Best Robotic Pool Cleaner to Keep The Good Times Rolling

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Imagine a hot day; you've grabbed your music player and drinks for a cool, glorious dip, only to walk up to a super filthy pool. You can almost feel your heart sink into your stomach thinking about the numbing task ahead of you. Luckily, the best robotic pool cleaner makes short work out of what would have a much-dreaded task.

Nowadays, being proactive about pool cleaning is more smart work than hard work. Nothing comes close to the convenience of simply releasing an automatic cleaner into your pool while not having to run the filtration system. Here are the 5 best automatic pool cleaners so that you make the most out of a cool dip whenever you want:

Best Robotic Pool Cleaner

1. Betta SE Solar Powered Automatic Robotic Pool Skimmer

Sale
Betta SE Solar Powered Automatic Robotic Pool Surface...
  • Operates 100% on solar power, automatically and continuously...
  • Features a cutting-edge Aqua Dynamics design, providing...
  • Swift recharge time: only 5-6 hours under direct sunlight while...
  • Patented twin Salt Chlorine Tolerant (SCT) motors power the...
  • Large fine-mesh (200 um) debris basket with a top handle allows...
The Betta SE – Solar Powered Robotic Pool Skimmer is designed to be elegant and effective at cleaning swimming pools. Meant to glide on the surface of the water in your pool at all times, this invention does not require intervention or electricity because it is Solar powered. The improved twin salt-chlorine tolerant motors offer longevity dynamism making it appropriate for chlorinated water and salt water. The product boasts of a 30 hour battery backup and sleek design that makes pool maintenance a breeze.

The Betta SE Solar Powered Robotic Pool Skimmer is actually a clean, effective and environmentally friendly tool to get your pool water back where it belongs – on top. For instance, the solar version is ideal for pool owners who wish to integrate automatic skimming for the pool, including; saltwater pools. As compared to other cleaning tools it only manages the surface dirt but it is suitable to combine with other cleaners, it has silent operation, continuous operation with solar power. Boasting dual motors and auto-cleaning feature, it is one of the best purchases to help save a lot of time in maintaining the pool.

Pros:

  • Offers automatic cleaning
  • Automatically recharges under the sun
  • Quiet operation

Cons:

  • Offers surface cleaning only

2. Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner (2024 Model)

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Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
  • Delivers unmatched performance in an above-ground cleaner at an...
  • No messy bags! Large and in charge oversized debris cartridge...
  • Hypergrip Continuous Tracks - leaves wheels cleaners in its wake!
  • Hyperbrush Dual Scrubbing Brushes scrubs away difficult to remove...
  • SmartNav 2.0 Robotic Scanning. Only 14 lbs. Energy Efficient 24...

The Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner is a high efficiency, multi featured pool cleaner suitable for all the mid and above ground swimming pools of up to 33 feet. Featuring dual motors, HyperBrush technology and Smart Navigation it can effectively clean every floor and wall. This huge top loading filter makes debris collection a breeze and HyperGrip tracks provide better grip on ice. This model allows one to have a powerful cleaning tool, which is easy to use, and does not require any physical effort.

The Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner 2024 has many advanced traits like double motors, HyperBrush, and intelligence for exceptionally effective and powerful conserved powers operational. Designed for use with above ground and in ground pools up to 10m/33ft, it provides a clean sweep of the floor and walls but not the water line. There aren’t any smart connectivity and no built-in storage caddy, but the filter is enormous and has high traction so those who need a solid, turnkey pool cleaner, should consider it.

Pros:

  • Delivers strong suction and enhanced maneuverability
  • Improves traction, preventing slipping
  • Aggressively scrubs and removes dirt, algae, and stubborn debris
  • Maps the pool efficiently to avoid random paths and overlapping

Cons:

  • No remote control or app support
  • Doesn’t clean waterline

3. Betta SE Plus - Solar Powered Robotic Pool Surface Skimmer

Sale
Betta SE Plus - Solar Powered Robotic Pool Surface...
  • Features cutting-edge Aqua Dynamics design, delivering...
  • Quick recharge time: 5-6 hours under direct sunlight during...
  • Dual charging capabilities: wall charging as a backup during...
  • Innovative shallow water safeguard design prevents the cleaner...
  • Equipped with patented twin Salt Chlorine Tolerant (SCT) motors...

The Betta SE Plus is a Solar operated automatic robotic pool skimmer whose function is to clean the surface of the pool, all dirt, leaves, among others. It has options for both solar and USB charging, 30 hours of battery life, and two motors that are salt-chlorine tolerant for maximum efficiency for different types of pools and also for saltwater pools. With shallow water safeguards, it does not get trapped close to the edges of pools bringing into the equation a dependable, minimal maintenance solution in the cleaning of pool surfaces.

