Best Robotic Pool Cleaner in 2022 – Reviewed
Although owning a pool in the warmer months is great, and even pool maintenance is less of a chore, the colder moenths can be a real pain. Those near-frozen mornings stood around the pool, vacuuming the floor are not anyone’s idea of fun, but it is a task that can be made simpler when using a robotic pool cleaner. there was a time where these products would have been super expensive but the technology has advanced, and even the elite models are affordable.
Because of this, we have created a list of the best robotic cleaners. Each one has something different to offer and there is a product for differing budgets. at the end of it you will find a way of cleaning your pool (and the walls) without even having to lift a pole.
Quick Summary of Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
The top-loading filter cartridges of this popular robotic pool cleaner make it an ideal product for anyone looking for a low maintenance pool cleaning solution. Any pools of around 50 ft and below can benefit from this cleaner and it takes only two hours to clean pools on the larger side. It does so in an energy-efficient way and climbs the walls with ease to leave every inch of the pool looking as good as when a professional gets to work.
They don’t need any additional equipment and are independent, saving energy and taking some of the strain off pools working parts. It can be left to its own devices and only requires one-button programming to tell it to clean every day, every other day, or every third day. With a tangle-free cable and dual scrubbing brushes, it makes light work of tough, built-up dirt to leave a pool looking cleaner than every, without any effort.
- Great for pools up to 50 ft
- Super easy to use
- 3 programmable functions
- Top loading filter cartridges
- Energy efficient
Best Value: Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner, Blue/Gray
A powerful in-ground robotic pool cleaner, the Zodiac MX6 is capable of working with different pumps. This means it should be used with a variable speed pump or a two-speed pump and the low flow design makes sure it takes up less energy. Still, it has a powerful suction that allows it to both clean effectively, and climb the walls without any hassle.
The swiveling hoses make it easy to connect, set up doesn’t take long and it includes everything needed to get going including automatic Weir Valve, 7 x 1.2m Twist Lock Hose Lengths, Hose Float, Hose Protector, 90° Twist Lock Elbow, and more.
- Powerful suction
- Easy to connect
- Includes plenty of accessories
- Good value
- Not to be used in above ground pools
Best With Bluetooth Control: DOLPHIN Oasis Z5i Robotic Pool Cleaner with Bluetooth Control
An excellent robotic pool cleaner and again, Dolphin has come up with the goods. This product offers Bluetooth control so the user can command it from a distance via the app and it takes up to 2.5 hours to clean a pool of up to 50 ft. It is one of the more powerful scrubbing robots and makes light work of climbing the walls and cleaning the floor.
As with other Dolphin products, there are 3 settings to choose from so you can command it to clean daily, every other day, or every third day so your pool is always clear of debris. It is around 8 times as efficient as vacuum cleaners and other methods and features a tangle-free cable meaning it will never get stuck.
- Great for pools up to 50 ft
- Can be controlled via Bluetooth
- 3 programmable settings
- Powerful scrubbing
- Can be a bit pricey for some budgets
Best For In/Above Ground: PAXCESS Automatic Pool Cleaner, Robotic In-Ground/Above Ground Pool Cleaner
With automatic cleaning settings and a reasonable price, this is one of the better affordable robotic pool cleaners on the market. There is no supervision necessary, just select a 1, 2, or 3 hour clean and it will get to work, climbing the walls and covering the floor to lift debris. It features 4x PVA sponge rollers to help remove debris, making it powerful enough to scrub and remove stubborn dirt.
It can be used in either in-ground or above ground pools of up to 12 meters in length and has a swivel cord to make sure it doesn’t get stuck at any point. The top access filter basket keeps all debris out of the way so it can continue to clean and comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Can be used for in-ground and above ground pools
- PVA rollers help to scrub and remove debris
- Affordable
- Fine for pools up to 12 meters long
- Takes a while to clean larger pools
Best Skimmer: Solar Breeze – Automatic Pool Cleaner NX2 Cleaning Robot
Although most people think of a pool cleaning robot when it comes to new pool maintenance technology, there are also devices like this robotic pool skimmer to consider. when looking to keep a pool as clear from debris as possible, the surface is an important place to target. This gadget removes around 90 – 95% of surface debris and takes away more than the likes of leaves and twigs, but also pollen, bacteria, and a lot more.
It uses solar power and can run for hours after the sun has gone down and has an intelligent system that knows where to target on the surface of a pool. As it moves over the surface it also filters the water to help clean it and has a large collection area that is around twice as big as that of a regular skimmer.
- Uses solar energy
- Twice as much capacity as a regular skimmer
- Removes up to 95% of surface debris
- Runs for hours
- Not everyone wants a robotic skimmer
Best For Multiple Surfaces: Aquabot Elite Robotic Pool Cleaner
Ideal for different surfaces such as pebble, gunite, and concrete its major plus point is in the huge dual filter cartidges making it capable of collecting large loads of debris. This means there are no messy bags to clean and the tangle-free cord makes it easy to get around without it stopping halfway through a clean.
