The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners – Ratings and Buyer’s Guide
Robotic pool cleaners make short work out of what was once a much-dreaded task. No one wants a filthy pool, but pools don’t clean themselves. You must be proactive about pool maintenance. Pool robots can shorten your cleaning time so you can take advantage of a cool dip any time you want during those hot summer days.
Being proactive about pool cleaning doesn’t mean you have to work harder. You just need to work smarter. This is where an automatic pool cleaner can save the day. But they’re not all created equally. Suction cleaners and pressure-side cleaners are okay, but they make your pool pump work harder. Therefore, we’ll show you how to find the best robotic pool cleaner in this handy guide.
What to look for in a robotic pool cleaner
To find a pool cleaner that’s right for you, there are 3 main questions you need to ask:
- What kind of pool do you have?
- How much cleaning do you want?
- What features on a pool cleaner are important to you?
How Often Should I Use my Robot Cleaner
If you use your pool frequently, you should probably run your pool robot every day. If you don’t use your pool that much, running it once a week should be enough.
How long do robotic pool cleaners last
The longevity of a robotic pool cleaner varies depending on the frequency of use and how well you maintain it. The average lifespan is approximately five years. However, if you’re good with the upkeep and give it plenty of love and attention, it could last seven years or more.
Robotic vs. Suction vs. Pressure Cleaners
Suction-side cleaners are fantastic for pool owners on a tight budget because they usually cost less than the other types. With few moving parts to break down, maintenance is cheap and easy. They’re perfect for pools that have a more powerful pump than the pool and filter need.
Suction cleaners attach to your pool’s primary filtration pump and use its suction power to move from one end of your pool to the other. To set one up, connect the cleaner’s hose to either a dedicated suction line or to your skimmer.
Suction cleaners have a throat mechanism that allows dirt, dust, and sand to pass through but can clog if larger debris gets stuck.
The unit will remain inoperable until someone comes along and performs an impromptu tracheotomy on the poor thing by removing whatever got lodged in its windpipe.
If sand or silt is what you need to remove, suction-side cleaners are an excellent choice. However, if your pool is plagued with a superabundance of leaves or sticks, get another kind of pool cleaner. That’s because suction machines struggle with this type of debris.
Pressure-side cleaners aren’t as expensive as robotic pool cleaners and are easy to maintain. They attach to one of your pool’s return jets and get their power from the water returning to the pool via an existing pressure-side line. Pressure cleaners don’t use your pool’s filtration system to get rid of debris. Instead, they use a filtration bag to capture all the unsightly flotsam and jetsam detracting from your pool’s carefully cultivated aesthetics.
Unlike a suction-side cleaner, you won’t have to empty the pump basket or backwash the filter to keep your pool’s equipment in good working order. The internal filter bag reduces stress on your pool’s pump and filter, saving you bucket loads of cash down the line. Although they’re terrific at picking up medium and heavy debris, they’re not so good at capturing fine particles or tiny debris. This stuff tends to flow right through the filter bag, where it gets trapped up by the pool’s filter.
These types of cleaners often require a booster pump. The bad news is that not every pool has the plumbing to accommodate this setup. Also, you’ll incur additional electricity costs by running the second pump.
Everything a robot needs to restore your pool to a state of crystal clarity is contained right inside the unit. This makes them fully autonomous cleaning machines. They have a built-in filtration system that utilizes either a cartridge or a filter bag to collect debris. Simply plug your robot in and watch it as it goes to town on all the dirt, filth, and grime that pools seem to magically attract.
Pool robots are exceedingly energy-efficient, helping to reduce your overall power usage and costs. With an ever-vigilant robot patrolling for floating junk and algae stuck to the walls and floor of your pool, you won’t be using manual brushes much anymore, if at all. The virtually maintenance-free design of robotic pool cleaners makes them an excellent choice for pool owners everywhere.
Types of pools
Many robotic pool cleaners can tackle any kind of pool surface. However, some are made specifically for in-ground or above-ground pools. Also, if you have a vinyl, fiberglass or smooth tile pool, you won’t want a cleaner with a rough brush. You’ll want a robotic cleaner with a soft, grippy PVC brush.
Size matters, too. You’ll need a robotic pool cleaner that can reach all the way from one side to the other without you having to unplug it from one power source and plug it in somewhere else. Your power supply must also be 12 feet from the pool’s edge. Make sure you know your pool’s length, width and depth so you know how long of a cord you need.
How much cleaning do you want
Depending on how much you use your pool or your budget, you may opt for a pool cleaner that only vacuums the pool floor. These may or may not come with brushes, and are often the simplest and cheapest. You could invest a little more in a premium pool cleaner that will be more efficient and cover more area.
Higher-end pool cleaning robots can clean the floor, cove, and part of the wall. They have rotating brushes and features that help them climb, so they’ll be more expensive.
Then you have the top-notch ones that can clean the floor, cove, the entire wall, and the waterline. These are the most advanced and often have smart features that can be controlled via mobile apps.
What features are important to you
If you’re new to buying pool cleaners, you may not know exactly what features you want yet. That’s okay. Things you’ll want to consider are:
- Suction power
- Swiveling cables
- Filtration
- Power washing jets
- Warranty
- Programming features
Pool cleaning robot maintenance
If you spend a few hundred bucks on a new automatic pool cleaner, you want to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Unlike simpler pool cleaners such as brushes and nets, robotic pool cleaners need a little extra TLC to keep functioning well.
The best pool vacuums will keep going like the Energizer Bunny so long as you follow maintenance rules. First, you should ALWAYS follow the guidelines in the owner’s manual. Keep it handy for reference.
Here are some general tips to keep your pool cleaning robot running smoothly:
- When the cycle is complete, remove the robot from the pool. Prolonged submersion can damage the motor, and there’s always a risk of electrical shock if you swim with it in the water.
- Thoroughly drain all the water from the cleaner when you take it out. Your owner’s manual should tell you how. If not, look for videos online.
- Clean the unit after each cycle – clear brushes and wheels of debris, and empty and rinse the filters.
- Replace any worn brushes or filters ASAP.
