Best Robotic Pool Cleaners: Are They Worth It?

Are you tired of spending hours manually cleaning your pool? Say goodbye to that tedious chore with a robotic pool cleaner. These advanced devices effortlessly navigate your pool, scrubbing and vacuuming debris from every inch. Not only do they save you valuable time and effort, but they also keep your pool sparkling clean and inviting.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus stands out as the best overall robotic cleaner. It boasts impressive wall-climbing abilities, smart navigation for thorough coverage, and easy-to-maintain filters. With over two hours of cleaning power per cycle, it leaves your pool refreshingly pristine.

For cordless convenience, the AIPER Seagull Pro is the top choice. Its powerful quad-motor system and long-lasting battery provide up to three hours of cleaning between charges. Perfect for pools up to 3,200 square feet, it tackles floors, walls, and waterlines with ease.

Below, we will explore the standout features of these top robotic cleaners and other noteworthy options. You’ll discover why investing in an automated cleaning solution is a game-changer for effortless pool maintenance.

Best Robotic Pool Cleaners

Now, full disclosure. I haven’t used or tested every robotic pool cleaner or anything close to it on the market, but I have tried quite a few.

The following robotic pool cleaning recommendations are based on my experience, my friends and neighbors and the consensus of those in the various pool cleaning forums/groups.

Quick Top Picks

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One of the most impressive things about the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is its wall-climbing and waterline-scrubbing abilities. Watching it climb the walls and pop its head out is quite fun. My dogs took a while to get used to that with my Dolphin before they stopped barking at it.

The CleverClean smart navigation system scans the pool bottom to cover every inch, effectively removing much of the hassle from pool maintenance. You can also control the pool via Wi-Fi or an app.

The top-load filters are powerful and easily accessible, making maintenance a breeze. Debris is captured efficiently by well-designed filtering technology, leaving the pool sparkling clean. The plug-and-play system of this robotic pool cleaner means all you have to do is plug it in and drop it into the pool.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus cleans your pool floor and walls using dual brushes in just two hours. These brushes are tough on dirt but gentle on your pool surface. With over 35 years of experience, Dolphin delivers unmatched performance and durability, giving you more time to enjoy your pool with friends and family.

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Using the Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner truly feels like a breeze. Just plug it in, press the button, and let it do its job. It’s perfect for in-ground pools up to 50 feet and is backed by a 3-year quality assurance guarantee. Its anti-tangle swivel cable ensures smooth maneuvering, making it easy for the cleaner to move around your pool efficiently.

The powerful dual scrubbing brushes provide an exceptionally clean, tackling tough dirt and debris on your pool floor, walls, and waterline in three hours. The cleaner’s CleverClean technology delivers a smart and efficient cleaning process using advanced algorithms for thorough pool coverage.

The Premier comes with various filters, from fine cartridge filters to an oversized fine filter bag, so you can choose the optimal filter for your pool’s needs. It also has an oversized leaf bag, so it is excellent if you have any overhanging trees that drop leaves in your pool.

The Dolphin Premier’s convenient weekly scheduler allows you to set the cleaner to automatically clean your pool every day, every other day, or every third day. The full filter indicator makes it easy to know when to clean or replace your filters.

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The AIPER Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner impressed me with its 100% cord-free design and dual-drive motors, which provide powerful suction and prevent cord entanglement and power short-outs.

The cleaner lasts up to 90 minutes, making it perfect for above-ground pools (up to 33′ diameter) and in-ground flat-bottom pools (with only one depth, up to 40′ x 20′).

Additionally, the self-parking technology is a plus point. When the battery runs low or after completing a working cycle, the cleaner stops near the pool wall, allowing for easy and convenient retrieval using the included hook.

Although the AIPER cleaner offers several benefits, it may not be perfect for all pool types, especially those with varying depths. Moreover, the filter may be difficult to clean and may not effectively handle large debris. This cleaner does not climb and scrub walls or the waterline.

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The Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner offers unparalleled performance at an affordable price point. Whether you have a vinyl, fiberglass, or gunite pool, this cleaner is the perfect solution. Forget about dealing with messy bags; the Escape’s HyperBrush Scrubbing Brush and oversized debris cartridge work together to eliminate difficult contaminants, algae, and debris.

Another highlight of the Dolphin Escape is its HyperGrip Continuous Tracks, which ensure an energy-efficient and thorough cleaning. Its advanced SmartNav 2.0 Robotic Scanning technology guarantees an optimized cleaning path without obstacles. With this pool cleaner, you can be sure your pool will look pristine.

Despite its many positives, the Dolphin Escape does have a few drawbacks. It may take a couple of cleaning cycles before your pool is completely clean, and the cord is prone to tangling due to the lack of a swivel. My Dolphin cleaner (not this model) doesn’t have a swivel, and I have never had a problem with the cord tangling.

Additionally, the hose length might not be sufficient for some larger pools. However, despite these minor issues, the Dolphin Escape balances performance and value, making it a solid choice for pool owners.

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The AIPER Seagull Pro Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is a cutting-edge pool cleaner featuring WavePath Navigation Technology and a quad-motor system that effectively filters 130 gallons of water per minute. This pool vacuum is efficient and user-friendly thanks to its cordless design. Drop it in your pool and let it handle the cleaning while you enjoy some leisure time.

