Are you tired of dealing with the mediocre pool cleaner you pay for every month?

Do you want to spend more time swimming in your pool than maintaining it?

Are you trying to better the environment by using a more energy-efficient product?

before and after pool cleaner photos

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should make an investment in a robotic pool cleaner.

These smart devices will take the guesswork out of cleaning your pool and keep it crystal clear all season long.

If you have questions about what the best robotic pool cleaner is for you, read on and you will soon find the perfect fit for your perfect pool.

Best Robotic Pool Cleaners 2021 – Our Top Picks


Pool Type

Coverage

Warranty

Weight

Cycle Time

Smart Navigation

Above Ground Pools

40' Coverage

2 Years

20 Pounds

1 or 2 Hour Cycles

No

Inground Pools

50' Coverage

1 Year

33 Pounds

3 Hour Cycle

No

Inground Pools

50' Coverage

2 Years

20 Pounds

3 Hour Cycle

Yes

Inground Pools

70' Coverage

1 Year

21 Pounds

Programmable

Yes

 

BEST ROBOTIC POOL CLEANERS UNDER $500

Take a look at this group of amazing devices and we guarantee you will find an automated pool cleaner that suits your needs and will get the job done for under $500.

You will still get great filtration capabilities and a good floor cleaning, making this type of robotic pool cleaners ideal for above ground and some inground pools.

Keep in mind, these devices will still require some manual intervention to ensure your pool is cleaned thoroughly every time.

If you don’t feel like wasting your time cleaning your pool frequently, but are trying to save money or are on a tight budget, then these are the best options for your needs.

Aquabot AJET122 Pool Rover S2-50 Robotic Pool Cleaner

Aquabot AJET122 Pool Rover S2-50 Robotic Pool Cleaner

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This bright little beast is the Aquabot AJET 122 Pool Rover S2-50. This unit is designed to clean above ground pools that are up to 40 feet, but can also clean the floors of smaller inground pools as well.

It has a universal power supply that can adapt to 110 or 220 volts. The S2-50 features two types of filter devices. It allows you to target large debris with the mesh bags and smaller debris with the fine filter bags.

The filter bags are top-loadable for easy access and very simple to change and clean.

The S2-50 has two brushes on the bottom of the device that will assist in cleaning the pool floors as the cleaner makes its rounds.

There is an adjustable axle pin that will greatly help prevent the cable from tangling during cleaning cycles.

The water filtration rate is roughly 80-85 gallons per minute, which will require less chemicals to keep your pool water clean and keep your overall maintenance costs down.

If you are looking for a low-cost robotic pool cleaner that will keep the floors of your above ground pool nice and clean, this is a great option.

  • Pros: Fixed scrubbing brushes, multiple filter types, good water filtration
  • Cons: Only cleans floors, no programmable features, no scrubbing capabilities

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Above and smaller inground pools

Pool Material: Vinyl, gunite/concrete, fiberglass, and tile

Weight: 22 pounds

Warranty: 1 year

Hose Length: 50 feet

Clean Cycle Time: 1 and 2 hour cleaning cycles

Water Filtration: 80-85 gallons per minute

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Cleans pool floor, cove and partial wall with curve

Climbs Steps: No

Smart Navigation: No

Swivel Cable: No

Caddy: No

Remote Control: No

Aqua Products ABJR Aquabot Junior In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner

Aqua Products ABJR Aquabot Junior In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner

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Next up we have the Aquabot Junior In-Ground pool cleaner. This product will work great for inground pools and clean the floor, cove and some of the walls (about 1/3 of the way up).

The ABJR features an amazing filtration bag system that will remove particles down to two microns!

Navigated by an internal microprocessor, this device is aware of its surroundings and will clean your pool with efficiency. It is self-efficient and plug-and-play, so there is no need for hoses.

You also won’t have to deal with the hassle of hooking the device up to an external water source or existing pool pump.

The ABJR features two cleaning cycles. One is a four hour auto shut off cycle and the other is a continuous run cycle that you can stop whenever you feel your pool is clean.

A 34 quart capacity reusable filtration bag is included, which is capable of filtering 4,500 gallons of water per hour. The bag is easy to load through the bottom of the device.

Investing in this device will help cut your pool maintenance costs down by up to 50%. Because it requires less chemicals, there is less wear and tear on your existing filtration/pump system.

