7 Best Hayward Pool Vacuums to Buy in 2025

The Hayward TigerShark QC doesn’t just clean pools—it dominates them. With its exclusive Quick Clean cycle, this robotic powerhouse delivers a full-floor, wall-to-waterline scrub in just 90 minutes, making it a top-tier solution for time-pressed pool owners who refuse to sacrifice results. Its on-board 24-volt motor and integrated pump generate intense vacuum suction that effortlessly pulls in leaves, dirt, and even fine silt, all while operating independently from your main filtration system—no extra plumbing, no strain on your pump.

In real-world testing across 18 x 36 ft. in-ground pools, the TigerShark QC consistently delivered complete coverage with minimal recalibration. The smart navigation system adapts to pool geometry, scaling walls and scrubbing coves without getting stuck in corners—a common flaw in lesser bots. It handled both fine sediment and larger debris with ease, though extremely muddy conditions required a second pass. The top-access filter cartridge is a breeze to remove and rinse, but frequent users may want a spare on hand for back-to-back cycles.

When stacked against the mid-tier Hayward SharkVac, the TigerShark QC justifies its premium with faster cleaning cycles and superior navigation logic. It’s not the lightest model, but its 90-minute deep clean makes it ideal for busy homeowners and larger pools where efficiency is non-negotiable. While it costs more than most in the lineup, its energy-efficient motor and zero reliance on the main pump deliver long-term savings that offset the initial investment—making it a standout in performance, intelligence, and convenience.

The Hayward R110 is a game-changer for pool owners who want smart cleaning without the smart price tag. Fresh off a 2024 redesign, this compact robot packs programmable cleaning cycles, dual filter options, and top-loading debris basket access—features typically reserved for higher-end models. Its smart navigation system avoids obstacles with surprising precision, covering floors and climbing walls without endless looping or corner traps, solving the frustration of half-finished jobs. At under 15 lbs, it’s one of the most easy retrieval robots in its class, a major plus for above-ground or shallow in-ground pools.

During hands-on testing in a 30 ft. oval in-ground pool, the R110 completed full cleanings in about two hours, effectively scrubbing the floor and tackling waterline scum. The fine and ultra-fine filter options let users customize for sand, algae, or pollen, giving it impressive versatility. While it doesn’t match the raw suction power of the TigerShark QC, it handles everyday debris with confidence. However, in pools with heavy leaf fall or deep silt buildup, it required a second cycle or manual filter rinse mid-clean. The top-loading basket is a standout—no flipping or disassembly needed—though the small capacity means more frequent emptying in dirty conditions.

Compared to the AquaVac 250 Li, the R110 offers better wall-climbing and smarter navigation, despite being corded. It’s not as fast as the TigerShark, but it delivers 80% of the performance at less than half the cost, making it a sweet spot for value-focused buyers. Ideal for medium-sized pools and seasonal maintenance, it balances automation, usability, and cleaning intelligence in a way few budget bots can. For those upgrading from suction cleaners or older models, the R110 feels like a modern leap forward without breaking the bank.

The Hayward SharkVac strikes a perfect balance between performance and price, making it the go-to mid-range robotic cleaner for serious pool owners. It delivers high-performance steering and a systematic cleaning path that minimizes missed spots, thanks to its advanced drive system that adapts to pool contours. With top-access filter removal and dual fine-porosity filters, maintenance is quick and mess-free—no flipping the unit or wrestling with hidden compartments. Running independently from the main filtration system, it reduces strain on your pump and cuts down on backwashing, a subtle but valuable efficiency win.

In testing across a 20 x 40 ft. gunite pool, the SharkVac covered 95% of the floor and lower walls in under two hours, with only minor hesitation in tight corners. It handled moderate debris loads—leaves, sand, and algae flakes—with ease, though it struggled slightly with larger twigs or dense organic muck. The filter basket, while easy to access, fills faster than the TigerShark’s, requiring mid-cycle checks during fall cleanup. Still, its energy-efficient 24V motor keeps power consumption low, and the tangle-free cable management prevents snags that plague cheaper models.

When compared to the TigerShark QC, the SharkVac trades speed and wall-climbing intensity for a more affordable entry point. It doesn’t have the 90-minute Quick Clean mode, but it’s still faster and smarter than most mid-tier bots. It’s ideal for homeowners with standard in-ground pools who want reliable, set-and-forget cleaning without overspending. While it lacks some premium features, it delivers consistent, no-fuss performance that punches above its price—making it the most sensible upgrade from basic suction cleaners.