- Store your pool robot out of direct sunlight, and protect it from the elements. The power supply is susceptible to damage if left in the rain.
Skip any of these steps, and you’ll be out a lot of money and time. It may not sound fun to clean filters and bother with proper storage, but just keep in mind all the hours of cleaning time you’re saving. That’s more time for you to enjoy a poolside drink and splash around with the kiddos.
Browse our reviews of the best pool robots to find one that fits your budget and pool cleaning needs.
MoreBest Robotic Pool Cleaners of 2021 – Ratings & Reviews
The GoodAt 1.5 hours, this machine has one of the fastest cleaning times of any pool robot on the planet. Unlike other models, it can scale the walls of your pool to get at the waterline. And, it’ll continue to relentlessly scour away until every stain, blemish, and discoloration that detracts from the visual allure of your pool is banished forever.
The Not-So-GoodThe Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme doesn’t come with a caddy. You think you’d get one with a robotic cleaner that costs this much! You also don’t get a remote control. That’s probably okay, because with the MyDolphin app, you can do everything a controller does.
Like most other robots, it isn’t very good at climbing stairs.
What Customers SayCustomers are ecstatic that it doesn’t get stuck on drains. Also there’s an overwhelming consensus that this robot has more suction power than any they’ve previously tried.
Another thing users love is how fantastic the powerful triple brush action is at scrubbing potentially toxic biofilm from every pool surface. Lastly, many customers are blown away with the superior filtering capabilities of this unit.
Dolphin Nautilus CC PlusPrice: AverageThe fastest cleaning cycle on the Dolphin Nautilus Plus is two hours. However, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme beats that hands down with a 1.5 cleaning time. The CC Plus also doesn’t do as thorough a job as the Supreme, so you may have to run it more than once to get your pool clean.
The CC Plus also doesn’t have the third cleaning brush that the Supreme has. This means it won’t be able to to clean your waterline or your drain. Read Our Full Review of the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus.
- Dolphin Nautilus CCPrice: Low
The Dolphin Nautilus CC is limited to cleaning pools that are 35 feet long or less. However, the Dolphin Nautilus Supreme can clean larger pools–up to 50 feet, in fact.The Dolphin Nautilus CC is much cheaper because it doesn’t have the advanced features of the Supreme.
Also, the Dolphin Nautilus CC doesn’t have an anti-tangle cable, so it’s more liable to get hung up on an obstacle when it’s cleaning.
- Dolphin NautilusPrice: Average
With a three hour cleaning cycle, the Dolphin Nautilus takes considerably longer to do its job than the Supreme. Also, removing the cartridges to clean them is SO much easier on the Supreme, because they load from the top instead of the bottom.
Another difference between the two is the Dolphin Nautilus only has two standard scrubbing brushes, while the more Supreme adds a high-speed center scrubber to the mix. Read Our Full Review of the Dolphin Nautilus.
The GoodBecause of the Premier’s unrivaled ability to climb walls, it’s able to accomplish what many pool cleaning robots cannot–stick its tiny electronic nose out of the water to get right at that waterline.
The engineers at Maytronics created the world’s first robotic pool cleaner with onboard low voltage motors. And with the entire system using only 180 watts of power, you’ll save a TON of money on your electric bill.
The Not-So-GoodThe manufacturer says you can clean out the filter bag by hosing it out. It turns out it’s a real PAIN to get it clean this way because it takes too long. Throw it in the washer instead.
Its patented 360° anti-tangle swivel is supposed to prevent it from ever getting knotted up in its own cord. However, even with this technology, it occasionally happens.
What Customers SayCustomers love how well the robot scrubs all vestiges of algae, biofilm, and other crud from their pool walls, restoring the tiles to their original luster. They’re also happy that they don’t have to spend an hour or more several times a week brushing the walls themselves. That can be backbreaking work!
Many customers were delighted at how crystal clear their pool water became after only using the unit a short time.
The GoodAt only 16.5 pounds, this is one of the lightest of all pool robots. It also has advanced scanning functionality. This means it can make sure every single inch of your pool surfaces are vigorously scrubbed clean of all contaminants.
Using the Triton PS will extend the life of your pool’s filtration system, because the robot does some of the dirty work it used to exclusively do.
The Not-So-GoodThe robot doesn’t seem to do a good job cleaning curvy areas. So, if you have a custom-shaped pool with lots of meandering contours or corners, you might want to think about getting something else.
The automatic weekly scheduling feature (like with some other models) doesn’t appear to make a whole lot of sense. That’s because the manufacturer advises that you should take the unit out of the pool when you’re not using it.
What Customers SayThere seems to be a unanimous consensus that the filters are exceedingly easy to clean. Also, the anti-tangling swivel that so many models have seems to work particularly well with this robot. There are few, if any, complaints that the unit got tangled up in its own cables.
Most users were impressed with how well the robot scaled the walls to clean the waterline.
The GoodOne of the features that helps it to navigate the winding curves of unconventional pool layouts is its four-wheel drive. This allows it to easily move around corners without having to back up.
This robot has powerful Vortex Vacuum technology at its command. This means that it has enough suction to pick up even large pieces of floating debris.
The Not-So-GoodThis robot gets tangled up in its own cord more often than its competitors. So, if you buy this unit, this might mean more trips out to the pool to free it from its own self-induced predicament.
The remote control has been known to be sluggish. You could find yourself at wit’s end because you repeatedly push a button just to complete a single action.
What Customers SayCustomers are thrilled with how easy the filters are to clean. Just open them up, shake the yucky stuff out, and give them a proper spraying with a garden hose. Then, pop them back in–super easy to do, without fussing with messy bags.
Another thing customers are pleased about is the unit comes with its own caddy. Most pool robots don’t come with one, so it’s great that the company offers one with this robot.
- Polaris 9650IQ SportPrice: High
The Polaris 9650IQ and the 9550 Sport share a similar design in that both have a rugged blue shell and blueish-gray wheels. You’ll be able to tell the two units apart by the prominently displayed badge listing the model number. Another difference between the robots is the 9650IQ has a tangle-reducing swivel cable, and the 9550 doesn’t have this feature. Lastly, the on-screen joystick of the 9560IQ is more responsive than the 9550’s handheld remote, which can be a little clunky.
