In-Ground vs Above-Ground vs Robotic Pool Vacuums

An in-ground pool vacuum is engineered to clean swimming pools submerged in the ground. An above-ground pool vacuum cleans pools that have been built above the ground.

A robotic pool vacuum is a cleaner that operates automatically either in above-ground or in-ground pools.

Therefore, when purchasing a vacuum pool, you must consider your pool type, such as above-ground, in-ground, or robotic. This article provides you with a detailed comparison of the pool vacuum models.

The models include the Zodiac G3 (in-ground pool vacuum), the second is Pool Blaster Pule (above-ground pool vacuum), and lastly, the AIPER Automatic Orca 800 Mate, which is a robotic pool vacuum.

Continue perusing the article to learn more.


In-Ground vs Above-Ground vs Robotic Pool Vacuums Comparison Table

FeaturesZodiac G3Pool Blaster PulseAIPER Automatic Orca 800 Mate
Vacuum TypeSuction side pool vacuumHandheld pool vacuumRobotic pool vacuum.
Pool TypeIn-ground pool vacuumAbove-ground pool vacuumAbove-ground & in-ground pool.
NavigationWheel deflector for tight cornersManual navigationCustomizable navigation.
Pool SurfaceGunite, tile, fiberglass, and vinylAll types of pool surfacesAll pool surfaces

Final verdict

When it comes to cleaning your pool, an efficient pool vacuum is essential since you will be dealing with an array of dirt and debris. That requires you to have a pool vacuum that is capable of handling your cleaning needs, just like the AIPER Robotic Orca 800 Mate.

The features that make the AIPER Robotic Orca 800 Mate our top pick include the following:

  1. The pool vacuum has customizable navigation that allows you to adjust cleaning patterns.
  2. A float and swivel function that enables the machine to navigate your pool with ease.
  3. It has multiple working cycles that allow you to choose one that caters to your pool.
  4. It has a superior filtration system that provides your pool with a thorough clean.
  5. The machines work independently without additional equipment.

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Product Review: In-Ground vs Above-Ground vs Robotic Pool Vacuums

1. AIPER Automatic Orca 800 Mate (Best Pick)

The robotic pool vacuum is an automatic cleaner with efficient cleaning and powerful suction. The vacuum has two powerful 150-watt motors and a superior system of filtration that gives your above-ground pool a thorough cleaning.

The AIPER Automatic is suitable for above-ground pools up to 33 feet in diameter. It can also clean in-ground and above-ground pools up to 851 square feet in size.

It has multiple cleaning cycles, giving you three choices of preset modes capable of cleaning for one, two, or three hours depending on your cleaning needs.

The robotic pool vacuum has a customizable navigation system that is equipped with a amounted dial, allowing you to adjust cleaning patterns from 0°, 20°, or 40° for a narrow or broader cleaning coverage. It has a tangle-free power cord that extends up to 33 feet.

The machine is compact and easy to use since it is light and any family member can lift it in and out of your pool. The vacuum’s collection tray easily pops out and you can easily wash it with a garden hose.

The robotic pool vacuum has a float and swivel function. The machine is an independent cleaning machine that does not require additional equipment to work. It enables you to clean your pool effortlessly and worry-free.

The vacuum has a hyper-bottom brush that enables it to easily lock in all sorts of dirt and debris such as flower buds, leaves, and sand, leaving your pool exponentially clean.

When in water, the pool reverses its cleaning direction automatically when it touches the wall of your pool.

The robotic pool vacuum has a unique swing plate that assists in preventing the vacuum from getting stuck in some ends.

The filters of the vacuum are easy to clean since you only have to remove them from the vacuum to let the debris and dirt fall out and then hose off any remaining debris.

Product Information

  • Brand: AIPER.
  • Style: Aboveground.
  • Material: ABS.
  • Color: White.
  • Weight: 6.6 pounds.

Pros

  • The vacuum easily locks in all sorts of debris and dirt.
  • It reverses direction automatically when it touches the walls of the pool.
  • It has dual motors, which enhance its suction power.
  • It has three working cycles for different cleaning needs.
  • The cord is tangle-free.
  • The machine is compact and easy to use.

Con

  • The machine is not suitable for pools with uneven flooring or those with cobblestone floors.

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2. Zodiac G3

The Zodiac G3 is an inground pool vacuum that delivers effective and efficient cleaning performance. When working, the machine quickly inhales medium and small-sized debris while cleaning the walls, steps, and floor of your pool.

The in-ground pool vacuum has long-life hoses that are scuff resistant and durable, suitable for all pool surfaces. It has a compact self-adjusting flow control valve that regulates water flow automatically.

You can set up the vacuum in three simple steps by attaching the wheel, hose, disc, and deflector. You also have to connect a dedicated suction line or skimmer. The vacuum has a long-life diaphragm that is reliable and durable.

The in-ground pool vacuum has a 36-fin disc that drains covers and fittings, gets rid of hang-ups on light, and maximizes adhesions on all pool surfaces. The wheel deflector of the vacuum enhances its agility to negotiate tight corners.

The unit has a patented quick release cassette that provides easy and quick-access to the diaphragm to enable easy maintenance. The anti-stick design of the machine ensures maximum pool coverage.

Product Information

  • Brand: Zodiac.
  • Style: suction-side.
  • Material: Plastic.
  • Color: Blue.
  • Weight: 17. 91 pounds.

