The present portable pool cleaner is provided with an improved annular impeller, which facilitates the possible use of a fore receptacle without a filter bag, operating as an eddy trap for large debris, and also facilitates having an aft receptacle incorporating a filter bag or direct connection to in pool filtration systems. The annual impeller is able to effectively limit object size passing to the next stage, within impeding or striking objections passing through the inside gap in the annular impeller. The impeller duct/annular shape, with internal spiral blades, forms a through hole for the light sewage to more easily pass, while heavier particles in the sewage are trapped. The optional fore and aft receptacles may be detachable to facilitate cleaning, replacement and access to the impeller for cleaning or replacement. The handheld design facilitates underwater use.