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Jun 17, 2023

Best Robotic Pool Cleaners 2023

Let’s be honest: Cleaning your pool certainly isn’t going to be the highlight of

Let's be honest: Cleaning your pool certainly isn't going to be the highlight of your summer. Still, having one of the best robotic pool cleaners in your arsenal can make the scouring process a whole lot easier. Just like our favorite robot mops and vacuums, these autonomous machines suck up dirt and debris as they move across the floor of your pool, leaving behind a virtually spotless surface. And believe it or not, not only can regularly running a robotic cleaner provide you with a better swimming experience, but the maintenance can actually extend the life of your pool. For its efficiency, ease of use and programmable timer, we believe the compact Dolphin Explorer E20 is the best option for most pool owners in 2023.

For its app connectivity and four-wheel drive design, the WiFi-ready Polaris 9650iQ Sport Robotic ... [+] Cleaner is our top upgrade pick.

"Robotic cleaners are great for anyone with a large pool or not a lot of time on their hands," says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. "They clean continuously throughout the day, making pool maintenance simple and effective." JustAnswer pool and spa expert Randy Huckstadt echoes Micetich's sentiments, noting robotic cleaners and easy to use and efficient—and they save on chemical costs. When considering different models, you want to keep a few factors in mind: the size and type of your pool, which additional features would make your life easier and, of course, your budget. Ahead, to take some of the guesswork out of the shopping process, we’ve rounded up a curated list of the most premium models.

Amazon

Pool length: Up to 33 feet | Cable length: 50 feet | Cleaning time: 2 hours | Weight: 13.8 pounds

Highly rated for its efficiency, programmability and ease of use, the Dolphin Explorer E20 has all the features that make this robotic cleaner a top option for most pool owners. This vacuum couldn't be simpler to set up and start—all you just have to do is plug it in, drop it in your pool and let it get to work. (No extra hoses or booster pumps are necessary needed.) As the cleaner moves back and forth across your pool's floor and walls, it sucks up all kinds of debris in its tracks. The best part? The Dolphin Explorer E20 can get most jobs done in two hours or less; once it's finished, the top-load filter can easily be removed, cleaned and popped back in. And if you want the pool cleaner to run on regular intervals, the E20 also gives you the option to schedule cleanings in advance.

Amazon

Pool length: Up to 40 feet | Cable length: N/A | Cleaning time: 1.5 hours | Weight: 11 pounds

The Aiper Seagull SE is proof you don't have to spend a bundle to score a quality pool cleaner. This robot is entirely cordless—it's powered by a battery that you charge before each cleaning—and can run for 90 minutes before needing a recharge. (Once it's nearly out of juice, it will stop near the edge of your pool and wait to be retrieved with the included hook.) The cleaner has dual-drive motors—along with two independent brushes—to suck up most dirt and debris lurking in your pool. The filter is also easy to clean: Just pop it out and wash it down with a hose before putting it back in place.

The Home Depot

Pool length: Up to 60 feet | Cable length: 70 feet | Cleaning time: 2 hours | Weight: 21 pounds

Simply put, the Polaris 9650iQ Sport is cool. This smart pool cleaner's most notable feature: It can sync up to Alexa or the Polaris app , through which you can control the action from just about anywhere. Thanks to its four-wheel drive design, dual-blade brush and Vortex technology, this powerful cleaner can tackle all sorts of messes in pools up to 60 feet in length. Further, you don't have to worry about its 70-foot-long cable getting tangled, owing to the machine's low-torque watertight swivel. It even has a special rear stream to blast dirt and other debris off of stairs. Choose between four cleaning modes: quick clean, deep clean, waterline only and custom. And when it's time to empty the cleaner's canister, the machine lets you know via an integrated indicator.

Amazon

Pool length: Up to 15 feet | Cable length: 21 feet | Cleaning time: Not specified | Weight: 15 pounds

Designed for above-ground pools, the Intex ZX300 is the most inexpensive cleaner on our list Don't be fooled by its low price tag, though: This robot gets the job done, and done well. Designed to attach to your pool's pump, this vacuum uses strong pressure to suck up debris that's accumulated in your pool. Using all-wheel drive, the Intex ZX300 cruises along the floor and up walls to provide an all-over clean while rotating dual dirt scrubbers lift stubborn dirt. The vacuum's half-gallon debris container securely traps gunk until you’re ready to empty it out.

Amazon

Pool length: Up to 40 feet | Cable length: 50 feet | Cleaning time: 1.5 hours | Weight: 41 pounds

From the maker of our favorite upgrade model, the Polaris 8050 Sport is one powerful, agile robotic cleaner. Designed with patented cyclonic vacuum technology, this hefty machine sucks up gunk and doesn't let go. Because it boasts a large 4-liter waste canister that can hold larger debris like leaves, this cleaner is especially ideal for people with pools near trees. As the machine goes about its work, a transparent lid enables you to see what's inside and makes it easy to know when it's time to empty the canister. And when it comes to that time, take advantage of the cleaner's specialized push ‘n go filter that allows you to dump out debris and spray it clean—all without needing to touch what's inside.

