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Keep your pool clean and devoid of debris with these well-fixed - to - enjoyment models .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Swimming around in your backyard pool is a great way to unwind , but stay fresh it clean can be a major cephalalgia . With a automatonlike pool dry cleaner , however , you’re able to spend less time on upkeep and more sentence enjoying your puddle .
Robotic syndicate cleaners are soft to use and very effective at removing rubble in both in - ground andabove - ground pools . While robotic cleanser often cost more than other cleaner types , they can cleanse more exhaustively and are more convenient thantraditional pool cleaners .
The Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner is highly effective and easy to use, and has a user-friendly app.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
“ There are some that are good all - around cleansing agent but ca n’t scour roofing tile lines . Some cleaners have a hard time on footfall , sun shelf and swimming outs . Some are faster than others and some have considerably large store capacity for debris , ” explainsJim Pollard , service managing director for Environmental Pools . “ With such a significant investment , it ’s worth deciding which features are most important and then find the ripe robot for you . ”
To chance the best robotlike syndicate cleaner , we put 20 options to the test in our pools at home . We tested each mannequin for six months and noted which choice were in effect , easy to use , and deserving the investiture . In gain to Pollard , we also consulted pool design consultantJason O’NealandMariano Ruffino , jumper cable adviser and endorse puddle manipulator instructor at the Ruffino School of Pool , for extra insight .
What We Tested
We evaluated 24 robotlike pool cleaners on theirsetup , figure , ease of utilization , andeffectiveness . For more information on how we tested robotic pool dry cleaners at plate , tick outour testing processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner
The cleansing agent earned a perfect grudge for how well it cleaned up both small and big debris during testing .
It ’s one of the most expensive cleaners on our inclination .
The Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner earned a perfect score in our tests , give it our top pick for scavenge any in - ground syndicate . With a herculean motor and excellent suction , the cleaner scrubbed the steps , wall , floors , and waterline of our pool with ease . We even called it “ the Ferrari of cleaners ” for its especial cleanup power .
Credit: Pool Warehouse
We used the robot to clean our consortium when we opened it for the season , and there was a labored stratum of leafage , dirt , and sticks at the bottom of the pool . The cleaner picked up both big and small debris with ease , collecting even the fine rubble with its double - filtered waste field goal . The basket was also big enough to clean the entire pool without ask to be emptied .
The pocket billiards dry cleaner includes an app to choice cleaning modes and docket cleaning . We think the app was very user - friendly and easy to set up . It even notifies you when the cleaner is end up so you know when to take out it from the pool and put it forth for memory board . you could also use the app to get the cleaner to the surface , making it soft to retrieve it .
Because it is n’t very heavy , we could easily drop the cleaner into the pool with one hand . It also boast a built - in grip for easier treatment . The dry cleaner was mute when cleaning underwater , and we thought it was still quiet even while it cleanse at the water level .
The Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner is highly effective, easy to use, and has a user-friendly app.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The cleaner is an investment , but we think it is well worth the money if you want a kitty vacuum cleaner that pick everything and is customizable to your needs . After six calendar month of use , we still reckon the pool cleaner was the easiest and most efficient puddle vacuum we had ever used .
intersection Details : Cycle Time:1.5 to 2.5 hrs . |Cable Length:60 ft . |Weight:29.3 lbs . |Suggested Pool Type : In - ground |Pool Length : Up to 50 ft .
Best Budget
Aiper Seagull SE Robotic Pool Cleaner
The cleaner is cordless and easy navigates the bottom of the puddle to sweep up pollen and detritus .
This exemplar struggled to pick up declamatory debris at metre .
If you ’re await for a robotic cleaner that will maintain your pool without break the bank , we loved the Aiper Seagull SE Robotic Pool Cleaner . While it is n’t as muscular as some of the more expensive models we test , we were still impressed with the cleanser ’s carrying into action . Overall , the cleaner pick up almost all of the debris in the bottom of our pool during examination .
We call up the pond cleanser was idealistic for sweeping up pollen and debris , but it sometimes struggled with big rubble like folio . While it cleaned up the bulk of the leaves in our pool , it had difficulty cleaning large clusters of dirt and leaves .
The cleansing agent is compatible with both in - flat coat and above - background pools , and the cordless design makes it a great choice for enceinte pool . The battery also fully charge in just 2.5 hour , so you do n’t have to wait long between uses .
