(Updated for 2023) The Best Suction Pool Cleaners for Australia

If you’re ready to take your pool cleaning regimen to the next level then the best starter choice would be to get a suction pool cleaner. Of the three types of automatic pool cleaners (suction, pressure, robotic) suction pool cleaners are the cheapest but don’t get us wrong, that doesn’t mean that they’re the worst of the bunch! They’re quite good and they’re an affordable entry into the world of automatic pool cleaners.

Depending on where you’re getting a suction pool cleaner, the prices can range anywhere from $100 to $700. We’re going to drop a quick caveat though, stay away from the dirt-cheap suction pool cleaners ($100 to below $300), they’re more likely to break in the first year of ownership than their more expensive counterparts (plus they’re more likely to not have any sort warranty). How can we be sure of this? Well, we’ve partnered with a couple of manufacturers and can confidently say that any cleaner below $300 isn’t even paying for the manufacturing cost of good cleaners! More on that later.

So without further ado, here are the best suction pool cleaners you can get in Australia this 2023! P.S. Unlike others who just base their reviews on other reviews online, every suction pool cleaner featured on this page have been personally tested by the folks here at Mr Pool Man!

 Features:

• Easy installation without tools
• Swivel connection so your hose doesn't tangle
• Diaphragm technology ensures optimum suction
• Extra large deflector wheel so it won't get stuck in corners
• Extra wide skirt leaves no leaf un-turned
• Climbs walls, floors and steps
• Includes 10m hose in sectional lengths
• Light weight and durable design
• Male end: 36mm, Female end: 38mm
• Suitable for all above ground and in ground pools - Concrete, Pebblecrete, Quartzon, Tile, Fibreglass and Vinyl surfaces
• * We recommend a minimum 1HP pool pump, and a clean cartridge filter to ensure optimum operation

Package Contents:

• 1 x Pool Cleaner
• 1 x Spare Cassette Diaphragm
• Includes 10m hose in sectional lengths
• 1 x Instruction Guide
• 1 x Skimmer Fittings Pack (Elbows, Flow Regulator Valve, Hose Weight)

Mini Review: The first suction cleaner on the list is our favorite suction pool cleaner of the bunch! It’s the Water TechniX Rapid Automatic Pool Cleaner. For full transparency, We’ve partnered with a pool equipment manufacturer to create an affordable yet powerful pool cleaning solution for all Australian pool types! The Water TechniX Rapid Automatic Pool Cleaner works on all pool surfaces and sizes. Its rugged minimalist design means there are fewer moving parts, which means there are fewer chances of anything breaking down!

For a more in-depth look at the Rapid, check out our Product Spotlight: The Water TechniX Rapid Automatic Pool Cleaner

Features:

• Super user friendly. Install quickly and easily without tools in minutes
• Extra large deflector wheel so it won't get stuck in corners
• Full pool coverage, cleans floors, walls and waterline (will try the steps!)
• Includes 12 x 1m hose in sectional lengths (total of 12m)
• Robust hydraulic design with swivel hose connection to avoid tangles
• Male hose end: 36mm diameter, Female hose end: 38mm diameter
• Adjustable bypass valve regulates water flow to set optimum travel speed
• 30cm finned skirt for a super wide cleaning path for speedy efficiency
• All parts are UV stable and chemical resistant for years of dependable service
• Quiet diaphragm technology, don't put up with the ‘clack’ of traditional hammer-style cleaners
• Best suited for small and medium debris
• The deflector wheel enables smooth navigation around corners, steps and ladders

Benefits:

• Compatible with salt, mineral, chlorine and magnesium pools
• Lifetime expert support exclusive to Mr Pool Man customers
• Performs flawlessly with above ground and in ground pools, Rectangle, Oval or Free form
• Suits Concrete, Pebblecrete, Quartzon, Tile, Fiberglass and Vinyl surfaces
• Includes a spare cassette diaphragm for longevity
• The hottest new cleaner here at Mr Pool Man
• Consumes no additional energy working when your pump is operational
• Please note there is 1 x female to female hose length which is used to connect to your skimmer box
• No bags or canisters to empty, all debris goes to your skimmer basket

Mini Review:

The Water TechniX Viper automatic pool cleaner is a step up from the Water TechniX Rapid automatic pool cleaner with a more robust construction. It also uses diaphragm technology that gives it that silent operation. No more "clackity clack" noises coming from your pool. Improvements over the Rapid also gives the Viper an edge when it comes to efficiency and ease-of-use.

