If you have an above or inground swimming pool, it is a good time to start thinking about getting your pool ready for the next summer. One of the best ways to effectively clean your pool is with a robotic pool cleaner.
The 5 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners
- Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Polaris Sport Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner
- Hayward SharkVac Robotic Pool Vacuum (Our Top Pick)
- SmartPool SmartKleen-Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Aquabot Turbo Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner
Our Top Pick for the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
Our top pick for the best robotic pool cleaner is the Hayward SharkVac Robotic Pool Vacuum.
The Hayward Pool Vacuum is a high-quality compact and power-packed cleaning machine. This smart and relentless cleaning robot has so many great features that make it an ideal choice for medium to large-sized in-ground swimming pools. It is also an effective cleaner for most pool surfaces like tiles and vinyl and removes any kind of debris, even stubborn algae.
Check the price on AmazonRobotic vs. Manual, Pressure, and Suction Pool Cleaners
When it comes to cleaning your pool, there are many options. Of course, you can try cleaning it by hand with a manual pool cleaner that has a hose, head, and telescopic pole, but this option can be back-breaking work and time-consuming.
Other options include pressure and suction automatic pool cleaners that use the pool’s own suction and filter system, but the downside is they have a long hose and it can get in the way if you are swimming in the pool while it is working. The hose can get tangled or become loose and stray away from the suction line in the skimmer, which can stop it from working properly.
The fastest and most efficient way to make sure that your pool is sparklingly clean and ready for you and the kids to swim in is a robotic pool cleaner.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners operate on a similar system to robotic vacuum cleaners in the home. A robotic pool cleaner is self-directed, with cleaning brushes, and its powerful suction can vacuum up any kind of debris directly into its own filter. But what gives them their cleaning power are their electric motors, a water pump that sucks in the dirt or debris into its filter, and a drive motor that propels the unit around the pool.
The best part of using a robotic cleaner is that they have smart technology, which means they can guide themselves around your pool, and many of them have 7-day programs, which allows you to program the machine while you are away, and many of them can be operated with remote control.
Robotic pool cleaners derive their power from electricity via a waterproof power line (a transformer can be connected to a standard power outlet with a power cord that connects the pool cleaner to the transformer). A robotic pool cleaner can even run when the pool’s circulation system is switched off.
The most popular robotic pool cleaner brand names are Dolphin, Polaris, and AquaBot.
Eight Benefits of Using a Robotic Pool Cleaner
1. Efficient Pool Cleaners
Most robotic pool cleaners can clean your entire pool: the floor and the walls, and they can also get into hard-to-reach places like the steps. and can even clean the waterline. These super-smart bots are especially useful for large-sized inground pools.
2. Computer-Controlled
Most robotic cleaners are computer-controlled, which allows the cleaners to learn the most effective way of cleaning your pool and are then able to direct themselves around the pool.
3. Cost Effective
A robotic cleaner will save you money on energy as well as chemicals. Most robotic cleaners can clean the pool in under 3 hours.
4. Easy to Install
No fiddly pumps or connections. Just plug in the waterproof power line or/and drop the cleaner into the pool and watch it go to work. And also remember to maintain the cable and keep it away from children.
5. Low Noise
They are super quiet.
6. Programmable
Some models come with a 7-day programmable timer that allows you to schedule the cleaner while you are away.
7. Remote Control Feature
Some models provide a handy remote control so that you can just sit back and relax by the pool and control the cleaner with just a press of a button.
8. Ergonomical and Operator Friendly
There are many models that come with a caddy that makes it easy to store away the machine. Many pool cleaners are made with your portability needs in mind and are also lightweight and portable.
How to Choose a Robotic Pool Cleaner
Before you set out to purchase your new, bright, and shiny robotic pool cleaner, there are a few things to take into consideration.
Pool Type
Do you have an in-ground or an above ground pool?
