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Finding Your Next Pool Robot Vacuum: A Buyer’s Guide
Who wouldn’t want to have a pool in their backyard? But do you ever wonder why so few people actually get one? Yes, budget is a factor, but something that’s an even bigger factor is the added work that comes with maintaining a pool. If you have already invested thousands in getting a pool, you don’t want to work hard every other week to keep it clean. And don’t even get us started on the pre-season cleanup. This can all change if you invest in a pool robot vacuum, though.A pool robot is a vacuum cleaner that helps do this job for you. All you have to do is let the robot run free in your pool, and it will take care of almost all the debris or grime that’s there. These products can also help protect your skimmers and filtration units from burning out. To help you get the most value out of your robot, let us take you through some of the top pool robot vacuums for 2023 that can help beat back dirt and keep your pool sparkling clean.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Best Overall
Hayward Pool Robot Vacuum
Perfect for Inground Pools
Aiper Cordless Pool Robot Vacuum
Great Value
Polaris Sports Pool Robotic Cleaner
Perfect for Larger Pools
Paxcess Pool Robot Vacuum
Most Compact
Things to Consider When Looking for Pool Robot Vacuums
Flooring
Your pool’s flooring is an essential consideration when picking out a robot vacuum, it dictates the mode of movement your bot will have. Since some robots have treads and others have wheels, you need to pick out an appropriate method based on the surface they’ll be traveling on. Pool floors can be rocky, sleek, or have a straight-up slope. To get maximum efficiency out of a robot pool vacuum, it needs to have the proper movement tools equipped for its environment.The size of your pool
Most robot vacuums are wired and come with an extension cord, allowing them to move around the base of your pool without much trouble. This is where your pool’s size comes into play. Your robot needs to have the correct cord length, and for that, you need to know your pool’s size. Larger pools often require bigger vacuum units for holding all the debris that gets collected.The shape of your pool
The shape and design of your pool are essential factors for protecting your pool from damage. For example, a lot of pool cleaners come with wall-cleaning capabilities, but if you have an above-ground pool, the added stress on the walls can make them break down. The shape of your pool should also play a significant role when picking out a robot vacuum. Round or oval pools are easier to clean, and you can find a lot of robots capable of completing this task because of the absence of sudden edges and corners. And, if your pool is square or custom-designed, you’ll have to opt for an advanced vacuum with features such as gyroscopic mobility and terrain scanning.Driving factor
Most pool robot vacuums use rear propulsion to move forward in the water. You also need enough traction on your robot’s wheels for steering and navigating properly. This is why it is crucial to consider the material used on the wheels or treads of a robot. This helps ensure that they can keep a solid grip on your pool’s sleek surface and can navigate through the varying terrain correctly.Functionality
Different types of vacuums provide different functions. For example, some models float and drive over the water’s surface while taking in all the debris — and others work their way around a pool’s floor and walls. Make sure you opt for a pool robot vacuum that performs the job according to your specific needs and the particular dimensions of your pool.Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Best Overall
If you think pool robot vacuums aren’t good for deep cleaning, meet the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. This state-of-the-art pool cleaner features dual scrubs that can get rid of the strongest grime on pool surfaces and leave them sparkling clean. This option also comes with a large filter for collecting twigs, leaves, and debris, and it can clean up even larger pools in one session. The robot also comes with a smart app, allowing you to schedule cleaning times and a wash every day. This product can also climb up the walls of inground pools and thoroughly scrub them, providing some all-around cleaning. The versatility of this pick helped us judge it as the best overall on this list.wered pick provides high-quality video and stores it locally or using the cloud. The app control also allows you to answer your door remotely, even when you’re not home. This product also comes equipped with a night-vision camera and a two-way audio channel, which enables you to keep an eye out 24/7. The motion sensors in this doorbell are also exceptional and give you an alert whenever they pick up something. The wireless design also lets you place this option almost anywhere, and the extremely affordable price really puts it over the top — and it helped make this option the best overall on this list!