Key Features:

• Onga's Hammer Head pool cleaner shares many of the design features of the most popular automatic suction side vacuum in history
• Silent Flapper: This sole operational moving part creates the kinetic energy that powers Hammer Head around your pool. It is a simple and dependable propulsion system. Only one operational moving part
• Built-in bumper: ensures freedom of movement around steps, ladders and other obstacles
• All parts are UV stable and chemical resistant for years of dependable service.
• Only one operational moving part,
• No wheels or gears to jam or diaphragms to replace
• No expensive booster pump to buy and operate…it uses your pool’s existing filtration system.
• Sleek, compact design increases manoeuvrability for best cleaning performance
• 3 year limited warranty

Benefits:

• High Performance: Its sleek and compact design lets it travel around the pool in a fast and efficient manner, cleaning all areas including floor, walls, steps and sides.
• Silent Operation: Thanks to its patented Silent Flapper technology, it relentlessly picks up dirt and debris with no fuss.
• Sensationally Dependable: Proven on more than 2 million pools worldwide, with only one moving part and an elegant minimalist design comprised of just 8 parts.
• Easy to Setup: Comes almost fully assembled out of the box. Just add the seal, and plug the hoses and it is ready to go.
• 3 Years Warranty: Backed by the largest pool equipment company in the world.
• Suitable for all Pool Surfaces

Whats in the box?

• 1 x External Body
• 1 x Suction Seal
• 1 x Swivel & Nut Assembly
• 1 x Threaded Adapter
• 1 x Skimmer Adapter Cuff
• 1 x Adjustable Regulator Valve
• 1 x 90 Degree Elbow
• 1 x Flow Gauge
• 2 x Hose Weight
• 10 x Hose 1m Sections
• 1 x Installation Instructions
• 1 x Warranty Card

Mini Review: Onga is a global brand that’s well known for its superior pool cleaning products. Their reputation alone should be enough to convince any pool enthusiast to grab one of their pool cleaners to help with their pool maintenance tasks. With over 2 million units sold worldwide, the Onga Hammerhead Automatic pool cleaner is a proven entry-level option in the world of suction pool cleaners. It’s suitable for all pool sizes and types and surfaces.

New features of the Pentair Rebel 2 -

1. Improved steady-grip tire traction with new, added tread for outstanding wall climbing performance.
2. Ball bearings rather than wheel brushes were added to increase the durability and life of the cleaner.
3. Longer cam run for larger pools for fewer turning intervals
4. Increased ground clearance and dual-action roller skirt maneuvers up and over obstacles for uninterrupted cleaning
5. A longer and more flexible leader hose reduces breaching of the waterline and assists in cleaner maneuverability

Features:

• Advanced Hydraulic Technology - Allows for easy use with variable or two-speed pumps.
• Programmed steering ensures that you gain full coverage whenever cleaning your pool.
• Sure-Flow Turbine Technology - Allows dirt and debris to easily pass through the cleaner without clogging it.
• Dual-Action Roller Skirt - Provides the ability to move over any obstacle for non-stop cleaning.
• Easy Installation and Maintenance - No need to spend hour installing or maintaining this pool cleaner.
• Superior Performance in All Pool Types - Use it with a tile, fiberglass, gunite or vinyl pool.
  
