Spend your time swimming in your pool instead of cleaning it.....
by Ross Safford
Who wants to waste time brushing and vacuuming a pool? We take a look at some of the most popular robots for pools and review which ones you should consider for your pool.
We look at robotic pool cleaners that are independent of the the pools filter pump providing a more cost effective method of cleaning your pool. This gives you the benefit of avoiding vacuum hose hassles (tangles and clogs) as well as alleviate added stress a suction vacuum can put on your pools pump.
If you're still manually brushing down the pool and vacuuming by hand you need to take a look at these robotic cleaners to see if they make sense for you. Just like robotic floor vacuums these pool robots can save you a lot of time.
Lets get started...
Our choice for
Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaner [Premier]
Reasons to Buy:
- Effectively keeps your pool clean
- Dual Scrubbing projects to clear out algae
- Advance Algorithms for complete pool coverage
- Full Filter indicator
Reasons to Avoid:
- Filter capacity is small when compared to some other units
Best Robotic Pool Cleaners on the Market
Image | Product | Key Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaner [Premier] |
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 | AIPER Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner |
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 | Polaris F9350 Sport Robotic In Ground Pool Cleaner |
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 | Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner |
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 | Aquabot X4 In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner with Swivel & Caddy |
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 | Hayward TigerShark Robotic Pool Vacuum |
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 | Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid Robotic Pool Cleaner |
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Review of Best Robotic Pool Cleaners
1. Dolphin Robotic [Premier] Pool Cleaner
Best Overall
User Rating
Product Details
- 50' pool coverage
- Up to 4500 GPH
- Weighs 37.2 lbs
- 3 year warranty
PRO's
- Single button plug and play in-ground cleaner
- Dual scrubbing brushes
- Multiple filter options
- Automate cleaning via scheduler
- Smart Nav software
- Anti-Tangle patented swivel technology
CON's
- Heavier than some models
- No Caddy
There is a lot to like about this model of the Dolphin robotic pool cleaners.
Homeowners that have both above ground pools and in ground pools will find this product effective in keeping your pool free from leaves, debris, and dirt. Its easy to use and will save hours of time giving pool owners more time to do the things they love.
This product works best for pools that are 50 feet in length or less. It has a swivel cord design that keeps it from tangling as it pumps 4500 gallons of water per hour (GPH).
The basket is a top loading basket allowing for easy access to clean the filter. The dual scrub brushes do a great job of clearing your pool floor and walls of dirt and dust into the water so that the suction pulls it into the filter. Its the ultimate in pool cleaning.
This robotic cleaner comes with both the bag and the filter cartridge giving you options for cleaning out your pool. Others may offer the multiple filters but you have to purchase extra. With this droid cleaner both types are included with the product at no extra charge.
One button design is simple to operate meaning all you need to do is place the robot in the water and press the button and you are set.
This tops the list of best robotic pool cleaners and is highly recommended. We just wish it came with a caddy.
2. AIPER Automatic Robot Pool Cleaner
Budget Climbing
User Rating
Product Details
- up to 50' pool
- top load filter
- Weighs 30 lbs
- 2 year warranty
PRO's
- Lower Price point
- PVC Rollers
- Easy Access top loading Filter chamber
- Can be set to run on various schedules
- Tangle free cable
CON's
- One of the heavier models tested
- Doesn't come with leaf bag
Good choice for those looking for a pool cleaning robot that is good at climbing walls at a budget price.
The AIPER automatic robot pool cleaner will work for both in ground and above ground pools that are less than 50 feet in length. The power cord has a swivel cable that keeps the cord from becoming tangled.
Weighing in at 30 pounds this isn't one of the lighter models we've reviewed but its a sturdy unit and was easy to get in and out of the pool.
The the feature that sets this model apart is the PVC or sponge like rollers that stir up fine debris to get them into the filter. The rollers have the added affect of providing excellent climbing stability. We did find that when the rollers were dried out it did take a little longer for them to soak up the water allowing the unit to sink as needed.
The top loading filter is easy to remove and has a nice sized capacity. Cleaning the filter is as simple as popping open the chamber removing filter, emptying, then rinsing with a hose before putting back in to the cleaner.
Great choice for those that need fine dirt and debris scrubbing on a budget.
