Having tested a number of robotic pool vacuums, keeping the attached jacuzzi clean always presented a problem. The Ryobi PCL780B 18V Cordless Pool Vacuum provides the perfect solution—letting me vacuum that small area without having to connect a hose or try and fit a large robotic vac into the cramped space. Whether you simply have a small pool or an area you can’t get to with a more autonomous system, the Ryobi PCL780B provides a quick solution for cleaning up underwater debris.
Pros
- Plenty of runtime
- Excellent suction
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Works at depths up to 13 feet
- Easily washable dual filters
Cons
- 1.7L tank requires frequent emptying
- Not ideal for heavy-duty pool cleaning
Who’s the Ryobi Pool Vacuum Made For?
As I mentioned, this vacuum presents itself as a value solution for people needing a way to clean smaller spaces easily. Whether you have a small pool, hot tub, or spa, the Ryobi PCL780B lets you slap in a battery and take care of messes in just minutes. It also does it without the need for vacuum hoses or high-pressure hoses.
The Ryobi pool vacuum definitely isn’t designed for cleaning a full-sized pool. Though it could probably get the job done, larger pools benefit from the heavier-duty suction a traditional pool vacuum provides. You may also want to avoid it if you don’t have a covered pool and you tend to get a ton of leaves. The small 1.7L canister will require frequent emptying. Where the Ryobi shines is with regard to spot cleaning and/or picking up areas your traditional semi-auto or automatic vacuum might miss.
Features and Use
Right off the bat, the Ryobi PCL780B pool vacuum struck me as plenty powerful. A single power switch activates the tool—just submerge it fully so it can prime before turning it on. Ryobi makes it simple to attach the 18V pool vac to any standard pole. You can also grab it for handheld use if desired. Weighing around 3.5 lbs (before adding a battery) it’s easy to maneuver either one-handed or with the pole.
The 18V battery fits into a fully-sealed hinged compartment, keeping it safe from chlorinated or salt water.
I found that I could indeed submerge the vacuum all the way down to the bottom of my 8-foot deep pool—typical for most residential pools in Florida. It made quick work around the dual floor drains where my robotic vacuum often has difficulty.
It uses a dual filtration system. That means it has a two-stage filter: a coarse mesh for larger debris like leaves and a finer filter for sand and silt. It helped keep constant suction even when I used it to pull up left over sand and silt from a leak repair that involved drilling into the pool.
Both filters washed out easily using a standard garden hose. You just press a button to release the clear canister and then pull out the filter. Twist to release the inner secondary filter, and you’re all set.
Runtime Numbers
Runtime always varies per battery used, but the Ryobi PCL780B fits anything from a 2Ah pack to a 6Ah pack for extended runtime (up to 120 minutes). Seriously, though, if you plan to clean your pool for more than 2 hours, you may have a problem (or a really big pool!)
| Battery | 2Ah | 4Ah | 6Ah |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runtime | 45 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins |
Ryobi PCL780B Pool Vacuum Specifications
- Power source: 18V ONE+ battery
- Suction: 13 gallons per minute (GPM)
- Tank capacity: 1.7 liters (0.45 gallons)
- Water resistance: Submersible up to 13 feet (IPX8)
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Length: 18 in.
- Includes: Floor head, dual filtration system, operator’s manual
- Warranty: 1-year
Pricing
The PCL780B is available as a bare tool for $149 at Home Depot, or as the PCL780K kit (with a 2Ah battery and charger) for around $199. It’s pricier than buying a cheap hose vacuum but remarkably well-priced compared to other manual cordless vacs from InoKraft and similar no-name brands. Plus, you get a product that’s compatible with literally hundreds of other cordless tools and products.
Final Thoughts
Admittedly, cordless pool vacuums represent a rather niche market. However, it’s a niche that has yet to be filled by a major manufacturer—until now. Sure, you can drop $600–$1200 or more on a robotic vacuum, but hose-tethered models are a real pain and robotic vacuums don’t always get into every corner or crevice. Ryobi leveraged its penchant for ease of use and value into a cordless pool vacuum designed specifically for underwater cleanups. At $149, it’s an easy choice on its own—but even moreso if you’re already a Ryobi user or like the idea of adding more of their products to your arsenal.
