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In This Review: Top 7 Picks | Buying Guide | How To Keep Cord From Tangling | FAQ | Methodology
Keeping your pool free from debris is one of the biggest pool maintenance tasks. Many pool owners today turn to robotic pool vacuums to eliminate twigs, leaves, bugs, algae and other types of debris from their pools.
Automatic pool cleaners range in price from just $150 to over $1,500 based on factors like smart features, suction performance, brush technology and motor power. After reviewing dozens of models, our top overall pick for the best robotic vacuum cleaner is the Polaris VRX iQ+ Smart Robotic Pool Cleaner. Controlled via an app, this high-tech pool cleaner assesses each pool’s characteristics to provide optimal cleaning using four-wheel drive. Read more about all of our top picks in our robotic pool cleaner review below.
Best Robotic Pool Cleaner: Our Top 7 Picks
- Best Overall: Polaris VRX iQ+ Smart Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best Scrubbing: Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Cordless: AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best Budget Model: WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best Value: Blue Helix Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best Filtering: Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Best Pool Skimmer: Betta Automatic Robotic Pool Skimmer Cleaner
Compare Top Robotic Pool Cleaner
| Product | Surfaces Cleaned | Maximum Pool Length | Corded or Cordless |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris VRX iQ+ Smart Robotic Pool Cleaner | Floors and walls | 60 ft. | Corded |
| Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner | Floors and walls | 50 ft. | Corded |
| AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner | Floors only | 40 ft. | Cordless |
| WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner | Floors only | 25 ft. | Cordless |
| Blue Helix Robotic Pool Cleaner | Floors and walls | 60 ft. | Corded |
| Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner | Floors and walls | 30 ft. | Corded |
| Betta Automatic Robotic Pool Skimmer Cleaner | Pool surface only | N/A | Cordless |
| Product | Surfaces Cleaned | Maximum Pool Length | Corded or Cordless |
Terms To Know for Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Surfaces Cleaned: Floor and wall cleaning capabilities in robotic pool cleaners refer to the machine’s ability to traverse and clean both the bottom surface and vertical sides of a pool, including the steps and slopes. Most robotic pool cleaners that can clean pool walls can also clean the waterline.
- Maximum Pool Length: The maximum pool length for robotic pool cleaners indicates the largest pool size that the cleaner is designed to effectively clean, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the floor, walls, and sometimes the waterline. Using a cleaner designed for your pool’s specific size guarantees optimal cleaning efficiency and prevents strain on the cleaner’s motor and navigation systems.
Best Overall
Courtesy AmazonPolaris VRX iQ+ Smart Robotic Pool Cleaner
- $1,649
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners with in-ground pools who want fast, effortless cleaning with help from tech.
What Are People Saying About the Polaris VRX iQ+ Smart Robotic Pool Cleaner?
We found that reviewers love the powerful performance and efficiency of this pool cleaner. Many cited how easy it was to use. However, there is a recurring frustration regarding spotty connectivity when accessing smartphone app features.
“This pool vacuum is so efficient. I absolutely love it. It keeps the pool clean and picks up everything. It is easy to use and does all of the work for you. It is pricey but worth it.” — Tania via Amazon
“This is the latest and greatest model that uses a mobile app to control. Works ok, but paid more for the convenience of mobile. Had for two days, and each day [it lost] connection and had to delete and add back. I’m a technologist and my router is literally 15 feet from the unit, so this isn’t user error. Think it’s not ready for prime time. […]” —Thomas H via Amazon
Best Scrubbing Power
Courtesy AmazonDolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- $1,499
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Families with a medium-sized pool who want a pool vacuum with strong suction and smart capabilities.
What Are People Saying About the Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner?
In our research, we found that people who own this pool cleaner love how user-friendly it is. They also appreciate the way it keeps walls looking pristine. However, some reviewers felt that the vacuum favors certain spots of the pool while ignoring others.
“We were reluctant to spend so much money, but as new pool owners who are trying to maintain without hiring a pool service we had to invest in a pool vacuum. This was a great buy. Truly plug and play. Cleans very well, even on walls! Sturdy and no issues with cord tangling or machine getting stuck. Filters are easy to clean. A bit heavy but I’m sure it has to be. Definitely recommend.” — Amazon Customer via Amazon
“It does not map your pool, so it is random in the path it takes. So far it seems to be in love with one side of the pool or in climbing the walls. Not sure I’m getting the coverage needed. Will wait and see but I question it’s worth the $700 paid.” — Shelia C via Amazon
Best Cordless
Courtesy AmazonAIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
- $199.98
- $249.99
- 20% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners with small to medium-sized above ground pools who want a simple cleaning solution.
What Are People Saying About the AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner?
People using this vacuum appreciate that it has strong cleaning power and its ease of use. Its longer-than-expected battery life delighted many reviewers. A few discovered that this cleaner left their water cloudy if it was left in the pool after filling up.
