10 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners
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Having a swimming pool means keeping it clean without spending a lot of time. A robotic pool cleaner can help save you with both. It cleans the pool floor and walls automatically and can be programmed to do the type of cleaning cycle you need.
A robotic pool cleaner is fully independent, meaning it usually does not require hoses or connection to the pool filtration system. All you do is plug it into an outlet near the pool and put the robot into the water.
If you are researching robotic pool cleaners then read on to learn what we found, as well as their features, pros and cons.
Quick Look at Our Top Picks for the Best Robotic Pool Cleaners:
- Best Overall Robotic Pool Cleaner – Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best Above Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner – Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
- Best Efficient Robotic Pool Cleaner – Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best In Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner- Pentair Kreepy Krauly Prowler 820 Robotic In-ground Pool Cleaner
- Best Budget Pool Cleaners – Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner
How We Researched Best Robotic Pool Cleaners
- We spent several days researching the Best Robotic Pool Cleaners
- We considered over 25 Robotic Pool Cleaners and fine tuned it down to the 10 reviewed in this article
- We did this by reading hundreds of reviews, watching videos and comparing the features of each
What to Consider When Buying a Robotic Pool Cleaner
Durability – Robotic pool cleaners aren’t cheap,so you want it to last a while. You will want to find one made from high-quality materials that can handle sunshine and water. Also consider the warranty when you buy. A longer warranty means peace of mind.
Quality Brushes – The brushes do all the heavy lifting when your pool cleaner is doing its job. The most aggressive cleaners have hard-bristle brushes or rotating rubber brushes that can scrub dirt from the surfaces of your pool. These brushes can clean the most stubborn debris and dirt from your pool.
Efficiency – Pool cleaners have different cleaning cycles and some are longer than others. The quicker the cycle is more efficient as long as it is getting the job done. Some cleaners offer multiple cycles or programmed cycles for different lengths and types of cleaning.
Smart/Programmable Features – Your robotic pool cleaner should make your life easier and having smart or programmable options helps. Basically you can set it and forget it using a remote or bluetooth.
Climbing Wheels – Look for a pool cleaner that can climb stairs. A system with four wheel drive and wide tires made of rubber will get easily up stairs, over bumps and won’t have any trouble navigating slippery surfaces along the sides and bottom of your pool.
Swivel Cord – Cords can easily get tangled and mean more work so consider a pool cleaner with a swivel cord. A swivel cord can help prevent tangles and give your robotic pool cleaner the freedom to move around your pool and get the job done.
10 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners Comparison Chart
| PICTURE | NAME | RATING | SHOPS |
|---|---|---|---|
 1 | Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner Show more | ||
 2 | Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner Show more | ||
 3 | Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid Robotic Pool Cleaner Show more | ||
 4 | Pentair Kreepy Krauly Prowler 820 Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner Show more | ||
 5 | Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner Show more | ||
 6 | Hayward W3RC9955CUB TigerShark Robotic Pool Vacuum Show more | ||
 7 | Aquabot Junior Robotic Pool Cleaner Show more | ||
 8 | Hayward W32025ADV PoolVac XL Pool Vacuum Show more | ||
 9 | Hayward RC9740WCCUB SharkVac Robotic Pool Cleaner Show more | ||
 10 | Solar Breeze Automatic Pool Cleaner NX2 Cleaning Robot Show more |
The 10 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners Reviewed
- Anti-tangle swivel cable
- 2 year warranty
- Smart navigation settings
- Two large filter cartridges
- Does not have smartphone capabilities
- Power supply cord could be longer
- Expensive
- Anti-tangle swivel cable
- 2 year warranty
- Smart navigation settings
- Two large filter cartridges
- Does not have smartphone capabilities
- Power supply cord could be longer
- Expensive
The Dolphin has an automatic scheduler which can be set to run every day, every other day, or every 3rd day with the touch of a button.
It has dual scrubbing brushes for cleaning pool floor and walls and a large top-load cartridge filter. This robot cleaner uses algorithms for complete pool cleaning coverage as well as an anti-tangle patented swivel cable.