Pros
- Swivel wire avoids tangles
- Can climb walls
- Useable on almost all pool surfaces
- Includes scheduled timers
Cons
- Cannot climb steps
Hayward Pool Robot Vacuum
Perfect for Inground Pools
Designed specifically for inground pools, this pick from Hayward is amazing at scaling walls and providing thorough cleanings. This pool robot also offers amazing suction force, and it’s capable of taking on even the messiest of pools. This product is extremely quiet when working too, helping ensure that no one gets disturbed while this little robot does its job. This pick also offers a large debris bag — so you won’t have to empty it out after a single cleaning. This robot is also extremely easy to set up, and it allows for a ton of cleaning without any effort from you!
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Extremely powerful suction
- Quick cleaning for pool surfaces
- Comes with a gauge and hoses
Cons
- The wings are not very durable
Aiper Cordless Pool Robot Vacuum
Great Value
You can get a cleaner pool without spending thousands with the Aiper Cordless Pool Robot Vacuum, and it does its job quickly and effectively. This compact, wireless product operates on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and it provides an hour of run-time on a single charge. And if the robot is done cleaning or its battery runs out, it will move to the closest wall so you don’t have to jump in and retrieve it. This pick also offers some impressive suction power, and even though it’s a cordless vacuum, this pool robot is no less efficient than corded versions.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Powerful, lithium-ion battery
- Stops near walls for easy recovery
- Fast recharging for efficiency
Cons
- Only works on flat surfaces
Polaris Sports Pool Robotic Cleaner
Perfect for Larger Pools
For the toughest pool cleaning jobs, this product from Polaris Sports rises to the challenge. Giving you control over its movement and functions with the help of the “Iaqualink” app, this robot allows you to start, stop, and create custom schedules using your mobile device. This pool cleaner also has an on-board rear cleaning system that blows away debris built up in the corners, making it easier for the robot to suck it up. This pick also comes with a 70-foot swivel cord that avoids tangles and allows more coverage in a single session. This robot also features four-wheel drive, making it an absolute beast — and it’s able to traverse almost any terrain and can even climb walls, helping ensure that a single spot isn’t missed.
Pros
- Exceptional Wi-Fi connectivity
- Tangle-resistant cable
- Comes with a removable caddy
Cons
- Higher price point
Paxcess Pool Robot Vacuum
Most Compact
When you see the Paxcess Pool Robot Vacuum, you might get fooled by its compact design, but trust us, this product packs a punch. Powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, this pick offers 90 minutes of cleaning time on a single charge. Not only does it skim the surface of the water, grabbing onto all the debris in sight, but it can also run on almost any type of floor, ensuring some deep, thorough cleaning. This robot also offers a self-docking feature that makes it approach a wall when a low battery is detected. This option can also scale walls and clean them — and the strong suction force promotes efficiency, providing a super viable solution for your cleaning problems.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery backup
- Reduces risks of short circuits and electrocution
- Self-docking for easy recovery
Cons
- Charging takes a long time
People Also Asked
How long will my pool robot vacuum last?
The lifespan of an average pool robot vacuum is at least five years, and this can be extended to up to seven years with proper maintenance and care. So you can expect to have your handy bot taking care of your pool for at least half a decade.
Can I leave my robotic pool cleaner in my pool?
You can leave a pool robot vacuum sitting in your pool, but don’t expect a ton of longevity. The water will wear it down very quickly if you do this. We suggest you take your robot out after it’s completed its cleaning cycle and then clean it properly to help improve its lifespan.
When should I get a robotic pool cleaner?
Pool robot vacuums are never really a necessity, you can always manually clear and clean out your pool. Getting one of these products can make your job much easier though. Although they are great tools, there are no telltale signs for when it’s a good time to invest in one. Still, If you have a pool and the budget for it, you should. Trust us, it will be worth it!
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