– In-ground Pools
Some robotic cleaners are more powerful and are specifically designed for large or variably shaped inground pools and they can clean vertical areas like steps and walls.
– Above Ground Pools
Models like the SmartPool SmartKleen-Robotic Pool Cleaner, are cheaper and lightweight and are more suited to smaller above-ground pools.
Pool Size
Some robotic pool cleaners are specially designed for cleaning smaller pools and others for larger-sized pools. So check the dimensions before purchasing your cleaner.
Pool Surface
The most familiar types of pool surfaces are vinyl, concrete, fiberglass, and tile. Not all robotic pool cleaners are created equal. Some are designed to brush and filter all types of pool surfaces. While others are specifically designed to clean particular types of surfaces.
Extra Features
Some pool cleaners have basic cleaning features like vacuuming and scrubbing. Others have extra features like the ‘Easy Lift System’, where you just push a button and the cleaner will rise to any position above water so that you can easily remove the unit for cleaning.
Technophile
How familiar or comfortable are you with technology? Or have a novice or are you a technophile, a lover of technology? Some units have more technologically advanced functions, while others just have 2 or 3 basic cleaning functions. Once again it all depends on your pool specifications and cleaning needs.
5 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners – Reviews
1. Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner is recommended for in-ground pools up to 50-feet in length.
A great investment for pool owners, the Dolphin is easy to use and in just 3 hours, this dynamo will effectively clean your pool. Ultra-efficient 24-volt dual motors and 2 scrubbing brushes provide powerful scrubbing action for almost any pool surface and shape: kidney, L-shape, oval, round, or rectangle.
The 60-feet floating power cable has a 360° swivel device that prevents the cable from twisting. Smart tech features include SmartNav scanning, a smart control weekly timer, and the LED indicator illuminates when it is time to empty the filter.
Another highlight of the Dolphin Premier pool cleaner is that it comes with multiple filter options: bottom-load fine filter cartridges, ultra-fine filter cartridges, and a large fine filter leaf/debris bag.
Pros
- Fast and efficient cleaner
- Easy to set up
- Cleans the walls and sides of the pool
- Multiple filter options
Cons
- Machine might be too wide for narrow steps
- Has trouble negotiating sharp corners
- Removing the unit can be difficult because it is heavy
- Filter bag is not very easy to clean out
2. Polaris Sport Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner
Just like a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, the Polaris Sport Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner is outfitted with 4-wheel Aqua-Trax tires that enable the machine to access all areas inside your pool. This sporty little machine is an effective cleaner for all pool shapes. It can turn on a dime and it is ideal for small to medium in-ground swimming pools.
The ActivMotion Sensor Technology provides the unit with unmatchable navigation, even in larger pools, where it can negotiate its own cleaning path and will never get stuck while climbing steep inclines. The unit uses an accelerometer to automatically sense its position. Then re-orientate itself, to provide you with continual optimal cleaning action.
The Vortex Vacuum Technology allows the cleaner to pick up larger debris while maintaining maximum suction. The solid blade brushes will scrub and vacuum all pool surfaces including steps and walls and even the waterline.
As well as an innovative filtration system with a wide suction intake for large debris like leaves, the highlight of the Polaris is that it comes with a programmable feature, where you can choose between 2 levels of cleaning, choose when and where you want it to clean.
There is also a 7-day programmable timer that can be controlled through a handheld remote. This means you can just set it and forget while you are away, and when you return your sparklingly clean pool is waiting for you to just dive in and swim.
The unit is also operator friendly as the ‘Lift System’ tells the cleaner to stop cleaning and rise to the side of the pool. All you have to do is remove it with the handle, and the caddy allows you to safely store the unit.