We could easily dangle the cleanser into the pool using the handgrip , and it includes a hook to retrieve it from the pool when it ’s done cleaning . The cleaner was so quiet that we almost forget it was in the pond .
To empty the golem , we just removed the filter , dumped out the debris , and rinsed the filter before replacing it . Our pocket billiards was full of leaves and debris , so we had to empty the cleaner three prison term to to the full clean the bottom of the puddle .
Product detail : Cycle Time:1.5 hrs . |Cable Length : Cordless |Weight:7.6 lbs . |Suggested Pool Type : Above - priming coat ( round ) and in - ground |Pool Length : Up to 40 ft .
Best for In-Ground Pools
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner
The robot can climb walls and easily navigate precipitous corner in the pool .
It does n’t clean the water line .
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner pull in a perfect score in our test for its power to climb pool walls and vacuum up dirt and leaves . The cleansing agent is idealistic for in - flat coat pools up to 50 feet .
We thought the robot was lightweight enough for anyone to lift , and the handle made it wanton to lift and place in the pool . Setting up the robot was also very light and substance abuser - favorable . After set down it in the water , you only need to bid the power button , and the robot does the rest .
Our pond had seeable dirt and leaves from nearby tree diagram in the water . The robot cleaned up all of the debris and vacuum-clean up the leave of absence , picking up a meaning amount of sediment . With a top - load filter , it was easy to displume the robot ’s filter out to rinse and make clean it .
The robot easily climb the walls of our pool , which had sharp corner with very little bender in the transition between the wall and the floor . The cleaner is ideal for scratch walls , but keep in mind that it does n’t clean the water line .
We also thought the automaton cleaned much faster than previous Dolphin models we had used . The cleaning cycle takes about two hour for a full clean . It even sport intelligent mapping capabilities to ensure it cleanse every column inch of the pool .
After using the cleaner for several months , we think it performed even easily because it seemed to watch the map of the consortium so it never missed any spots . Although the cleaner is an investment , we thought it was deserving it for how many 60 minutes we saved on cleaning our pool .
Product Details : Cycle Time:2 hrs . |Cable Length:60 ft . |Weight:19 lbs . |Suggested Pool Type : In - ground or above - ground |Pool Length : Up to 50 ft .
Best with Caddy
Polaris VRX iQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner
The tea caddy has a blank space - saving design and wheels to easily channelize the robot .
We recollect the robot was a bit heavy .
If you need a robotic cleansing agent that is convenient to stash away when it ’s not in the puddle , we have it away that the Polaris VRX iQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner includes a caddy to easily transport and control the robot . The tea caddy features a ascendence control board that allows you to correct the cleaning modes and even bring the cleansing agent to the aerofoil when you want to remove it .
Credit: Amazon
Setting up the syndicate cleaner was comparatively simple , include putting together the caddy , which just required snapping the wheel into situation . The robot sits upright on the caddy , which saves outer space to make it easier to store .
For the first use , it suggests turn tail it on an automatic cps so the cleaner can see the layout of your consortium . Then , it provides a calculated time for how long it will take to fully clean the pool . If you think the pool is peculiarly dirty , you’re able to just add more clip to the cleanup . The control control board exhibit how much time is left in the cleansing rhythm , so you always sleep with when to remove it from the pool .
It was very easy to transfer the automaton from the pool because it has a clit on the control panel to call the golem to the surface . The golem also mechanically discharge water and has a large handle on the front that make it well-to-do to grab out of the pool . The filter is accessible from a compartment on the top of the automaton , so it ’s convenient to remove and rinse away dust .
Once in use, the cleaner picked up almost all of the debris in the bottom of our pool.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Overall , we thought it was a air to set up and expend the automaton . The wheel on the robot moved very easily to allow it to navigate the bottom and side of the pool , and the cord features a rotating connexion to foreclose it from twisting or getting tangled .
Before using the cleaner , the bottom of our pool was cover in algae and debris . The robot fully transfer all of the alga , go out the filter full of trash and rubble , including leaves and grass clippings that it vacuumed up from the bottom of the pocket billiards .
The automaton let in multiple cleansing way like a quick unobjectionable , bottom - only cleansing , or walls / water level - only cleaning . It is also Wi - Fi - enabled , so you could also get at extra cleaning modes and even schedule cleansing on the app .
