Dogs love the water, and many pool owners love having them join in for a swim. But while those tail-wagging cannonballs are fun, the dog hair left behind isn’t. Unlike leaves or sand, dog hair floats for a while, then clumps together and sinks—or worse—gets caught in your pool’s filtration system.
If you allow your dog in the pool regularly, you need a cleaner that can capture fine, fibrous debris without clogging easily. In this guide, we’ll look at the best pool cleaners for dog hair in 2025, explain why this type of debris is tricky, and share tips for keeping your pool clean and your pup happy.
Why Dog Hair Is Hard to Remove
Dog hair presents a unique challenge for pool cleaners because:
- It floats and sinks: Hair may stay on the surface initially, but eventually settles on the floor and in corners.
- It’s fibrous: Hair can tangle and wrap around brushes or get caught in small intake ports.
- It clogs filters: Fine hair can quickly fill baskets and cartridges, reducing suction.
Features to Look for in a Dog-Hair-Friendly Cleaner
- Fine filtration: A mesh or cartridge capable of trapping small fibers without letting them pass through.
- Easy-to-clean filters: Quick access to baskets or cartridges makes hair removal simpler.
- Strong suction: To lift hair from both the surface and the floor.
- Wide intake ports: Helps prevent hair tangles and clogs.
Top Pool Cleaners for Dog Hair in 2025
1. Dolphin Premier – Best Overall for Dog Hair
The Dolphin Premier stands out for its interchangeable filters, including an ultra-fine cartridge that captures even small dog hairs. It cleans the pool floor, walls, and waterline, and its top-loading filter cartridges are easy to remove and rinse—making hair cleanup quick and hassle-free.
2. Polaris F9550 Sport – Best for Powerful Suction
The Polaris F9550 Sport offers strong suction and a large filter canister that can trap hair without clogging. Its four-wheel drive system allows it to reach all parts of the pool, and the canister is designed for quick hair removal with minimal tangling.
3. Aiper Seagull Pro – Best Cordless Option
The Aiper Seagull Pro is a cordless robotic cleaner with dual filtration that captures both fine debris like dog hair and larger particles. With up to 3 hours of runtime and no cord to tangle in, it’s convenient and easy to store.
4. Water Tech Pool Blaster Max – Best Handheld for Hair Removal
For targeted cleaning—especially around steps, corners, and near skimmers—the Pool Blaster Max is a rechargeable handheld vacuum with strong suction and a fine mesh filter bag. It’s perfect for spot-cleaning areas where dog hair tends to collect.
5. Skimmer Basket Hair Catcher Add-On – Best Preventative Measure
While not a cleaner in itself, a fine mesh hair catcher that fits inside your skimmer basket can capture most dog hair before it reaches your pump or filter. This inexpensive add-on pairs well with any cleaner and helps extend filter life.
Choosing the Right Cleaner for Your Dog Situation
Your ideal choice depends on how often your dog swims and how much hair they shed:
- Frequent swimmer, heavy shedding: Dolphin Premier or Polaris F9550 Sport for full automation.
- Occasional swimming: Aiper Seagull Pro or Pool Blaster Max for easy cleanup.
- Preventative filtration: Skimmer basket hair catcher used alongside any cleaner.
Tips for Reducing Dog Hair in the Pool
- Brush your dog before swimming to remove loose hair.
- Rinse them off to reduce dirt and hair transfer.
- Use a skimmer sock or basket insert to catch hair before it enters the filter system.
- Run your cleaner soon after a swim session to prevent hair from sinking and clumping.
Quick Comparison
- Dolphin Premier: Ultra-fine filtration, easy cleaning, full coverage.
- Polaris F9550 Sport: Large canister, strong suction, four-wheel drive.
- Aiper Seagull Pro: Cordless, dual filtration, long runtime.
- Water Tech Pool Blaster Max: Handheld, rechargeable, targeted cleaning.
- Skimmer Basket Hair Catcher: Low-cost, preventative, works with any system.
Final Thoughts
Dog hair is one of the most stubborn types of pool debris, but the right cleaner can make managing it simple. The Dolphin Premier offers the best overall performance for frequent canine swimmers, while the Polaris F9550 Sport is perfect for those who want maximum suction and debris capacity. Cordless options like the Aiper Seagull Pro add convenience, and handheld vacuums like the Pool Blaster Max allow for precision cleaning. Paired with a skimmer basket hair catcher, you can enjoy swimming with your dog without dreading the cleanup.
With the right setup, you and your dog can share the pool all summer without hair taking over your filter system.