Keeping your pool free of debris is an essential part of pool maintenance, but clearing debris with a pool net (or hiring a pro to do it) can be time-consuming or expensive. Robotic pool vacuums offer a solution that will automatically eliminate twigs, leaves, bugs and algae.
Robotic pool vacuums range from $150 to over $1,500 and come with features designed to make cleaning easy, from full-surface scrubbing to Wi-Fi connectivity. But with heaps of choice, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. For effortless and efficient cleaning, our top pick is the Polaris VRX iQ+ Smart Robotic Pool Cleaner because the app-controlled model adapts to your pool’s unique shape and finish. Read more about our top three pool cleaners below.
Best Robotic Pool Cleaner: Our Top 7 Picks
- Polaris VRX iQ+ Smart Robotic Pool Cleaner: Best Overall
- Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner: Best Scrubbing Power
- AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner: Best Cordless
- WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner: Best Budget Model
- Metalix Blue Helix Robotic Pool Cleaner: Best Value
- Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner: Best Filtering
- Betta Automatic Robotic Pool Skimmer Cleaner: Best Pool Skimmer
Compare Top Robotic Pool Cleaner
| Product | Surfaces Cleaned | Maximum Pool Length | Corded or Cordless |
|---|---|---|---|
Polaris VRX iQ+ Smart Robotic Pool CleanerCheck Price | Floors and walls | 60 ft. | Corded |
Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Vacuum CleanerCheck Price | Corded | 50 ft. | Corded |
AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool CleanerCheck Price | Floors only | 40 ft. | Cordless |
WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool CleanerCheck Price | Floors only | 25 ft. | Cordless |
Metalix Blue Helix Robotic Pool CleanerCheck Price | Floors and walls | 60 ft. | Corded |
Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool CleanerCheck Price | Floors and walls | 30 ft. | Corded |
Betta Automatic Robotic Pool Skimmer CleanerCheck Price | Pool surface only | N/A | Cordless |
Best Overall
Polaris VRX iQ+ Smart Robotic Pool Cleaner
Good for: Homeowners with in-ground pools who want fast, effortless cleaning with help from tech.
Featuring seven different cleaning cycles that can be controlled with the iAquaLink App, the Polaris VRX can assess the shape, size, and pool’s surface material to calculate optimal cleaning. It offers 4WD agility, superior suction power, and a 70-foot cable with a tangle-reducing swivel.
Pros and Cons of Polaris VRX iQ+ Smart Robotic Pool Cleaner
- iAquaLink App lets you schedule recurring cleaning, view pool temps, and get updates
- Illuminated debris canister with transparent window makes it easy to see when it’s time to empty debris
- Includes a waterline-only feature for custom cleaning
- Relying on Wi-Fi for certain features is difficult in yards with spotty connections
- At 44 pounds, this is a heavy device to move around
What People Are 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.
Best Scrubbing Power
Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
Good for: Families with a medium-sized pool who want a pool vacuum with strong suction and smart capabilities.
With powerful waterline scrubbing, this cleaner sticks to pool walls to help eliminate buildup. The active scrub brush is gentle on surfaces while tackling debris. The Dual Drive feature ensures precise movement around stairs, corners, and other obstacles in a pool.
Pros and Cons of Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- Features an easy-access, reusable filter
- Maintains a constant grip on pool walls during cleaning
- Agile design is great for pools of all shapes and configurations
- Powerful motor is prone to sucking in oversized debris
- Heavy to lift for the size
What People Are 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.
Best Cordless
AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
Good for: Homeowners with small to medium-sized above ground pools who want a simple cleaning solution.
This completely cordless and self-parking option offers 90 minutes of uninterrupted cleaning time for 2.5 hours of charging time. Using dual-drive motors, it uses two independent brushes to eliminate dirt, grime and debris. A helpful three-color LED indicator provides visual status cues.
Pros and Cons of AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Stops automatically at pool edge for completed cycle or low battery
- Comes with an easy hook for retrieving the vacuum without getting wet
- Whisper-quiet and cord-free operation
- No app or Wi-Fi connectivity
- Only suitable for above-ground pools up to 30 feet in length
What People Are 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.
Best Budget Model
WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
Good for: Someone with a smaller above ground pool who wants an automated cleaning solution at a low price point.
This cord-free option with built-in battery offers nimble movement and fast scrubbing power. Features include dual-motor power, two bottom assist scrapers and suction designed for picking up sand, leaves and more. Smart navigation tech ensures that the vacuum will back up when encountering walls.
Pros and Cons of WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Easy cordless design
- Works on multiple pool surface materials, including concrete, vinyl, and tile
- At just 7.9 pounds, it’s extremely lightweight and compact
- Takes up to four hours for a full charge
- Not for pools over 500 square feet
What People Are 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.
Best Value
Metalix Blue Helix Robotic Pool Cleaner
Good for: Homeowners with medium to large pools who want a smart pool vacuum at a great price point.
Perfect for keeping all types of pools clean, this pool cleaner features oversized filters to cover many square feet in a single session. Smart technology maps out your pool for optimal cleaning patterns. Using Focus Mode, you can tailor cleaning where you need it most that day by selecting cleaning modes focusing on the walls, floor, or waterline.
Pros and Cons of Metalix Blue Helix Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Features a programmable app with timer
- Uses dual oversized top-loading bin filters capture leaves, debris, algae, and impurities
- Powerful motorized quad brushes provide unmatched scrubbing power
- Doesn’t filter very fine particles like pollen
- Cord is heavy and prone to twisting
What People Are Saying About The Metalix 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.
Best Filtering
Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner
Good for: Pools that are near trees and gather large amounts of debris regularly.
With its massive top-loading filters, this model captures debris easily. It also has powerful dual motors, intelligent sensors, and high-speed scrubbing brushes. The SmartNav 2.0 Robotic Scanning Smart Navigation system creates the best route for an efficient cleaning session.
Pros and Cons of Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Features front-loading filters that are easy to access and clean
- Maps out the best route to make cleaning more efficient
- At 14 pounds, it’s lightweight for the power and performance
- Limited to swimming pools up to 33 feet
- Loses a little stability while climbing
What People Are 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.
Best Pool Skimmer
Betta Automatic Robotic Pool Skimmer Cleaner
Good for: Homeowners looking for an automated solution to keep the surface of their pool clean.
Using solar power, this twin salt/chlorine-tolerant skimmer offers the ultimate in efficiency. It features twin motors with direct propeller drives for increased reliability. A mesh basket with top handles allows for easy debris clearing without removing the device from the water.
Pros and Cons of Betta Automatic Robotic Pool Skimmer Cleaner
- Uses ultrasonic radar to detect obstacles for automatic rerouting
- The unit docks to allow you to remove the debris basket
- UV-resistant coating protects it from sun damage
- No battery backup option for overcast days
- Design has trouble getting around stairs
What People Are 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.
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.
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.
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.