  • Pros: Ultra fine debris filtration down to two microns, dual super grip scrubbing brushes, ease to use
  • Cons: Does not clean waterline and only cleans part of the pool walls. No programmable options or remote control

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Inground pools

Pool Material: Vinyl, gunite/concrete, fiberglass, NO TILE

Weight: 16.5 pounds

Warranty: 1 year, 100%

Hose Length: 40 feet

Clean Cycle Time: 4 hour cycle or continuous run

Water Filtration: 4,500 gallons per hour

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Pool floor, cove and partial wall

Climbs Steps: Yes

Smart Navigation: No

Swivel Cable: No

Caddy: No

Remote Control: No

AquaBot Pura 4X Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner AJET123

AquaBot Pura 4X AJET123

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The third product in this price range that we are featuring is the AquaBot Pura 4x or the AJET123. The Pura  does a great job vacuuming and cycling water through its filtration system.

It is great for small inground pools and most above ground pools that mainly require a simple floor cleaning and additional water filtration.

With a power consumption at about 150 watts and filtration rates at around 80 gallons per minute, this pool bot will keep your pool crystal clear all the time.

The Pura is vacuum only and does not have any scrubbing brushes, so you will have to manually scrub the pool floors and walls prior to running a cycle if you have heave algae or sand buildup.

You can set the device to run on a one or two hour timer for hassle free pool cleaning.

It also features a very fine top-loading filter bag capable of filtering particles up to two microns and a fairly lightweight design at about 20 pounds. The coverage is not too bad with a 40 foot cable, which features never stuck technology.

  • Pros: Lower cost, great filtration rate of 80 gallons per minute, easy to clean filtration bag
  • Cons: No scrubbing brushes, no ability to clean walls or waterline, no programmable features other than basic timer

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Above ground and smaller inground pools

Pool Material: Vinyl, gunite/concrete, fiberglass, and tile

Weight: 20 pounds

Warranty: 2 years, 100%

Hose Length: 40 feet

Clean Cycle Time: 1 or 2 hour cycles

Water Filtration: 80 gallons per minute

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Floors only, no scrubbers

Climbs Steps: No (It can, but is not designed for cleaning steps)

Smart Navigation: No

Swivel Cable: Yes

Caddy: No

Remote Control: No

Smartpool NC22 SmartKleen-Robotic Pool Cleaner

Smartpool NC22 SmartKleen-Robotic Pool Cleaner

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First on the list is the Smartpool NC22. With this cleaner, you will get a ton of great features for a fairly low cost.

Designed specifically for cleaning floors in above ground pools, it can still clean inground pools as long as they are not larger than the length of the power cable.

Another great feature is the lightweight design. This makes it extremely easy to remove from the pool when not in use. It is also powered by a direct-drive motor, which provides additional traction when prowling the floors of your pool.

You will also get amazing suction through the brush-to-port system. This is ideal for picking up acorns, leaves and other small debris that can fall into your pool, making it unswimmable.

Compared to some of the higher-end pool cleaners, the Smartpool NC22 does not have additional features such programmable clean cycles or the ability to clean the waterline.

But, you will still get some great features including: intelligent navigation, fast-draining port for easy removal from pool, and a large filter bag that will require being emptied less often than some of the smaller models.

The NC22 runs on a two-hour auto shut off cycle so you won’t need to sit and babysit the device. All in all, the NC22 is a great entry-level pool cleaner for an above ground or smaller inground pool.

  • Pros: Inexpensive, easy to get in and out of pool, large filter bag
  • Cons: No swivel cable, no programmable clean cycles, only cleans floors

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Above ground or small inground pools

Pool Material: Cleans vinyl, fiberglass and concrete

Weight: 18 pounds

Warranty: 2 year limited warranty

Hose Length: 40 feet

Clean Cycle Time: 2 hour auto shut off

Water Filtration: ~3,500 gallons per hour

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Floors only

Climbs Steps: No

Smart Navigation: Yes

Swivel Cable: No

Caddy: No

Remote Control: No

Aquabot APRVJR Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner

Aquabot APRVJR Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner

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Take the stress off your existing pool pump and get the Pool Rover Junior for a bargain price!

The Rover Junior is yet another great product from Aquabot. It is designed to keep the floors of your above ground pool clean and without any hassle.

This robotic pool cleaner features a 40 foot power cable and an amazing two micron filter bag that traps leaves, dirt, sand, algae and even bacteria. The filter bag is reusable and easy to clean, which saves you money in the long run.

Make note, this robot is designed for FLAT pools only, so if your pool has angles, dips, stairs or cliffs, look at some of the other models on this page.

