This guide covers TOP-5 best robotic pool cleaners, their types and the mode of operation. You will learn about how their electric motors work and the way their filters dissect the water. Find out what kind of technologies are employed in these devices, making their sensors and other features more effective. In this guide, you will also learn about the main types of these machines that can be distinguished in accordance with the way they move and clean surfaces. You may also take a look at a comparative chart and a FAQ section to get a fuller understanding of how these devices operate.

Cleaning a pool can often be a strenuous and complicated task. This is why I believe it's often necessary to invest in a pool robot, as those devices are often the best for getting your pool clean in a flash.

I didn't always think this way, though. When my arthritis began to get worse at the beginning of last year, I knew I would have to make a change. You don't have to have arthritis to take stress off of your joints, though — this is why a friend recommended that I should try such a device to make my everyday life easier. Ever since then, I've become invested in the products, wanting to share my knowledge with you.

What You Will Learn From This Guide

How Does a Robotic Pool Cleaner Work?

These devices were designed to take the stress off of cleaning your pool, allowing you to bypass the typical pressure-side cleaners and suction cleaners. Despite these types of pool cleaners still being incredible technological advancements, they still require manual labor to push them in the same way you would a vacuum. Because of this manual aspect, they are commonly referred to as pool vacuum robots, with consumers having to put in physical effort to properly use them for cleaning.

Electric motors

These machines are different in the sense that they have electric motors that are able to plug into electrical outlets at home, giving them the energy they need to run consistently and efficiently. By having enough power, the device will create not only a suction effect similar to previous pool vacuum robots, but also a propelling motion that allows the machine to move on its own.

Dissecting water

Each model also has a filter on the inside that is able to dissect the water absorbed by it, removing any dirt and subsequently putting the clean water back into the pool. In addition to a filter, brushes included on the bottom of the unit will help to scrub the surface of your pool so debris and other types of dirt that are stuck to the pool itself will be released and able to be filtered out of the water.

Computer control

The largest difference between regular pool vacuums and robotic pool cleaners, though, are the computers that control the latter. For instance, the former come with sensors that are able to scan the pool to determine the most efficient way to clean it.

These are admittedly examples of more sophisticated models, but even more basic options will have tracks or wheels to guide itself through the pool, making them different than other types of products that won't have as many notable features to make the job quicker and easier.

By sensing the best way to clean a pool, a device can then set forth on its path, taking control of the situation and effectively filtering out any dirt left in the water or on the pool itself.

What Are the Types of Pool Robots and Their Differences?

There are two main categories to differentiate between different models: how they travel and how they process their surroundings.

How they travel

For example, a machine can often travel by having a track. This track will be able to guide them around in the same way a tank does, allowing the vehicle to move forward and backward easily. However, not all models operate in this way. In contrast to having tracks, some might have wheels, giving them more flexibility and speed.

When compared with tracks, though, the models with wheels are significantly less effective at climbing walls, making them not ideal for those who have deep pools for which a lot of the cleaning needs to be directed towards the walls.

How they process their surroundings

The other feature of various robotic pool cleaners that often differentiates them is the way in which they process their surroundings. For instance, many models will have sensors that allow them to predetermine which route is the quickest and most efficient way to clean a pool.

This is often determined by the amount of dirt that manifests at any given moment, making it more likely to do a more thorough cleaning job. However, it's worth noting that different brands and models will have varying sensor qualities.

What to Look for When Buying a Product

When looking for a robotic pool cleaner, I recommend that you look for products that have many of the differentiating elements I highlighted in the previous section. Good examples of factors to look out for are whether or not a product has wheels or tracks, how high-quality the sensors are, and if it can easily be connected to an electrical outlet or not.

Price will also play a role in which robotic pool cleaner you get, with many of the higher-end models running pretty expensive when compared to other options. However, this doesn't mean that you have to spend an arm and a leg to find a product that is right for you—in the following section, I'm going to be taking a look at 5 of the market's top models so you can get an idea on what your options are.

TOP-5 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners

Read a review of TOP-5 best products within the price range from $600 to $1000. Some models clean only the floor and walls of the pool while others are capable to remove dirt and debris from the cove and waterline as well. The cleaning cycle also varies from model to model, with the fastest ones being able to do the whole job within 2 hours. If you look for an energy efficient option, the solar-powered option will be the best bet for you, though this device is the least productive. Apart from that, there are models operating upon advanced steer and sensor technologies.

