DOLPHIN

7 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners in 2024

By Naba Kumar

Our top picks

Best budget pool cleaner: OT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
Best wired cleaner: Aquabot Robotic Pool Cleaner

Having a pool helps you in keeping yourself fit and refreshed as you can have regular swimming sessions. However, it requires regular maintenance to keep the water sparkling clean. That’s where a pool cleaner can help you greatly. After all, it takes the trouble away from you to keep your pool crystal clear as you would have seen it on the TV.

Although there are different types of pool cleaners available, the robotic pool cleaner is more popular than other variants. Its automatic cleaning features give you a hassle-free cleaning experience. So, invest your money in buying a robotic pool cleaner.

This article is a compilation of some of the best pool cleaners currently available in the market. Our experts have picked up this list after going through various different models, comparing their PROS and CONS.

Hayward TigerShark Robotic Pool Cleaner

Hayward

The Hayward RC9990CUB TigerShark Robotic Pool Cleaner is one of the fastest pool cleaners out there in the market. It can clean most pools in just 90 minutes. The easy-clean cartridge system makes it easy to clean the robotic pool cleaner and get rid of the debris it collects. Moreover, the one-button press operational setup is something you would surely fall in love with.

Pros:

  • The cleaning cycle is one of the fastest among the robotic pool cleaners.
  • Emptying the cartridge bag is easy.
  • The operation is highly user-friendly.

Cons:

  • You need to replace the wheel and roller bearings at least once or twice a year.
  • The price is a little on the higher side.

DOLPHIN Nautilus Robotic Pool Cleaner

DOLPHIN

It’s no surprise that this Dolphin Nautilus model makes it to this list of the best robotic pool cleaners. The two-year warranty is definitely a star attraction as compared to other robotic pool cleaners. After all, a longer warranty period means the manufacturer is confident about the quality.

When it comes to cleaning, it is as good as other Dolphin models in cleaning both the walls and floors. Other features such as operational ease, freedom from a hose, and compatibility with any standard outlet are worthwhile to consider for cleaning your pool.

Pros:

  • The setup and operation are extremely user-friendly.
  • The two-year warranty means you can be sure of the best quality performance.
  • An ideal choice for both floor and walls.
  • The price range is in the affordable range.

Cons:

  • You need to replace the wheel and roller bearings at least once or twice a year.

Polaris Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner

Polaris

The Polaris F9450 is one of the best cleaners to consider purchase because of its superior vacuum. Moreover, if you are looking for a cleaner that can scrub both the walls and bottom of the pool. And this model is just the right choice. The unique feature is its ability to move along the waterline and reach unreachable spots. Furthermore, you can set a preprogrammed weekly cleaning cycle, thereby allowing it to clean with a different cleaning mode.

Pros:

  • It has a positive reputation for efficient all-round cleaning.
  • An ideal choice for deep cleaning the pool as it scrubs walls and floors.
  • Set it on a seven-day cleaning cycle with the pre-programmed features.

Cons:

  • Some customers have complained about its inefficiency in cleaning fine dirt.

Aquabot Robotic Pool Cleaner

Aquabot

The Aquabot Breeze IQ is probably one of the most affordable robotic pool cleaners. While most other cleaners come with a 50-feet cable, this pool cleaner model comes with a 60-feet cable. So, you get the extra length to cover more areas. Even the filters can filter out the smallest pollutants ranging from dust and pollen to dander.

Pros:

  • It is equally ideal for cleaning the floors as well as the walls.
  • The extra length of the cable extends your area of reach.
  • The filters are great for cleaning even the minute particles.

Cons:

  • Customers have complained about the poor durability.
  • The long cord often tangles in between the cleaning process.

AIPER SMART Robotic Pool Cleaner

Aiper

If you are looking for a cordless robotic pool cleaner, then the Aiper Smart HJ1102 Cordless Pool Cleaner will surely attract you. Although it can’t climb the pool walls, it can still clean a standard size pool within an hour.

However, the star attraction of this pool cleaner is its built-in lithium battery which gets recharges in 3 to 4 hours. And if you are worried about running out of charge in between the work, then its smart docking technology directs it to move towards the edge of the pool.

Pros:

  • It is an ideal choice for above and inground pools.
  • The superior design gives you a quick cleaning time.
  • The battery is powerful and gets charged within four hours.

Cons:

  • It can’t climb walls, thereby not giving you a complete clean-up experience.

PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

Paxcess

The PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is an ideal choice for cleaning pools with just a push of the button. The 5000 mAh lithium-ion battery gives it a run time of 60 to 90 minutes, which is enough to clean a standard pool.

The stunning design and the powerful cleaning of both the bottom and the walls make it one of the best pool cleaners in the market. The low battery detection feature will bring it to the shore once ‘low battery’ is detected.

Pros:

  • The cordless feature lets you get rid of tangling and twisting wires.
  • The lightweight body is ideal for anyone to easily carry it from one place to another.
  • The overall maintenance is low for this model.
  • The cleaning process is superb.
  • You get a high energy efficient battery for longer use.

Cons:

  • It is not an ideal choice for cleaning walls and steps.
  • The charging time is longer as compared to other models.