The GoodIts gyroscopically-enabled navigation system lets the robot know, with pinpoint precision, where to go next. This ensures that every square inch of your pool is scrubbed sparkling clean. With the extraordinary control this gyroscope gives your mechanical assistant, he won’t wobble or topple over when attempting to scale a wall.
Besides being the planet’s first pool robot with a gyroscope, it’s also the first one with three motors.
The Not-So-GoodThere appears to be a glitch in some units where the robot indicates it’s actively cleaning when it actually isn’t. If this malfunction happens, usually it’s when users activate the automatic mode. For some people, even the app sometimes displays this wildly inaccurate information.
The Sigma also doesn’t do well with drains and tends to get hung up on them.
What Customers SayCustomers love how the Sigma’s hypergrip treads help it to never lose contact with the floor. Some other models with wheels instead of continuous rubber tracks have a tendency to tip over. Not so with the Sigma!
Its innovative gyroscopic mobility system also helps it to get its bearings before it “turtles” and ends up on its back.
The GoodYour personal subaqueous droid is always connected to WIFI through the MyDolphin Plus app. This means you can spot clean, set the weekly scheduler, and choose between the quick or standard cleaning time anywhere you happen to be on the planet! This makes pool cleaning convenient to the nth degree. Every type of debris is quickly eradicated—leaving your pool water sparkling clean.
The Not-So-GoodUnfortunately, there are some reports the machine frequently gets clogged with leaves. Another frequent occurrence is getting stuck in the deep end of the pool. Corner cleaning could be a little better. One should expect the robot to thoroughly scrub every nook and cranny in the pool for the price you pay.
What Customers SayMany customers can scarcely believe how well the bot picks up fine dust, sand, and other debris. Other buyers love that the Proteus DX5i offers all the pool cleaning functionality they could ever want at a price they can afford. Some were absolutely amazed at how easy it was to use right out of the box, getting it to work mere minutes after receiving the delivery.
The GoodIt has a huge filter basket, so it’ll catch lots of floating debris before it turns your pool into an eyesore. This Ultra Fine Filter Basket captures even tiny sand grains. There’s a simple push latch at the top of the unit to get at the filter.
The filter also has an easy-to-open hinged bottom. Just push the button, and the dirt falls right out.
The Not-So-GoodThe warranty is only good for two years. After the first year, it only covers plastic parts. Also, you have to purchase the Ultra Fine Basket separately. Because the cord doesn’t have an anti-tangle swivel, it sometimes gets all twisted around the robot.
Edges are inconsistently cleaned because it seems as though the robot spends most of its time crisscrossing the middle.
What Customers SayCustomers love how its tank treads allow the robot to get around so much better than if it had wheels. Purchasers who have trees with abundant foliage like how well the unit sucks up all the leaves that invariably drop into their pool.
Many remarked how incredibly easy it is to operate–just drop it into the pool and press the power button.
The GoodThis hard-working bot will make quick work of even the dirtiest of pools. If your pool is surrounded by trees that dump a lot of leaves and other plant debris, buy this robot ASAP because it was made for jobs like this. It’s perfect for pool parties too. Simply run this underwater droid so you can schmooze with party guests instead of breaking your back cleaning your swimming hole.
The Not-So-GoodThere have been some reports that when you press the button, the cover doesn’t easily open so you can change the filter. There’s a trick to it—by pressing on the top of the lid slightly as you press the button, it will release. The cord often gets tangled up by the time the cycle is complete, which is more than a little frustrating.
What Customers SayLots of folks love that this tireless robot is 100% independent of their filtration system and that there’s no need for booster pumps. Others who have suffered through horrendous storms are ecstatic that the bot is powerful enough to transform their pool from muddy brown to sparkling blue in a matter of hours. Still others were impressed by the unit’s navigational abilities, cleaning every corner of their pool like no other robot they’ve ever seen.
- Hayward TigerSharkPrice: Average
The Hayward SharkVac has a two hour cleaning cycle, whereas the Hayward TigerShark has a three hour one. The TigerShark also seems to have slightly better wall climbing ability. The filters are easier to pop out of the TigerShark than the SharkVac, which can be a bit of a pain.
The GoodThe hypergrip track works flawlessly with the digital mapping technology. The end result? Faster and more efficient cleaning.
What’s more, it uses 90% less power than older types of pool cleaning robots. Maytronics accomplished this monumental feat by using an innovative low voltage DC motor. The entire system only requires around 180 watts of power.
Think of how much money you’ll save!
The Not-So-GoodUnfortunately, this unit only has a one-year warranty. If your pool dips or has areas lower than the rest of the floor, your little robot friend has a tendency to pop wheelies. When it does this, the filter basket can pop out. Then, all the debris your guy painstakingly collected will be unceremoniously dumped back into the pool.
The cord doesn’t seem to be quite long enough for most pools.
What Customers SayCustomers are ecstatic that their days of laboriously vacuuming their pool by hand are over. All they have to do is to plug it in, turn it on, and walk away. Other purchasers are elated that they can use it for more than just above-ground pools. For example, some purchasers use it on smaller inground pools.
One customer even used it to clean his vinyl-lined koi pond.
The GoodIts impressively energetic dual scrubbers and powerful suction mean you’ll be able to use fewer potentially toxic pool chemicals. With the superior Aquabot swivel technology at your command, you’ll never have to worry about the unit getting tangled up in its own cord.
Its durable PVC scrubbing brushes are safe for all surfaces—even vinyl lined pools. It’s low wattage motors only cost about five cents an hour to run.
The Not-So-GoodSometimes the robot has difficulty climbing up to the waterline. The manufacturer suggests adjusting the handle (which helps the unit to float) when this happens. This should fix the problem.
The unit’s super-fine filters will help keep your pool water radiantly clean at all times. However, they need to be replaced more often than regular filters.
What Customers SayCustomers love how well this robot cleans hard-to-reach places, including walls, corners, and waterlines. Most customers stated they had no difficulty whatsoever retrieving the bot from the pool since this unit, even when soaking wet, weighs only 19 pounds.
