Best Above Ground Pool Robotic Cleaners in 2022 – Reviewed
If there’s one thing that all above ground pool owners can agree on, it’s the fact that cleaning the pool can be a real pain. Pulling out all of your cleaning equipment, untangling all the hoses, and then manually cleaning out the pool can make owning one of these pools seem like it’s more hassle than it’s worth. Fortunately, there is a solution to that problem, and that solution is a robotic pool cleaner.
These cleaners are easy-to-use and are the easiest way that a person can clean their pool. These devices do all of the hard work of cleaning the pool, all while you sit inside and watch TV or sit on your deck and sip tea. And if you’ve bought one of the high-quality models, then your pool will be cleaner than it’s ever been. We’ve reviewed some of the best above ground pool robotic cleaners below.
Quick Summary of Best Above Ground Pool Robotic Cleaners
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: Dolphin Proteus DX5i Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Proteus DX5i might cost more than many of the other pool cleaning robots we’ve reviewed, but it’s also the one that not only has the most features but also does the best job of actually cleaning a pool. This model can be used for both above ground and in-ground pools and is easy enough to be used by anyone. It’s capable of cleaning pools up to 50-feet and it’s designed to be a stress-free way of cleaning a pool. Let’s take a closer look at some of its features, so we can examine what sets this model apart from the rest of the pack.
First of all, we would like to talk about how this model has a superior cleaning power to some of the other robotic cleaners available. It’s capable of scrubbing the pool’s floor and walls up to the waterline, so the pool owner doesn’t have to lift a finger to clean their pool. Because this robot is WiFi connected, the pool owner can use an App to make adjustments to the cleaner’s cleaning schedule. This machine also has a weekly scheduler that can be set and forgotten. It can even be remotely steered using a smartphone.
Other features that can be found in this robotic cleaning include a tangle-free cord, a front high-speed scrubber, and a back standard scrubber, a powerful suction motor, and an extra-large single-click basket. All of these features come together to create a great robotic cleaner that everyone can appreciate. And because it doesn’t require any additional equipment to be used, the pool owner doesn’t have to spend a ton of money on accessories. All in all, this is a quality above-ground pool cleaner that’s just waiting to do its job.
- This robotic cleaner is WiFi-enabled.
- It’s the best-in-class robotic cleaner.
- It can clean pools up to 50-feet.
- It costs more than some other less-advanced models.
Also Recommended: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Pool Cleaner
Anyone tired of pulling all of the hoses out of the garden shed and then having to fumble to connect them to the pump for regular pool cleanings is probably going to want to get this above ground robotic pool cleaner. This cleaner is designed to clean swimming pools. It’s also a good model for cleaning above ground pools. In fact, in many instances, this little robot is capable of cleaning a pool in as little as 2-hours. That allows the consumer to spend more time using their pool and less time cleaning it.
This robot is capable of cleaning pools quickly because it’s equipped with dual scrubbing brushes that do a great job of cleaning floors and walls. It’s capable of climbing walls to clean them and is equipped with advanced water filtering abilities that allow it to restore pool water to its original condition. Thanks to its advanced smart navigation system, this robot is also capable of figuring out the best path around the pool. This allows it to shorten the cleaning time and allows it to surpass some of the lesser quality robotic cleaners available.
The one thing that we didn’t like was the fact that it didn’t have a cable management system. Sure, it had a swivel-cable that’s designed to be tangle-free, but that didn’t always work as planned. Fortunately, that was the only problem with had with this system, and when you think about it, it’s a minor issue. We did like that this system was energy-efficient, so pool owners didn’t have to worry about running up their electric bill by using it. Keeping all of this in mind, this is a model that we liked, and it’s one that we’d recommend.
- It cleans pools up to 50-feet.
- It’s energy-efficient.
- It’s equipped with smart-navigation.
- This cleaner could’ve used a cable management system.
Also Consider: Dolphin E10 Automatic Pool Cleaning Robot
The last above-ground robotic pool cleaner that we would like to discuss is the Dolphin E10. Although this cleaner only cleans pools up to 30-feet, unlike the other two cleaners we’ve reviewed that clean up to 50-foot swimming pools, we still think this product is a good option for people with smaller above ground pools. This model is designed to relieve the pool owner of all of their hard work, and it does a good job of cleaning a pool. And probably best of all, the pool owner doesn’t need to buy any extra equipment to get it to work. They don’t have to buy a booster pump or extra hoses, and they don’t have to install it. All they have to do is plug it in, drop it into the pool, and then let it do its job. The robot will do the rest.
Another thing that we liked was its scrubbing brushes. This model’s brushes were capable of cleaning pool surfaces effectively but still do it safely. And the last feature that we would like to talk about is how easy the robot is to remove from the pool once it has done its cleaning. This model is equipped with a quick water-release that immediately lets go of all of the water in the unit. This allows the pool owner to quickly remove it from the pool without having to worry about waiting for it to drain.