“This has been a lifesaver and life changer. It makes it so easy to clean the pool bottom. It is self propelling and covers the whole bottom of the 21 ft pool. It has great suction and picks up all kinds of dirt and debris. We do make sure that we get the bigger stuff out like piles of leaves or sticks that have gotten in the pool after a storm. We clean ours out after every use. It charges pretty fast and lasts for 6-8 hours. It has a hook that came with it to put on your pool stick so that you are able to grab it out of the pool if you are not getting in. Great product and great price! Highly recommended.” — Brittany & Bryan Scheuvront via Amazon
“It’s not totally bad, but yet doesn’t work well. The device moves by ejecting water strongly, lifting the dust from the floor so water ends up dirty. For leaves and other stuff it works… but water ends up cloudy. I wouldn’t recommend it.” — Tom via Amazon
Best Budget Model
Courtesy AmazonWYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
- $110.05
- $119.99
- 8% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Someone with a smaller above ground pool who wants an automated cleaning solution at a low price point.
What Are People Saying About the WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner?
We found that customers are generally impressed that such a small and economical pool vacuum can perform so powerfully, and many felt that it was a good value. Critical reviews mentioned that the robot sometimes gets stuck and that it has a weak battery life.
“Works great for the price! We charge ours up and use it nearly daily since our pool is so close to trees and constantly gets dirt and debris falling into it. This pool vacuum works great and picks up small sand and dirt pieces, bugs, and leaves. It has a hard time with pine needles, but those are easy enough to scoop out other ways. … Can’t beat it for the price!” — Brook via Amazon
“This works okay. It does a pretty good job picking up leaves and dirt. It does get stuck occasionally on the side of the pool, but it doesn’t happen often. The biggest issue with this robot is its battery life. It’s advertised as having a 50 minute battery life. However, it doesn’t come close to this. It seems to run for about 35-40 minutes. After that, it still runs but doesn’t have enough power to move around. So while it is still pumping water at 50 minutes, it is completely stationary and is not moving or cleaning…” — Amazon Customer via Amazon
Best Value
Courtesy AmazonBlue Helix Robotic Pool Cleaner
- $779
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners with medium to large pools who want a smart pool vacuum at a great price point.
What Are People Saying About the Blue Helix Robotic Pool Cleaner?
Overall, we found that customers love the cleaning experience offered by this model. It earns repeated praise for its power, efficiency, and customizable features. There were some who felt that the power was a little underwhelming, and several mentioned that the cord gets tangled easily.
“Owning a pool can be a great addition to your home, but maintaining it can be a time-consuming chore. One that I was starting to regret. That’s where pool robots come in, but the Blue Helix pool cleaner is a standout among them. This versatile robot tackles a variety of pool cleaning tasks, from scrubbing the floor and walls to removing debris from the waterline. Most pool robots are really only good for one function, and this one excels at several! … and its filter baskets are easy to remove and clean…” — CJM via Amazon
“You end up having to twist the mess of cord after each use. A swivel cord would have helped.” — Chris H. via Amazon
Best Filtering
Courtesy AmazonDolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner
- $629
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Pools that are near trees and gather large amounts of debris regularly.
What Are People Saying About the Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner?
Our research revealed that reviewers love the “set and forget” aspect of this dependable cleaner. We also found that people liked how easy it was to remove and clean the oversized filter. On the other hand, some reviewers did find that the design got stuck in places, and others were disappointed that it did not pick up fine debris well..
“…I finally caved and bought this vacuum (used) from Amazon. While it came in virtually worse appearance than the listing stated, it still works flawlessly. Set it in, and forget it! I checked on it after about an hour and was super pleased to see what it had picked up. After the second run the pool floor was virtually spotless. My pool has a deep center too and the vacuum navigated with ease through it.” — Brian via Amazon
“It cleans, very good, except that it hangs on my main drain cover with every pass. I have a 24 foot round above ground pool; It spends 1/3 of the time stuck. I would give it five stars except for this. I am hoping to get this issue resolved.” — Steve Pearson via Amazon
Best Pool Skimmer
Courtesy AmazonBetta Automatic Robotic Pool Skimmer Cleaner
- $379.9
- $549.9
- 42% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners looking for an automated solution to keep the surface of their pool clean.
What Are People Saying About the Betta Automatic Robotic Pool Skimmer Cleaner?
People love that this pool skimmer manages to be both simple and powerful. Reviewers repeatedly share that it gets rid of debris easily. While reviewers are pleased with this cleaner on sunny days, many are left frustrated by weak performance when the solar battery doesn’t have a chance to recharge.
“We have a large tree next to our new pool and the constant need to skim the leaves out was exhausting. We gave it a try and it works well on the leaves and the tiny little white flies. The battery life on [this] machine works for a long time. Never noticed it stopping. It has smart sensors on it for its guidance. Knows how to stay away from our fountain in the sun shelf.” — Will and Deb via Amazon
“This is a great unit when there is plenty of sun, but dies when the weather is overcast for very long. This is the time when I need it the most for removing leaves and small debris. It would be very beneficial to have the battery be rechargeable for use when there is not sufficient sunlight for solar powering the unit. Doesn’t have the all-year efficacy I was looking for.” — Greg O’Brien via Amazon
What To Know Before Buying a Robotic Pool Cleaner
Your pool cleaner will be hard at work for as long as your pool is open for the season, saving you the hassle of maintenance cleaning. Here’s a look at the big factors to consider when shopping for your new pool vacuum.