Infrared enabled and capable of skimming garbage on its own, the Betta SE Plus Solar Powered Robotic Pool Skimmer would be an excellent addition to the cleaner’s collection because of its low maintenance feature that can keep a pool garbage-free. Its functions include the 60 minutes dual charging, long battery life, and twin saltwater-safe motors.

It serves good for this particular function – to buzz over the water surface – but cannot wash walls or clean bottom of a pool; thus it needs to be used in conjunction with other pool maintenance tools. Suitable for those who wish to pamper their Swimming pool bottoms with a hand-free, environmental-friendly means.

Pros:

  • Solar and USB charging
  • 30-hour battery power
  • Features twin salt-chlorine tolerant motors

Cons:

  • Only skims the surface

4. Polaris Zodiac 9550 Sport Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner

Sale
Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner, Automatic...
  • AUTO POOL CLEANER: The 9550 Sport 4WD provides best-in-class...
  • IN GROUND: Compatible with in ground swimming pools up to 60 ft.
  • POLARIS: For more than 40 years, Polaris has been known worldwide...
  • PREMIUM CLEANING PERFORMANCE: The 4WD robotic pool cleaner...
  • WHAT'S INCLUDED: Comes equipped with a 70ft cable w/...
The Polaris Zodiac 9550 Sport is a high performance cleaner that is dedicated to in ground swimming pools. Some of the special features are 4-wheel drive, remote control operation, 7-day programmable time control and so on, which can cover cleaning of pool floor, wall, water line and tile completely. The filter canister is very easy to clean compared with some other brands and the very tangle free swivel cable along with the motion sensing remote make it a perfect choice for the tech savvy pool owner.

The Zodiac Pool 9550 Polaris Sport Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner is one of the best available cleaners in the market for people who do not want to bother with ponds and require a professional deep clean. Its 4-wheel drive system alongside compatibility to clean water line, and programmable timer set apart this cleaner for large sized above ground and in-ground pools.  Sweeping is recommended for those who want a system that will clean their swimming pool without much interference from their side.

Pros:

  • Ensures superior traction, allowing the cleaner to maneuver smoothly
  • Effectively cleans the floor, walls, and waterline
  • Features a 7-day programmable timer

Cons:

  • High price point
  • Heavy unit weighing around 21 pounds

5. AIPER Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

AIPER Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner, Cordless Pool...
  • 【Upgraded Powerful Suction】With the powerful dual-drive...
  • 【Larger Cleaning Range】With a upgraded larger filter volume...
  • 【Cordless & Hassle-free】We pioneer in cordless robotic pool...
  • 【Low Battery Detection & Self-parking Technology】With inbuilt...
  • As the pioneer in cordless robotic pool vacuums, Aiper adheres to...
The Aiper cordless robotic pool cleaner is designed to clean above the ground and in the ground pools that have flat surface areas. It also comes equipped with dual drive motors to make its movement smooth, and self parking system to make the retrieval process simple. Outshining most of its competitors with a 90 minutes battery power on a single instance, it the perfect portable solution for small pools. Due to it is small size and non-corded capabilities it is perfect for fast and inconvenience mop services.

The AIPER Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is truly versatile and easy to maneuver since its design is cordless and comes with dual drive motors. It’s ideal for small pools with flat flooring and highly recommended for those who seek an uncomplicated pool cleaner. Though it shrinks from some sophisticated capabilities such as smart navigation and climbing on the wall, it contains a self parking system and has a slim and lightweight design making it easy to control and service.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Charges fully in 3–4 hours
  • Works on flat pool floors

Cons:

  • Short runtime for large pools
  • No remote control or app

Why Buy a Robotic Pool Cleaner? - Cleanup

Automatic cleaners are most likely the more reasonable purchase for many swimming pool owners. There are three popular automated pool cleaning options: Suction side, pressure side, and robotic. Robotic cleaners are generally on the higher end, but they are also the least time and labor consuming of all.

Here's why you'll be glad you chose to get the best robotic pool cleaner:

  • It has the just right scrubbing and filtration capabilities to eliminate what an ordinary pool vacuum may well not. Rather, robotic pool cleaners with smart navigation provide cleaning to each and every portion of the pool with efficiency.
  • You get more free time to attend to your family or business, as opposed to wasting hours scrubbing your pool.
  • While manual cleaning can be fun and good for exercise it is a nightmare for anyone who has any back problems or any form of disability. 
  • It increases the usable life of your pool pump. What’s more, a robotic pool cleaner does not need the pool’s pump for operation, but it has its own power and filters.
  • It’s astonishingly energy saving. Also you will find yourself using minimal chemicals in cleaning your swimming pool and as we all know this is another way of taking care of the environment.