  

Benefits:

• Full Coverage of your Pool - No more using a cleaner that doesn't complete the job.
• User-Friendly - Just attach the skimmer hoses or a dedicated vacuum line and you're all set.
• Works with all Pumps - This no hassle pool cleaner will work with variable or dual speed pumps.
• Won't Clog - No more stopping your pool cleaner halfway through the job to unclog it.
• Works in Pools Other Cleaners Can't - You can use this cleaner in any type of pool and it will pick up sand, leaves and other debris other cleaners leave behind.
• Comes with a 3 Year Warranty

Contents:

• Pentair Rebel Pool Cleaner
• 10 x 1m Hose Sections
• Rebel Hose Float
• NEW Pentair Rebel 1 meter Leader Hose
• Flow Regulator Valve
• Flow Testing Gauge
• Skimmer Fitting Kit
• Owners Manual
• Warranty Card

Mini Review: The Pentair Rebel 2 is no longer considered an entry-level option when it comes to suction pool cleaners as it is almost twice the price of other suction pool cleaners, but don’t let that stop you from considering the Rebel 2 though, that price increase is more than justified! The basic suction pool cleaners just randomly go about your pool sucking up dirt and debris, the Rebel 2 has a SmartTrac programmed steering so that it will cover every single inch of your pool as it goes! It also has a dual action roller skirt that easily goes over obstacles (like main drain covers, steps and others) and not get stuck on one spot when you’re not looking!

For a more in-depth look at the Rebel 2, check out our Product Spotlight: Pentair Rebel 2 Automatic Pool Cleaner, one year after.

Features and Benefits:

• Effective and Efficient Cleaning - Cyclonic Vacuum Technology ensures the MX6 captures smaller debris whilst maintaining maximum cleaning power without losing suction. Cyclonic suction also allows for a wider cleaning path ensuring both large and small debris is consumed with ease
• Won’t Get Stuck in Corners - X-Drive Technology provides great navigation for aggressive wall and floor cleaning resulting in unparalleled pool coverage. X-Trax Tyres Provide extreme maneuverability and climbing performance, even in and out of tight corners and on vertical walls
• Suits ECO Pumps - The new Flow Regulator Valve (FRV) assists the MX6 in running at optimal performance, Works with a low flow rate which translates into reduced strain and longer durability for the whole pool filtration system as well as savings in electricity.
• 2 Years Warranty - Built to the highest standards of manufacture using high quality materials, the MX6 is a reliable and durable machine backed by Australia’s leading pool cleaner company, Zodiac!

Product Specifications:

• Cyclonic Suction - Provides powerful suction and aggressive wall climbing.
• X-Drive Navigation - Intelligent bi-directional navigation to thoroughly clean floor, walls, and waterline
• Optimum Flow Control - Automatically controls excess flow through cleaner for optimal performance and longevity
• Energy Efficient Design - Ultra efficient operation. Best choice for variable-speed and low flow pumps
• Power Turbine - Articulating turbine blades provide ultra-efficient operation, even on low-flow, ECO and solar pumps
• Twist & Lock Hose - Provides simple connection, Reduces vacuum loss and Air leaks
• Suitable for all Pools, max. 9m x 5m and All surfaces (Tile, concrete, pebblecrete, quartzon, fibreglass and vinyl)

Includes:

• 1 x MX6 cleaner body
• 10 x 1m Twist & Lock hoses
• 1 x AD flow valve
• 1 x 90 Degree Elbow
• 1 x Universal weir cuff
• 1 x Flow Regulator Valve
• 1 x Warranty card

Mini Review: It it wasn’t for the pool cleaner hose attached to the MX6, it’s easy to mistake this suction pool cleaner for a robotic pool cleaner because of its robotic design and that’s for good reason. The Zodiac MX6 is as close that you can get to getting a robotic pool cleaner without spending the premium for it. It has a built-in navigation system that prevents it from getting stuck in corners and virtually guarantees full pool coverage. It also has a new flow regulator valve that enables you to use the MX6 with energy-efficient ECO pool pumps. In fact, if you have an ECO or Variable speed pump, then the MX6 is the best choice for you!

For a more detailed look at the MX6, check out our one year review of the Zodiac MX6 Pool Cleaner, Small but Mighty.

SEE ALSO: Getting your Automatic Pool Cleaners Ready For Summer

You really can’t go wrong with any of the options we’ve presented on this page if you’re looking for an automatic pool cleaner this 2023. This year, we're picking the Water TechniX Viper as a close winner for automatic pool cleaners due to design improvements and robust construction.

A close second for our recommendation would be to last year's winner, the Water TechniX Rapid Automatic pool cleaner, it’s still by far the most affordable option of the bunch and on top of that, it has an iron-clad two-year warranty from Mr Pool Man, what’s not to love right?