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If you’ve ever cleaned a pool WITHOUT a robotic helper, then you know how time consuming it is. You’ll have to purchase a number of tools to get the job done, and it requires a lot of manual effort.
If you’re tired of wasting your time and energy managing the cleanliness of your pool each week, a robotic pool cleaner is for you.
With the ability to set schedules and their comprehensive abilities (floor vacuuming, wall scrubbing, and more), you can celebrate the day you throw out all of your old pool cleaning tools.
Robotic pool cleaners will add a lot of convenience to your life, but choosing the right model may not be the easiest task.
Since every model will have a different combination of debris capacity, suction strength, filtering capability, and compatible pool sizes, it can be tough to narrow down the wide selection to find the one that fits your needs best.
To help you out, we’ve evaluated 23 products over 37 hours and carefully considered 798 consumer reviews to bring you the best robotic pool cleaners Canada has to offer.
Following our last update, we recommend the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic pool cleaner for its ease of use, pool compatibility, and filtering capabilities.
In a rush? Buy it Now on Amazon!
Robotic Pool Cleaner Comparative Table
Product | Summary | Rating | Price | |
TOP PICK
|
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner |
|
9.4/10 | See price on Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|
UPGRADE PICK
|
Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi Operated Robotic Pool Cleaner |
|
9.6/10 | See price on Amazon |
BUDGET PICK
|
Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner |
|
9.2/10 | See price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner Review
The Best Overall
Dolphin
If you’re on the hunt for a robotic pool cleaner that can do it all, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic pool cleaner is the right choice for you. It is a bit more expensive than the most affordable products, but we can guarantee that the value and performance you receive are outstanding.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner Video Review
What We Think of The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner
This Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robot is one of the most reliable pool cleaners on the market. It weighs only 19 lbs so won’t be too hard to get in and out of the pool, even when full of water, and it can clean essentially any size of pool as long as it is no more than fifty feet across. This is more a limitation of the power cord length than any fault of the actual machine, however.
It will clean your pool within two hours, and you can be confident in its ability to thoroughly scrub the floor and walls and collect all of the debris that may be hanging around on the floor. The dual scrubbing brushes ensure no spot is missed, but the random cleaning pattern may mean that it cleans other spots repeatedly before the entire pool gets cleaned. The 60 ft swivel cord guarantees it won’t ever get stuck.
Buying a pool cleaner was the best thing my husband ever did. He used to spend hours every week cleaning it manually, and since we already have a busy life, it was just more time we had to spend apart. Now that we have this robot pool cleaner, we have more family time and our pool is still spotless. No complaints about this robot, it does a great job and is easy to use.
jane f.
This robotic pool cleaner can accommodate two filters at once, and they load at the top of the machine to be very easy to access. Plus, it doubles the cleaning capacity of the robot since it can trap more debris before needing to be emptied. You have the option to set the robot to clean every day, every other day, or every third day, so you can really tailor it to your environment and use frequency.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner Specifications
- Dimensions: 16” x 16” x 10”
- Weight: 19 lbs
- Max Pool Size: 50’ across
- Cleaning Time: 2 hrs
- Cleaning Capability: Walls and floor
- Warranty: 2.5 years
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Top load filter cartridges are easy to access (uses two at once)
- Has two scrubbing brushes
- Can set the machine to clean every day, every other day, or every third day
- Has a 60’ tangle free swivel cable
Cons
- Runs in a random pattern so may miss spots repeatedly
Our Final Opinion about the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic pool cleaner is a great choice for any pool type. It is a very user-friendly model that is easy to manage. We would prefer it had a smart cleaning system, but as one of the best-performing pool cleaners on the market, it is still a no brainer as our top pick.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi Operated Robotic Pool Cleaner Review
The High Performance Pick
Dolphin
When it comes to robotic pool cleaners, there is no richer choice than the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi operated robotic pool cleaner. With a long list of unique features and great cleaning performance, anyone rich enough to afford it will certainly get their money’s worth.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi Operated Robotic Pool Cleaner Video Review
What We Think of The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi Operated Robotic Pool Cleaner
As one of the only WiFi operated robotic pool cleaners on the market, this Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme is a pretty special product. While its expensive price may be a deterrent for many people, it is in fact the most convenient model out there. Since its performance is very evenly matched to the CC Plus model, the price may be a little much, but this robot will do a great job cleaning your pool.
