© Image by Ludwig Willimann from Pixabay
Having a robotic pool vacuum can be a major help by saving hours of laborious cleaning. Swimming pools build up algae and debris that require regular cleaning to keep crystal clear. However, who has the time or energy to sit there painstakingly going over the floor and walls? Worst of all, you do all of this work, and the next morning, it looks the same as when you started.
Then the process starts all over again by pulling out the hose and hooking up the vacuum. A robotic vacuum takes away all of that trouble and literally runs itself. Best of all, these vacuums even work when you are away. That way, you will always come home to a clean pool; just pull the vacuum out of the water and start swimming.
After carefully reviewing some of the best robotic pool vacuums on the market, these are our top picks:
- Best Overall: Polaris P825
- Best Budget Option: Dolphin Nautilus CC
- Best for Above-Ground Pools: Dolphin Escape
- Best for Performance: Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme
- Best Battery-Powered: AIPER Elite Pro
Best Overall Robotic Pool Vacuum: Polaris P825
The Polaris P825 is our pick for the best robotic pool vacuum. It has won countless awards and is one of the most feature-packed pool vacuums on the market. The 965iQ is designed to work with all types of in-ground pools. It has a 70 foot long cord that goes between the robot and its power supply, so you can use it in even the biggest pools.
One of the features we really like on the Polaris 965iQ is that it connects to Wi-Fi and even works with Amazon Alexa. That makes it really easy to schedule cleaning. Another great thing is that it has four large wheels, which are all powered. This works better than other vacuums that just have a track running between smaller wheels. Overall the Polaris 965iQ is a great choice and super easy to operate.
Check out Polaris P825 on Amazon.
- AUTO POOL CLEANER: The Polaris P825 Robotic Cleaner deftly navigates all pool surfaces, climbs walls, and scrubs to the tile line for thorough cleaning.
- IN GROUND POOLS: Compatible with in ground swimming pools up to 40 ft.
- PREMIUM CLEANING PERFORMANCE: Patented Cyclonic Vacuum Technology captures debris without losing suction and the Transparent Lid makes it easy to know when the canister is full. Never touch debris...
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: Comes equipped with a 50ft cable, and a 4L debris canister and a premium caddy for transport and storage.
- POLARIS: For more than 40 years, Polaris has been known worldwide for its quality and best-in-class automatic pool cleaners.
Best Budget Option: Dolphin Nautilus CC
Dolphin is one of the most well-known robotic pool vacuum manufacturers. They’ve been around for a very long time and, during that time, have perfected pool vacuums. The Dolphin Nautilus CC is our favorite option for buyers on a budget, but it is really a great choice all around.
The Nautilus CC lacks premium features found on other units, but it does utilize the filter basket which makes cleaning a breeze. Its range is also on the lower end with a 50-foot cord. While it does use the older style track system, the front does have larger wheels which make climbing walls much easier and less prone to getting stuck.
Check out Dolphin Nautilus CC on Amazon.
- Sit back and relax while the Dolphin Nautilus CC robotic vacuum cleans the pool for you. Ideal for small swimming pools, above or in-ground up to 33 feet. This easy to use, compact cleaner will have...
- Efficiency is key when it comes to pool cleaning. Unlike suction and pressure cleaners, Dolphins are 8 times more energy efficient and do not rely on your pool pump or filter to get the job done....
- Dolphin does all the hard work for you. Agile and efficient, the Nautilus CC was designed to clean your pool, effortlessly. With superior scrubbing and filtering capabilities, you can relax knowing...
- Clean your pool with the touch of a button. Schedule the Nautilus CC to automatically clean your swimming pool each week using 3 settings- every day, every other day, or every 3rd day
- With more than 35 years of cleaning the world’s residential swimming pools, Dolphins provide pool owners with a hassle-free cleaning solution of unmatched performance and longevity. Get back to what...
Best For Above-Ground Pools: Dolphin Escape
Robotic pool vacuums have typically been targeted toward in-ground pool owners, but there is a great option for above-ground pools as well. However, above-ground pools have a few considerations that need to be considered. For instance, the cord needs to reach up and over the sides of the pool. Fortunately, the Dolphin Escape comes with a 40-foot cord that makes it easy to reach your pool floor.
Another factor is that above-ground pools tend to be smaller than in-ground ones, so a smaller robot is ideal. The Dolphin Escape uses tracks, along with oversized wheels in the front. However, one of the nicest features is that it only weighs 14 lbs. so you can pick it up and put it in without too much trouble.
Check out Dolphin Escape on Amazon.
- Delivers unmatched performance in an above-ground cleaner at an unthinkable cost.
- No messy bags! Large and in charge oversized debris cartridge holds up to 60% more debris.
- Hypergrip Continuous Tracks - leaves wheels cleaners in its wake!
- SmartNav 2.0 Robotic Scanning. Only 14 lbs. Energy Efficient 24 Volt DC motors. Two year warranty.
