The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners

UPDATED: Jan 09, 2020.

Looking to buy the best robotic pool cleaners on the market for your swimming pool? 

Considering the overabundant varieties and possibilities available on the market, we know it’s not an easy decision. 

But you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve hand-picked the best robotic pool cleaners to make it easy for you. 

We’ve selected the best robotic cleaners based on these criteria:

• Bestsellers
• Highly rated
• Reasonably priced
• Easy to use
• Options for both inground and above ground pools

5 Features Every Good Robotic Pool Cleaner Should Have 

The million-dollar question is, which pool cleaner is the best and which one is the right one for you?

Well, the answer is: it depends.

Not quite the answer you’re looking for? 

It’s because there are many different pool cleaner types. Each has its own pros and cons. 

Moreover, every robotic cleaner offers different features which may or may not be of importance to you. However, here are the top five features every good robotic cleaner should have.

1. Durability and Reliability

No-brainers!

These cleaners aren’t cheap, and just like any other product you buy, you want it to last.

2. Top-Quality Brushes

The brushes are arguably the most important part as they do all the heavy lifting. 

Hard-bristle brushes or rotating rubber brushes can clean the most stubborn debris and dirt.

3. Wheels that Fly

This subhead is a little bit of exaggeration. You don’t want a super fast cleaner, but you definitely want one that can go virtually anywhere in your pool. Otherwise, it will either get stuck or leave certain areas dirty.

Four-wheel drive cleaners with big and wide tires are the safest bet!

4. Smart and Programmable Features

You should be able to program your cleaner once and forget about it. Isn’t that the whole idea behind robotic cleaners?

Also, most advanced manufacturers pack their cleaners with advanced smart features that use artificial intelligence to learn the layout of your pool for efficient and fast cleaning. Other smart features to look for include deflecting mechanism, efficient cleaning cycles, and so on. 

5. Ability to climb stairs

You don’t want a clean pool floor but dirty stairs. Most modern cleaners can climb stairs. Yous should too.

Honorable mention

Because a regular cord can easily get tangled and can be a huge pain, consider a cleaner with a swivel cord.

10 Best robotic pool cleaner 2020 reviews

Let’s quickly review the top ten, best selling robotic cleaners. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each to help you figure out which one fits your bill.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner

The Dolphin Nautilus Plus is the highest rated as well as bestselling cleaner for many reasons. 

Weighing only 22lbs, it comes with a 2-year warranty and has a conveniently placed extra-large top access filter cartridge system that makes it super easy to spring clean the cartridges.

The Dolphin Nautilus features CleverClean Technology along with a patented swivel system that allows tangle-free operations. It can scrub, filter and vacuum the entire floor, walls, as well as waterlines of inground pools up to 50 feet in length all in just under 2.5 hours!.

The cleaner also includes built-in software that automatically scans the dimensions of your entire pool and then cleans it regardless of its shape, size or surface. 

It’s equipped with an advanced PowerClean Brush which spins at high RPM’s to help remove even the most difficult of algae, dirt, bacteria, and biofilm. Its rubber tracks grip the surface and walls of the pool in a way that’s not available to other competitor models.

The Dolphin Nautilus has a built-in weekly timer for automatic operations and an extra-large filter capacity for minimizing the time and effort needed to clean the filter. 

It also features a Rapid Water Release system that allows filtered water to exit the unit in just under 6 seconds. 

It’s completely independent of your pool’s main pump and filter, allowing you to clean your entire pool using only a fraction of the energy than other types of cleaning systems. 

Moreover, its Easy-Fix modular components are easy to replace, should a repair be needed, and cost significantly less than its competitors

With all these available options and features coming in at well under $1000, it’s easy to see why this cleaner is so popular.

Read more: Dolphin Nautilus Plus Review

Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Cleaner

Cutting-edge technology, amazing features, and a large capacity top load filtration make the Dolphin Nautilus a great choice for big pools.