Other purchasers commented on how easy it is to clean the filters.
The GoodThe Dolphin Advantage uses its powerful scrubbers to loosen gunk from pool surfaces. And then, applies powerful suction, so all that nasty stuff gets deposited into its filter canister. All you have to do is to get rid of the debris.
With an energy cost of five cents a hour, you won’t have to incur an astronomical electric bill in your quest to have the cleanest pool on the block.
The Not-So-GoodWhile most users have had a good experience with this robot, some say that the robot spends all its time in one corner and rarely climbs the walls. Others claim that it hardly ever gets your pool thoroughly clean in one cycle. And apparently, it doesn’t clean stairs, ladders, or in-pool seating very well.
The cord doesn’t have an anti-tangle swivel. Cleaning the waterline just isn’t in its job description.
What Customers SayCustomers love that they don’t need to siphon off the suction or pressure from their pool’s dedication pump or filtration system to use the Dolphin Advantage. This puts less wear and tear on their primary system so that it’ll last longer.
They’re also thrilled that the unit has filter bags big enough to capture sticks, leaves, and other junk that can wreak havoc on their pool equipment.
Why buy a robotic pool cleaner
When it comes to pool cleaning, you have several options. Most depend on your time and budget. Of course, for those who can afford it, hiring someone to keep your pool clean is the easiest option. But since most pool owners can’t shell out that kind of cash, they need to invest in some good pool cleaning tools. Robotic pool cleaners are a big investment, but for most people, they’re worth it.
The cheapest options are manual brushes, nets and vacuums, but they’re also the most labor and time intensive. A happy medium lies in automatic pool cleaners, including suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic cleaners.
Robotic cleaners tend to be the most expensive, but not always. They are also the least labor-intensive of the automatic cleaners. Here are a few reasons to invest in one:
- You don’t have a lot of spare time. If you’re working full time and raising a family, you’d rather be in the pool when you get some time off rather than cleaning it. We get you.
- You have health issues. Manual cleaning can be good exercise, but all that reaching and scrubbing can be a nightmare if you have a bad back or other physical limitations.
- You want a healthier pool. A good robotic cleaner has just the right scrubbing and filtration power to remove things you can’t see with a regular pool vacuum. Those with smart navigation ensure every part of the pool gets a good cleaning.
- You want to prolong the life of your pool pump. Many pool cleaners and vacuums rely on your pool’s pump to power them, which puts extra strain on it and your pool filters. A robotic cleaner uses its own power source and filters, which prolongs the life of your pool system.
- You care about the environment. A clean pool means fewer chemicals are needed, plus robotic cleaners are very energy efficient.
What to consider before buying a robotic pool cleaner
What you buy will depend on your type of pool, its features, and how much cleaning you’ll need. Write down all these things so you can easily refer to them to find the best robotic pool cleaner that fits your budget.
- Type of pool – Some cleaners are meant to work for both in-ground and above-ground pools, but others are made for one or the other. Also, some are better at reaching corners than others, so the shape of your pool matters.
- Size of pool– Cord length on the machine will determine how far it can reach across your pool. The larger your pool, the longer the cord you’ll need. Too short, and you may have to move the power supply from one side of the pool to another.
- Steps, stairs, walls, and waterlines – Pretty much every pool cleaning robot can tackle the pool floor with no issues. But some can’t clean stairs and steps or climb walls. Some can’t clean sharp corners. Others won’t clean up to the waterline. Generally the more abilities the cleaner has, the more expensive it gets.
- The debris your pool collects– Depending on where you live, your pool may collect a lot of small particles like dirt, sand and pollen or a lot of large debris like leaves, seeds, and twigs. If you tend to have a lot of large debris, you’ll want a cleaner with a big filter basket so it doesn’t fill up too quickly. For very small debris, look for those with ultra-fine filters.
Once you’ve determined what you need, you’ll want to look for those extra features that can help make the difference between an okay cleaner and a great cleaner.
Robotic pool cleaners have a wide array of cleaning methods. For instance, cleaners that come with good scrub brushes can do a better job at dislodging debris like algae so it can be sucked up. Some cleaners only have suction power, so any additional brushing will need to be done manually.
Smart scanning systems work to map out the shape and size of your pool for an efficient cleaning path. These can be great for oddly shaped pools so that the cleaner doesn’t end up going over the same area multiple times, therefore wasting energy.
How much the unit weighs is also important since you’ll need to lift it out of the pool. Remember that the water and collected debris will make it weigh more. For heavy units, wheeled caddies can be a real lifesaver as well, so you can roll the cleaner from storage rather than carrying it.
Swivel cords are also a good feature since they keep the cord from tangling up. They don’t always work, but they’re important if you’re not going to be there while the pool cleaner is running.
Other features that are nice but not really must-haves are remote controls and programmability. If you want to run your cleaner on a set schedule while you’re not home or at night, etc, then a programmable timer would be a benefit.
What are the drawbacks to robotic pool cleaners
As nice as they are to have for saving time and effort, there are a few cons when it comes to pool robots.
- Price – Pool robots are usually the most expensive type of automatic cleaner. The cheapest ones may be about the same price as a mid-range pressure or side-suction cleaner, but the cheapest ones don’t have nearly as many features and tend to break more often.
- Maintenance – With all the moving parts, there’s more to break and replace on a pool robot. The most common complaints are about the machines breaking down. Hint: Look for machines with good warranties, and purchase extended warranties if available!
- Filter cleaning – Unless you want to waste money on disposable filters, you’ll need to clean out the filter bags or cartridges after every cycle. If you have a big, busy pool with lots of debris, you may have to clean them a lot.
- Tangled up cables – Swivel cables help, but don’t always work. There’s always a chance your cable can get tangled on something or be a trip hazard. It’s a good idea to watch it the first few cycles to see if it will be a problem.
- Can damage some vinyl surfaces – If you have a vinyl-lined pool, make sure the cleaner is compatible with it. Some of the brushes can scratch the ink or remove the patterns on the vinyl. Always make sure your vinyl’s in good shape before using a pool robot with brushes.
