As long as you can keep that in mind, you can find some of the best options available.

FAQs: Best Pool Vacuum Heads

Q: How do pool vacuum heads work?

A: Most of them work with the pool’s water circulation pump. You attach them to a hose that is connected to the pump and the filtration process. Thus, it develops enough suction power to work around and absorb all the debris as it cleans through the pool. Most of the pool vacuum heads work by scrubbing off the floor and walls.

They don’t require an external power option. If they use exterior options, then those are not pool vacuum heads but automatic pool cleaners. That is an entirely different category.

Q: Is there any need to change the vacuum head?

A: Yes. Older vacuum heads will wear out over time and decline in performance. Nothing is built to last forever, regardless of how great of a quality you get. Over time, you will have to change the vacuum head. If you want impeccable and thorough cleaning to every nook and cranny of your poolside, you might want to replace the vacuum head.

A new vacuum head will also consume less power and efficiently clean the pool. More importantly, you may come across many significant innovations over time that could make it worth buying a new pool vacuum head.

Q: How often should you replace the vacuum head?

A: Most of the pool vacuums last around five to seven years with proper cleaning and maintenance. Some are known to last for a decade or more, depending on the quality and use. Of course, if you use the pool vacuum cleaner daily, it might wear out faster. Regardless, a good one will last for as long as the warranty, or longer.

Q: How frequently should you clean your pool?

A: It would depend on the type of pool and the frequency of use. If it is a public pool in regular use, then daily cleaning is paramount for optimum hygiene. Some pool owners prefer to clean it every alternate day. For maintenance purposes, once a week might be enough if the pool isn’t in use.

Those are the best frequencies. You shouldn’t delay cleaning the pool. Most of the pool vacuum heads can get the job done regularly without interrupting anyone.

Q: How to clean a vacuum head?

A: You can usually undo the covers and body for a tap water wash around the body of the pool vacuum head. If that doesn’t work, you can use warm water with soap. Some people prefer using more potent cleaning agents, but they forget it can take a toll on the material’s integrity.

Natural and less intense cleaning methods are better to maintain optimum conditions for vacuum heads. Make sure to clean the brushes, boy, and the filter separately.

Conclusion

That’s everything you need to know about pool vacuum heads. It might seem like a simple choice, but now you can see there’s a lot to consider. However, as long as you can narrow it down to the vacuum head’s quality, the ease of cleaning or use, and longevity, everything else would be a breeze.

Remember, always get something with a filtration bag or a similar option. It should also have a proper mouth opening for adequate suction power. With that, now you are prepared to get the best pool vacuum heads available in the market. Hopefully, the questions further ease up the selection process for you. So, get the pool vacuum heads that work with your pool today!