Best Robotic Pool Cleaners In 2024
A clean and well-maintained pool enhances the swimming experience and prolongs the life of the pool. Robotic pool cleaners have revolutionized pool maintenance, offering hands-free, efficient cleaning solutions. In this review, we will explore the top robotic pool cleaners available, based on rigorous testing and long-term usage. Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, there’s a cleaner on this list that will suit your needs.
Aiper Seagull Pro Cordless Pool Cleaner
The Aiper Seagull Pro Cordless Pool Cleaner has proven its worth over six months of extensive use. Among the various robotic pool cleaners tested, it excels in removing leaves and twigs. This particular model faced a challenging environment, dealing with debris from a cedar tree, an oak tree, and bamboo. Its standout feature is the methodical cleaning pattern it follows: an “S” shape for pool floors and an elongated “N” shape for walls and waterlines.
For optimal performance, it’s crucial to start this pool cleaner along a flat wall. Initial placement near steps or a sun ledge can disrupt its cleaning pattern.
Dolphin Explorer E50 Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner was likened to a Ferrari during our initial tests, and its price reflects this high performance. After six months of daily use, this corded cleaner continues to impress with its power, effectiveness, and user-friendly design. It effortlessly handles all types of debris without the need for charging, though it is limited to pools no longer than 50 feet.
Setting up the cleaner involves plugging it in and connecting to a smartphone app, which is easy to navigate. The app offers several cleaning modes, including floor-only, walls-only, or a combination. There’s also a quick clean mode for less intensive cleaning. Remote monitoring and cycle alerts, which notify you when a cycle is complete, are among our favorite features.
Dolphin Nautilus Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Wi-Fi Operated Pool Cleaner is a worthy investment for large pools or those seeking comprehensive cleaning. During several months of testing, it demonstrated impressive cleaning abilities, reaching the pool’s walls and waterline to ensure thorough cleanliness. It features a two-filter system that captures all types of debris, keeping your pool water pristine.
Suitable for in-ground pools up to 50 feet, this cleaner takes between one and a half to three and a half hours to complete a cycle, depending on the selected mode. Equipped with three powerful scrubbing brushes and smart navigation software, it efficiently scans and cleans the pool.
Polaris Freedom Cordless Pool Cleaner
The Polaris Freedom Cordless Pool Cleaner combines superior cleaning performance with smart connectivity. Its phone app provides constant updates on the robot’s status, including charging and cycle completion alerts. Although the app is essential for initial setup, the cleaner can be used without it afterward. Just turn it on, place it in the pool, and it begins its work.
The app allows you to choose between waterline skimming and a smart cycle for increased efficiency. However, the standard cycle performance is highly satisfactory.
Aiper Cordless Pool Cleaner
The Aiper Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner stands out for being effective, affordable, and particularly suited for above-ground pools. After six months of testing, it impressed us with its easy-to-use design and efficient debris removal, especially for smaller debris like pollen.
We used this cleaner in a 40 by 18-foot in-ground pool twice a week but recommend it primarily for above-ground pools with flat bottoms. Setting it up is straightforward: attach the cleaning brushes and fully charge the device. It’s important to let it fully charge to ensure a thorough cleaning job, which takes about two and a half hours.
Wybot Osprey 200 Pool Cleaner
The Wybot Osprey 200 Pool Cleaner offers excellent value, costing around $400 less than the Aiper Scuba S1, which is our top overall recommendation. While it doesn’t clean walls and has a shorter battery life, it’s ideal for smaller pools and lighter cleaning tasks where a more expensive unit isn’t necessary.
This robot performed well in our 12 by 30-foot kidney-shaped pool, completing the floor cleaning in less than an hour. Its battery life of 50 to 60 minutes is adequate for smaller pools but might be limiting for larger ones.
Aiper Scuba S1 Pool Cleaner
The Aiper Scuba S1 is our favorite cordless robotic pool cleaner for its excellent performance and straightforward operation. It efficiently cleans both walls and floors, with a large filter basket that rarely needs emptying mid-cycle.
Though it lacks smart features like Wi-Fi or smartphone connectivity, it uses Aiper’s WavePath 2.0 smart navigation to clean pools up to 1,600 square feet. This technology allows it to scrub methodically in parallel lines rather than random patterns. In our tests, it cleaned a 10 by 40-foot pool three times in a month, consistently delivering excellent performance. Initial cleanings took about two hours due to heavy silt and dirt, but subsequent cleanings were quicker, at about 90 minutes each.
Dolphin Nautilus Pool Cleaner
Topping our list is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, which offers a balance of functionality and convenience at a mid-tier price. After over three months of testing, it not only saved us hours of manual cleaning but also improved its pool mapping over time.