- Can’t swim with it in the pool – All pool robots are grounded with GFCI plugs that are supposed to shut off at the first hint of any electrical imbalance. However, there’s always a risk of electric shock any time you have electricity and water together. So, while it’s running, you should play it safe and keep everyone out of the pool.
These quick tips and hints come from customers who’ve used the products listed above. They might help you if you need some troubleshooting.
- If debris tends to fall out when removing your cleaner from the pool, try either removing it really quickly or really slowly and keep it upright at all times.
- If you have a beach entrance style of pool, a robotic cleaner may get flipped over if it’s climbing a nearby wall. The water at the entrance may be too shallow for it to turn itself back over. Most cleaners have auto-shut off if this happens.
- To help prevent cord tangling, try stretching the power cord out straight and leave it in the sun for a few hours.
- Make sure the filters are completely enclosed with the door fully locked down, or the cleaner may not run.
- Don’t neglect the usual pool maintenance with regular brushing, testing water pH and chemistry, etc. There’s only so much your pool robot can do. If your pool is neglected and filthy, you need to manually clean it first, then use the pool robot for maintenance cleaning.
- The tracks on the rollers will stretch and loosen after a while, so if you notice it’s not climbing like it used to, try replacing the tracks.
Unfortunately, every pool cleaner is going to break down now and then. If your unit is still under warranty, call the manufacturer’s support hotline to see if the company will pay to fix the issue. If not, see if the problem is something you can take care of yourself before calling the professionals.
Check the Power Supply
Check to make sure the unit is securely plugged in and that the power cord isn’t damaged. Ensure the power cord is firmly plugged into the power supply transformer, which is then plugged into a GFCI outlet.
The power supply will have an indicator light telling you if power is flowing through it. If power is getting to the power supply, but the cleaner isn’t moving, the problem lies elsewhere. The power cord could have a short, meaning the wires have broken away from the connection inside the rubber casing. This frequently happens at a point near the cleaner where the stress on the cord is the greatest.
Wires can break if a user exerts too much force when pulling on the cord to remove the unit from the pool. If the power cord is in good shape, test the resistance of the motor using a test meter. This will tell you if power is reaching the motor. If it is and the motor isn’t working, it looks like you might have to install a new motor.
Mobility Issues
If your robot cleaner is slow or doesn’t climb walls the way it should, this could indicate cracked bearings, old brushes, or worn-out drive tracks. It could also mean there’s debris stuck in tracks, brushes, or the impeller. Or, the debris basket could be full, which could interfere with mobility. Emptying the basket between cleaning cycles helps ensure peak performance. If none of these are the source of the problem, lift the unit partially out of the water to see if it’s sucking air. If it’s not, it might need professional attention.
Robotic pool cleaners can get stuck behind ladders and handrails. You can solve this annoying problem by installing a ladder guard. This relatively inexpensive device can help prevent this problem from occurring. You can also try adjusting the cord length or moving your control box to a different location.
If your robotic cleaner leaves some areas untouched after you program it for an automatic cleaning cycle, it might be that the cord doesn’t have enough slack. The cord needs to have enough length to reach every part of your pool. If this isn’t the problem, it could be that the debris basket is full and needs to be dumped.
Pool Maintenance Tips & Tricks
For a Fiberglass Pool 29′ long, just under 6′ deep.
Polaris or Dolphin?
I see that they use different wheels
it is worth the extra $$ for an upgraded model?
My pool has a cement bottom with fiberglass side. Where the fiberglass meets the cement there is a 6″ flat ledge. Will a a dolphin
I am looking to purchase a new robot pool cleaner
I live in NM and I get quite a bit of fine dust out here I’m new to pool. Just built my pool. I had the zodiac mx8 it’s nice but it’s kind of complicated for my wife to put it together and mess around with the valves. So I’m looking into a robot. Saw some good reviews on Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Greetings Danilo,
Yes, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is one of the simplest pool robots to both operate and clean. You can even use the MyDolphin Plus app on your phone to set a weekly schedule for your pool-cleaning bot. This means you can program the unit to clean your pool on specific days and at specific times, even when you’re not at home. What’s more, its ability to suck up fine dust is second to none.
Hi Kevin, I am looking to purchase a new robot pool cleaner. My old one struggled picking up Acorns from our Oak Tree. Can you suggest a cleaner that picks up Acorns without a struggle?
Hello, David,
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus has a well-deserved reputation for sucking up acorns. However, because they must fit through the intake port, acorns can’t be much bigger than an inch or so. I hope this helps!
Hi Kevin-
My Dad used Aquabots for years on his pool in Florida. But they have been breaking down alot. I want to find an alternative. People really seem to like Dolphin. What would you recommend for a 60 foot, regularly shaped, in ground pool? Need a bot that can handle the waterline too.
Quantum? Sigma? Premier? Hard to decipher the benefits of these higher end models.
Thanks!
Aquatically Challenged,
Brenner
Hello, Brenner! The only pool cleaning robot in our list that can tackle a 60-foot pool is the Polaris F9950 Sport. It has a 70-foot cord, enabling it to reach every area of larger-sized pools. The F9950 also cleans the waterline. I hope this helps!
For the robotic cleaners that offer “remote driving”, I haven’t seen any descriptions that explain what kind of connection is used for that. I’ve seen mentions of bluetooth and wifi, which would make sense out of the water, but neither kind of signal works underwater. How do they get an app to remote drive while the device is underwater? Or am I misunderstanding what remote driving would mean?
Also, if a unit can handle a “50-foot pool”, does that mean 50 foot radius from where it goes in the water, or total length? I have a 54-foot lap pool, but the power source and point of entry will most likely be roughly halfway in between. Would a 50-ft device be able to handle that?
Hello Mark! You’re right—Bluetooth doesn’t work all that well underwater because the signal becomes drastically attenuated due to the immutable laws of physics. The good news is that your Bluetooth-enabled device doesn’t have to pair with the robot itself because it pairs with the above-water power supply, which then controls the robot.
As for your second question, “50-foot pool” means total length. If your power source is at the midpoint of your pool’s length, your robot shouldn’t have any problem cleaning every cranny and crevice of your pool.
I hope this helps!