Intuitive Robotic Pool Cleaner | Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

If you're looking for a model that will truly provide you with an intuitive experience, this Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus model is just the product for you. This is mainly because of its easy setup, only requiring you to plug it in and begin using right away! It also has a pretty thorough deep clean setting that only takes 2 hours, allowing you to get the most out of it so you don't have to clean your pool as often.

It's also very easy to clean, allowing you to immediately use it shortly after you're done with little maintenance required. However, despite how thorough the product is, there's a small chance you'll even need to use it multiple times within close intervals!

There's also a 2-year assurance guarantee to make sure that you're satisfied with your product. Dolphin is a company that truly excels in this regard, as their customer service support is incredibly reliable and is almost always there to answer any questions or concerns you might have about your product.

The only downside to this product, though, is the price. As the second most expensive item on this list, it's definitely an investment. If you're looking for a high-quality device and aren't afraid to pay for it, though, you'll be glad you did.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus: Check the current price

Affordable Pool Cleaning Robot | Dolphin Nautilus CC

On the other end of the price spectrum is the other Dolphin Nautilus CC model to show you that you don't need to spend a great deal of money to still find a reliable product. In fact, this is the reason why I love this product so much — not only do you have many of the positive benefits that come with the previously mentioned Dolphin Nautilus model, but you also get it at a fraction of the price.

This product has similar Clever Clean Technology to the aforementioned one, allowing you to have your pool scanned so the machine can clean it in an incredibly effective manner. I especially am interested in the tracks combined with the machine's active brush, scrubbing the floor more thoroughly than some higher-end models.

It should be noted, though, that the main downside to this problem lies in the cleaning speed, as it's often not as quick or thorough as the other Dolphin Nautilus on this list. However, just like the other Dolphin model, you get access to the wonderful Dolphin customer support service that is truly worth the price.

Dolphin Nautilus CC: Check the current price

Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner | Zodiac Polaris F9350

For those who are in the market for a product that is truly a high-end device, I wholeheartedly recommend the Polaris F9350. The 2-wheel drive robotic cleaner allows you to get into some really difficult spots in your pool with ease, with two brushes allowing you to thoroughly scrape the bottom of your pool for the most detailed clean.

I also think the powder coated alloy caddy it comes with is great for storing the device, making it also quite portable. However, it is a quite expensive product, making it only necessary if you need the 2-wheel drive. I also prefer the track motion to wheels in general, but that is up to personal preference.

Zodiac Polaris F9350: Check the current price

Energy Efficient Robotic Pool Cleaner | Solar-Breeze NX2 

This is a quite unique product in the sense that it is not only a square robotic pool cleaner, but also an incredibly energy efficient one. The downside that you'll notice almost immediately with this product is that it isn't that effective, taking at least 3-4 hours to clean your pool depending on how dirty it is.

It should be noted, though, that it also sanitizes your pool while filtering out dirt, making it a unique product. The biggest advantage to this product, though, is undoubtedly the ecologically friendly solar powered compatibility that lets you take advantage of natural energy to clean your pool in a way that helps you keep your energy consumption to a minimum.

Solar-Breeze NX2: Check the current price

Robotic Pool Cleaner with Smart Steering Technology | Hayward SharkVac XL

Similar to the first Dolphin Nautilus product on my list, this model is a great product for those who want something with an incredibly durable design that also cleans your pool quickly.

When compared to the aforementioned Dolphin, it is slightly cheaper, but has wheels, something that makes it significantly lower in my rankings. This is because the wheels included are not as efficient, making it difficult for the machine to get tough-to-reach spots alongside pool walls. However, if you have a pool that isn't too deep, this is certainly a great option for you.

