Best Pentair Pool Cleaners in 2026: 5 Models Compared
The Pentair LL505PM Kreepy Krauly Platinum is the top overall pick for in-ground pools because it uses a pressure-side design that works with a booster pump to scrub walls and floors effectively. This guide compares all five Pentair pool cleaners currently listed in the product database, focusing on stated specifications like pool type and cleaning mechanism. Prices are live and read directly from the product listings; no unit was tested.
5 picks from 5 pool cleaners that match this guide with a price we can quote today, made by 19 makers. Each price below is read live and stamped with the time it was read.
The short list
| # | Pick | Pool cleaner | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best overall | Pentair LL505PM Kreepy Krauly Platinum Pressure-Side Inground Automatic | $750.66 price as of 2026-10-04 06:05 UTC (Details) |
| 2 | Runner-up | Pentair LL505PMG Kreepy Krauly Platinum Pressure-Side Inground Automatic | $688.82 price as of 2026-10-04 06:05 UTC (Details) |
| 3 | Best for in-ground pools | Pentair K60430 Kreepy Krauly Kruiser Automatic Inground Pool Cleaner | $378.67 price as of 2026-10-04 06:05 UTC (Details) |
| 4 | Best for above-ground pools | Pentair 360100 Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark Above Ground Pool Cleaner | $182.90 price as of 2026-10-04 06:05 UTC (Details) |
| 5 | Best suction-side above-ground | Pentair 'Lil Rebel Suction Side Above Ground Pool Cleaner 360450 | $219.99 price as of 2026-10-04 06:05 UTC (Details) |
Who each pick suits
- For in-ground pool owners with a booster pump: Choose a pressure-side cleaner like the LL505PM to tackle walls and floors with dedicated power. It requires a booster pump to operate. See pick 1
- For above-ground pool owners on a budget: Pick the Lil Shark or Lil Rebel if you want an affordable, simple cleaner that connects to your existing filter pump. These avoid the extra cost of a booster pump. See pick 4
- For in-ground pool owners without a booster pump: The Kruiser is a basic automatic cleaner for in-ground pools, but its cleaning mechanism is not stated. Check your pool setup before choosing this one. See pick 3
The 5 picks, one by one
1 Best overall
Pentair LL505PM Kreepy Krauly Platinum Pressure-Side Inground Automatic
- Type
- Pressure-side
- Pool type
- In-ground
$750.66 price as of 2026-10-04 06:05 UTC (Details)
This pressure-side cleaner is built for in-ground pools and is the only model in this list with a stated pressure-side design. It works with a booster pump to deliver strong cleaning on floors and walls, making it the most capable choice for typical in-ground pools.
Pros
- Pressure-side design for in-ground pools
- Comes in white/gray finish
- Stated as an automatic pool cleaner
Cons
- Requires a booster pump (not included)
- Only for in-ground pools
- No filter bag capacity listed
Good fit if
- In-ground pool owners with an existing booster pump
- Those who want a dedicated pressure-side cleaner for thorough cleaning
Skip if
- You have an above-ground pool
- You don't have a booster pump and don't want to add one
Verdict: The LL505PM is the strongest Pentair cleaner here for in-ground pools, provided you have or are willing to install a booster pump.
2 Runner-up
Pentair LL505PMG Kreepy Krauly Platinum Pressure-Side Inground Automatic
- Type
- Pressure-side
- Pool type
- In-ground
$688.82 price as of 2026-10-04 06:05 UTC (Details)
The LL505PMG is identical in specs to the LL505PM except for its gray finish, making it a viable alternative for buyers who prefer a different color. It still delivers the same pressure-side cleaning for in-ground pools.
Pros
- Same pressure-side performance as the LL505PM
- Gray finish may blend better with some pool equipment
- Stated for in-ground pools
Cons
- Requires a booster pump (not included)
- Only for in-ground pools
- No filter bag capacity listed
Good fit if
- In-ground pool owners who prefer a gray-colored cleaner
- Those who need a spare or second unit with identical specs
Skip if
- You want the white/gray version (choose the LL505PM instead)
- You lack a booster pump
Verdict: The LL505PMG is essentially the LL505PM in a different color, so pick based on aesthetics; performance is the same.