This pool cleaner is for in ground pools up to 50 feet. It is backed by an extended 2.5 year manufacturer’s assurance. Ideal for swimming pools up to 50 feet.
- Large top-load filter cartridge
- Offers suction and scrub brush cleaning
- Only uses 180 watts of voltage
- Only 1 year warranty
- Misses a lot of smaller debris
- High priced
- Large top-load filter cartridge
- Offers suction and scrub brush cleaning
- Only uses 180 watts of voltage
- Only 1 year warranty
- Misses a lot of smaller debris
- High priced
This cleaner is made for above-ground pools.It offers an over-sized debris cartridge which holds up to 60% more than others in its category. It moves with the use of tracks instead of wheels for improved traction. This model is considered energy efficient with a 24 Volt DC motor.
It uses SmartNav 2.0 Robotic Scanning to optimize cleaning patterns around your pool. This pool cleaner comes with a one year warranty.
- No hoses to deal with
- Cleans most pools in 1 hour
- 19-Quart capacity micro filter bag
- Only 1 year warranty
- Power cord gets in the way
- Unit gets stuck in corners
- No hoses to deal with
- Cleans most pools in 1 hour
- 19-Quart capacity micro filter bag
- Only 1 year warranty
- Power cord gets in the way
- Unit gets stuck in corners
This customizable, automatic pool cleaning robot has a jet propelled system to clean the floor and slopes of a 24-foot-diameter pool in less than one hour. That means it is capable of cleaning 5400 square feet per hour. It is able to remove everything from large leaves to algae as small as 2 microns with the easy-to-clean reusable 19-quart micro filter bag.
The Pool Rover has a guidance system that is easy to set and is designed to work in above ground pools. Its extra-wide, non-marring wheels allow it to roll over ripples and printed vinyl pool bottoms.
- Cleans most pools in 2 1/2 hours
- Has an auto-reverse feature
- Includes caddy for easy handling and storage
- 2 year warranty
- Price on the high side
- Small capacity collection reservoir
- Doesn't crawl walls of pool well
- Cleans most pools in 2 1/2 hours
- Has an auto-reverse feature
- Includes caddy for easy handling and storage
- 2 year warranty
- Price on the high side
- Small capacity collection reservoir
- Doesn't crawl walls of pool well
The newly redesigned creepy krauly prowler 820 robotic pool cleaner has an auto-reverse feature to prevent hang-ups on steps for uninterrupted performance. The integrated filter reduces run time of primary filtration, which could mean saving on energy costs, wear and tear. It is able to clean most pools in just two and a half hours. It operates totally independent of a pool circulation system, and provides on-demand cleaning without running pumps.
This system includes a convenient caddy for easy handling and storage and works on in-ground pools. There is 2 year warranty on this cleaner.
- Programmable navigation
- Quick connect hoses
- Flow regulator controls
- Only a 1 year warranty
- Slow moving when cleaning
- Too much debris jams wheels
- Programmable navigation
- Quick connect hoses
- Flow regulator controls
- Only a 1 year warranty
- Slow moving when cleaning
- Too much debris jams wheels
The Zodiac MX6 is a compact pool cleaner that features programmable navigation for a no hassle clean pool. It has a low-flow design, and consumes less energy than other cleaners in its class. The swiveling hoses are quick-connect for easy assembly and a flow regulator controls the water flow so there is nothing to adjust at the skimmer.
This pool cleaner can be used on both in ground and above ground pools. It is backed by a 1 year warranty.
Other Robotic Pool Cleaners We Reviewed
- Wireless handheld remote control
- No hoses required
- Can pick up large debris
- Very expensive
- Bearings get jammed up
- Cord gets tangled
- Wireless handheld remote control
- No hoses required
- Can pick up large debris
- Very expensive
- Bearings get jammed up
- Cord gets tangled
Hayward’s TigerShark Plus Robotic Cleaner can clean the pool floor, walls, coves and waterline in just 4 hours. It includes a wireless handheld remote for simple steering in hard-to-reach areas and has a simple filter cartridge for easy cleaning . It runs separately from the pool’s filtration system, which means no extra hoses, hookups or pumps.