- It’s equipped with Clever-Clean technology
- It has a large capacity filter.
- It only cleans pools up to 30-feet.
Above Ground Pool Robotic Cleaner
Any type of cleaning feels like a thankless task and when you are cleaning the pool in the colder months, it can be even less desirable. However, certain products can make life a lot easier. Much like a robotic vacuum you use in your home, an above-ground robotic cleaner takes the strain away from keeping your pool in top condition.
Because it is a relatively new product, not every brand has got it right yet. This is why it is important to know what the better products are capable of. We have created the following buyer’s guide to help.
What To Look For In An Above Ground Pool Robotic Cleaner
Capacity
The bigger your pool is, the greater the capacity you are going to need. You’re not going to be best pleased if you have to refill the above ground pool robotic cleaner twice a clean.
Most brands will tell you how suitable the capacity of their product is for certain pool sizes. If your pool is near a leafy area then you might consider buying a higher spec with a larger capacity anyway.
Cord Length
Another important aspect as the device needs to be able to reach the pool comfortably. Although most people have their above ground pool installed close to their home, you still need to be sure that a chord can reach.
Suitability
Some products are designed for only in-ground pools which is where you need to pay attention before buying. Never assume that the robotic pool cleaner you have your eye on is suitable for all pool types.
Climbing
Although not every type of above ground pool is sturdy enough for these types of robotic pool cleaners, they can make cleaning the sides of the pool a lot easier. As the name suggests, they make their way up the inside walls, cleaning as they go.
Automatic Settings
You can program some models with pre-set controls so they activate at certain times of the week. This means the only interaction you need is when you are emptying the bag of debris. Such a feature can mean you are going to have to pay a bit more but a lot of the time, it is worth it for the convenience.
Swivel Cord
One of the main reasons a robotic pool cleaner will stop working is because the cord gets tangled. When it does, it can be lifted from the bottom which will render it useless when you think it is cleaning.
A swivel cord will stop this from happening.
Benefits of Using An Above Ground Pool Robotic Cleaner
No Hose
This is one of the major benefits of using these cleaners. Because you don’t have to attach a bulky hose pipe to the device, you get to work with a much more convenient, and lighter cable that doesn’t get in the way.
Of course, these cables can still tangle so it is important to find one with a swivel cord as we mentioned.
All Over Clean
If your pool is suitable, then an above ground pool robotic cleaner can give it a thorough clean. This means everything from the walls to the bottom unless you opt for a scrubber.
These cleaners operate on the surface, collecting floating debris but won’t clean other areas. they work best in addition to a robotic cleaner.
Saves Time
Besides taking away the hard graft of what can be a daunting task on a cold morning, a robotic pool cleaner saves you time. This means you can be enjoying your morning coffee as the robot gets to work on your behalf.
Anyone who finds it physically difficult to lean over their above ground pool and push a vacuum along the bottom should consider one.
Energy Efficient
There is a belief that these types of devices consume a lot of energy. If this is what has caused you to hesitate before buying then there is no need. Most products in this niche operate at the same energy rate as a light bulb. This means they are often cheaper to run than a lot of the alternatives.
Easier On The Pool
To prolong the life of your pool and the parts it needs to work, a robotic pool cleaner is a good option. Because other vacuums rely on the pump and filter to work you can end up clogging the corners of the piping which can lead to costly repairs.
How Much Does An Above Ground Pool Robotic Cleaner Cost?
Although these products start reasonably priced, the cheaper options aren’t necessarily the best. You can pick up a decent robotic pool cleaner for around $450 but if you can stretch that a little further, you can get a lot more for your money.
Although we’re not saying you have to spend $1,000 to get a good product, anything close to this can buy you a climbing vacuum and a greater capacity.
How Long Does A Robotic Pool Cleaner Last?
Generally, a robotic pool cleaner should last 4-5 years. This is a minimum and it is not surprising to find products that last double that. With proper maintenance, they should last a long time so be sure to check how full the bag is and clear it of debris frequently.
Are Robotic Pool Cleaners Worth It?
This depends on how much you value your time. For some people, the investment isn’t worth the hours saved but otherwise, a lot of people find they are one of the most valuable gadgets they own.
Because they are cheap to run, you do end up saving money over time and they are better for the preservation of your pool. Next time you are having to face the cold on a winters morning just to keep your pool in good condition, you might think twice.
How Often Should I Use My Robotic Pool Cleaner?
In the winter months when there has not been any particularly bad weather you can get away with cleaning your pool once a week. In the summer when you are using it more, twice a week is often better.