The Rover has a two or three hour adjustable run cycle that can be set to your specific needs. It can also filter the water at rates up to 70 gallons per minute, keeping water extra clean through every cycle.

It is powered by at 24-volt motor and is covered by a one year warranty. If you are looking to cut your chemical use or just save some money on the maintenance costs of keeping your pool clean, this is another great option compared to other automatic pool cleaners.

  • Pros: Low cost, Aquabot trusted brand name, and good water filtration rate
  • Cons: Limited to just floor cleaning, no scrubbing or brush features, and only single filter bag type

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Above ground

Pool Material: Vinyl, gunite/concrete fiberglass, and tile

Weight: 26 pounds

Warranty: 1 year, 100%

Hose Length: 40 feet

Clean Cycle Time: 2 or 3 hour cleaning cycles

Water Filtration: 70 gallons per minute

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Floor only

Climbs Steps: No

Smart Navigation: No

Swivel Cable: No

Caddy: No

Remote Control: No

 

BEST ROBOTIC POOL CLEANERS BETWEEN $500-$1000

This price range will start introducing models primarily designed to clean inground pools. The mid-range pool cleaners will cover steps, floors, walls, and waterline and either come with a caddy and remote or have an optional one you can purchase if desired.

Most people will find all they need in a robotic pool cleaner in this price and feature range. The next few products are some of our favorites, check them out!

Dolphin 99996323 Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Swivel Cable, 60-Feet

Dolphin 99996323 Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Swivel Cable

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The Dolphin Nautilus 99996323 Robotic Pool Cleaner is one of the best mid-range cleaners available today.

It holds a best seller review on Amazon.com and has a ton of amazing reviews. The Nautilus is ideal for inground pools up to about 50 feet, as the cable is about 60 feet total in length.

You will find a bottom-loading cartridge that collects debris and filters the water of your pool at rates up to 4,233 gallons per hour. This costs less than 15 cents.

If your pool has stairs or if the walls are in constant need of cleaning, this cleaner will have you covered with its superior wall climbing technology.

Cleaning cycles last up to three hours and should have fully cleaned your pool in this time frame. If your pool is extremely dirty, multiple cycles may be required for optimal results.

If anything breaks within the first year, you are covered by a 12 month spare parts and labor warranty. Overall, this is probably the best mid-market residential pool cleaner available.

  • Pros: Climbs walls and stairs, good coverage with 60 foot cable, great customer reviews
  • Cons: Does not scrub the tile line, no variable timer options, no indication for when filter is full

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Inground pools up to 50 feet

Pool Material: All surface types

Weight: 33 Pounds

Warranty: 12 months spare parts and labor

Hose Length: 60 feet

Clean Cycle Time: 3 hours

Water Filtration: 4,233 gallons per hour

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Floors and climbs walls

Climbs Steps: Yes

Smart Navigation: No

Swivel Cable: Yes

Caddy: No

Remote Control: No

Hayward RC9990GR TigerShark QC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner with Quick Clean Technology

Hayward RC9990GR TigerShark QC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner

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Designed for inground pools up to 20 x 40 feet in size, the Hayward RC9990GR TigerShark QC offers a ton of pool cleaning power.

The QC will scrub and vacuum the floors, walls, steps and clean the waterline in every cycle. There are two cycles: the standard clean cycle that lasts three hours and QC cycle, which is a “quick cycle” that runs for 90 minutes.

The variable cycles are a great way to save money and wear on your cleaner. If the pool just needs a quick spot clean, then run the QC cycle. It also features a 24-volt motor, which uses less energy at a lower cost.

The filter cartridges for the TigerShark QC will clean particles down to five microns and are super easy to clean. Replacement cartridges are easily available from the manufacturers and Amazon.com.

This robotic pool cleaner also features a 55 foot floating power cord and has an automatic shut-off capability. You will be covered by a one year warranty from the date of purchase in case something malfunctions.

If you have a decent sized inground pool and want a great, all around hands-off pool cleaner, the TigerShark QC is right up your ally.