The TigerShark is for in-ground pools up to 20 feet by 40 feet. The caddy can be purchased separately. This model is covered by a one year warranty.
- Customizable cleaning cycles
- Includes a 50 foot cord
- Able to climb pool walls
- Long cleaning cycles
- Cable gets in the way
- Filter bag could hold more
- Customizable cleaning cycles
- Includes a 50 foot cord
- Able to climb pool walls
- Long cleaning cycles
- Cable gets in the way
- Filter bag could hold more
The Aquabot is a self-contained cleaner with an internal pump, drive, and filtration system directed by a microprocessor and patented direction turning flotation device. The rotating scrubbing brushes are able to clean your pool in just 2 hours. The Aquabot Jr. features an auto shut-off, customized cleaning cycle, 50 ft. cord, and all-weather resistant 115v power supply.
This pool cleaner works on any pool shape or type up to a 40 feet in length. It comes with a 2 year warranty.
- Options for different pool types
- Connects to pool skimmer
- No debris bag to empty
- Hose can get in the way
- 1 year warranty
- Jams up easily
- Options for different pool types
- Connects to pool skimmer
- No debris bag to empty
- Hose can get in the way
- 1 year warranty
- Jams up easily
With patented AquaPilot technology, Hayward’s PoolVac XL Suction Cleaner has a wide vacuum inlet and unique wing design. It connects directly to your pool’s skimmer or suction port for complete installation in less than 10 minutes.
This pool cleaner is available for all pool types up to 20 x 40 feet. It comes with a one year manufacturers warranty.
- No hose hook-ups
- Uses smart technology to set pattern
- Uses sensors for out of water shut off
- Must be removed and stored after use
- Heavy and large in size
- Only a 1 year warranty
- No hose hook-ups
- Uses smart technology to set pattern
- Uses sensors for out of water shut off
- Must be removed and stored after use
- Heavy and large in size
- Only a 1 year warranty
This pool cleaner uses smart technology and runs separately from the pool’s filtration system reducing the frequency of filter backwash cycles. There are no extra hoses, hookups or pumps required and the top-access cartridge filter allows quick debris removal and easy cleaning.
Out-of-water and beach-entry sensors stop SharkVac XL from running out of the water while cleaning the waterline, protecting the motor and extending cleaner life. It comes with a one year manufacturers warranty.
- Powered by the sun
- No cords or hoses
- Removes surface debris
- Only works when sun is shining
- Wheels get jammed
- Only a 1 year warranty
- Powered by the sun
- No cords or hoses
- Removes surface debris
- Only works when sun is shining
- Wheels get jammed
- Only a 1 year warranty
This automatic Pool Cleaner removes 90-95% of surface debris while reducing the dust, leaves, pollen and bacteria. This solar powered robotic pool cleaner uses the free energy of the sun, and can last for several hours after sundown. It has a chemical dispenser tray that accommodates two 3-inch trichlor tablets and the collection area capacity is twice that of your in-wall skimmer basket.
This cleaner works in all pool types and comes with a one year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Robotic Pool Cleaners last?
A robotic pool cleaner would be expected to last between 3 to 5 years and may last up to 8 years. Sometimes parts will need to be replaced.
How do I maintain a Robotic Pool Cleaner?
Maintenance is an important in keeping your robot pool cleaner cleaning at peak performance. Robotic pool cleaners have a debris bag that can be emptied and cleaned very easily. Also, the main brushes found under the robot and the side brush should be cleaned regularly with a cleaning tool usually supplied with the robot pool cleaner. This prevents debris from accumulating and causing a malfunction of the robot.
Can I leave my Robotic Pool Cleaner in the pool?
While some do not take up much space, it is not recommended for long periods of time. It is ok to leave it in the pool during the weekly cycles but always remove when adding chemicals.
Conclusion
Robotic pool cleaners save an incredible amount of time and labor while keeping your swimming pool clean. Also, the robotic pool cleaner has its own motor inside making it energy efficient. Pool owners often see a difference in their energy bills after switching to this type of pool cleaner.