I’m thinking of getting the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus because I love the idea of having a little robot friend do all my pool cleaning for me. Can it really clean my pool in only two hours?
I’m thinking of getting the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus because I love the idea of having a little robot friend do all my pool cleaning for me. Can it really clean my pool in only two hours?
Hi,
We are putting in a beach entry style pool. Is there any Dolphin vacuums that will work?
Beach entry pools can be a little tricky for pool robots. According to the manufacturer, all Dolphin models are supposed to be “beach entry compatible.” However, most robots can’t do the entire shallow area of this kind of pool because the top of the unit must be underwater for it to function.
You’ll probably have the best results with the Premier. This model will clean your beach entry pool until it’s in approximately four inches of water and then turn around. Unfortunately, you’ll probably have to manually clean this part yourself.
We have a dolphin, and it is awful. Used to have a Hayward that worked much better.
How’s it going, Luke! I’m a 78-year-old woman who can’t get around as well as I used to be able to do. I want to purchase a robotic pool cleaner. However, I’ve heard some of them can be a real pain to retrieve from the pool. I’m looking for a high-performing machine that’s also lightweight. What would you recommend?
Hi, Sheila! Yes, there are some real hefty behemoths out there when it comes to robotic pool cleaners. The most lightweight yet effective robots on the market are the Dolphin Escape, Dolphin Advantage, and Dolphin E10.
They all happen to weigh 13.8 pounds, so hopefully, whichever one you buy, you’ll be able to easily lift it out of your pool after it’s done cleaning.
I hope this helps!
Hello Luke,
Thank you for this information.
Wondering what would be best machine for my pond.
Got 3 quite large concrete ponds with no vegetation & no fishes.
Deep is from 30cm- 50cm in the most.
Just pond for the look.
Because of my location there comes a lot of sand in it – that is quite have to shovel out of it.
What machine would be best for me to use?
Hello, Rakel! If you’ve got so much sand that you’re literally shoveling it from your concrete ponds, I’m not sure a robot pool cleaner is going to help. However, if this is only an exaggeration, I would recommend the Dolphin Premier.
This is an excellent unit that’s perfect for all pool types, from gunite to tile and fiberglass, and of course, concrete.
The Premier comes standard with three filter options: bottom-load fine cartridge filters, ultra-fine cartridge filters, and an oversized fine filter bag. Depending on the size of your sand granules, either the fine or ultra-fine filters should do the job.
I hope this helps!
You are not listing the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme in your 2021 rank list of pool robots, even though it seems to offer advangates over the #1 rate CC Plus and #2 rate Dolphin Premier. Why have you left it out of your rank list of Pool Cleaning robots? Have there been problems with the CC Supreme that make it less recommendable than the others, or is it just the high price?
Hello, Armin! That’s a terrific question. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme is a newer model that’s ranked in the number one position on our list of alternatives to the Dolphin CC Plus.
Because it’s newer, we felt it was better to list it as an excellent alternative to the older model. But don’t worry, if the CC Supreme keeps up its superlative performance, it’ll soon share top billing with its higher ranked siblings.
Take care, and I wish you happiness and sunshine!
Hello, Luke! I’m thinking about buying the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. The trouble is, I have an inground pool with a vinyl liner. Will this kind of robot end up tearing my liner to shreds?
Howdy, Desiree! I hope you’re doing well. I’ve never heard of the CC Plus damaging vinyl liners, so I would go ahead and purchase it. Let me know how it works!
Kevin and team, this is a very helpful report. I do have a question on setting up automatic cleaning cycles. What’s the point? I still have to take the robot out, hook up the power and put it in the pool, then take it out of the pool every time it’s used. So why do I care about automatic cycles? I don’t see that they are meaningful, in spite of the way the manufacturers hype them.
Hello, Duke!
Thanks for your excellent question. You can leave your robot in the pool 24/7 if you want to take advantage of the unit’s automatic cleaning cycles. However, chlorine and other pool chemicals’ toxic effects could cause some degradation of the plastic housing and the exterior components over time.
If you’re willing to accept this tradeoff, it’s okay to always keep your robot submerged. The best use of the automatic cleaning function is when you’re going on a vacation. The minimal amount of time your pool-cleaning bot spends underwater while you’re away isn’t going to cause much (if any) damage.
Kevin,
Would you mind updating us on best robot for leaves and junk from the trees? I’m looking at the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme, but I’m open to others if they are better at handling leaves since they are my main challenge. Does Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme also offer a leaf bag?
Thanks you!
Hey Josh!
Looks like you picked the right machine.
When it comes to sucking up leaves, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme is superior to other robotic pool cleaners on the market. Customers have gotten excellent results when freak storms have deposited an avalanche of foliage into their pools.
Some experts will tell you to go with a machine with a filter basket to get rid of this kind of plant matter.
While the CC Supreme doesn’t have a basket, it boasts extra-large filter cartridges and superior suction that’s powerful enough to remove virtually every leaf from your pool. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t come with a leaf bag, but why would you want one?
They’re a relic of an earlier evolutionary time and are such a hassle to clean. The good news is that you won’t need one with the extra-large filters and superior cleaning ability of this machine.
Keep in mind that no robot pool cleaner can remove leaves floating on the surface—only those that have sunk to the bottom or have gotten stuck to the walls. For surface leaves, I recommend using a skimmer before you deploy the CC Supreme.
If you have many leaves to vacuum up, you’re going to need to clean the filters every two hours.
I hope this helps!
Given the fact that so many pools now days have very shallow sections, ie splash pads, which of these robo cleaners can run in 4 to 6 inches of water?
We supposedly a have self cleaning infloor jet system. Still needs vacuuming. Will the robotic cleaning vacuums be safe to use with these pop up jets on the floor of the pool? What would you recommend?
Hi there thanks for the article – much appreciated.
I have a small (2x5x2m) but deep plunge pool with steps at each end – it doesn’t get lots of leaves but does get fine dust / particles and has smooth tiles.
Wondering what’s view on the best equipment for the job!! Thank you in advance
Are there any pool robot cleaners that can run more than once a day? My neighbor has a leafy tree right on top of my pool and it becomes a nightmare in the fall. Surprisingly I cannot find a single robot that allows me to set a schedule to more than once a day.