  • Pros: Cleans floors, steps, walls, and waterline, has a good coverage area, vacuums and scrubs all surfaces, has an automatic shut-off option
  • Cons: No programmable features, filtration is only five microns

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Inground pools 20 x 40 feet

Pool Material: Vinyl, gunite, and fiberglass surfaces

Weight: 40 pounds

Warranty: 1 Year from date of purchase

Hose Length: 55 feet

Clean Cycle Time: 90 minutes or 3 hours, with automatic shut-off option

Water Filtration: 4,500 gallons per hour

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Floor, walls, steps, and waterline

Climbs Steps: Yes

Smart Navigation: Yes

Swivel Cable: No

Caddy: Available

Remote Control: Available

Dolphin 99996356 Dolphin Triton Robotic Pool Cleaner with Caddy Swivel Cable, 60-Feet

Dolphin 99996356 Dolphin Triton Robotic Pool Cleaner with Caddy Swivel Cable

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This device manufactured by Maytronics US is the Dolphin 99996356 Dolphin Triton Robotic Pool Cleaner. It offers tons of high-end features and has great reviews.

You will be able to clean inground pools up to 50 feet in size with a three hour cleaning cycle. The water suction and filtration rate is 4,233 gallons per hour.

There are interchangeable filter cartridges for different types of debris, including a 20 micron large debris bag and a two micron small debris bag. This is incredibly useful if you have leaves and sand in your pool.

The Triton comes with a caddy, making the process of getting the device in and out of the pool much easier than other devices. It also makes storing it quick and painless.

There is a remote control option that allows for a new quick cleaning cycle, which lasts only one hour. Another great feature of the Trtion is smart navigation that cleans your pool in the most efficient pattern.

It may take a few runs for the robot to “learn” your pool’s shape and size. Some owners have reported that the instruction manual and documentation is sub-par, and that Maytronics US customer support is not the greatest. Keep this in mind if you are looking for replacement parts.

  • Pros: Includes caddy, trusted Maytronics brand, multiple filter types, large area coverage and swivel cable
  • Cons: Poor documentation and customer support, some reported issues with device tipping over

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Inground pools up to 50 feet

Pool Material: All pool surfaces

Weight: 18.75 pounds

Warranty: 24 month spare parts and labor

Hose Length: 60 feet

Clean Cycle Time: 3 hours

Water Filtration: 4,233 gallons per hour

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Floors, walls and waterline

Climbs Steps: Yes

Smart Navigation: Yes

Swivel Cable: Yes

Caddy: Yes

Remote Control: Optional

Pentair 360032 Kreepy Krauly Prowler 830 Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner with 60 Foot Cord

Pentair 360032 Kreepy Krauly Prowler 830 Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner

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The Pentair 360032 Kreepy Krauly Prowler 830 is an eco-friendly robotic pool cleaner that only costs 15 cents per cleaning cycle. It is recommended for inground pools, covering sizes up to 20 x 50 feet in a 2.5 hour cleaning cycle.

The motor uses less than 24-volts, all while filtering 4,233 gallons of water per hour. Driven by powerful tracks, the Kreepy Krauly will be able to tackle any pool material and provides outstanding pool cleaning power.

You will also get some great convenience features with an included caddy for easy storage, weekly programmable cleaning cycles, and a wireless remote for easy control and quick spot cleaning.

There is no need for complicated installation, or wear and tear on your existing pool filtration system, as the Kreepy Krauly is plug and play.

A full cartridge indicator lets you know when the filter requires cleaning. The filter is easy to remove and can be rinsed out with a hose, making it easy to reuse and cost-efficient since you won’t need to buy several filters.

For anyone looking for an eco-friendly robotic pool cleaner that packs all the great features and won’t break the bank, then the Kreepy Krauler Prowler 830 is a great option to consider.

  • Pros: Full cartridge indicator, includes caddy and remote, scheduled cleaning cycles
  • Cons: Large size, heavy weight at 45 pounds

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Inground pool

Pool Material: All pool surfaces

Weight: 45 pounds

Warranty: 1 year

Hose Length: 60 feet

Clean Cycle Time: Average 2.5 hours

Water Filtration: 4,233 gallons per hour

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Floors, walls and waterline

Climbs Steps: Yes

Smart Navigation: Yes

Swivel Cable: Yes

Caddy: Yes

Remote Control: Yes

Solar-Breeze NX Automatic Pool Skimmer—Smart Robot

Solar Breeze NX Automatic Pool Skimmer- Smart Robot

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If you want a quick skim of the pool in the morning before you hop in for the day, the Solar-Breeze NX is the product for you!

Most debris that ends up on the bottom of your pool actually floats for up to three hours before sinking. The Solar-Breeze exploits that by constantly skimming your pool.

If the pool cleaner gets stuck, it has intelligent navigation that will cause the device to reverse and turn until it is free. It will then continue its cleaning cycle.

