Abstract: A magnetic control valve is provided in a suction powered pool cleaner of the type for vacuuming dirt and debris from submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool. The pool cleaner comprises a head defining a suction inlet for vacuum inflow of water and debris into a plenum chamber, and further through a suction tube adapted for connection via a vacuum hose to a conventional pool water filtration system. The control valve includes an oscillatory valve member movable between open and substantially closed positions relative to an upstream end of the suction tube to produce pressure fluctuations causing the cleaner to advance in steps over submerged pool surfaces. Oscillatory driving of the valve head is assisted by permanent magnets mounted on the valve member and cleaner head to generate repulsion forces as the valve head respectively approaches the open and closed positions.