Amazon

Pool length: Up to 40 feet | Cable length: N/A | Cleaning time: 75 minutes | Weight: 11 pounds

The Hydrus Roker Plus is an affordable robotic pool cleaner that couldn't be easier to operate. It's free of cords and battery-operated, so running it is as simple as ensuring it's fully charged and tossing it in your pool. The robot's brushless dual motor sucks up leaves up to 4 inches long, along with sand, pebbles and any other small- to medium-sized debris that lands in your pool. The vacuum's stainless filter screen resists corrosion and is easy to clean once the job is done. Another nice perk: The robot will reverse within five seconds of touching a wall to ensure it doesn't miss a spot. Just keep in mind that the vacuum's 75-minute run time makes it ideal for above-ground pools or smaller in-ground options. Once the Roker Plus is at less than 10% power, it will stop at the side of the wall and wait to be fished out.

Amazon

Pool length: Up to 50 feet | Cable length: 60 feet | Cleaning time: 2 hours | Weight: 19 pounds

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus can tackle pools up to 50 feet long, making it a top option for those with larger pools. Thanks to its CleverClean smart navigation system, this vacuum doesn't miss a spot when it scours your pool floor and walls, ensuring no surface remains uncleaned. Meanwhile, dual brush capabilities sweep dirt and debris up and in as the top-load filter traps the gunk until you’re ready to empty the canister. The best part? The whole cleaning process—including set-up, which entails plugging in the robot and dropping it into the pool—should be done in two hours or less.

Amazon

Pool length: Up to 50 feet | Cable length: 60 feet | Cleaning time: 1 hour | Weight: 16.5 pounds

If you’re in the market for a super smart robotic cleaner, look no further than the Dolphin Triton PS. The vacuum connects to an app on your phone, so you can schedule cleanings—including spot cleanings—while hanging in a lounger.

Once in action, this vacuum knows what to do. For example, it's designed to scale walls with ease and evens clean the waterline as it moves around the pool. Meanwhile, the Triton PS’ filter trap is super secure, meaning you don't have to worry about gunk escaping. You also don't have to worry about the vacuum getting full or overloaded as it works, as it boasts an extra-large filtration basket. On a regular cycle, this robot can clean a 50-foot-long pool in two hours or less, or you can opt for a quicker one-hour cycle.

There are several features to consider when shopping for a robotic pool cleaner. Take a moment to think about each of the following before you set out on your shopping expedition.

In general, most robotic pool cleaners can tackle more than one type of pool. That said, some might do a better job with above-ground pools than in-ground pools—and vice versa—so you’ll want to think about that factor to start. In general, you’ll need a more powerful robotic vacuum with a larger capacity for an in-ground pool than you will if you have an above-ground pool. Next, most robotic pool cleaners are designed to be tough on dirt but easy on pool surfaces; still, it's important to double-check the manufacturer's instructions to be sure you’re not investing in something that may wear down your lining or tile over time. Furthermore, if your pool has stairs or tight corners, it's also a good idea to look for a cleaner that can remove debris from those areas.

The size of your pool is an important factor in determining whether a particular pool cleaner is right for you. Many robotic pool cleaners will clearly state what size of pool they can handle, but you can also look to a few different factors to make your own determinations: The length of the cable will have some bearing on the cleaner's ability (cleaners that are connected to a power source can only go as far as the cable will allow them). And if a vacuum you’re considering is cordless, it's still limited by a run time. This can range from a little over an hour to up to two hours, depending on the robot's battery. It's important to pay close attention to this number: If your pool is too large for a particular vacuum, you’ll have to recharge it and pop it back in to finish the job, creating more hassle for you.

Robotic pool cleaners have a filter canister that contains all the dirt and debris the vacuum pulls in. A larger canister can hold more items and will likely need to be emptied less often than a smaller option. If your pool tends to be a haven for leaves, you’ll want to make sure you get a pool cleaner with an oversized filter canister. Otherwise, those leaves could end up compromising the suction power of your device or even require that you empty the canister mid-cycle. If leaves aren't an issue for your pool, and you generally need a vacuum to suck up dirt, sand and small pebbles, it's OK to opt for a device with a smaller filter canister.

Your pool cleaner needs to have at least a little heft to it to enable it to sink to the bottom of your pool and hug the walls. But you want to make sure you don't get a robot that's too heavy. Consider the actual weight of the robot, along with how much more than that you can lift, before investing in a machine. Here's why: Your robotic cleaner will take in water as it cleans, and you’ll need to be able to lift the weight of the machine, plus that extra water, when the job is done. If you’re concerned about your ability to lift your machine, see if there is a quick-release element to get rid of extra water. Many (but not all) heavier machines also come with a wheeled caddy to help you transport it to and from your pool shed or garage to the water.