The Solar-Breeze is powered by the sun, which is extremely energy efficient and has no operating cost. The cleaner will soak up the sun rays and run throughout the day until its battery is depleted.

When the battery runs out, the wheels around the edges flash blue until the device has enough power to start running again the next morning. It also features a unique chlorine dispensing tray.

You simply place a chlorine tablet in the tray and it will evenly distribute the chlorine as it skims the pool. The filter tray slides out easily and you can rinse the filter screen with a hose.

The Solar-Breeze is about as set and forget as they come, with the exception of emptying the filter tray.

  • Pros: No cables, built-in chlorine dispenser tray, solar powered has no operating cost
  • Cons: Only cleans waterline, only one type of filter device

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Above and inground pools

Pool Material: All pool surfaces

Weight: 14 pounds

Warranty: 1 year

Hose Length: No hose

Clean Cycle Time: Continuous

Water Filtration: ~2,000 gallons per hour

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Waterline only

Climbs Steps: No

Smart Navigation: Yes

Swivel Cable: No

Caddy: No

Remote Control: No

iRobot Mirra 530 Pool Cleaning Robot

iRobot Mirra 530 Pool Cleaning Robot

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From the creators of the famous Roomba, the iRobot Mirra 530 Pool Cleaning Robot is another great pool cleaner. The Mirra 530 will do a great job cleaning inground pools up to about 50 feet in length.

There is a 60 foot floating power cable that plugs into your normal wall outlet. Setup is super easy, just remove the device from its packaging, plug the Mirra into a wall outlet, place in the pool and watch the magic happen.

A PVC brush located on the bottom of the unit will scrub the pool floors and walls as it navigates your pool, allowing it to loosen any dirt, algae and bacteria that has formed on your pool surfaces.

The Mira 530 also uses two motors: one drives the robot, and the second runs the water filtration pump. This second motor circulates up to 70 gallons of water per minute. It keeps your water free of bacteria and oils, while circulating existing water and chlorine throughout the pool. There are also two filter bins located on the top of the unit for easy access.

If you have issues with large debris such as leaves, you would use the large canister. There is also a smaller filter for fine debris like sand and algae cleanup.

There is no option to alter the cleaning cycle on this device, as it uses an algorithm to calculate the most efficient cleaning path and time. The Mirra 530 will give you great pool cleaning power with a nice set of easy to use features.

  • Pros: Two interchangeable filter cartridges, iAdapt Nautiq navigation, good water filtration, optional caddy
  • Cons: No remote features, no adjustable cycle times

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Inground pools

Pool Material: Ceramic, vinyl, gunite

Weight: 20 pounds

Warranty: 1 Year

Hose Length: 60 feet

Clean Cycle Time: 1-2 hours

Water Filtration: 70 gallons per minute

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Floors, walls and waterline

Climbs Steps: Yes

Smart Navigation: Yes (iAdapt Nautiq smart navigation)

Swivel Cable: No

Caddy: Optional

Remote Control: No

 

BEST ROBOTIC POOL CLEANERS OVER $1,000

Robotic pool cleaners that cost more than $1,000 dollars are some of the coolest pieces of pool technology available today. They have great features packed into them such as hand motion sensor remote controls, seven day programmable schedule, and superior pool coverage.

Most of these devices include or have an available storage caddy for quick and effortless removal and storage. If you have a large inground pool or are looking for the Bentley of pool cleaners then check out this next group of products.

Maytronics 99991079-PC Dolphin Triton Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner

Maytronics 99991079-PC Dolphin Triton Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner

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The Maytronics 99991079-PC Dolphin Triton Plus robotic pool cleaner offers pretty much every feature you could think of. Designed for inground pools up to 50 feet in size, this pool cleaner uses a dual drive motor.

It will chug through over 4,233 gallons of water per hour, keeping your pool water filtered and fresh after each and every cycle. The Triton Plus can clean all types of pool surfaces and will meticulously clean the floor, walls and waterline of your entire pool with split brushes.

The top-loading dual filtration system makes cleaning the Triton Plus a simple task. It also has two different types of filter media for larger and smaller debris.

The Triton Plus is equipped with Dolphins IntelliScan Technology to ensure the pool bot will always clean in the most efficient pattern, and it will “learn” your pool after a few cleanings.

You can also choose from two different cleaning cycles with the included remote control. The first cycle is the standard run cycle that lasts 2.5 hours, and the other cycle is a quick clean cycle that has a one hour duration.