With the compatible app, you can set your own cleaning schedules, delay start a clean, initiate a spot clean, and even select between three different cleaning modes. The three scrubbing brushes effectively clean the pool floor, walls, and waterline, so there is no area of the pool that will need to be cleaned by hand. It can clean ay size of pool as large as 50 ft across, too.
While I don’t notice a huge difference between this Supreme model and the Plus model, this is still a great robotic pool cleaner for pretty much anybody. Due to its price, I wouldn’t recommend getting it if you have an above-ground pool, since it would only be able to clean the floor anyway. It can clean essentially any size of pool as long as the cord will reach, so that’s pretty great.
dan e.
The cleaning time will depend on the type of clean being performed, but it won’t be overly inefficient no matter how dirty your pool is. It has a great debris capacity thanks to two filter slots, and they are easily accessible from the top of the machine. Although this model is fairly heavy, it does have a rapid water release when you lift it out of the pool to lighten the load as quickly as possible.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi Operated Robotic Pool Cleaner Specifications
- Dimensions: 23.4” x 19.4” x 13.5”
- Weight: 41.8 lbs
- Max Pool Size: 50’ across
- Cleaning Time: Varies depending on chosen mode
- Cleaning Capability: Walls, floor, and waterline
- Warranty: 3 years
Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi Operated Robotic Pool Cleaner Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Wi-Fi connected app allows you to set a cleaning schedule, choose between cycles (three modes), start a spot clean, and delay start
- Has a rapid water release when you lift it out of the pool
- Uses two filter cartridges at once, top-loaded for convenience
- Has three scrubbing brushes
Cons
Cons
- Performance is not all that better than the Plus model, but twice the price
Our Final Opinion About the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi Operated Robotic Pool Cleaner
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 2.0 out of 5.0 stars
All in all, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi operated robotic pool cleaner is one of the best choices you can make. While its performance is fairly similar to the Plus model, the higher price does come with some pretty convenient and helpful features that make this model stand out.
Our Budget Pick for a Robotic Pool Cleaner
Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner Review
The Budget Pick
Zodiac
If you’re wondering whether you need to spend thousands of dollars on a robotic pool cleaner to get a worthwhile model, the answer is no. The Zodiac MX6 in-ground suction side pool cleaner is an affordable robotic pool cleaner that offers great performance at a great price.
Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner Video Review
What We Think of the Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner
As budget robots go, this Zodiac pool cleaner is actually quite respectable. While less than 1/6th the cost of the most expensive product on the market, its performance is fairly comparable. It can clean the walls and floor of your pool, and is compatible with both in-ground pools and above-ground pools. Since this model is so affordable, it actually makes sense to buy it for an above-ground pool as well (since only the floor can be cleaned).
At only 17.5 lbs, this is one of the lightest models on the market. Its design is a bit bulky, but you still won’t need to worry about this model getting stuck anywhere in your pool. It has a great pivot mechanism built in to allow it to get out of tight spots when it can no longer move forward. Plus, with intelligent navigation, it won’t waste time cleaning areas repeatedly before hitting other areas that are still dirty.
For such an affordable robot pool cleaner, I was really quite impressed by how well it cleans my in-ground pool. I thought it would miss leaves here and there and wouldn’t actually clean the walls very well, but I was okay with that because this was already at the top of my budget and it’s the cheapest one on the market. I was wrong about everything; it works exactly as it should. Very happy with.
irene l.
The cyclonic suction style makes this a fairly powerful vacuum, so it shouldn’t have any trouble filtering out all of the debris in the pool. One design flaw is that it will sometimes climb too high on the pool wall and start sucking in air. This will cause it to fall back into the pool. However, it will just keep on cleaning and won’t take on any damage, so it isn’t too much of an issue.
Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner Specifications
- Dimensions: 40.4” x 8.9” x 14.8”
- Weight: 17.5 lbs
- Cleaning Capability: Walls and floor
- Warranty: 1-year
Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Pivot mechanism prevents it from getting stuck in corners
- Has cyclonic suction for powerful vacuuming
- Can be used for in-ground and above-ground pools
- Has intelligent navigation for effective cleaning
Cons
- Quite bulky
- Sometimes climbs too high and sucks in air, causing it to fall back into the pool
Our Final Opinion About the Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Zodiac MX6 in-ground suction side pool cleaner is a product designed to be affordable for all income levels without compromising on cleaning performance. It isn’t the most streamlined unit, but it has some great features that make manual labor a thing of the past. At least when it comes to your pool.
Alternative Products to Consider
PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner Review
The Cordless Pick
Paxcess
Battery-powered robotic pool cleaners aren’t that easy to find, but they are out there. While they won’t make the best choice for larger pools, they are an incredibly convenient way to clean your pool. The PAXCESS cordless robotic pool cleaner is the best of the best when it comes to cordless models.
PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner Video Review
What We Think of the PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
Cordless robotic pool cleaners are another rare breed, so this PAXCESS model is fairly unique just because of its power source. It occupies a niche sector of the market and will likely be chosen simply for this convenience. However, there are some things to keep in mind that we would rightly classify as limitations. The 4-6 hour charge time is only the beginning.
This cordless robot is only capable of cleaning the pool floor, so you will still have to manually scrub the water line and walls themselves. Its suction strength is also not strong enough to pick up debris items effectively unless they are on a very flat surface. For in-ground pools, this will become an annoyance quite quickly. The design quality overall is fairly poor on this model.
I have a pretty small kidney shaped pool, and I’ve just reached the point in my life where I don’t want to clean it manually anymore. Now that my husband has passed, I needed something to help me out. I didn’t want a stranger coming around to clean it, so I bought this little robot helper. It does a great job and its easy for me to manage all by myself. I would recommend it to others, definitely.
janice n.
While the performance is nothing to write home about, there are some redeeming qualities. It can clean a pool as large as 861 sq. ft in only 60-90 minutes, which is quite efficient. It’s movement speed of 16m/min is responsible for that. It is also smart enough to stop at the edge of the pool when its battery is low, so its floating handle will be easy to reach for you to pull it out of the water. Also, it is the lightest on the market at only 12.1 lbs.
PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner Specifications
- Dimensions: 18” x 15.5” x 12.5”
- Weight: 12.1 lbs
- Max Pool Size: 861 sq. ft
- Cleaning Time: 60-90 minutes
- Cleaning Capability: Floor only
- Warranty: 2 years
PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has a floating handle to help you pull it out of the pool
- Will stop at the edge of the pool when the battery is low
- Cordless design enhances mobility
- Can move as fast as 16m/minute
Cons
- Not great at picking up large debris items if they are not on a flat surface
- Takes 4-6 hours for the battery to charge fully
- Design quality is poor
Our Final Opinion About the PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
Quality 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
All in all, while cordless models are really not ideal for pool cleaners, there will be people who want them. The PAXCESS cordless robotic pool cleaner is one of the only battery-powered models, so while it will come with some limitations, the mobility and convenience is unparalleled.
Hayward TigerShark QC RC9990GR Swimming Pool Robotic Cleaner Review
The User-Friendly Pick
Hayward
When it comes to robotic pool cleaners designed for the user experience, there is no better product than the Hayward TigerShark QC RC9990GR swimming pool robotic cleaner. It is efficient, easy to use, and comes with the accessory you need for streamlined portability.
Hayward TigerShark QC RC9990GR Swimming Pool Robotic Cleaner Video Review
What We Think of The Hayward TigerShark QC RC9990GR Swimming Pool Robotic Cleaner
We are big fans of this Hayward TigerShark pool cleaner. It can accommodate pool sizes up to 20’ by 40’, and will only require a maximum of 90 minutes to complete the job. It is fairly heavy at 40 lbs, so pulling it out of the pool when it is full of water will require some upper body strength or a second person to help. However, it does come with a pool caddy to make transport to and from the pool a lot easier.