Designed to accommodate various pool shapes and sizes, this pool cleaner works on in-ground and above-ground pools up to 3,200 sq. ft. The 4-wheel drive system allows for scalable wall climbing and effective waterline scrubbing. With three cleaning modes, the AIPER Seagull Pro allows you to target specific trouble areas.

One of the standout features of this pool cleaner is its superior battery system. The built-in 9000mAh battery enables cleaning up to 180 minutes, 60% more than competitors, and charging time is reduced to just 90 minutes. However, some users have reported issues with the cleaner navigating around certain pool drain types. Additionally, there are concerns about the product’s long-term durability.

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The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner is designed to make your life easier by effectively cleaning in-ground pools up to 50 feet. The Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to schedule and control your pool cleaning from anywhere, providing extra convenience.

Featuring powerful wall climbing capabilities, this cleaner scrubs your pool’s floors, walls, and waterlines, ensuring a thorough clean. The active scrubbing brush is durable and efficiently removes debris while being gentle on your pool surface. It’s also equipped with energy-saving features that help reduce your overall costs.

Regarding maneuverability, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme has agile steering with dual-drive strategic movement, but it may face challenges navigating very tight corners. Though heavier, its performance and efficiency far outweigh the inconvenience of its weight.

While the price is higher than others, the quality and convenience of this cleaner make it an excellent investment for pool owners seeking an advanced and reliable solution.

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Are Robotic Pool Cleaners Worth It?

After resisting for several years, I finally bought a Dolphin robotic pool cleaner three years ago.

Have I regretted it? Not one bit.

I have saved hundreds of hours of tedious cleaning in the last three seasons.

Now, I don’t have to stop what I am doing for an hour or so when my wife says, “Can you clean the pool as I want to swim this afternoon?” I can dump Robbie into the pool and switch him on (by the way, everyone seems to give their robot a name).

I have three neighbors who have bought a robotic pool cleaner after coming around and watching mine at work.

I am an active member of several Facebook pool cleaning groups, and the question of whether to buy a pool cleaning robot often arises. I am yet to see anyone have anything negative to say about getting one.

Everyone seems to love theirs.

Of course, a pool robot cannot do everything. For example:

• There are still times when I need to clean manually. For example, when I open my pool, I always manually vacuum to waste as there would be too much dust, etc, for Robbie to cope with.
• Also, in the rare times when I have an algae attack, after I have killed it, I need to vacuum the waste manually to remove the algae dust. This is because the dead algae are so fine and light that the movement in the water that the robot creates pushes it away from it without being collected.
• Although they can climb steps in a pool, they are not generally good at cleaning them.

Apart from this, and using a pool net to remove any large quantities of leaves that may end up at the bottom of the pool after a storm, I seldom manually clean anymore.

Robot Pool Cleaner Buying Guide

When considering a robotic pool cleaner, gathering information and making an informed decision is essential. Ultimately, identifying the most suitable product for your needs will pay off.

Selecting the Right Robotic Pool Cleaner

Several factors must be considered when choosing the perfect robotic pool cleaner. Understanding your pool type, size, and specific cleaning requirements can help you select the best cleaner for your needs.

First, consider your pool’s size and shape. If your pool is large or irregularly shaped, look for a cleaner with advanced navigation features, such as gyroscope technology or intelligent mapping algorithms.

• Pool size and shape: Match the cleaner’s capabilities to your pool dimensions and design.
• Pool surface material: Ensure the cleaner suits your pool’s material, such as concrete, tile or vinyl.
• Debris type: Depending on your environment, your cleaner should effectively remove leaves, dirt and algae.
• Filter type: Opt for a cleaner with an easily accessible and high-capacity filter.
• Energy efficiency: Look for a cleaner that delivers excellent performance with minimal energy consumption.

In addition, consider the cleaner’s ease of use and maintenance. A detachable filter basket or cartridge system allows quick cleaning without needing tools.

Lastly, don’t forget to read customer reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or professionals. This will help you make an informed decision and select the right robotic pool cleaner.

Benefits of Robotic Pool Cleaners

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to keep your pool clean, a robotic pool cleaner might be just what you need. Here are some of the benefits of using one:

• Efficient Cleaning: Robotic pool cleaners are designed to clean your pool quickly and efficiently. They can clean your pool in just a few hours, leaving it sparkling clean and ready for use.
• Low Maintenance: Unlike other pool cleaners, robotic pool cleaners require very little maintenance. They don’t need to be backwashed or have their filters cleaned regularly, which can save you time and money in the long run.
• Energy-Efficient: Robotic pool cleaners are energy-efficient and use less electricity than other pool cleaners. They are designed to operate on low voltage, saving you money on your energy bills.
• Easy to Use: Robotic pool cleaners are easy to use and require little effort. Plug them in, place them in your pool, and let them do their job.
• Effective Cleaning: Robotic pool cleaners are highly effective at removing dirt, debris, and algae from your pool. They use powerful suction and scrubbing brushes to clean every inch of your pool, leaving it looking like new.

It is important to compare products and evaluate their features according to your specific needs to choose the best robotic pool cleaner. Conduct thorough research and read customer reviews before making a final decision.

I hope our top robotic pool cleaners shortlist will help you decide.

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