Factors to Consider in the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner

1. Pool Type

Not all robotic pool cleaners are the same and will vary in their general design. The first thing that you are going to have to look at is the type of swimming pool that you have. This ranges from the size and shape of the pool and stairs/plunger/step you may have, the water line you, favor among others to even the types of dirt that may gather in your pool. For example, it will be silly to choose a large flow pool together with the corded robotic pool cleaner, while you can purchase one with a long cord or choose a high powering cordless.

2. Cables & Electrical Safety

Cord length enables you to cover all the corners of the pool, reducing possibilities of cord interference–if you have a short cord or coil and twine–if you have a long cord. It also means that your robotic pool cleaner of choice should have an anti-tangle swivel for a more efficient cleaning process. That though should not, be forgotten you will also need an electrical protection.

Fortunately, robotic pool cleaners are not as dangerous, as it might look like first, if you are reading about them for the first time. But you must still have to be able to evaluate the wires and plugs in order to successfully avoid any risk factor. Sturdiness in the best robotic pool cleaner makes safety an insignificant concern that you won’t have to think about often.

3. Filters

Pools collect all kinds of debris, from leaves and algae to dirt and dust, mostly depending on where you live. This means that your cleaner should be competent to remove such content and to inculcate them in a suction head.

Some advanced models have large fitters that can be interchanged to pick up everything from fine to large particles from the swimming pool. There are big filters which filter large items such as leaves and tiny filters that filter items such as dirt and pollen. The finer debris, for dust for example, will need small pore filters which are either provided with the model or bought separately.

Most robotic pool cleaners have a replaceable bag that is used to gather the dirt. The filter bags should be replaced or washed before using the pool again for cleaning purposes hence it’s advisable to do so. Otherwise, they might end up clogging, which mars performance and will contribute to your machine’s early demise.

4. Wheels or Tracks

Wheeled robotic pool cleaners are relatively cheaper than the plunge and sweep models. They can either be a two-wheeled or four wheeled, which makes it possible for the machine to be moved within the pool. Overall, these cleaners are not much less potent than tracked ones, and they will provide excellent cleaning just the same.

On the other hand, tracked robotic pool cleaners have an incredible experience of holding the pool ground. They also premised on the wall surfaces’ and in waterlines’ ability to shift debris and dirt that clings on the surfaces. Besides this, their rotating scrubbers offer even more power to scrub your floors even deeper, should the need arise.

5. Cleaning

This mainly focuses on the sections of the pool that you want to clean:

  • An inground pool cleaner mostly focus on sweeping the base of the pool.
  • Above-ground pool cleaner is therefore designed to hover at the surface of the pool. Some models can also travel up and down the walls, thus have the ability to remove algae, dirt and any other debris at the walls and waterline areas.
  • High end cleaners are intended to clean both the floor and the walls effectively.

We recommend finding a robotic cleaner that should be adequate to clean the bottom, sides, water line and surface.

6. Energy-Efficiency

These kind of cleaners consume 82% less power than the normal hydraulic pool cleaners that are used commonly. Self-driven robotic pool cleaners consume power in the range of 180W to 1000W per hour relating to the size of the pool. However, energy efficiency as not been made constant among the different models of the same brand.

When searching for the best robotic pool cleaner, battery and power consumption as well the time it takes to clean each corner of the pool would also come into consideration. Power and performance. The important thing to note here is that the higher the suction power the cleaner the swimming pool.

7. Advanced Features

Some robotic pool cleaners with an option to include the support of quick-access features. This means that they can be set, run and controlled using the ease of your mobile phone or other portable device. Others also include; new age detection and scanning capabilities that help in the fast and effective cleaning of the pool while at the same time preventing the cleaner from being trapped within the pool area.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Robotic Pool Cleaners

1. How do robotic pool cleaners work?

Using its own power source and incorporated filtration circumstance, a robotic pool cleaner merely navigates around the pool floors and walls and in the process sucks and gathers dirt.

2. How long do robotic pool cleaners last?

It mostly depends on the usage, and how you treat it, given that they contain many moving parts and electronics. Consequently, it will provide you good service for 3-5 years on average. The best robotic pool cleaner can even last seven or more years as a product, depending on the amount of basic maintenance done on it and how often the part that has worn out might have to be replaced.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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