This model can clean the floor and walls of a pool, so it is compatible with both above-ground pools and in-ground pools. However, since it is a little bit pricey, we recommend it for in-ground pools since you can take full advantage of its cleaning abilities. This is a very energy efficient model, so even with frequent cleanings, you won’t have to worry about the energy cost or effect on the environment.
I am very glad I went with this TigerShark pool cleaner instead of the more expensive Dolphin model I was looking at. WiFi connectivity would be cool, but it definitely isn’t necessary, and the pool caddy is a convenience I didn’t want to pass up. This model is definitely heavier than I’m used to, but for the quality and the efficient cleaning, I wouldn’t go back and choose a different product.
jonathan j.
This robot offers you two cleaning modes to choose from. You can select a quick clean to perform a touch-up, or a full clean for a through scrubbing and debris pickup. The filters are incredibly easy to clean, you just need to rinse them with water, so it is a very user-friendly process. This model does spend more time than is needed on the walls, but it will still provide an effective clean of the entire pool.
Hayward TigerShark QC RC9990GR Swimming Pool Robotic Cleaner Specifications
- Dimensions: 21.5” x 19.8” x 19.8”
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Max Pool Size: 20’ x 40’
- Cleaning Time: 90 minutes
- Cleaning Capability: Walls and floor
Hayward TigerShark QC RC9990GR Swimming Pool Robotic Cleaner Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Comes with a pool caddy to get it to and from the pool easily
- Filters are very easy to clean, just rinse with water
- Energy-efficient
- Two clean modes to choose from (quick clean and full clean)
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Spends more time cleaning walls than is necessary
Our Final Opinion About the Hayward TigerShark QC RC9990GR Swimming Pool Robotic Cleaner
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.0 out of 5.0 stars
All in all, the Hayward TigerShark QC RC9990GR swimming pool robotic cleaner is the most ideal choice for people searching for a user-friendly model. Although it is heavier than other comparable models, the pool caddy and filtering efficacy ensure you have the least amount of work to do as possible.
Aquabot ABREIQ Breeze IQ Automatic In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner Review
The Efficient Pick
Aquabot
While robotic pool cleaners already will limit the amount of time you need to spend thinking about cleaning your pool, there are some models that take cleaning efficiency to another level. If you’re in the market for a product like that, the Aquabot ABREIQ Breeze IQ automatic in-ground robotic pool cleaner is for you.
Aquabot ABREIQ Breeze IQ Automatic In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner Video Review
What We Think of the Aquabot ABREIQ Breeze IQ Automatic In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner
This 32.5 lb robotic pool cleaner by Aquabot is one of the most efficient models on the market. You can set a countdown timer of either 1.5 hours to 2 hours, depending on the level of mess that needs to be cleaned, and the robot will ensure your pool is cleaned within that time. It operates with a systematic cleaning system, so it miss spots or waste cleaning time on areas it has already cleared.
While the timer system will not work perfectly for every cleaning situations (spot cleans for example), it is still a great way to ensure the machine is not running for hours on end aimlessly wandering around a clean pool. This model can thoroughly clean the walls, floor, and waterline in your pool, so there won’t be any cleaning tasks leftover for you to manage manually.
I am a huge fan of efficiency, so this Breeze IQ pool cleaner was the perfect addition to my tool collection. The smart navigation system works really well, and I haven’t noticed it hyper focusing on any areas or missing and leaves or dirt. The timer is great for some scenarios and kind of annoying for others, but it certainly isn’t a deal breaker. It’s a great product, overall.
bob k.
The cloth-like filters allow this machine to filter down to 2 microns in size, but this texture also makes them a bit harder to clean than standard filters, so patience is required there. The Aquabot swivel cord system prevents the 60 ft cable from getting tangled, so no matter where the robot goes while cleaning your pool, it will never have reason to stop until the pool is clean and timer runs down.