Also, the debris canisters are top-loaded and are easy to remove. So that you do not have to touch the dirt or debris that is left behind. The unit also comes with a 110-volt transformer, 60-feet power cord, and a filter canister.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Ideal for small to medium in-ground pools
- Effective cleaner
- Easy to clean filters
- Seven-day programmable timer and handheld remote
Cons
- Expensive
- Cord can get tangled
- May need an extension cord
3. Hayward SharkVac Robotic Pool Vacuum
The Hayward SharkVac Robotic Pool Vacuum is a power-packed unit that is created to work in any style of in-ground pool up to 40-feet in length, and it can clean any type of surface, even vinyl. This pool vacuum has redesigned this cleaning dynamo with smart steering technology and a self-programmable function which means that the SharkVac can sense the size of your pool and design the best cleaning pattern.
One of the highlights of the SharkVac is its energy efficiency, the robot uses about 94% less energy, while still maintaining its powerful and consistent ability to maneuver and perform quick cleaning jobs in just 2 hours. The SharkVacs’ energy usage has been comparable to a single incandescent light bulb.
The machine has 2 top-loading fine porosity filters that are easy to clean: once the machine has finished its cleaning cycle, all you have to do is just remove the filters and rinse them with the garden hose.
Some of the other smart technological features include an ‘out-of-water’ sensor that protects the motor by preventing the cleaner from operating when out of the water.
Although the robotic pool cleaner can be quite heavy, it has a caddy cart that provides easy storage. If you prefer the cheaper unit, you can choose not to purchase the caddy cart.
Pros
- Fast
- Excellent cleaning action
- Energy efficient
- Out-of-water sensor protects the motor
- Easy to clean filters
Cons
- Heavy
- Have to clean the filter regularly
- Flips over during long periods of cleaning
4. SmartPool SmartKleen-Robotic Pool Cleaner
The SmartPool SmartKleen-Robotic Pool Cleaner is an affordable option for both small to medium above-ground swimming pools and also smaller in-ground pools. The lightweight and flexible design enable the machine to effectively clean all surfaces like fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl liners from any kind of debris and even hard to remove algae.
The intelligent navigation allows the machine to easily maneuver itself around the pool and it automatically shuts itself off after 2 hours. The SmartKleen technology offers an easy way to drain any excess water from the unit. All you need to do is to pull the unit from the water, which will then activate the quick-drain system, and any excess water will be eliminated from the machine, leaving any dirt or debris inside the filter bag.
The unit also comes with a 40-inch power cord and an extra large filter bag.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good design
- Effectively cleans small to medium-sized pools
- Ideal for above ground and in-ground pools
- Removes large debris like leaves and pine needles
Cons
- Power cord is too short, may need an extension cord
- Power cord tangles easily
5. Aquabot Turbo Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner
The Aquabot Turbo Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner provides complete cleaning at just the press of a button.
It is ideal for small to medium in-ground swimming pools up to 50-feet. With 2 fixed scrubbing brushes, non-marring wheels, and its Hydro-Robotic Technology, this nifty little machine can effectively negotiate any pool shape: Rectangle, kidney, L-Shape, round, oval, clean any surface – Concrete, Fiberglass, or Tile, and climb 90° angles.
The innovative NeverStuck™ Guidance System means the bot will never get caught in tight or awkward spaces and it can even climb 90° angles.
Another highlight of this cleaner is its uniquely efficient filtration system that can trap debris as large as palm leaves and filter out particles as small as 2-microns – which is 10 times smaller than what most main pool filtration systems can capture.
Pros
- Affordable
- Fast
- Works well in any in-ground pool shape
- Unique filtration system filters out large debris and small particles
Cons
- Does not clean the walls of the pool very effectively
Our Top Pick for the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
Our top pick for the best robotic pool cleaner is the Hayward SharkVac Robotic Pool Vacuum.
The Hayward Pool Vacuum is a high-quality compact and power-packed cleaning machine. This smart and relentless cleaning robot has so many great features that make it an ideal choice for medium to large-sized in-ground swimming pools. It is also an effective cleaner for most pool surfaces like tiles and vinyl and removes any kind of debris, even stubborn algae.
Check the price on Amazon