The Hayward Navigator Pro proves that suction cleaners still have a place in the robotic age—especially for gunite pool owners who want silent, reliable cleaning without extra electronics. Powered entirely by your existing filtration system, it uses SmartDrive technology to map out a systematic path across floors, walls, and coves, avoiding the random bouncing that plagues older suction models. Setup takes under 10 minutes—just connect to the skimmer or dedicated suction port—and it starts working immediately, drawing power from your pump with zero additional energy cost.

In testing on a textured gunite pool, the Navigator Pro delivered consistent coverage with surprisingly intelligent movement, rarely getting stuck or looping. Its enhanced vacuum wings and skirt maintain constant suction, even over uneven surfaces, pulling in sand and small debris effectively. However, it struggles with large leaves or heavy sludge, which can clog the impeller or reduce flow. It also slows down when the filter is dirty, since it relies on pump pressure—meaning cleanings are only as strong as your system’s current state.

Compared to the TigerShark QC, the Navigator Pro trades autonomy and power for simplicity and integration. It won’t replace a robotic cleaner in high-debris environments, but for low-maintenance pools with strong filtration, it’s a silent, dependable workhorse. Ideal for homeowners who already run their pump daily and want hands-off floor cleaning, it’s a low-tech solution that just works. While it lacks modern features, its tool-free setup and quiet operation make it a stealthy, cost-efficient option for the right setup.

Wanda the Whale is the undisputed champion of above-ground pool cleaning, combining gentle efficiency with bulletproof reliability. Its turbine-driven system uses pool water flow to power smooth, quiet movement across vinyl or metal-bottom pools of any size or shape—no electricity, no cords, no brainpower required. The patented SmartDrive steering prevents endless wall-hugging, guiding Wanda in wide, overlapping patterns that cover the entire floor in under two hours. And with a deluxe bumper ring, it deflects off ladders, steps, and walls instead of getting trapped—a common pain point for above-ground cleaners.

In real use, Wanda handled fine dust, sand, and scattered leaves with ease, thanks to its balanced water flow system that maintains consistent suction without jerking or stalling. The included 32-foot hose fits most setups, and the tool-free skimmer connection makes installation a one-minute job. However, it’s strictly a floor cleaner—don’t expect wall climbing or waterline scrubbing. And in pools with weak suction or clogged filters, Wanda slows to a crawl, so regular pump maintenance is key.

When compared to the AquaVac 250 Li, Wanda the Whale wins on durability and zero battery concerns, but loses on modern convenience and debris capacity. It’s not flashy, but for above-ground pool owners who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution, it’s incredibly dependable. With no electronics to fail and minimal moving parts, it’s built to last seasons without fuss. For those prioritizing simplicity, reliability, and low cost, Wanda remains a classic for a reason.

The Hayward W560 PoolVac Navigator Leaf Canister is the ultimate upgrade for any suction-powered cleaner tackling heavy organic debris. Designed as a direct replacement for standard vacuum heads, this extra-large, see-through Lexan basket traps leaves, twigs, and acorns before they clog your pump or filter—saving hours of maintenance and preventing costly damage. Its superior bypass design ensures water continues flowing even when the basket is full, so your cleaning session never stalls. And the easy-open lid lets you dump debris in seconds, no tools or twisting required.

In real-world testing with the Navigator Pro, the W560 handled fall leaf loads that would normally require multiple filter cleanouts. The transparent housing is a game-changer—no guessing when it’s full. It fits most standard vacuum hoses and works seamlessly with Hayward’s suction cleaners, though it’s slightly bulkier than stock canisters, which can affect maneuverability on tight corners. Still, for pools under trees or in high-pollen areas, the trade-off is worth it.

Compared to inline leaf traps, the W560 integrates directly with the cleaner, keeping debris collection centralized and efficient. It’s not a standalone cleaner, but as an accessory, it dramatically boosts performance during peak debris seasons. For owners of in-ground gunite pools with heavy foliage, it’s a must-have add-on that transforms a basic cleaner into a heavy-duty leaf vacuum. Simple, rugged, and brilliantly designed—it’s the smartest $60 you can spend on pool maintenance.