Aquabot ABREIQ Breeze IQ Automatic In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner Specifications
- Dimensions: 21.5” x 20.3” x 15”
- Weight: 32.5 lbs
- Cleaning Time: Less than 2 hours
- Cleaning Capability: Walls, floor, and waterline
- Warranty: 2 years
Aquabot ABREIQ Breeze IQ Automatic In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Systematic cleaning prevents missed spots and wasted time
- Aquabot Swivel cord system prevents tangles of the 60’ power cord
- Can filter down to 2 microns
- Runs on a countdown timer (set to 1.5 hours or 2 hours)
Cons
Cons
- Cloth-like filters can be hard to fully clean out, so patience is required
- Timed clean is not ideal for every situation
Our Final Opinion About the Aquabot ABREIQ Breeze IQ Automatic In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Aquabot ABREIQ Breeze IQ automatic in-ground robotic pool cleaner takes top price for efficiency of both time and filtration. Its systematic cleaning and impeccable filtration capabilities ensure the job gets done right, and quickly. What more could you ask for?
Polaris P945 Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner Review
The Programmable Pick
Polaris
If you are the type of person that has a ‘set it and forget it’ mentality when it comes to your products, then the Polaris P945 robotic swimming pool cleaner is for you. With this model, you can create your own 7-day cleaning schedules to essentially eliminate your involvement in the cleaning of your pool.
Polaris P945 Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner Video Review
What We Think of The Polaris P945 Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner
If you’re looking for a pool cleaning robot that will manage itself for the most part, this Polaris model is perfect for you. You can program a cleaning schedule up to 7-days long, so as long as you empty the filter after each cleaning, you can leave the robot in the pool for those 7 days. It is recommended to give the robot time to dry outside of the pool on a weekly basis to prevent damage, however.
This model, while only weighing 16 lbs, does come with a pool caddy to help you transport and store the robot when it is not working in the pool. This model can clean the waterline, floor, and walls of your pool, so it is perfectly suited to in-ground pools. You could use it in above-ground pool as well if you really wanted to. Its 50’ power cord ensures it can clean any pool size.
The 7-day schedule is the best thing I’ve ever seen in a robotic pool cleaner. It requires very little maintenance on my end, I just dump the filter after every clean, and my pool stays spotless. I’ve had the power cord get tangled a few times, so I just wrapped a pool noodle around it to help it stay above the brushes and wheels. Problem solved. I just ordered one for my parents as well.
jeffrey o.
The large filter size ensures that you’ll never have to empty the filter before your entire pool has been cleaned, even when there is a lot of debris to pick up. The strong suction power ensures it won’t miss any debris, too. One feature we are surprised is not present is anti-tangle technology on the long power cord, but you could always fashion something from home if it becomes a problem.
Polaris P945 Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner Specifications
- Dimensions: 22” x 22” x 20”
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Max Pool Size: 50’ in length
- Cleaning Time: Dependent on timer
- Cleaning Capability: Walls, floor, and water line
- Warranty: 2 years
Polaris P945 Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Highly effective vacuum suction captures more debris than any other model
- Can program a 7-day cleaning schedule
- Comes with a transport caddy
- Large filter capacity for fewer empties
Cons
Cons
- No anti-tangle technology in place for the power cord
- Wall-climbing longevity may be a concern
Our Final Opinion About the Polaris P945 Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Polaris P945 robotic swimming pool cleaner is the most programmable robot on the market. As long as you empty and clean the filter when needed, the robot will manage itself in every other area. It isn’t a perfect product by any means, but is sure is convenient.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Robotic Pool Cleaner
How Effective are Robotic Pool Cleaners?
The effectiveness of robotic pool cleaners will vary depending on their quality and build style, but in general, they will essentially completely eliminate the need for any other type of pool cleaning aside from scraping the water surface for floating debris. Most models can clean the walls and floor of the pool and are strong enough to trap large debris such as leaves as well as small debris such as sand. Some can even scrub the waterline.