3. Polaris F9350 Sport Robot
Light & Sporty
User Rating
Product Details
- Up to 50' pool coverage
- Circulates up to 4200 GPH
- 21 lbs
- 2 year warranty
PRO's
- 2-Wheel drive robotic cleaner
- Aqua-tracks tires
- ActivMotion Sensor Technology
- Vortex vacuum technology
- Rear water propulsion system
- Powder coated alloy caddy
CON's
- Some reports of climbing issues after only 9 months
- Comes with a course filter mesh rather than a fine mesh requiring extra purchase if you need the fine mesh
Some of the features that we really liked were the rear propulsion system it does a great job of agitating the water and clearing tight corners on the steps. The aqua-track tires provide good traction for climbing the sides of the pool. In our tests this model worked very well how ever it should be noted that there have been reports of the climbing capability not being as effective as time goes on.
While this is one of our lighter robotic pool cleaners we tested, a nice feature of the Polaris F9350 is it comes with a caddy to store the pool cleaner when it isn't in use.
This was a fun model to test out and we did like its light weight design and how it looks like a race car driving around in the pool. For in ground pool owners this is an excellent choice. If you have a pool with a large quantity of leaves and other large debris you may want to consider one of our higher rated models that come with a leaf bag.
4. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Pool Robot
Simple and Easy design
User Rating
Product Details
- Up to a 50' pool
- tangle free cable
- Weight is 19 lbs
- 2 year warranty
PRO's
- Dual scrubbing brushes
- Touch of a button controls
- Every day, every other day, or every 3rd day schedules
- Superior filtering capabilities
- Top Load Filter
CON's
- Doesn't come with a cart
- Cord to power supply is short
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Pool Robot is a basic robotic cleaner that is very effective on both in ground and above ground pools.
Pool owners of all types will enjoy how easy this robotic cleaner is to use as well and how clean the pool looks afterwards.
The top loading twin cartridge filters on this model work exceptionally well in picking up larger items as well as fine silt. The swivel cord kept things un-tangled for the most part but in some our tests we did find we had to untangle the cord on occasion.
The smart navigation system does a pretty good job of mapping out your pool and the energy efficient design saves you money will lower operational costs.
We liked the results of how the Nautilus CC Plus robot cleans the pool, we did down grade it for not having the caddy and having to occasionally untangle the cord. But this is a great option for the money.
5. Aquabot X4
Light Weight
User Rating
Product Details
- covers up to a 60' pool length
- up to 5100 GPH
- weight 17 lbs dry
- 3 year warranty
PRO's
- Oversized top loading Cartridge
- Anti-swivel design for power cord
- 4WD traction and micro-brushes
- AutoX Pool Mapping
- Comes with caddy for storage and moving around
CON's
- Scrubbing brush is in the middle making it less effective in corners
Pool owners with larger pools up to 60 feet in length may find this pool robot to be just the ticket for cleaning their pool.
The Aquabot X4 as it checked all the boxes in that it covers a larger pool than most (up to 60'), comes with a caddy, top loading filters, pool mapping design, large filters etc etc. And when it was working it delivered on all counts. We've had issues with several test units not working.
The top loading filter chamber opens too easily and sometimes can spill out the debris when opening. While this isn't a huge deal we feel it is work noting.
There is a lot to like about this robot when it is working. We do have some reservations on its durability so with that you should be prepared repairs sooner than later as an owner.
6. TigerShark Plus Cleaner
All around
User Rating
Product Details
- Covers up to a 40' pool
- Remote Control
- Weight of 21.5 lbs
- 3 year warranty
PRO's
- On-board pump
- Superior debris pickup
- Simple filter cartridge
- Wireless handheld remote
CON's
- Doesn't come with Caddy
- Gets stuck on drain in deep end
- Cord gets tangled
The Tigershark robotic pool cleaner is a brand that has been around for a while and is a trusted name.
This is is a great robotic pool cleaner for both above and in ground pool owners. The filter cartrige is simple to use and the unit as a whole does a great job in cleaning pools. The wireless handheld remote is a nice touch for maneuvering the unit in to hard to reach spots.
This product test pretty well as an effective robotic cleaner there are a few items that have us move this product down on the list. First it doesn't come with a caddy, we feel this is an important feature for keeping things together during storage periods and for moving the robot around with out damaging it.
The second beef we had with this unit was how it had a tendency to get stuck on the deep end drain in the pool. Of course this wouldn't be an issue if you have an above ground pool or a play pool.