The dual scrubbing briushes allow it to lift a lot of the stubborn debris that would otherwise be a pain to get out and has a variable interval timer so you can set it to clean whenever you choose.
- Good for a variety of surfaces
- Large dual filter cartridges
- Tangle-free cord
- Powerful cleaner
- Other products are more efficient
Robotic Pool Cleaners
Cleaning your pool can feel like a thankless task and although it only needs to be done once or twice a week, using a quality robotic pool cleaner can help take the strain out of owning a pool. Not only are they highly efficient but they can sot less to run and get the job done to a high standard.
This is only when you buy from a reputable brand. To help you find the right model for your pool, we have created the following buyer’s guide.
What To Look For In A Robotic Pool Cleaner
Capacity
The bigger the pool it has the clean, the higher the capacity needs to be. Because bad weather can contribute to extra debris, you might consider buying a higher grade of robotic pool cleaner if you live in an area where this is an issue.
Cord Length
This is what can make or break the effectiveness of a robotic pool cleaner. Not everyone has their pool close to a power source and if this is the case, you might need to improvise with an extension cord.
Suitability
some products are made to be used in n above ground pool, others in-ground, and some are universal and fine for both. Before you purchase, you need to make sure it is capable of cleaning the type of pool you have.
Automatic Settings
Being able to select a certain cycle at the click of a button makes these products even more convenient. A lot of the time you can schedule a full clean, or a quick sweep of the bottom if you want to use the pool that day.
Some models are simpler but can be programmed to run once a week.
Swivel Cord
One of the simplest yet most important features of a robotic pool cleaner. This is what will prevent the device from getting caught and even lifted from the bottom, unable to do its job.
A swivel cord prevents it from tangling which also lessens wear and tear on the cord itself.
Benefits of Using A Robotic Pool Cleaner
No Cables
This is one of the main reasons a lot of people choose a robotic pool cleaner. They don’t require a big hose pipe to clean your pool. The electric cable is a lot more convenient, lighter, and thinner and doesn’t get in the way.
This doesn’t mean these cables are immune to tangling. If they do, the device might be lifted from the bottom which makes it ineffective. However, most robotic pool cleaners are made with a swivel that attaches to the cord so it doesn’t tangle and works at all angles.
All Round Clean
Unlike the other types of pool cleaner, a robotic product can lift debris on the sides and in the corners. There are even models that can climb the walls to give the entire pool a thorough clean.
Another type of robotic pool cleaner is a scrubber. This sweeps the surface to collect debris and insects. Although it doesn’t clean the bottom or the walls, it is a useful gadget to have in addition to a pool cleaner.
No Hard Graft
Of course, one of the most obvious benefits of buying a robotic pool cleaner is the lack of work on your side. This is particularly beneficial for anyone who feels the strain of leaning over their pool and pushing a vacuum up and down.
Energy Efficient
A lot of people who have never used a robotic cleaner before have a misconception that they cost more to run. The opposite is actually true as they are low voltage, they cost about the same as a light bulb.
Because of this, expect your energy bills to be lower than using the manual types of pool cleaners.
Saves Time
Because you don’t need to do anything, you can save yourself ten minutes and go get yourself your morning coffee whilst the robotic pool cleaner does all the hard work for you.
Kinder On The Ball
Timeout having to backwash or use the filter, a robotic pool cleaner puts less stress on the pool itself. Also when using a regular vacuum, these can clog up which in turn will impact the performance of the pool.
How Much Does A Robotic Pool Cleaner Cost?
This is where they are less desirable for some people. A robotic pool cleaner does cost more than the regular options but on the positive side, they cost less to run. This means that over time, you will save money.
Don’t expect to find many quality products under $500. There are some, but they are harder to find. It is worth investing in a high-end product as the results are going to be a lot better.
Anything around $700 and above will get you the best robotic pool cleaner.
Are Robotic Pool Cleaners Worth It?
In a way, it is all about how much you value your time. Because they are cheaper to run, you get your initial investment back after a while. So, once you have bought one, the main benefit is that you save time on what most people consider to be a chore.
They don’t cause as much strain on your pool because they do not need to be connected to it. Also, they are very effective at cleaning the walls of the pool if you buy a climbing robotic cleaner.
How Often Should I Use My Robotic Pool Cleaner?
In the warm months where you use your pool a lot, it can be a good idea to use the robotic pool cleaner every other day. There is nothing wrong with using it even more but it is not as necessary.
Otherwise, at a minimum, it should be used once a week. When debris starts to decay it can stain the pool, not to mention the chemicals can do the same.
It is a good idea to use the device after any adverse weather as this is where debris can build up.