The Clever Clean technology can determine the most efficient path while the unique brush ensures proper scrubbing of the floor and walls.

It has an energy-efficient power supply, that brings the average cost of operation to $0.05 per kWh. Also, it has a timer that lets you choose the exact days and time of cleaning.

The cleaner doesn’t need manual input after you start it. Once complete, pull the cleaner out by the cord, take out the filter, and get rid of all dirt cleared from your pool.

Just like most other robotic cleaners, it might miss a spot or two. While it can clean virtually any shape but might struggle if the pool has too many curves.

You can choose to clean the floor or the entire pool including the walls. This is an affordable, elegant, and efficient robotic cleaner for big pools.

Maytronics Dolphin Premier Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner

Yet another amazing product by Dolphin that has dual scrubbing brushes that scrub clean the surface and vacuum the pool for quick, efficient cleaning.

With an upgraded microprocessor-controlled Smart-Nav software that reduces electricity cost by nearly 87%, it’s one of the best Dolphin Pool cleaners. 

The built-in Smart-Nav software helps cleans the tiles and walls all the while scanning continuously the surface of the pool for any scattered debris left in the pool all the while coming up with new and optimal patterns for faster cleaning.

It can detect drains, ladders, and any other obstacle. You’ll love its groundbreaking design and a 360 degree underwater tangle-free rotation swivel system. 

Moreover, it offers multiple types of media i.e. micro-filter, dual filter, oversized debris collector within one unit to clean a variety of debris from algae to leaves.

A 24 volt DC motor operates with a nearly 90% less energy requirement and the cost to operate is just 5 cents per hour. What’s more, you can decide when you need to run it – daily, twice a week or thrice a week.

Read Full Review here

Dolphin Triton PS Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner 

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Triton PS is admirable because of its superior scrubbing power. It features the PowerStream mobility to provide a constant grip on vertical surfaces. So whether it’s the pool wall or waterline, optimal cleaning isTriton PS’s goal.

Its top-loading filter basket traps dirt, leaves, and debris. Along with cleaning the pool, it circulates the water and leaves it sparkling. It gets the job done within 2 hours. 

Like other robotic cleaners, you can set Dolphin’s weekly scheduler for automatically cleaning the pool every day, every other day or every 3^rd day.

The machine is lightweight so you can easily move it across the pool. It covers pools up to 50 feet. Unfortunately, you can not operate it remotely. Plus, it gets stuck in curvy areas.

Dolphin Electric Pool Cleaner – Carry Caddy

If you have a heavy robotic pool cleaner, you might want to consider investing in a caddy. The Carry Caddy by dolphin can be a great choice if you own any of the Dolphin hybrid models, Advantage or Orion.

Although it does have space for some of the bigger models, make sure you call the manufacturer in advance and confirm it’s compatible with your cleaner.

The cart can hold the cleaner as well as the large power supply. For some bigger models, however, wrapping the 40-feet cord could be a bit of hassle.

The unit is all plastic and seems to be a little overpriced. All in all, this is a great accessory for your Dolphin cleaners. It makes moving your cleaner around easy and keeps things tidy.

Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Escape is packed with an unthinkable performance at a reasonable price. This pool cleaner has a sleek design. The machine operates on the SmartNav 2.0 robotic scanning technology to optimize cleaning patterns. Hyperbush active scrubbing brushes loosen up the containments. If there is any hard layer of grime stuck on the surface, consider it gone.

Escape doesn’t feature conventional wheels rather, it has continuous rubber tracks that prevent slippage and stop the wastage of energy. It can detect walls, ladders, and drains. Its advanced algorithm delivers uninterrupted cleaning.

Since robot cleaners handle all sizes of debris, the manufacturers have taken precautions by providing a huge filter cartridge. It’s easier to access it from the top. The large bag can hold up to 60% more debris than other filters.

Polaris 9550 Sport Pool Cleaner

The Polaris F9550 Sports is a heavy-duty 4-wheel drive cleaner with an elegant design. Its aquadynamics, 4-wheel drive can overcome and climb over any obstacle and can take on any pool terrain of up to 60 feet long. The handy remote control lets you clean any hard to reach spots. 