We think the cleaner would be idealistic for big in - ground pools since it cleans rapidly and effectively . The only downside to this cleaner is the 44 - dog pound weight , which we line up to be more or less heavy during testing . However , the tea caddy cause it so you do n’t have to occupy about carrying it to and from the pool .
Product Details : Cycle Time : Varies |Cable Length:70 ft . |Weight:44 lbs . |Suggested Pool Type : In - ground |Pool Length : Up to 60 ft .
Best for Walls
Aiper Scuba S1 Pool Cleaner
The cleanser has high - traction tread that allow it to climb heavily splash walls .
This fashion model does n’t skim the aerofoil of the pee .
Instead of wheels , the Aiper Scuba S1 Pool Cleaner has stride on the bottom that offer better traction for climbing walls . The improved grip and maneuverability let the cleaner to sail heavily sloped bulwark .
We see as the cleaner climbed our pool ’s walls and cancel the tile during examination , and we were impressed with how well it voyage the pool . The robot even climb on top of a built - in seat at the end of the pool to scrub it .
The robot easily strip up both large detritus like leave-taking and fine dust like pine needles and yellow pollen . After each enjoyment , the robot collected a long ton of leaf and detritus in the filter basket , and it was easy to empty the rubble from the basket .
Once you pull out the cleaner out of the pond , it starts knock down out the water . We found it to be a chip heavy to lift , so we had to lease the water enfeeble for a bit before removing it . It also has a large grip on the top to hold it while it drains . We noticed that the sportsmanlike always return to the same post when it ’s done cleaning , making it wanton to retrieve .
The cleaner was ready to go right out of the box , and it even total charge so we could use it immediately after unbox . It in full bill in just two hours , which is even agile than the charging sentence that was state in the manual of arms . After six months of testing , we did n’t notice any reduction in the barrage life sentence . The cleaner could still clean our integral pool on a undivided commission .
The only ill we had with this cleaner is that we wish it could skim the control surface of the water to foot up blow debris . However , the surface was never very cheating because the golem was so effective at scrub the floor , walls , and water level .
ware item : Cycle Time:150 min . |Cable Length : Cordless |Weight:26 lbs . |Suggested Pool Type : In - ground or above - ground |Pool Length : Up to 1,600 sq . ft .
Credit: Amazon
Best for Fine Debris
Polaris Freedom Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
The clean collected silt and fine rubble that we could n’t even see in the syndicate .
It could n’t clean the steps of the syndicate .
Every time we used the Polaris Freedom Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner , it found small rubble that we could n’t even see . Before using the cleaner for the first time , we did n’t notice any debris in our pool , and we thought it looked closely sporting . However , after execute the cleaner through the water supply , it collected a net ton of backbone , mulch , pollen , and even a midget anuran .
This robotic pool cleaner picks up even the finest particles of dirt and sand.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
It only accept about ten minutes for us to unbox and mark up the cordless robot , and it came almost fully charged . We thought storing the cleaner was commodious since we could just place it on the outdoor charging place when we were n’t using it .
After set up the robot , we just dropped it in the pool and let it hightail it , and we did n’t involve to empty the filter until after the bicycle was finished . The clean runs for about two hours and 45 minutes , and the app notifies you when it ’s finished clean house . At the end of the cleanup round , the automaton climbs to the surface for easy retrieval .
The robot have four different cleaning modes to clean dissimilar parts of the pool like the floors , wall , and water line . you may also access special cleaning modes , like a water line - only cleaning option , on the robot ’s app .
Credit: Leslie’s
The only downside to the dry cleaner was that it could n’t make clean the stairs in our kitty . Although it was able to climb wall with ease , our stair were too inadequate , so the automaton sense it was come out of the water and call on off .
Product Details : Cycle Time:2.5 hrs . |Cable Length : Cordless |Weight:32 lb . |Suggested Pool Type : In - ground |Pool Length : Up to 50 foot .
The Bottom Line
After testing two dozen robotic puddle cleaners at home , we opt theDolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaneras the best cleaner overall for its fantabulous cleansing performance with both big and small debris . We have sex that it was customizable so we could apply it to deep clean our kitty or just do a quick clean and jerk of the floors or walls .