What are some common features to look for in a robotic pool cleaner?
A standard pool vacuum cleaner moves along a pool’s floor and walls using wheels or tracks that allow it to capture debris inside its filters. Aside from this basic concept, modern pool cleaners offer a wide variety of features. Here’s a look at the top ones to consider:
- Wi-Fi compatibility: Many newer and high-end robot pool vacuums sync with your home’s Wi-Fi to allow you to control and monitor settings using an app. If your pool is located a distance from your back door, this can save you the trip to check on progress in person.
- Mapping: High-end robot cleaners now use technology to map a pool’s layout to ensure that no spot is missed. This is similar to the tech used in many inside robot vacuums to ensure that every inch of your flooring is covered.
- Agility and longevity: Carefully read details about a robot vacuum’s ability to handle stairs, corners, and other challenges that could cause it to get stuck in the middle of a cleaning process. For battery-operated pool vacuums, it’s easy for the battery to run out before you even notice that the device hasn’t been moving.
- Quality brushes: Pay attention to the scrubbing brushes on a vacuum cleaner. Powerful rotating brushes are essential for removing staining, algae, and pollen buildup from pool walls.
- Filter size and location: As with any type of vacuum, a larger filter allows this device to pick up more debris per cleaning session. Some designs also have easy-to-reach, top-loading filters that make it easier to empty and clean.
Do robotic pool cleaners connect to Bluetooth?
Many newer pool cleaner models do connect to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in order to control settings via an app. However, this isn’t a standard feature.
What does the debris canister do in a robotic pool cleaner?
The debris canister is where all of the leaves and dirt collected by a pool vacuum end up after being filtered through. These canisters must be manually emptied. In most models, you also need to rinse the filter.
How do you store a robotic pool cleaner?
After purchasing your new pool vacuum, it’s important to follow all manufacturer-specific instructions for storage, cleaning and handling. Generally, a robotic pool cleaner should be treated like any other type of electrical appliance or device in your home. Store it in a cool, dry location where the temperature is somewhat consistent and regulated. A pool caddy that keeps a pool vacuum off the ground is highly recommended. This caddy also ensures safe transport of the vacuum to and from its storage spot. When storing a pool vacuum in the winter, it’s strongly recommended to store the device indoors with a caddy cover.
How do robotic pool cleaners integrate mapping technology?
In order to cover every inch of a pool without constantly going over the same spot, some robot pool vacuums use special sensors to create a custom layout of a pool. This data is then processed using built-in algorithms that create a complete, efficient cleaning path.
How To Keep a Robotic Pool Cleaner’s Cord From Tangling
Cord tangling is one of the major complaints when using a robotic pool vacuum. If you don’t like the idea of dealing with an electrical cord near your pool, there are other options. Some brands offer both corded and battery-powered cordless options. If you’ve decided that you like the reliability and freedom from dealing with battery charging that go with a corded option, the tips below will help:
- Straighten the cord immediately after each use: After removing your robotic cleaner from the pool following each session, take time to gently spread the cord across your deck, patio or lawn to remove any coiling that has formed as a result of the device’s movement.
- Start cleaning in the pool’s center: By dropping the cleaner cable to enter the pool at the center, you’ll prevent pulling the cord into different directions and angles.
- Spread the cord: Allow the cord to be spread across the pool instead of allowing it to form a coiled lump.
- Don’t release the full cord: Only submerge as much of the power cord as needed. The rest can be left next to the pool in a way that allows the robotic arm to pull in additional length as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Robotic Pool Cleaners
What are the benefits of a robotic pool cleaner vs. a traditional pool cleaner?
While a robotic pool cleaner uses a motor and filter system to suck up debris, a traditional suction-based pool vacuum gets a pool clean by attaching to a skimmer or suction line to pull in debris. Robotic cleaners provide more efficiency and lighter maintenance compared to traditional suction pool cleaners. Price is also another major difference. Often priced below $200, suction pool cleaners are much less expensive compared to robotic pool vacuums that can cost between $300 and $900 on average. However, robotic cleaners can save you money over time because they operate using low-voltage electricity instead of using a pool’s pump and filtration system.
How do robotic pool cleaners work?
Along with chlorine, pool shock, and other treatments, routine robotic cleaning helps to keep a pool safe and healthy. Composed of an electric motor and debris catcher, a robotic pool cleaner crawls along the surfaces of a pool to remove dirt and debris.
Are robotic pool cleaners long lasting?
Yes, a high-quality pool cleaner that is properly maintained can last between four and eight years.
Do robotic pool cleaners need to be removed from the pool after each use?
Yes; it’s important to remove, rinse, and store pool vacuums between uses. While robotic pool vacuums are technically waterproof, they are not suited to be exposed to rainfall. In addition, being submerged in chlorinated pool water for long periods puts unnecessary wear and tear on electrical and mechanical components.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of robotic pool cleaners with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
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