Thanks,
great article we are looking for first Robotic cleaner for our inground pool
Saw the Dolphin Natulius CC Supreme was best, but what about Natulius Supreme CC, at about half the price of supreme model?
Thanks for your answers to this
Hi. I bought a paxcess robotic pool cleaner on Amazon. Does a great job cleaning but I am now seeing black scratches on the bottom of the walls from the sides of the cleaner rubbing. It’s a 30k gallon indoor concrete pool and would be a nightmare to get it painted because the pool is near a lake with high water table. Do you have any suggestions one how to prevent? I do like the convenience but don’t want to damage the concrete. Thinking about pads etc to stick on the Plastic corners on the side of the brush or just filing the plastic? Thanks and very informative article
We have an L shaped pool. Our local pool store says a robot won’t work because of that. Do you believe that to be true or do their mapping systems work around it?
Kevin,
I have a vinyl pool liner and the automatic cleaners have worn the color from the water line. Can you recommend a cleaner which does only the floor and walls
Sorry to hear about the damage to your pool, Tim. That’s horrible! There really aren’t any robotic pool cleaners out there that do the walls and the floor and not the waterline. However, a pool cleaner is supposed to be improving the aesthetics of your pool. It’s not normal if it instead detracts from them by removing the color from your pool surfaces.
I would have a professional fix the damage, and then, replace your obviously defective machine with a different one. I recommend the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme. As I mentioned in the Buyer’s Guide, it happens to be the best one on the market right now. And I haven’t heard of a single complaint of one causing damage.
You could also write to the manufacturer to tell them about what happened. Maybe they can shed a little insight into how their product could do such a thing, or even compensate you for your troubles.
That was one very helpful article. Thanks for sharing! So I am planning on using/renting pool cleaners for business purpose, what pool cleaner would last longer if I were to use it on a daily basis on multiple pools..? or how often should I use it for it not to get damaged to quickly? Thanks in advance for your answers.
Hey, Pool Cleaner, glad you found the article helpful! I think it’s fantastic that you’re planning to start a robot-based pool cleaning business. However, you shouldn’t think about which one lasts the longest, but which one does a better job.
After all, the primary mission of any business owner is to make the customer happy. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme has all the advanced features you’ll need to do a bang-up job for every one of your customers.
The Supreme has three brushes instead of two, so it’s more likely to clean more thoroughly than other robots without this invaluable feature. The center brush is particularly adept at getting rid of stubborn stains.
The center brush also helps the robot not to get stuck on the drain. I don’t know how you’re planning on running your business. Still, I assume you’re going to drop the robot into the pool and come back after the cleaning cycle’s conclusion.
You don’t want to find out, upon your return, that the robot was helplessly trapped on an obstacle the entire time. This cuts into the efficiency of your operation and could affect your bottom line.
The Supreme can also clean larger pools—up to 50 feet. So, you’ll be able to tackle practically any job a residential customer has for you.
Another fantastic thing about the Supreme is there are two separate motors—one for the suction, and one for the brushes. A dual motor system ensures that there will always be enough power for vacuuming AND scrubbing. More power for both means your little underwater grease monkey will do a much better job.
The Supreme has extra-large filters too, so it’ll trap more debris. You’ll be spending less time emptying the collection chamber, which also adds to efficiency.
It’s one of the best robots on the market for scrubbing the waterline. The waterline is one of the visible parts of a customer’s pool. Therefore, it’s imperative that it be kept as immaculate as can be.
This is also a fantastic machine to rent out because it’s a top-of-the-line premium robot with cutting-edge technology.
I believe the Supreme will last longer than most other cleaners if you’re using it commercially since this is a well-constructed, well-engineered model. As far as how often you should use it, so it doesn’t get damaged too quickly, I don’t think as a business owner you should be worrying about that.
After all, the more you use it, the more money you’ll make. So, the Supreme becomes an investment that’ll pay for itself.
Good luck with your new venture!
a tried many brands , many prices honestly without the expected results .. 2 month ago i decided to take the risk and try again ..for me i consider thes wimming pool as a part of me .. it must be always clean haha even in winter i tried this product and honestly he’s doing good till know .. i can control it by my mobile phone .. i cant say more .. it works for me at least better than other brands .. https://cleanup.expert/dolphin-nautilus-cc-supreme/ i hope i can help
My neighbor and I are thinking of buying a Dolphin robot and sharing the use and cost of a Dolphin S200. Our pools are not though of similar size and have different filtering systems.
Thanks for your help.
I have a mosaic tile pool using the salt water system and tiles from the bottom of the floor are popping up after many years of use. Before we retire, I want to make sure I buy the right robot or should I be using a robot at all? It needs to be a robot that can be purchased in Italy. We have an old robot now and I am concerned it might be harming the tiles because they are often scooped up in the bag.
Coco, no robotic pool cleaner that I know of will damage your pool. I would look to other causes for your tile problem. For example, I would carefully inspect the substrate for cracks, which would cause your tiles to crack and fall off.
If your inspection fails to reveal the source of the problem, have a qualified technician check the robot on the off chance there’s a defect or a malfunction in it that’s causing the tile damage. If this fails to turn up any problems and you want to give a new machine a try, check out the Dolphin Sigma. This is one of the best robots for cleaning tiles, and it can be ordered in Italy through Amazon.
Dual brushes scrub your tiles on the floor and sides. There’s also a third center scrubbing brush that vigorously moves back and forth. All this brushing action will get your tiles sparkling clean, so they look brand new. But don’t worry–the Dolphin Sigma won’t cause properly affixed tiles to fall off.
I have lots of leaves And debris what is best pool cleaner
Georges, if your pool is plagued by a constant stream of leaves and other junk that falls from God-knows-where, you’ll want a bigger, more powerful robotic pool cleaner than normal. This would be one with a large-capacity filtration sytem that also has excellent suction. I would recommend the Dolphin Premier because it has these capabilities. Its suction rate is an impressive 4,500 gallons per minute, sufficient to remove all that nasty stuff just lying at the bottom of your pool.