Can I Use a Robotic Pool Cleaner for Any Type of Pool?
In short, the answer is yes. Robotic pool cleaners as a group can clean any type of pool, but not every model will have the same functionality. Some robots can only clean pool floors, so they will be the most economical choice for above ground pools. In ground pools have slants at the bottom edges that allow robotic pool cleaners to climb the walls. The size of your pool will matter, as some robots will not come with cords long enough for very large swimming pools, but in general, there aren’t many restrictions on the type of pool that a robotic cleaner can be used with.
How Much Maintenance Will a Robotic Pool Cleaner Need?
Robotic pool cleaners do not require much maintenance at all. As long as you store them in a safe location and don’t leave them in your pool long term, they won’t acquire much damage and should last a solid 7-8 years. After each use, you’ll have to clean out the filter(s), but that is a very easy process that will only take a few minutes of your time. Simply dump the debris that has been collected and rinse the filter under running water. That’s it!
How to Properly Choose Your Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Price.
There is a lot of variation out there when it comes to the price of robotic pool cleaners. At their most affordable, they will run you somewhere around $500. At their most expensive, they can cost six times that much. You may be wondering where the differences lie in features and quality, so we’ll tell you. The most expensive models will be superior to the others in cleaning efficiency, pool compatibility, and filtering capabilities. They will clean your pool better than the cheaper models, but don’t be misled. Cheaper models can still do a great job for a lot less. Sometimes, they will even be better than the more expensive models, so just keep in mind that price isn’t everything.
- Debris Capacity.
Every robotic pool cleaner will have a different capacity for the amount of debris they can collect. For example, one large filter can collect more than a small filter, but a model that carries two smaller filters at once will be able to collect more than a robot with a single large filter. The filter size will affect how often you need to dump and clean the filter. If you have a larger pool with a lot of debris on the bottom quite often, a larger debris capacity would benefit you. If you have a smaller pool or keep it very clean, even the smallest debris capacity will suit you just fine.
- Pool Compatibility.
Not ever robotic pool cleaner can be used with every type of pool, so this is definitely something to consider. Some models can be used with above-ground pools, others with in-ground pools, and others still can be compatible with all pool types. Most robots can work well on any lining surface, but that is also something to double check. Lastly, some robotic pool cleaners will have limitations in terms of pool size, so it is important that you are aware of your pool’s characteristics in order to be certain that the robotic pool cleaner you choose is actually compatible and can be effective.
- Filtering Capability.
The filter types you can use with a robotic pool cleaner will affect how well it can clean your pool. Filters with very fine mesh will do the best job at filtering since they can trap debris as small as sand. The suction strength of the robot will also affect its ability to clean your pool. Stronger suction will pick up larger debris items like leaves effectively, but some vacuums aren’t that powerful. This is an issue since the filters aren’t much use if the robot cannot even gather the debris to be filtered.
- Connectivity.
While not a common feature by any means, there are some robotic vacuum cleaners that have some WiFi connectivity. This allows you to control them via an app on your phone, and prevent you needing to do any hands on work with the machine itself. This is highly convenient since you have the opportunity to set schedules or even initiate spontaneous cleans to accommodate last minute plans.
- Cleaning Time.
Different robotic pool cleaners will require different amounts of time to clean the same pool. Some use smart navigation to limit the amount of wasted time, but most will move around randomly. The effectiveness will affect cleaning time as well, since more effective robots will not have to visit the same spot repeatedly to get it clean. Many robots work of a timer that you can set, but most should be able to clean any size of pool in less than 2 hours. If it takes longer than that, it likely wasn’t worth the money you spend on it.
- Corded or Cordless.
Most robotic pool cleaners will be corded, but there are a select few models that operate on battery power. While battery power has become a very popular choice for tools, we don’t recommend it for pool cleaners. Most corded robots have anti-tangle features to prevent the cord being an issue, and with the unlimited power supply, they never stop working before the pool is clean. However, there will always be people who prefer a battery operated tool than a corded one, so there is that option for robotic pool cleaners as well.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of robotic pool cleaners allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.