The easy lift system, with one touch, can call the cleaner to drive itself up to the surface and automatically clear the water inside. 

Moreover, the timer can be programmed for as long as seven days in advance, along with customizable cleaning cycles and a tile only mode to focus on just cleaning the waterline.

The easy-clean filter canister lets you simply shake and spray to empty the accumulated debris. Lastly, with a low torque watertight Tangle-Reducing Swivel, it keeps the cable from tangling while operating.

Dolphin Oasis Z5i Robotic Pool Cleaner 

Dolphin Oasis Z5i is built for deep cleaning. It’s highly powerful with scrubbing the floor, walls, and waterline. Schedule the cleaner for automatic cleaning while you focus on other important tasks.

You can also operate it via Bluetooth. Just download the MyDolphin app on your smartphone and you are all set. This model is 8 times more energy-efficient than other cleaners. It’s a package of hassle-free cleaning and unmatched performance.

Within 2.5 hours, you will have a crystal clear pool. It’s great at scrubbing all the algae from the pool bottom, walls, and waterline. The dual dynamic scrubbing brushes make pool cleaning so effortless. The only problem is you might see it constantly getting stuck on the drain.

Hayward RC9990CUB TigerShark Robotic Pool Vacuum

The Tiger Shark is Hayward’s flagship robotic cleaner which can be a great choice depending on your pool size and budget. The vendor claims that it can clean a 20 x 40 pool in just 90 minutes. 

It can deal with any type of debris and comes as a complete system i.e. runs separately from the pool’s filtration system. The design is pretty elegant and removing the cartridge filter system is very easy.

The Tiger Shark is very heavy, especially when pulling out of the pool. The price tag is also on the higher side. 

Aquabot Pool Rover S2 40

Aquabot Pool Rover S2 40 is another name for fuss-free cleaning. It’s designed for pools of all shapes and sizes. The Aquabot pump filters up to 80 gallons of water per minute for powerful suction. 

You will admire its sleek design to support maximum maneuvering through the pool. The plug and play operation makes it simple to use. The patented Hydrorobotic technology makes it thoroughly clean the pool using the force of water.

The cleaner shuts down after 2 hours of cycling. You can choose from 1 and 2 hours of cleaning timer settings. Its ability to capture 2 microns of debris is laudable. However, it gets a little frustrating to clean the filter bag and remove those tiny particles.

Hayward RC9740CUB SharkVac Robotic Pool Cleaner

The Hayward RC9740CUB SharkVac robotic pool cleaner is built using state of the art smart steering technology for a sparkling clean pool. It also has 2 sensors – out of the water sensor and beach entry sensor.

It doesn’t operate with the filtration system of your pool which reduces the need for filter backwash. It covers the pool floor, walls, coves, and waterline. The cleaner uses 94 percent less energy as compared to traditional pool cleaners. Its energy can be compared to that of a standard light bulb.

Its top access filters are easy to remove. They are pretty easy to clean as well. Just remove and rinse them with your garden hose. There is absolutely no need to turn the unit over for emptying the bag. What’s not so good about this cleaner? It’s a bit heavy.

Dolphin Sigma Robotic Pool Cleaner

If your focus is action-packed features, Dolphin Sigma will take you by surprise. Weekly timer, waterline cleaning, smartphone control and gyroscope, these some to name. It has a weekly scheduler that automatically cleans the pool for you. Choose from 3 settings – daily, 2 times a week, and 3 times a week.

For remote control, connect Sigma to your smartphone’s Bluetooth and spot clean with just a tap. The dual filtration cartridges are located on the top. These filters are large in size to maintain a higher flow rate and suction. The cleaner is equipped with anti-tangling swivel cable. 

Within 2.5 hours, have your pool deep cleaned. The dual scrubbing brushes in the machine thoroughly remove bacteria, algae, and grime from the walls, floor, and waterline. Although it works optimally, it might get stuck on the ladder at a deeper end.