The Premier also comes with an oversized leaf bag roomy enough to pick up large amounts of twigs, sticks, nuts, seeds, and other by-products of the natural world. Debris like this can wreak havoc on your pool pump and filtration system. The Premier is also terrific for sucking up leaves when you’re opening the pool for summer, or after devastating storms that deposit tons of dead foliage in your pool water.
Is there a robot pool cleaner that can stay in the pool all the time and I can swim in the pool while it is there?
Hi Mark! Thank you for your question and for reaching out. Ideally you should remove your robotic pool cleaner between cycles to clean its basket and before people swim in the pool. While we do not advise leaving any robotic pool cleaner in the pool all the time as corrosive chemicals used in pool maintenance may accelerate wear and discoloration, all of these devices are built for long-term submersion and can be left in the pool indefinitely. Additionally, while we do not advise swimming in a pool while a robotic pool cleaner is in operation given the risk of hitting the cord or robot and the generally expensive cost of these devices, there are people that readily and frequently swim when their robots are cleaning.
Would the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus work in a 30′ above ground pool? I currently have a Dolphin E10 and the power cable twists up so badly that I am shopping for a new cleaner. You mentioned that there are some robotic cleaners for in ground and above ground pools but, I can’t find any. What would you recommend.
Thank you for sharing your experience and tips. I have a infinte pool, so what robot pool cleaner would you recommend me?
That’s a great question, Ernani. Any higher-end robotic pool cleaning robot should get the job done well. For instance, the Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner is an excellent choice since its various attachments provide a ton of versatility, and it’s one of the best at wall climbing. That said, it’s best to consider what your specific wants and needs are and look for the high-end robot that most closely aligns with them.
Your post was very useful for me and it was a pleasure reading your post. Thank you for sharing!
Maytronics M600 recently came out. Would this be the “gold standard” of robotic pool cleaners now, or would Dolphin Premier or Polaris F9550 (or even Aquabot) still be in the running?
Hi, thanks for your question. We haven’t had the pleasure of reviewing the M600 yet, but it certainly looks promising! As far as being the gold standard, that might not be the case just yet. As we’ve seen with many of the newest robotic Wi-Fi connected devices, right after they are put on the market, bugs in the app and software will often pop up, causing more frustration than convenience.
Within a few months, however, those bugs will probably be fixed. Also, right now the price is quite a lot more than the Dolphin Premier and will likely go down after a few months. So as of now, you’d probably have a better experience for less cost with the older models.
Is the size of the pool important when choosing a robot pool cleaner? We have a 50-foot long in-ground pool.
Yes, size is very important actually (at least when it comes to robotic pool cleaners). The cleaner is limited by the reach of its power cord. Plus you have to keep the power supply 12 feet from the pool’s edge. Then you also have to consider the pool’s depth so it will reach the bottom of the deep end.
For a 50-foot pool, your best bets are the Dolphin Premier, Nautilus CC Plus, or Quantum, which all work for pools up to 50 feet. There’s also the Polaris F9550 Sport, which will work for pools up to 60 feet.
I have a Vanishing Edge pool. Are the robotic pool cleaners that climb on walls suitable or the robot will fall at the gap?
Hi, thanks for your question. A vanishing edge (also called infinity, negative, or zero edge) pool can be tricky when it comes to cleaning since you have to worry about both the main pool and the catch pool. However, most robotic cleaners should be fine in a vanishing edge pool. As soon as they reach the waterline and determine they’re coming up out of the water, they’ll stop and go back down.
It most likely won’t be able to clean your catch pool since catch pools are usually so narrow. You’ll have to manually clean that part.
Customers who have used the Dolphin Premier, Dolphin Nautilus, and Polaris F9550 Sport have all commented that they work well in infinity edge pools. Just to be safe, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to call the manufacturer of whichever pool robot you are considering.
My wife keeps saying we should get a robot pool cleaner. I’m really on the fence after using suction cleaners for the last several years. Are robotic pool cleaners really worth the money? Do they actually work as well as the suction cleaners?
Ten years ago, that would have been iffy. Like robot vacuums (ex: Roomba), robotic pool cleaners have come a long way in technology in the last decade. They’ve also become much more affordable.
In many cases, you still get what you pay for with a pool robot, so if you’re concerned about performance, opting for a premium model with an extended warranty would be your best bet. It’ll last longer and have the tech to clean more efficiently than the simpler, cheaper robots.
The Dolphin Nautilus Plus CC offers a lot of functionality for the price, so that might be a good one to start with.
I just got a Dolphin Premier robotic pool cleaner. How long should I expect it to last?
One of the downsides to robotic pool cleaners is once they’re done, they’re done. While there are a few parts that can be replaced such as brushes and filters, the electronics within can’t be replaced easily. So, you can expect between 3 – 5 years with most models.
The Dolphin Premier and other higher-end models can often last up to 8 years so long as you practice good maintenance and maintain your pool’s chemistry to lessen the chances of corrosion to the internal parts. Always opt for an extended warranty when you can, which will likely save you money if your pool robot dies young.
Hi, my neighbor leaves his robotic pool cleaner in the pool all the time, I think he said even over the winter. We do have mild winters, but his cleaner is still running after a couple years. The guy down at the pool store says that’s not a good thing to do, that we should take it out after every cycle. So, who’s right? Can I leave my robotic pool cleaner in the pool?
Thanks for your question. As far as leaving a robotic cleaner in the pool, your pool guy is right. You really should take it out and store it out of the elements after cleaning cycles and definitely over the winter, even a mild winter. Pretty much every owner’s manual will say the same thing.
While you may luck out like your neighbor and not have any issues, what you’re risking is damage to the rubber seals and plastics, hardware corrosion, etc. This is even more likely if your pool chemistry is off, which can easily happen over the winter.
Think about it this way. If you keep your car in a garage, it’s less prone to damage from rust, salt, hail, and so forth. If you leave it on for a cycle and go to work and take it out when you get home, this would probably be fine. Just take it out when you home, drain out the water, clean off the filters and brushes and store it in a dry, covered place out of the elements.
One of the best pool cleaner buyer’s guide for newbies. Thanks a lot for sharing!