Our Testing Process
We ’ve tested 24 robotic pool cleanser since 2022 , judge each clean on its setup , design , ease of use , and effectivity . To find the best robotic pool cleansing agent for your money , we used each model at dwelling in our pools for about six months .
First , we prepare our puddle and timed how long it use up to ready up each pool cleaner . For cordless models , we recorded how long it took for the batteries to commit before we used them . We also connected any applicable apps if the pool cleanser was Wi - Fi enabled .
After setting up the automatonlike cleaners , we used them to clean our pool , noting how much junk was present before cleaning . We watched how they cleaned the puddle , include the floor , wall , stairs , cove , and waterline . When the dry cleaner was eat up , we audit the kitty for cleanliness and recorded how long it took to fully clean the pool .
This pool cleaner is easy to move and store with its wheeled caddy and cord holder.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
While using each pool cleaner , we take away annotation of how easy it was to operate , evaluating the controls on the building block as well as any remote ascendence or apps . We also looked at the plan of the clean and how loose it was to arise in and out of the pond . ultimately , we note the randomness level of the cleanser and whether or not it was distracting .
What to Know About Robotic Pool Cleaners Before Shopping
Pool Size and Cord Length
Before shop for a robotic pool cleanser , you need to know the size and depth of your pool . Robotic dry cleaner will provide the pond length that they can cleanse , which is particularly significant for twilled dry cleaner since the electric cord can only reach so far .
Typically , the cord length is about 10 feet longer than the distance of the pool that the cleansing agent is able-bodied to scavenge . This allows the cleansing agent to reach every inch of the pool , include the deep percentage point .
Most pond cleaners have a cord length between 40 and 60 foot . If you have a larger pond that requires a longer cord , we commend thePolaris VRX iQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner , which feature a 70 - foot cable television .
Weight
While the weight of a robotic pool cleaner is important , most models are lightweight enough to easily lift in and out of the pool . “ It ’s not the weight of the cleaner that consumers need to worry about , it ’s the weight of the water stored inside , ” Pollard explain . “ When you pull a cleaner out of the water you ’re also pulling a substantial amount of water out with it . ”
Luckily , many cleaners will mechanically chuck the piddle or allow the water to be dumped out as they are removed from the pool . If you are still worried about the exercising weight of the cleanser , the most lightweight option on our list is theAiper Seagull SE Robotic Pool Cleaner , which weighs just 7.6 pound .
Run Time
According toRuffino , the run clip of a robotic pool dry cleaner is dependent on the sizing of the pool , as well as the detritus .
Most pool cleaners can finish a full cleansing hertz in two or three hours . Some cleaners , like theDolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner , also offer speedy cleansing cycles that can clean the pool in 60 or 90 minutes .
Filter Canister
After cleaning the pool , robotlike cleaners bank the dirt and debris into a dissipation purse or filter . Some filter are disposable , but many cleaners apply reusable filters that can be sprayed sporty with a hosiery .
We recommend choosing a pool cleaner with a large capacity for rubble so you do n’t have to empty the filter in the middle of the cleaning wheel . Pollard choose cleaners with a minimum of 3.5 liters of storage . ThePolaris VRX iQ+ Robotic Pool Cleanerhas one of the tumid filter canisters on our list with 5 liters of space .
Pool Type
Many robotic puddle dry cleaner are designed to accommodate different types of pool , let in various fabric and physique and both in - dry land and above - ground pools . However , some models are less flexible and are only designed for a specific consortium type .
“ Not all robotic cleaners are created adequate . We prefer manakin that can map the pool and countenance the user to destine exceptional zone , ” Pollard say .
Certain characteristic of your pool , like bear an automatic cover , may also affect the eccentric of cleaner you choose . “ If a pocket billiards has an automatic cover , a corded golem may not be the best solution , ” Pollard says .
Other Robotic Pool Cleaners We Tested
Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
We initially loved the performance of theDolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner , which was easy to use and very efficacious at keeping our puddle clean . However , the pool cleaner stopped work after about six calendar month of exercise . The motor completely stopped , and we were n’t able to trouble-shoot the issue .
Hydrus Robotic Pool Vacuum
TheHydrus Robotic Pool Vacuumwas an affordable choice that quickly clean our pool floors . Although it was easy to practice and effective at sweeping up debris , it scramble on the slope of the pond ’s side and kept getting stuck on the pocket billiards ladder . We think it would work considerably for above - ground pools since it ca n’t easily navigate inclines .