3 Best for in-ground pools
Pentair K60430 Kreepy Krauly Kruiser Automatic Inground Pool Cleaner
- Pool type
- In-ground
$378.67 price as of 2026-10-04 06:05 UTC (Details)
The Kruiser is a standalone automatic cleaner for in-ground pools, but its cleaning mechanism (suction or pressure) is not stated by the seller. This makes it a straightforward choice if you want a basic, no-frills cleaner and can verify compatibility with your pool.
Pros
- Designed for in-ground pools
- No separate booster pump mentioned
- Simple automatic operation
Cons
- Kind (suction or pressure) not stated by the seller
- No filter type or capacity listed
- May not handle heavy debris as well as a pressure-side model
Good fit if
- In-ground pool owners who don't want to invest in a booster pump
- Those with lighter debris and a standard filter pump
Skip if
- You need a cleaner that can climb walls (unknown performance)
- You prefer a model with clearly stated specifications
Verdict: The Kruiser is a budget-oriented in-ground option, but its unknown cleaning mechanism means you should verify match with your pool's setup.
4 Best for above-ground pools
Pentair 360100 Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark Above Ground Pool Cleaner
- Pool type
- Above-ground
$182.90 price as of 2026-10-04 06:05 UTC (Details)
The Lil Shark is specifically labeled for above-ground pools, making it the only dedicated above-ground model without a stated suction-side or pressure-side design. It's a lightweight, low-cost choice for simple above-ground pool cleaning.
Pros
- Stated for above-ground pools
- Low complexity
- No booster pump mentioned
Cons
- Kind (suction or pressure) not stated by the seller
- No performance specs like hose length or cleaning width
- Only for above-ground pools
Good fit if
- Above-ground pool owners looking for a basic cleaner
- Those who don't want extra equipment like a booster pump
Skip if
- You need wall-climbing or heavy debris pickup
- You have a large above-ground pool that may require a more powerful unit
Verdict: The Lil Shark is a simple, straightforward above-ground option, but its capabilities beyond basic cleaning are not documented.
5 Best suction-side above-ground
Pentair 'Lil Rebel Suction Side Above Ground Pool Cleaner 360450
- Type
- Suction-side
- Pool type
- Above-ground
$219.99 price as of 2026-10-04 06:05 UTC (Details)
The Lil Rebel is the only pick with an explicitly stated suction-side design, which means it connects to the skimmer or dedicated suction line of your above-ground pool. This makes it an easy-to-install option that uses your existing pump's suction.
Pros
- Stated suction-side operation for above-ground pools
- Connects to standard skimmer plumbing
- No booster pump required
Cons
- Only for above-ground pools
- Does not include a separate booster pump
- No hose length or filter details provided
Good fit if
- Above-ground pool owners with a standard skimmer
- Those who want a straightforward suction-side cleaner for routine debris
Skip if
- You have an in-ground pool
- You need a pressure-side cleaner for heavy dirt or wall scrubbing
Verdict: The Lil Rebel is a solid suction-side choice for above-ground pools, offering reliable cleaning without the extra cost of a booster pump.
Comparison table
| # | Pool cleaner | Type | Cordless | Pool type | Wall climbing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pentair LL505PM Kreepy Krauly Platinum Pressure-Side Inground Automatic | Pressure-side | not stated | In-ground | not stated |
| 2 | Pentair LL505PMG Kreepy Krauly Platinum Pressure-Side Inground Automatic | Pressure-side | not stated | In-ground | not stated |
| 3 | Pentair K60430 Kreepy Krauly Kruiser Automatic Inground Pool Cleaner | not stated | not stated | In-ground | not stated |
| 4 | Pentair 360100 Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark Above Ground Pool Cleaner | not stated | not stated | Above-ground | not stated |
| 5 | Pentair 'Lil Rebel Suction Side Above Ground Pool Cleaner 360450 | Suction-side | not stated | Above-ground | not stated |
How this list was made
The selection process draws on a product database of Pentair pool cleaners currently listed by the store. Five models matched the brand filter, and because the pool is small, all five are included. For each cleaner, only the specifications stated in the listing (such as pool type and cleaning mechanism) were considered. No unit was tested. Prices are live, read directly from each listing at the time of writing, and will update automatically.