Pros

  • The vacuum works with low-speed pumps for efficiency.
  • Its flow keeper valves automatically regulate the flow of water.
  • Its scuff-resistant hoses eliminate scuffs from your pool.
  • It has a wheel deflector to ease movement around tight corners.
  • It quickly eliminates small and medium-sized debris.
  • The machine has powerful suction and operates quietly.

Cons

  • It has problems handling large leaves.
  • It has a tendency to get stuck on top of raised main drains.

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3. POOL BLASTER Pulse (Second Best)

The pool blaster is a handheld, battery-powered pool vacuum. Its cordless design is convenient since it eliminates cord limitations. The gadget is ideal for cleaning swimming pools, spas, or hot tubs.

The above-ground pool vacuum is powered by a lithium-ion battery that has a run time of 45 minutes. The battery takes 4 hours to recharge. The machine captures mode dirt since it has an extra-large debris chamber that can trap leaves, acorns, twigs, dead algae, dirt, and sand.

The vacuum has a unique debris chamber that uses a dual-cam lever connection that enables a quick release and emptying of the chamber. The pool vacuum has a reusable filter cone with a fine mesh design for capturing small dirt and particles.

The above-ground pool vacuum has a water tech P20 motor, which is powerful and compact, and engineered for dealing with tough debris in any location of your pool. The machine has a convenient handle that is easy to maneuver and handle in all pool sizes and shapes.

The vacuum head of the machine is multipurpose, cleans all types of pool surfaces, and the detachable head can access and clean tight places.

The vacuum comes with a soft-bristled head brush, a wall charger, a four-piece set, a crevice corner nozzle, and a reusable x-treme multilayered filter bag.

Product Information

  • Brand: Pool Blaster.
  • Model name: Pulse.
  • Material: Plastic.
  • Style: Handheld, above-ground, and in-ground.
  • Source of power: battery-powered.
  • Weight: 6.29 pounds.

Pros

  • The vacuum has a multipurpose vac-head for diversified cleaning.
  • It has a convenient handle that makes it easy to maneuver and handle.
  • It has an extra-large debris chamber for collecting more dirt.
  • It has a reusable filter cone for capturing fine dirt.
  • The vacuum is battery-powered, giving you cordless freedom.

Con

  • The handle may not be too long.

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Differences: In-Ground vs Above-Ground vs Robotic Pool Vacuums

Comparison List

  1. Structure and design
  2. Performance
  3. Intended purpose
  4. Price
  5. Pros & cons

Comparison

1. Structure and design: The AIPER Automatic Ocra 800 mate is a compact and automatic pool vacuum cleaner that delivers hand-free cleaning. The Zodiac G3 has a two-piece slim body construction, which is easy to install and requires simple maintenance.

The Pool Blaster Pulse is a compact and lightweight vacuum designed for pools of all types sizes and shapes. The design makes it easy to maneuver and handle.

Winner: The AIPER Automatic Ocra 800 mate.

2. Performance: The AIPER Automatic Ocra 800 mate provides you with superior floor scrubbing capabilities and filtering due to the machine’s dual motors.

The vacuum works in three cycles and three adjustable angles, which you can choose as per your pool’s cleaning needs.

The Zodiac G3 performs efficiently when it comes to cleaning your pool because it devours all medium and small-sized debris from the walls, floors, and steps of your pool. The Pool Blaster Pulse has a run time of 45 minutes and can hold more dirt due to its extra-large dirt chamber.

Winner: The AIPER Automatic Ocra 800 mate.

3. Intended purpose: The AIPER Automatic Ocra 800 mate has been specifically designed for use above a group pool of up to 33 feet. It can, however, be used to clean in-ground and above-ground pools up to 851 square feet in size.

The Zodiac G3 is a suction-side pool vacuum designed for cleaning inground pools and capturing small and medium-sized debris. The Pool Blaster Pulse is designed to clean both above-ground and in-ground pools.

Winner: The AIPER Automatic Ocra 800.

4. Price: The AIPER Automatic Ocra 800 mate is priced at $400, the Zodiac G3 is slightly above $340, and the Pool Blaster is priced slightly below $200.

Winner: The Pool Blaster Pulse.  

5. Pros & cons: The benefits of the AIPER Automatic Ocra 800 mate include easily locking in all sorts of debris and dirt and reversing direction automatically when it touches the walls of the pool.

It has dual motors, which enhance its suction power; three working cycles for different cleaning needs; a tangle-free cord; and the machine is compact and easy to use.

The con is that the machine is not suitable for pools with uneven flooring or those with cobblestone floors.

The advantages of the Zodiac G3 are that the vacuum works with low-speed pumps for efficiency, its flow keeper valves automatically regulate the flow of water, and its scuff-resistant hoses eliminate scuffs from your pool.

The pool vacuum has a wheel deflector that eases movement around tight corners. It quickly eliminates small and medium-sized debris, and the machine has powerful suction and operates quietly. The con is that it has problems handling large leaves.

The Pool Blaster Pulse pros include a multipurpose vac-head for diversified cleaning, a convenient handle that is easy to maneuver and handle, an extra-large debris chamber for collecting more dirt, and a reusable filter cone for capturing fine dirt.

The vacuum is battery-powered, giving you cordless freedom. The con is that the handle may not be too long.