Designed for in-ground pools up to 50 feet, it cleans end-to-end in approximately two hours. It requires no pumps or hoses and features dual scrubbing brushes to remove dirt, algae, and other debris. The smart navigation system ensures efficient cleaning of both floors and walls, and its tangle-free cable prevents it from getting stuck. The two cartridge filters are easy to empty from the top of the machine and can capture both large and small debris.
Buying Guide for Robotic Pool Cleaners
Choosing the right robotic pool cleaner can significantly enhance your pool maintenance routine. Here’s a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Robotic Pool Cleaners
Corded vs. Cordless
- Corded Cleaners: These are powerful and do not require recharging, making them ideal for large pools. However, they are limited by the length of their power cord.
- Cordless Cleaners: These offer more flexibility and ease of use since they are not tethered to a power source. They need to be recharged after each use, which might be a consideration for larger pools.
Pool Compatibility
In-Ground vs. Above-Ground Pools
- In-Ground Pools: Most high-end robotic cleaners are designed for in-ground pools, handling complex shapes and deeper depths.
- Above-Ground Pools: Some models are specifically designed for above-ground pools, focusing on flat-bottomed surfaces for optimal cleaning.
Pool Size and Shape
- Ensure the cleaner can handle the size of your pool. Some cleaners are limited to pools up to 50 feet, while others can cover larger areas.
Cleaning Features
Cleaning Patterns
- Methodical Patterns: Cleaners like the Aiper Seagull Pro use methodical patterns (e.g., “S” shapes) to ensure thorough coverage.
- Random Patterns: Some cleaners use random patterns which can be less efficient but still effective for smaller pools.
Surface Cleaning
- Floor Only: Some cleaners are designed to clean the pool floor only.
- Walls and Waterline: More advanced models can clean walls and the waterline, ensuring the entire pool is free from dirt and algae.
Brush Types
- Scrubbing Brushes: Look for cleaners with powerful scrubbing brushes for a deeper clean. Models like the Dolphin Nautilus have multiple brushes to tackle tough dirt and algae.
Filtration System
Filter Baskets and Cartridges
- Filter Size: A larger filter basket means fewer interruptions during cleaning cycles for emptying debris.
- Dual Filtration: Some cleaners offer dual filtration systems to capture both large and small debris, maintaining cleaner pool water.
Smart Features
Navigation Technology
- Smart Navigation: Advanced models use smart navigation to efficiently map and clean the pool, ensuring no spots are missed.
- Manual Control: Some models allow manual control via smartphone apps, offering flexibility in cleaning modes and schedules.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi and App Connectivity: Features like remote monitoring, cycle alerts, and multiple cleaning modes can be accessed via smartphone apps, enhancing the user experience.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Performance
- For cordless models, consider the battery life. Some models offer up to 60 minutes, which might be sufficient for smaller pools. Larger pools may require cleaners with longer battery life or faster charging times.
FAQs
What are the benefits of a robotic pool cleaner over a traditional cleaner?
Robotic pool cleaners offer hands-free, efficient cleaning. They can scrub floors, walls, and waterlines, removing dirt, algae, and debris without manual effort. Advanced models come with smart navigation and connectivity features, making them more convenient and effective than traditional cleaners.
How do I choose between a corded and cordless pool cleaner?
If you have a large pool and want uninterrupted cleaning, a corded cleaner is ideal as it doesn’t require recharging. However, if you prefer flexibility and ease of use without dealing with cords, a cordless cleaner is a better choice. Just ensure it has sufficient battery life for your pool size.
Can robotic pool cleaners handle all types of debris?
Most robotic pool cleaners are designed to handle a wide range of debris, from leaves and twigs to fine particles like pollen and dirt. Models with dual filtration systems are particularly effective at capturing both large and small debris.
Do robotic pool cleaners work in above-ground pools?
Yes, many robotic pool cleaners are compatible with above-ground pools. Models like the Aiper Seagull SE are specifically recommended for above-ground pools, especially those with flat bottoms.
How often should I run my robotic pool cleaner?
The frequency depends on how often you use your pool and the amount of debris it collects. For regular maintenance, running the cleaner once or twice a week is usually sufficient. During peak usage times or when there’s heavy debris, you might need to run it more frequently.
What maintenance does a robotic pool cleaner require?
Regular maintenance involves emptying the filter basket or cartridges after each use, checking for any debris in the brushes, and ensuring the cleaner’s parts are in good condition. For cordless models, make sure to fully charge the battery before each use.
Conclusion
Robotic pool cleaners offer an efficient and hassle-free way to maintain your pool, ensuring it stays clean and inviting. Whether you need a model for a large in-ground pool or a compact cleaner for an above-ground pool, there’s an option to suit your needs. From the top-performing Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus to the value-for-money Wybot Osprey 200, each of these cleaners has unique features that cater to different requirements. Investing in a robotic pool cleaner not only saves you time but also ensures your pool remains in pristine condition year-round.