One of the most important features is the dual drive motor and split scrubbing brush that allows the Triton Plus to navigate 90 degree turns unlike any other robotic pool cleaner on the market.

This unit weighs under 20 pounds and is even easier to transport with the included caddy. The power cable floats and features Dolphin’s signature swivel cable to avoid any tangling during the cleaning cycles.

The last detail worth mentioning is the weekly cleaning scheduling feature for true hands-off operation. All you need to do is set your preferred schedule and you’ll come back to a clean pool.

If you are looking for all of the best bells and whistles, while getting the trust and reliability of the Dolphin brand name, you will not be disappointed with the Triton Plus.

  • Pros: Includes remote control and caddy, smart navigation, easy to clean, two filter types, scheduling features
  • Cons: The cost is a little high

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Inground pools

Pool Material: All pool surfaces

Weight: 18.75 Pounds

Warranty: 2 years

Hose Length: 60 feet

Clean Cycle Time: 1 or 2.5 hour cycles

Water Filtration: 4,233 gallons per hour

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Floors, walls and waterline

Climbs Steps: Yes

Smart Navigation: Yes

Swivel Cable: Yes

Caddy: Yes

Remote Control: Yes

Zodiac Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner

Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner

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This sleek beast is the Zodiac Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner. There are so many great features packed into this four-wheel drive pool cleaner it is insane.

It is capable of cleaning every part of your pool, including the floors, walls, steps and tile line. There is a caddy and remote control included that is motion sensing to tilting motions of your hand.

It might take some time to master, but it will prove super useful when quick targeted spot cleanings are needed.

The 9550 Sport has a top-loading filtration system for easy cleanup and a dirty canister indictor to let you know when it is time to be emptied and rinsed. You can program the device on a seven day automatic schedule to almost fully-automate the cleaning process.

With a 70 foot cable, this has some of the best coverage as far as size available without getting a commercial-grade device. There is a two year limited warranty in case anything is defective or something fails within the coverage agreement.

The easy lift system allows the robotic pool cleaner to drain very quickly so you can get the filters cleaned and stored away on the included caddy. If you are looking for the closest thing to full automation, the Polaris 9550 Sport will be a true winner.

  • Pros: Large debris canister, programmable seven day timer, four-wheel drive, includes caddy and remote control, targeted cleaning modes
  • Cons: Expensive, no anti-tangle cable features

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Inground pools

Pool Material: All pool surfaces

Weight: 21 pounds

Warranty: 1 year from date of purchase

Hose Length: 70 feet

Clean Cycle Time: 7 day programmable

Water Filtration: 4,200 gallons per hour

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Floor, walls and waterline

Climbs Steps: Yes

Smart Navigation: Yes

Swivel Cable: No

Caddy: Yes

Remote Control: Yes

Dolphin Oasis Z5 Robotic Pool Cleaner with Caddy and Remote

Dolphin Oasis Z5 Robotic Pool Cleaner with Caddy and Remote

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The Dolphin Oasis Z5 is an amazing robotic pool cleaner that features the latest technology. It is designed for inground residential pools up to 50 feet in length.

This model features top-loading filters for easy access and filters up to 4,490 gallons of water per hour. You will get complete pool cleaning coverage on the floors, walls, steps and waterline of the entire pool during the 2.5 hour run cycle.

There is a remote control for spot cleaning that allows you to run a one hour quick clean cycle.

It also includes a storage caddy for easy maneuverability in and out of the pool, and effortless storage when not in use.

You will notice that the Oasis Z5 has a split brush scrubbing system that allows the pool cleaner to have enhanced handling in tight spaces, while the Dolphin Premier only has one solid brush.

It also does not have the weekly scheduling features that are available on the Premier. Some users report this specific model can get stuck on larger drain covers, which can be avoided by putting some extra materials around the drain covers.

The Dolphin Oasis Z5 is an outstanding robotic pool cleaning machine. The only real downside is the lack of programmable cleaning cycles and the hang ups on large drain covers.

  • Pros: Includes caddy and basic remote, split brush design for optimal maneuverability around any type of pool
  • Cons: Expensive, heavy, can get stuck on larger drain covers

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Inground pools

Pool Material: All pool surfaces

Weight: 50 pounds

Warranty: 3 years

Hose Length: 60 feet

Clean Cycle Time: 1.5 or 2.5 hour cleaning cycles

Water Filtration: 4,490 gallons per hour

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Floor, walls and waterline

Climbs Steps: Yes

Smart Navigation: Yes

Swivel Cable: Yes

Caddy: Yes

Remote Control: Basic remote

Hayward RC9955 TigerShark Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner with Remote Control

Hayward RC9955 TigerShark Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner with Remote Control

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Hayward has brought us another great robotic pool cleaner the TigerShark Plus. This device is similar to the TigerShark, but it includes a wireless remote feature.