The last issue is the price. Coming in at one of the higher price points we expected more from the unit.
Even with the few caveats we've given this is a very workable option.
7. Aquabot Pool Rover
Smaller Pools
User Rating
Product Details
- Maximum Pool Length 40'
- 4200 GPH
- Weight 10.6 lbs
- 2 year warranty
PRO's
- Jet propelled system
- 19-quart micro filter bag
- Internal pump
- Not as expensive as other models tested
CON's
- Bottom loaded filter
- No Caddy
- Geared more to smaller pools
This robot has the classic "robot" look and its hard not to like its spider-like looks.
This is a nice option for pool owners that have smaller pools as the cord length is less than some of the other models we reviewed. The price point on this unit is very good as well it is the least expensive robotic pool cleaner we reviewed.
The filter bag on this unit is 2 microns and does a great job of picking up debris and fine dirt and silt. What would work better for this unit is if it had a top loading filter, to reach the bottom loading filter you have to get it out of the water turn it over and then reach the filter compartment. It's workable but lest convenient than a top loading design.
We also like the jet propulsion system that helps in cleaning steps and tight corners.
For an inexpensive basic robotic pool cleaner the Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid is great choice for smaller pools.
Conclusion
Dolphin Premier Pool Robot
The Premier Robotic model was our favorite model of robotic cleaners that we tested. It was the most complete of the pool cleaners tested with one caveat, it doesn't come with a caddy for transport and storage.
However, its one short coming was overshadowed by how this robotic pool cleaner was easy to clean and consistently cleaned the pool and multiple types of filters that come with the unit.
There were two other models that caught our attention as well. The Nautilus CC and the Polaris Sport deserve honorable mentions and may be preferred by some for either the look or other subtle features.
Robotic Pool Cleaner Buying Guide
What to look for when buying a pool robot
It can be confusing when looking for the perfect robotic pool cleaner, vacuum robot, or any robotic device, it can be easy to be fooled by the looks and claims of various manufactures. Read on to see what you should be looking at so that you can read past the hype and get a robot that meets your expectations.
Light weight design
Since you will be pulling the robot out of the pool for cleaning and storage its important to have a robot that is light weight enough that it doesn't create physical stress having to take it out and put it in the pool. Ideally you want one that weighs between 20-30 pounds or less. Anything over that is a little too heavy.
Swivel Cord
While pool robots don't have suction hoses, most of them do have power cords. With all the back and forth circling the pool these power cords can get tangled up with all the twists. Look for robot's that have a swivel on the power cord this will help ensure you're not having to constantly check to make sure the the pool robot is tangled in the cord.
Climbs walls and steps
This isn't as much of a concern with above ground pools but if you have steps and an in ground pool you want to make sure the robot your getting has the ability to climb and brush walls. The ones that have scrubber brushes also can work on the waterline and make sure you don't get calcium deposits at the water line. Propulsion systems are also useful in they disturb the water in tight places allowing the vacuum to take in all the dirt from the corners.
Wide tires
Bots with wide tires tend to clime walls better, are more stable as they move around the pool and for above ground pools won't leave track indentations on the pool floor.
Filters
The filter is a key to picking up fine particles from the pool surface. For large debris you only need mesh small enough to trap leaves, twigs etc. However if your pool has a loot of dirt, dust, silt you should look for a smaller (2 micron) mesh for filtering. Some models come with all the filters needed others will require you to buy specialized filters as an after market purchase.
In general a top loading filter chamber is easy to access and easy to clean.
Brushes
Brushes are a key part of stirring up fine dirt particles so that they can be vacuumed. We like the ones that come with dual rollers. There are a couple of types of rollers there are the sponge-like PVC rollers and and that have flexible rubber nubs on them. The PVC rollers provide stability for climbing and are good for picking up fine particles but we found them less effective with larger debris.
Extras
You should look at are pool robots that come with a caddy. You can always buy an after market version but given the high price of most robots it seems reasonable to expect a caddy to come with the cleaner. However, if you find a superior cleaner that doesn't come with a caddy vs an inferior pool cleaner with a caddy. Always get the better cleaner even if it doesn't have a caddy. After all, that is why your getting a pool bot, to keep your pool clean.
Being able to control your robotic pool cleaner from your phone is becoming more and more common now. While this is a nice feature, it shouldn't be the primary reason for picking a pool Bot.
Recap of Best Robotic Pool Cleaners
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