Choosing the right one
In-ground versus above-ground
The most important distinction is your pool type. Pentair's pool cleaners in this list separate into two camps: the LL505PM, LL505PMG, and Kruiser are for in-ground pools, while the Lil Shark and Lil Rebel are for above-ground pools. In-ground cleaners often rely on more powerful mechanisms, like pressure-side operation, to handle larger volumes of water and greater surface area. Above-ground models are typically lighter and connect directly to the skimmer without needing a booster pump.
Suction-side versus pressure-side
Suction-side cleaners, like the Lil Rebel, attach to your pool's existing suction line or skimmer and use the filter pump's suction to move around and collect debris. They are simple and cost-effective but may not handle heavy debris or wall climbing as well. Pressure-side cleaners, like the two LL505PM models, use a separate booster pump to push water jets that maneuver the cleaner. They can scrub walls and floors more aggressively, but they require the booster pump, which adds cost and installation complexity.
Booster pump requirements
If you're considering a pressure-side cleaner, check whether your pool has a booster pump. Pressure-side cleaners need the higher water pressure from a booster pump to function correctly. If you don't have one, you'll need to budget for installation. Suction-side cleaners and the unspecified Kruiser likely work with your standard filter pump, avoiding that extra requirement. Always confirm the pump setup before making a purchase.
What the listing may not tell you
Some pool cleaners, like the Kruiser and Lil Shark, don't specify whether they are suction-side or pressure-side. This means you cannot rely on the listing to know how they attach or what kind of pump they need. In those cases, consult the manufacturer's product documentation or contact a pool professional to ensure compatibility. The specifications available in the listings are limited to what the seller provided, so missing details are common for budget models.
Matching the cleaner to your pool's debris load
If your pool gathers large leaves, twigs, or sand, a pressure-side cleaner may be more effective because it can use jet propulsion to dislodge particles from walls and floors. Suction-side cleaners are generally better for small debris like dirt and dust. The Kruiser and Lil Shark do not disclose their cleaning mechanism, so consider your debris type and look for a model with a defined mechanism, such as the Lil Rebel (suction-side) or LL505PM (pressure-side).
Questions
Do all Pentair pool cleaners require a booster pump?
No. Only pressure-side cleaners, such as the LL505PM and LL505PMG, require a booster pump. Suction-side cleaners like the Lil Rebel use your filter pump's suction, and above-ground models like the Lil Shark do not mention a booster pump requirement. Always check the product's specifications to see what your pool system needs.
Can I use an in-ground Pentair pool cleaner on an above-ground pool?
The models in this guide are clearly split by pool type. The in-ground models (LL505PM, LL505PMG, Kruiser) are designed for in-ground pools, and the above-ground models (Lil Shark, Lil Rebel) are for above-ground pools. Using the wrong type can lead to poor cleaning or damage because the size, hoses, and suction requirements differ.
What is the difference between the LL505PM and LL505PMG?
The only difference in the listings is the finish: the LL505PM is white/gray, while the LL505PMG is gray. The specifications, including the pressure-side mechanism and in-ground compatibility, are identical. Choose based on which color better matches your pool equipment or personal preference.
Why doesn't the Kruiser or Lil Shark specify suction or pressure?
The seller's listings for these models only state the pool type (in-ground for Kruiser, above-ground for Lil Shark) without mentioning the cleaning mechanism. This is a common simplification in product listings. To determine how they connect, you may need to check the manufacturer's documentation or contact Pentair directly.
What changed
- : First published.