Aquabot APRVJR Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner

The Aquabot APRVJR Pool Rover is powered by jet-drive propulsion and works with a touch of a button. The cleaner comes with a 40-feet long cord and is ideal for above ground pools of any shape or design.

The ingenious technology saves you in terms of energy, water, and chemicals.  What’s more, it has a 2-hour auto shut off mechanism in case you forget to stop it.

The built-in 2-micron fine reusable filter bag can catch everything, from large leaves to the tiniest of algae. On top of that, the smart guidance system ensures that the pool is cleaned in no time.

Some of its parts such as the piston or directional valve flap might need to be replaced over time. However, it’s a sturdy unit overall that ensures a clean pool for many seasons.

Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Dual Scrubbing Brushes Ideal for Pools Up To 35 Feet

Featuring dual scrubbing brushes, this sturdy little cleaner by Dolphin can clean the floor, cove as well as walls of your pool in no time.

For enhanced efficiency and faster cleaning, the cleaner doesn’t swirl around in random patterns. It analyzes the shape and size of your pool and cleans it in a systematic manner. However, remember it’s ideal only if your pool is 35 feet or smaller.

The Dolphin Nautilus doesn’t clean steps, can miss a tiny spot and has trouble with angles, i.e., where the pool wall meets the pool lope. Also, if your yard has trees (such as oak or maple) with large leaves, they might get stuck at the bottom.

Aquabot X4

It’s one of the best valued robotic cleaners out there. Rich features at such a bargain have caught customers’ attention. The cleaner is best at scraping and cleaning small particles. 

The 4 wheel drive motion lets it move across any surface, even tile. This gives the wheels an extra boost when the unit is in action. 

X4 uses advanced rotating micro brushes to remove accumulated grime, girt and debris from the bottom and walls of the pool. It doesn’t leave the corners and waterline behind. It is powered by an industry-leading pump that circulates 85 GPM for optimal cleaning.

The cleaner is reliable but it doesn’t have a daily timer setting. And, its brush is located in the center of the machine. Therefore, it misses some spots.

Pentair 360032 Kreepy Krauly Prowler

Kreepy Krauly Prowler is a redesigned model for in-ground pools. Whether it’s scrubbing or vacuuming, this unit does it all. 2.5 hours is all it takes to clean the pool. 

Its built-in weekly timer keeps it running even when you are not home. You will have 2 cleaning cycles to choose from – quick clean and thorough clean. The cleaner has a wireless remote to provide you complete control. You can also use it for scheduling regular cleaning. Cool, right? 

It doesn’t consume extra energy. It would cost you less than 20 cents/day to use it. That’s one quality all homeowners would admire. There is a large self-contained filter cartridge to capture all sorts of debris. But it’s a bit too sensitive. It fills up quickly and you have to empty and clean it often.

Aquabot AB Aquabot Classic In-Ground Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner

This bad boy is one of the best waterline scrubbers. It’s pre-programmed to scrub, vacuum and filter dirt and debris. Super Grip PVC brushes offer excellent traction even on slippery surfaces.

Its micro filter bag can trap both heavy and fine dirt particles. That means you will have crystal clear pool water. The built-in filtration system can clean and purify 1000s of gallons of water per hour. The 50 feet long cable makes it easier to move inside the pool without getting stuck.

The machine works with just the push of a button but if you are looking forward to remotely controlling it, unfortunately it does not support that. You might also be disappointed in its inability to climb walls.

What is a Robotic Pool Cleaner?

A Robotic Pool Cleaner is an automated vacuum cleaner whose sole purpose is to collect debris, sediment, and algae from swimming pools with little human intervention. It is one of the different varieties of swimming pool vacuum cleaners and are mainly battery powered. All automatic pool cleaners have one simple goal: keeping your pool clean, with little time, effort and maintenance required from you.

So, How do Robotic Pool Cleaners Work?