It is ideal for inground pools up to 20 x 40 feet in size. The filters are reinforced and will allow the device to filter 75 gallons of water per minute and clean particles down to five microns.

It features a 24 DC volt, which is extremely energy efficient. The onboard vacuum pump will take the strain off your current water pump, which requires less chemicals and will lower your overall pool operation costs over time.

Cleaning cycles for the TigerShark last about three hours and features an automatic shut-down when completed. It will clean all aspects of your pool: floor, walls, stairs and waterline.

The computer guided cleaning system will scan your pool to allow the TigerShark Plus to clean your pool in the most effective path. The included wireless remote allows you to manually control the cleaner during a cycle to target areas that may need multiple passes.

There is a two year warranty that will cover parts in case something malfunctions or breaks during use. You should be aware that there is no ability to schedule weekly cleanings, and if you want a caddy it must be purchased separately.

The TigerShark brand has been trusted by happy customers for years and the RC9955 TigerShark Plus is another great addition to their product line.

  • Pros: Includes remote control for spot cleaning, reinforced filter cartridge, efficient computer guided cleaning pattern
  • Cons: Caddy must be purchased separately, no programmable features

Feature Spotlight

Pool Type: Inground pools

Pool Material: All pool surfaces

Weight: 21.5 pounds

Warranty: 2 years

Hose Length: 55 feet

Clean Cycle Time: 3 hours, with automatic shut-off option

Water Filtration: 75 gallons per minute

Cleans Floors/Walls/Waterline: Floor, walls, steps and waterline

Climbs Steps: Yes

Smart Navigation: Yes

Swivel Cable: No

Caddy: Optional

Remote Control: Yes

What is a Robotic Pool Cleaner?

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Robotic pool cleaners are the most effective and effortless way to clean your pool. The cleaner works as a vacuum, traveling automatically across every inch of the pool floor, walls, and stairs, picking up even the most minuscule pieces of dirt and sand.

These pool cleaners are extremely energy-efficient and a time saver for you! Because it is robotic, all you need to do is plug it in, place the robot in the pool, and let it get to work.

How does a Robotic Pool Cleaner work?

Robotic pool cleaners are just that: robots to clean your pool. What makes these devices so unique is that they have two different motors.

The first is a water pump, which picks up dirt and debris, and sucks it into the cleaner’s filter.

The second is a drive motor. This drive motor is what allows the cleaner to navigate around your pool.

Many robotic pool cleaners are also computer-controlled and will learn the most efficient way to clean your pool. This saves energy and uses fewer chemicals because it won’t use your pump’s circulation system in order to get down to the nitty-gritty. 

Most importantly, it saves you money in the long run. Because it does not create any additional back pressure on the system, you likely will not have to install new plumbing or add a new booster pump.

To use a robotic pool cleaner, you just need an outlet, a power cord, and a transformer. Simply plug the cleaner into the power cord, the power cord into the transformer, and plug that into the wall.

The transformer is what makes the cleaner a low-voltage, energy-efficient product. Since the electricity that comes out of the outlet is very high (either 110 volts or 220 volts) a transformer will drop that voltage down to a safer and energy-efficient level of 24 volts.

The best part about robotic pool cleaners is that you can start it up and go about your day. It’s especially great if you have other chores to do or activities planned.

Why waste your whole afternoon cleaning your pool by hand when you can have a robot do it for you? But, for those tricky corners or a quick spot clean, many cleaners also come with a remote control for you to use.

What to Look for when Buying a Robotic Pool Cleaner

There are many different types of robotic pool cleaners available, all with unique features. Our guide below will help you pick a robotic pool cleaner specifically designed for your pool type and needs.

The next few items are things to consider when you are shopping for the best robotic pool cleaner.

Type and Size of Pool

Make sure you note what type of pool the robot is designed to clean (above ground or inground).

Some of these automatic pool cleaners are designed for specific pool types and some can do both.

Make sure you select a pool cleaner designed for your specific pool type for optimal results.

Make sure to check the recommended size to ensure the cable is long enough to cover the entire pool length.