OT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

OT

The OT QOMOTOP is one of the few smart robotic pool cleaners where you get rid of the tangling cord. Along with a sturdy body design, it comes with a 5000 mAh built-in lithium battery. Furthermore, the runtime of 90 minutes is sufficient to turn the dirty pool into a crystal clear pool.

Unlike other cordless pool cleaners, it can collect debris from the bottom and the wall with equal competence. The intelligent Shutdown Technology lets it come to the shore once the cleaning is done.

Pros:

    It is one of the most economical pool cleaner models in the market. It comes with an excellent filtration and suction system. The battery life is good enough to finish the entire cleaning job in one go. The manufacturer provides a 2-year warranty.

Cons:

  • The charging time is high as compared to similar models.

Robotic Pool Cleaner Buying Guide:

Perhaps our list of the seven best robotic pool cleaners has given you some insight into what these machines can do and how they work. So, you would obviously want to choose the best pool cleaner to make the most out of your investment. That’s where our robotic pool cleaner buying guide comes in very handy.

Read through to know the factors to consider before buying a robotic pool cleaner.

Pool type

Note that all robotic pool cleaners are not designed for the same purpose. Hence, you must know about your pool type before buying a robotic pool cleaner. Your pool’s size, shape, and a number of steps play an important role in determining the best robotic pool cleaner suitable for your pool. Also, you must consider what type of debris is generated.

Cables

The length of the cord is one of the most important considerations when purchasing a robotic pool cleaner. That’s because choosing the right cord length will not only allow you to reach every corner of the pool but will also prevent twisting/tangling and cord restriction.

Moreover, you should keep this in mind to keep the cleaner’s efficiency high, as twisted and tangled cords can hamper the cleaner’s performance.

Cleaning

Various robotic pool cleaner models are available in the market. Each of these models comes with its own cleaning features. While some cleaners work in-ground, other models can clean both walls and floors.

waterline cleaningNote that in-ground pool cleaner can easily clean the surface and bottom of the pool, thus it is a perfect choice for deep cleaning the pool. Some manufacturers claim that their cleaners can climb the walls. This means that cleaners of their brand can brush dirt, algae, and other debris off the walls and waterline.

Filters

Depending on where you live, you may have to take out different debris such as leaves, pollens, algae, dirt, and dust. Now all these debris differ in size and shape, thereby forcing you to use different filters while cleaning the pool.

waterline cleaningLarge filters can easily collect larger debris such as leaves, while you need small filters to collect smaller debris, such as pollen and dirt. Other fine debris, such as dust and bacteria, can only be cleaned by the use of small pore filters. Now depending upon what model you are buying, it may or may not have the microfilters. Thus you may have to purchase it separately.

Please note that you must empty the replaceable debris collection bag before starting the next pool cleaning cycle. This will ensure the cleaner machine works efficiently. On the other hand, clogging can cause poor performance and shorten the machine’s lifespan.

Tracks or Wheels

Robotic pool cleaners move inside the pool on either wheels or tracks. Although the wheeled variant is an economical choice, they may not be suitable for all pool types as their grip over the surface isn’t that good.

featuresTracks variant pool cleaners, on the other hand, are expensive but they provide excellent grip. Moreover, the rotating scrubbers can provide deeper cleaning as compared to a wheeled robotic pool cleaner.

Energy efficiency

In terms of energy efficiency, robotic pool cleaners are better than regular hydraulic pool cleaners as they consume 82% less energy.

While energy efficiency may not seem necessary when you are using a directly powered pool cleaner. However, in the case of battery-powered pool cleaners, energy efficiency is an essential factor, as the battery has a limited run time.

Durability

Generally, Electromechanical machines and water are not the best combinations. However, looking at the nature of the job, robotic pool cleaners must be sturdy. A longer warranty period means the machine has higher durability.

Alternatively, you can also consider customer reviews and feedback to know more about the operational faults and problems to make a better decision.

Warranty

Another important factor to think about before purchasing a robotic pool cleaner is whether the warranty is for a year or more. Warranty coverage differs on different components such as motors, cables, suction pumps, containers, and so on. Hence, it is always better to get clarity over the warranty coverage on the unit you are buying and whom to approach in case of any problem in the future.

Price

The price of the pool cleaner depends on what type of unit you’re buying, and what features it has. If you have a large pool, you should invest in a larger unit, as it will give you more power, a larger filter bag, and faster cleaning.

Although high-capacity pool cleaners are expensive, they are well worth the investment as ultimately you get a superior cleaning experience.

Advanced Option

Some models support quick-access features and can be programmed, scheduled, and operated by smartphones. Some advanced robotic pool cleaner models can even clean the entire pool with a single tap.

Some battery-operated robotic pool cleaners can even automatically come to the show or once the cleaning process is done or the battery is low.

Conclusion

Automatic robotic pool cleaners are obviously a great help in keeping your pool clean, clear, and transparent. Having this machine will save your time, energy, and efforts to remove dirt and debris from the pool. This means you can focus on more important work without worrying about maintaining the pool.

Also, our buyer’s guide will help you to choose the best robotic pool cleaner out of hundreds of models available in the market. If the robotic cleaner will do all the work, what will you do then? Just dive into the pool and enjoy your swimming session.