A robotic pool cleaner is essentially a vacuum cleaner that works with very little if any manual intervention. 

Unlike suction Pool Cleaners, robotic pool cleaners are fully automated and independent from the swimming pools main pump and filtration system. They have a special mechanism that guides them around the different sections of the pool. 

They have their own filtration system which acts as a secondary filter while cleaning the pool. They are not only programmable but some can be operated via remote control. 

They come with a built-in cartridge to capture the debris collected while cleaning. While they are slightly more expensive to buy, they are a great time and effort saver!

Benefits of Robotic Pool Cleaners

Ease of Use

It’s already difficult to do all the household chores and adding pool cleaning to the mix only makes it harder. If there’s family, you can simply ask them to lend you a helping hand and can make this an excellent moment to bond with your family. 

If you lack pool buddies, then you might already be worn out from the daily demands of work and having a pool that needs to be cleaned every week or two is only going to pile up on your frustrations and things to-do list.

With a robotic cleaner, all you might have to do it turn it on and then clean the cartridge. That’s it!

Savings in the Long Run

Robotic Pool Cleaners are not only cost-effective and maintenance-friendly, but they are also energy efficient. They help you lower your energy bills and running costs while making sure to clean down your pool of bacteria and algae efficiently. 

They help save you from requiring any additional pumps and also contain self-contained filtration systems which help reduce the wear and tear of some of your more expensive and existing main pool equipment.

Operating at minimal noise levels than the suction-side and pressure-side pool cleaners, they also circulate chemicals and reduce chemical usage in the long run. 

With the added ability to scale and scrub walls, along with handy remote controls to clean the direction and area of the pool, it’s easy to see why purchasing a robotic pool cleaner may be the perfect decision.

Professional Cleaning Year Round

Of course, you can hire professionals to do the cleaning for you while you enjoy your time later on in the pool. But they can charge you as much as the price of a robotic cleaner.  Why hire them to do it for you when you can just purchase an automatic pool cleaner who will do the job for a long time to come. 

FAQs

Got some questions related to robotic pool cleaners? These FAQs might address them:

Can I Leave My Dolphin Pool Cleaner In The Pool?

Yes, you can leave your Dolphin pool cleaner in the pool when it’s not in use. However, it’s not recommended to leave it inside when you are adding chemicals to the pool water for balancing the PH and chlorine levels.

How Long Do Robotic Pool Cleaners Last?

Robotic pool cleaners can last between 3 and 5 years. With proper maintenance, they might even last up to 8 years.

How Often Should You Backwash Your Pool?

You must backwash your pool once a week or as per the scheduled maintenance. The best time for that is right after you have vacuumed the pool. If you have used the pool more than usual, backwash it twice a week. 

Are Robotic Pool Cleaners Worth It?

Absolutely! They are very effective at cleaning large and small debris. They can even circulate pool water if your filter is not working. The brushes attached under the hood of the cleaner eliminates manual scrubbing. The cleaner will scrub the tile lines and pool wall on its own.

How Often To Run Robotic Pool Cleaner?

If you swim a lot, run the robotic pool cleaner once a day or every other day. On the other hand, if you are not a frequent summer, once every 1 to 2 weeks would be enough.

Robotic Pool Cleaner Vs Pressure Cleaner?

Robotic pool cleaners specialize in picking all kinds of debris. They are more powerful because they program themselves. They work without a pool pump or filtration system. Pressure cleaners, on the other hand, can only pick fine materials better. They get clogged by bigger debris and leaves. They need a filter pump for pushing water. 

Conclusion

These tips should help you figure out best robotic pool cleaners for your pool. 

Just like any other product, always keep in mind your unique needs and shop around before making the purchase. Also, since it’s a long term investment, only consider reputed manufacturers and products backed by a decent warranty.

We have tried our best to include only the bestselling products that have high ratings from people like yourself. Because if most other people like a product, chances are high that you’ll also like it.

We wish you the best of luck and happy cleaning!