Hayward SharkVac XL: Check the current price

Comparison Chart of Robotic Pool Cleaner Effectiveness

Product Features

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

Anti-tangle swivel cable technology
Dual scrubbing brushes
Filter type: fine & ultra fine
Cleaning cycle: 2 hours
Coverage: floor, walls
Weight: 19 pounds

Effectiveness: 10

Dolphin Nautilus CC

Clever clean technology
Removes both large and hidden debris
Filter type: fine
Cleaning cycle: 2 hours
Cleaning coverage: floor, walls
Weight: 14 pounds

Effectiveness: 9

Zodiac Polaris F9350

ActivMotion sensor technology
Removes large and hidden debris
Filter type: fine
Cleaning cycle: 2 hours
Cleaning coverage: floor, walls
Weight: 21 pounds

Effectiveness: 10

Solar-Breeze NX2

Solar-powered
On-board chlorine tray
Cleaning coverage: water surface
Filter type: fine
Cleaning cycle: 4 hours
Doesn’t require cords or hoses
Weight: 15.5 pounds

Effectiveness: 7

Hayward SharkVac XL

Smart steering technology
Cleaning coverage: floor, walls, coves, waterline
Out-of-water and beach-entry sensors
Filter type: fine
Cleaning cycle: 2 hours
Doesn’t require hoses
Weight: 21.5 pounds

Effectiveness: 10

FAQs

What is the best robotic pool cleaner?
Out of all the options I reviewed, I think that the first Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus model is the best product currently available. I say this not only because it's incredibly efficient, but it's also very quick and intuitive to use. From its incredible plug-and-start setup to its easy cleaning procedure, I can't really see a reason as to why you wouldn't want to use this product.

Two hours to clean your pool? That's especially incredible when you consider how slow some of the products on the market can be. On top of that, the high-quality customer service consistently provided by Dolphin also ensures that you'll be able to get any help that you need, making it even easier to put your faith in the product itself.

The only way I could see someone turning away this product is the price, at which point I would recommend you check out the other Dolphin product on my list.

How long do these devices last?
These devices are typically expected to work well for at least 3 to 5 years, with some models even going as long as 8 years if handled carefully. This is because they are often durable devices and not put through strenuous usage, only being used once in a while to clean one's pool.

It should be noted, though, that the warranties that typically come with the products often last for only up to 2 years. However, since they are pretty durable devices, I wouldn't worry about yours lasting up until at least 5 years from first use.

I also have many friends who have used robotic pool cleaners for much longer than they had originally expected, a testament to their overall longevity.

Are robotic pool cleaners worth it?
If you have the money, I absolutely think it's worth it. For somebody like me who is dealing with arthritis, having this device is especially worth it and saves me a significant amount of time in my daily routine.

Even if you don't have a condition that makes it necessary to seek out ways to reduce your overall workload, I still recommend looking into getting any of the above-mentioned models. After all, the time you typically spend cleaning your pool could be much better spent, making a robotic pool cleaner an ideal machine to have! It's important to note, though, that you should be careful when using that kind of device, as they technically are running electricity into a body of water.

This is why you should never have anybody near the pool while you're cleaning it. You should also pay careful attention to the safety instructions included with your machine, as each product has different precautions.

How to fix the device?
If you have an item that has a warranty, it's important to contact the company first before doing anything yourself. There are ways in which you can troubleshoot your robotic pool cleaner, but once you pass the point of troubleshooting you might be doing more harm than good if you're not careful enough. So, if you can call the company, do so.

If the troubleshooting still isn't working and there's no option to call the company, I recommend you take it to a local electronics store to have a professional handle it. Unless you're deeply familiar with repairing machinery, you don't want to be messing with the device. They're also expensive enough that you don't want to lose that money with a broken product!

How often should you run a robotic pool cleaner?
How much you run the device depends on how often your pool is being used. For those who have a very active pool during the hotter summer months, using this machine on a daily basis can be a great way to ensure that your pool stays clean. Otherwise, if your pool is only being used every once in a while, running it once every week or two weeks is often enough to keep it in check.

Pros & Cons of Using These Products

Pros

  • Effectively clean your pool
  • Often easy-to-use devices
  • Long-lasting and durable

Cons

  • Can be quite expensive when compared to other products

Conclusion

Getting that kind of device has been a great way for me to not only remove pressure from myself in cleaning my pool, but also have a cleaner pool than ever. This is why I recommend getting one, as you likely won't be able to picture your life without one within a few weeks of using it.
It's worth noting, though, that they might be a bit pricey when compared to other cleaning devices. However, hopefully me including a variety of products with different price points has shown you that you don't need to dig deep into your wallet to find a robotic pool cleaner. In fact, you might even find a great deal!

Add comment