Best For Performance: Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme
The ultimate robotic pool vacuum is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme It shares many similarities to the Polaris 965iQ but adds some additional features you are sure to appreciate. Firstly, the Nautilus CC Supreme does have W-Fi, so you can control it remotely. The cord is also very long at 60 feet, meaning it will work in a 50-foot long pool.
One great option is different cleaning modes, including a quick clean, which can do an entire pool in under 2 hours. The Nautilus CC Supreme also has a built-in handle, so you can easily pick it up and pull it out of the pool. While the vacuum does use a track system, it has the ability to scrub the water line, which is really nice if you get dirt and pollen buildup.
Check out Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme on Amazon.
- Triple threat cleaning action. Equipped with powerful motors, three scrubbing brushes, and superior filtering capabilities, the easy to use Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme robotic vacuum cleaner pushes...
- Interactive pool cleaning. This premium cleaner is WiFi connected so you can set advanced cleaning schedules, choose between cleaning cycles, delay start, and spot clean using the MyDolphin Plus App...
- From an impromptu pool party to the calm after a storm, the Nautilus CC Supreme has you covered. Choose between the quick clean, focusing on the floor only, the standard cleaning for floor, walls, and...
- Plug and play for an uncompromised clean. Since this cleaner works independently from your pool’s system, you don’t have to worry about external factors such as low pressure or a damaged pump...
- With more than 35 years of cleaning the world’s residential swimming pools, Dolphins provide pool owners with a hassle-free cleaning solution of unmatched performance and longevity. Get back to what...
![Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi Operated Robotic Pool [Vacuum] Cleaner - Ideal for In Ground Swimming Pools up to 50 Feet - Easy to Clean Top Load Filter Cartridges](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/41jYZrEjlfL._SL500_.webp)
Best Battery-Powered: AIPER Elite Pro
Battery-powered pool vacuums aren’t as common as you may think. In fact, they are relatively new, and the AIPER Elite Pro is the best one on the market. Cordless pool vacuums are difficult to manufacture because the battery compartment must be watertight. Additionally, pool robots can’t be too heavy since they need to climb the pool’s walls.
The AIPER Elite Pro manages to tackle all of these challenges by packing in a battery that is just large enough to clean your pool while still being light enough to keep the entire unit around ten pounds. Since this is a cordless unit, it does come with a retrieval hook that goes on the end of your cleaning pole to easily grab the vacuum out of the water.
Check out AIPER Elite Pro on Amazon.
- Unmatched cleaning ability for a crystal clear pool
- Clean all types of pools, including walls and floor
- Ultra-portable and easy to use
- Enhanced battery life (charge within 2 hours)
- Capable of cleaning pools up to 1300 sq. ft.
How To Pick The Best Robotic Pool Vacuum: Step by Step
When picking a robotic pool vacuum, there are four main things to consider:
- Reach
- Technology
- Price
- Use
Now, let’s take a closer look.
Reach
Robotic pool vacuums require electricity to function. Most units come with a power box that connects to the robot with a special cord. This cord is your limiting factor since the robot must be able to reach the other end of the pool. Be sure to not only measure the distance from one end of the pool to the other, but also take depth into consideration. If you don’t have electricity close by or your pool is too large, you can always get a cordless unit, but these have limitations as well.
Technology
The next thing to consider is technology. Pool vacuums are very different from robotic home vacuums because they freely clean for a set period of time. This is very similar to an older Roomba that would just bounce off walls. While there isn’t too much technology involved, some do have Wi-Fi connectivity or at least a timer that you can set so the vacuum turns off. Vacuums also have different wheel configurations, and some may be better suited for your pool type than others.
Price
Pool vacuums vary a lot in price. Some cleaners are only a couple of hundred dollars, while others are a couple of thousand. You don’t have to get the most expensive unit, but you do want one that will last. The main takeaway here is to make sure that you purchase from a reputable manufacturer, even if you have to spend a little more.
Use
Lastly, make sure the vacuum is suitable for your pool type and usage. Some robots are designed to run all day, while others only run for a few hours. Also, there is a difference between vacuums for in-ground and above-ground pools. Similarly, some vacuums may not be compatible with all pool types, such as gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl.
What To Know Before Buying a Robotic Pool Vacuum
Before you run out and buy a robotic pool vacuum, there is one thing you need to know: they can be a big help, but they are not the sole answer to proper pool maintenance. Robotic vacuums do a great job of keeping the walls and bottom clean, but problems like constant algae on the bottom will not be resolved. Similarly, most robotic vacuums are not designed to pick up large leaves. So you will need to use a leaf bagger or net to remove large debris before running the vacuum.
Using a Robotic Pool Vacuum: What it’s Like
Using a robotic pool vacuum is super easy. You take it out and plug the power unit into the wall. Then, place the robot in the water and turn it on. Newer vacuums that support Wi-Fi are even easier since you can leave them in the pool and wirelessly turn it on. Once the robot is done cleaning, it is very important that you clean it out. There are internal filters that catch all of the dirt and debris that need regular cleaning and replacing.