Your Questions, Answered
Are robotic cleaners worth the investment?
If you do n’t need to spend your barren metre on pond maintenance , a automatonlike cleaner is a great investment funds to consider . “ Most importantly , [ robotic cleaners ] shorten down on the time working on the syndicate and allow for for more time in the pool , ” Pollard say .
Robotic cleaners are also one of the just options for maintain your pool white . Many automatonlike cleaners offer extra advantage that you ca n’t get from other cleansing methods . “ In addition to clean debris from the pool , some have scrubbing brush that can dislodge alga before it begins to bloom . They also help circularise the urine when the scheme is off , ” Pollard excuse .
Can you swim in your pool while using the cleaner?
While you technically can drown in the puddle with most robotic cleaners , Ruffino cautions against it , peculiarly if Kid are postulate . It ’s in general secure to take away the robotic cleaner before people participate the pool , especially if it ’s a twilled pick .
A robotic kitty clean may also be less effective if it has to avoid multitude while cleaning . If you do n’t want to hold off to employ your pool while the robotic cleaner works , Ruffino recommends choose a cleaner with a nimble cleaning option .
How often should you clean your pool cleaner?
Most robotlike cleaners will apprise you when the filter or basket is full and needs to be abandon . In worldwide , we recommend emptying the basketball hoop after each use so the cleaner is quick to go for the next cleansing .
How do you store a robotic pool cleaner?
To keep your machinelike puddle cleaner in in force condition , you should always remove it from the pool and put it away after you use it . We recommend storing your robotic syndicate cleaner in a ironic area after each use .
“ The wireless versions take to dry out out before charging and should be put in in a dry area . The corded ones can be salt away out of doors , but we still commend storing them in a shed or under shelter , ” Pollard explains .
Storage tea caddy are ideal for hold the golem and its accessories in one position . “ For corded cleaners , [ golf caddie ] hold up the robot , the cord , and the major power center . The cordless modeling hold the charging bob and the automaton , ” Pollard explain .
If you prefer a cleanser that includes a caddy , we loved the space - save design of thePolaris VRX iQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner , which includes a wheeled caddy .
If you take a robotlike cleaner that does n’t let in a tea caddy , you could make storage easier by using a rolling handcart to store it . Then , you’re able to transpose the cleaner to and from the pond without make to hold it .
Currently Testing
We ’re currently testing a unexampled robotlike puddle cleaner and have some initial thoughts on apparatus and design . We ’re hold off until summer to get more insights on the pool cleaner ’s effectiveness .
Beatbot AquaSense 2 professional
After the first utilisation , we were most impressed by how well theBeatbot AquaSense 2 Proclimbed pool walls , even in a half - fill pool with angled face . The automaton was very easy to set up during our initial mental testing , and we were impressed with its exploiter - friendly app .
We used the cleaner to help decimate build - up alga on the pool level , and it left our pool noticeably cleaner after the first tally . The app sends a notice to your phone when the robot is cease cleaning , and the robot even rises to the surface of the pool so it ’s easygoing to retrieve after make clean .
Our only complaint with the cleaner so far was that it became operose when full of piddle , so we had to have the water system run out before lifting it out of the pool .
The robot operate on quietly , so there were n’t any riotous noises while it clean . With multiple cleansing modes and a double - basket filtration system that separates fine silt from larger detritus , we think the robot is well - equipped to keep your puddle froth .
Who We Are
Molly Blancois a fourth-year writer forBetter Homes & Gardens . For this clause , she referenced testing insights from our expert testers who used the pool cleaners in their own pools for six month .
She also consult several pool expert , including attest kitty instructorMariano Ruffino , syndicate design consultantJason O’Neal , andJim Pollard , religious service managing director for Environmental Pools , about what to look for when shopping for a machinelike puddle cleaner .
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the product on this list , you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval . Products that remove the seal have been put through tight testing to check that they ’re worth a touch in your nursing home . We buy most of the products we try out ourselves , but at times we are provided samples by companies if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we use the same testing criterion we employ to test the purchase products .
Credit: Amazon
The Aiper Scuba S1 can get to harder-to-reach places and climb walls with angles as steep as 105 degrees.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
This pool cleaner uses tracks instead of wheels that offer excellent gripping, which worked well cleaning the pool’s walls and bottom during our tests.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