The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned money on a robotic pool cleaner that only cleans ¾ of your pool.

Weight and Size of Cleaner

This is something that many people overlook. Some pool cleaners are not the smallest or lightest machines.

Some robotic pool cleaners weigh over 40 pounds and may be difficult to move around for smaller individuals or elderly people who should not be lifting heavy weight.

If you are worried about the weight of the pool cleaner, you can look to see if there is a caddy available for easy transfer in/out of the pool and simple storage when the pool vacuum is not in use.

Length of Run Cycle

To ensure your pool is always clean, and in a timely fashion, make sure to check how long each cycle runs for and what types of cycles are featured on your robotic pool cleaner. 

Many devices have multiple options including a single run cycle, a multi-run cycle, and programmable run cycles.

Keep in mind that the longer you run your cleaner for, the cleaner the pool will be.

Filtration Rate

Filtration rate is measured in gallons per hour or GPH.

Basically, you want to make sure that the GPH multiplied by how many hours in a cycle at least matches your pool’s capacity or higher to ensure all the water is cycled through the machine during any given cycle.

There are robotic pool cleaners on the market that can filter particles down to two microns!

That keeps your water cleaner than you have ever experienced before.

Cost

Many people are shy about getting a robotic pool cleaner, as some models are quite expensive.

The truth is, if you factor in the overall savings on not only money but also the time that you would spend traditionally skimming, scrubbing draining… you get the point.

You will also be taking some wear and tear off your current water filtration system and further save yourself time and headache maintaining your pool.

The average cost of a robotic pool cleaner depends on many factors, but mainly what it boils down to are the features and coverage.

If you have a smaller above ground pool cleaner, you can expect to pay around $500 for a good pool bot.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you need to clean a 50 foot pool and want to be able to automatically schedule cleanings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, you could be looking at a $1,200+ price tag.

Replacement and Warranty

Probably the most important aspect when making a purchase is the warranty.

These pool cleaners are not invincible. Although they are convenient, components will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.

Look for warranties that offer a free replacement, and make sure the brand offers replacement parts to keep the cleaner up and running even after the warranty expires.

Many of these pool cleaners are expensive so getting a multi-year warranty is a must.

Additional Features to Consider

Some optional features may provide additional cleaning capabilities you need to keep your pool crystal clear!

Anti-Tangle Cable

swivel

This is a simple yet extremely effective feature that will help reduce the chance that the power cord will get tangled. Many Dolphin brand cleaners include this as a standard option.

Others have this as an option that you can purchase at an additional expense. If you are only going to pick one upgrade, this will give you the most bang for your buck, and keep you from having to untangle the power cord.

Rolling Caddy

phoca_thumb_l_caddy diagnostic back

Depending on the pool cleaner that you choose, you may realize that they are not the lightest robots on the block.

A rolling caddy can help maneuver the pool cleaner in and out of the pool when starting and ending cleaning cycles.

Many of the caddies available are able to store the power converter as well, which conveniently keeps it out of the way and makes it super easy to store.

Adjustable Filter Cartridges

Make sure to take into account the type of debris lurking in your pool. Many of the higher-end robotic pool cleaners offer interchangeable filter cartridges.

This is extremely important if you have multiple sizes or types of debris in your pool.

A finer mesh filter is better for small particles like silt or sand, while a larger grade filter is better for collecting leaves or small twigs.

Programmable Timer

Robotic Pool Cleaner Remote Timer

If you are all about a fully-automated solution, make sure you purchase a device with a programmable timer.

Adding this feature will allow you to clean your pool automatically on your desired preset schedule.

This feature truly brings the carefree aspect to cleaning your pool.

SMART Navigation

clever_clean

Most of the newer robotic pool cleaners come equipped with an intelligent navigation system.

This is a small computer in the robotic pool cleaner that analyzes its surroundings and makes adjustments to how the pool cleaner moves and where it moves.

SMART Navigation allows the overall cleaning process to become more efficient and cost-effective.

Ability to Scrub Walls or Skim Waterline

pool robot cleaning walls

Make note that not all devices can clean the walls, waterline or stairs of the pool. Some of the robotic cleaners have the ability to do one or the other, or both.

Usually, the higher-end pool cleaners cover more of these bases, but always make sure to check if the device fits your pool’s specific needs.

We have heard too many stories of people not doing their research and being disappointed in their purchase because they bought the wrong type of pool cleaner.

Questions?

Head on over to our Contact Us page and fill out the form, we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.