A robotic pool cleaner is the top of the line cleaning tool for your pool care routine. Now, we know some of you out there are thinking, “but I like cleaning my pool, it’s part of summer”. That’s just something you’ve been telling yourself because you’ve never experienced the game changing wonder of a robotic pool cleaner. Get ready to lose the hoses, skip the spot cleaning, and avoid the hassle of suction-side or pressure-side cleaners.

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your pool cleaning routine with a robotic pool cleaner, look no further. Your dream of sitting back while your pool cleans itself is about to come true. But with so many options and features, how do you know which one is best? We’re breaking down the most common questions and recommended robotic pool cleaners that will make summer days a breeze.

Is a Robotic Pool Cleaner Really That Much Better?

Oh yes. Not only will you achieve better results in a shorter period of time, without any spots getting missed, only a robotic pool cleaner will give you the cleanliness without all the maintenance. Unlike suction-side and pressure-side cleaners, you don’t have to fuss with pool hook ups and hoses. Your little robo cleaner just needs a power source and it’s on the job.

What Features Should I be Looking For?

Mobility and Flexibility

Get a robotic pool cleaner with four wheel drive, seriously. Your little robo pool cleaner is going to navigate some challenging terrain, from staircases to pool walls. Wide rubber tires will help your robotic pool cleaner get over bumps and stay on track when crossing slippery surfaces.

You also want to make sure the power cord is on a swivel so it doesn’t get tangled.

Can it climb? All the best ones can. Don’t worry, all of our recommendations are well equipped to go vertical and clean your pool walls.

Hard Bristles

You’ll want to make sure you’re selecting a cleaner with a brush that’s firm enough to get the dirt off any surface. A great vacuum with the wrong brush isn’t going to be able to get the job done.

All The Bells and Whistles

The point of a robotic pool cleaner is the cool technology that takes the work out of maintenance. A programmable timer will let you automate your schedule so you can set it and forget it. Deflecting features and sensors are also key. This will prevent your robot cleaner from getting stuck in a corner like their less intelligent cousins, suction and pressure-side cleaners.

Practicality

So they’re all going to be easy to use, but you might want to consider how heavy it is on land. Consider if you’ll want to be able to pick it up and move it yourself. You’ll want to be sure to pick a robotic pool cleaner that is high quality and durable. You shouldn’t have to make any repairs for at least a few summer seasons. Check the warranty to see coverage information. You’ll also want to make sure your pool cleaner has efficient cleaning cycles and energy usage. You’ll want to avoid models that use more than 1,000 watts per hour as this will run up your costs over time.

Don’t worry, all of our recommendations have been vetted for quality and efficiency, so you can’t go wrong with any of these models.

What are the top Robotic Pool Cleaners on the Market?

Best All Around Robotic Pool Cleaner

Polaris P955 4WD Robotic Pool Cleaner with Remote

This is a top of the line cleaner with an Easy Lift System, motion sensing handheld remote and Vortex Vacuum technology for best in class cleaning. Four Wheel Drive tackles any pool terrain, including steps and walls and scrubs tiles line with a solid-blade scrubbing brush. It’s equipped with a 7-day programmable timer that makes scheduling a breeze.

Something we love about the Polaris P955 is the remote control. It lets you direct the P955 to any desired location of the pool for any tough spots that need extra attention. It’s also the only model in the family that has a dirty canister indicator.

This model is backed by a 2-year limited warranty.

If this doesn’t do it for you, the Polaris P965iQ 4WD is the same product but with built in wifi that lets you manage the cleaning schedule programming directly from your smart phone.  It costs a little bit more but the convenience is worth it for some.

High End Splurge Robotic Pool Cleaner

Maytronics Dolphin Active 30i Robotic Pool Cleaner With Wifi and Swivel Cord

The Maytronics Dolphin Active 30i lives up to its name with advanced scanning technology that maps your pool and ensures complete pool cleaning coverage in 2 hours or less. It’s lightweight and easy to handle with a removable filter basket that is easy to rinse and reload. This model has all the latest features with Better Grip vertical cleaning and patent-pending PowerStream Mobility System.  This ensures pool walls and waterline are effectively cleaned and improves navigation.

Another thing that sets this model apart is the multi-layer filtration system that separates and filters rough, fine, and ultra-fine dirt and debris for an efficient, clog-free filtration.

It comes with the mydolphin app, letting you control your Dolphin robotic pool cleaner from your phone. You can use the app to set cleaning programs, activate the weekly timer, and more.

Best Basic Robotic Pool Cleaner

Polaris P825 Robotic In Ground Pool Cleaner with Caddy

The Polaris P825 will navigate all pool surfaces for a thorough cleaning. Proprietary Cyclonic Vacuum Technology ensures powerful cleaning without losing suction. The Push ‘N’ Go filter canister has a transparent window for easy, clean debris removal. The Surface Control System adjusts pool surface settings for optimal wall climbing.

Most Efficient Robotic Pool Cleaner

Hayward AquaVac 500 Robotic Pool Cleaner with Caddy

The AquaVac 500 robotic pool cleaner comes with a microprocesser-based program that calculates the most efficient cleaning path possible. You only need to choose the cleaning frequency and away the AquaVac 500 goes.

The AquaVac features one of the most energy efficient solutions on the market, using up to 94% less energy than most pressure pool cleaners. It has Dual-Mode technology for two cleaning programs, 90-min floor only or 3-hour deep clean including floor, wall and waterline. It comes equipped with two scrubbing brushes that loosen debris and algae for easy pickup and big wheels that can navigate virtually any surface and wall.

Cleanup is easy with a top access debris container and removable cartridge. Don’t worry about the AquaVac trying to get out of work early – it has beach-entry sensors that redirect if it climbs out of the water and protect the motor from running dry.

Best Value Robotic Pool Cleaner

Hayward RC9738 eVac Robotic Pool Cleaner

The Hayward eVac is reliable, consistent and efficient. It uses smart steering technology for an efficient clean pattern and covers the pool floor in about 2 hours. It’s easy to use and works on all surfaces - vinyl, concrete, fiberglass, and tile. Unlike the other cleaners, these wheels are only made for the floor. For walls and waterline, consider the eVac Pro.

If you’re ready to upgrade your pool cleaner this summer, Discount Pool Supplies has all the options to find a robotic pool cleaner that’s right for you.

Our Ranking

Model

Price

Features

Efficiency

Warranty

Best All Around Robotic Pool Cleaner

Polaris P955 4WD

$$

Easy Lift system, programmable scheduling

Covers all terrain, walls, and waterline

2 year

High End Splurge Robotic Pool Cleaner

Maytronics Dolphin Active 30i

$$$

Advanced scanning technology maps pool

Lightweight, with removable filter basket for easy rinse and reload

Connects to smartphone

Covers all terrain, walls, and waterline

Complete clean in 2 hours or less

2 year

Best Basic Robotic Pool Cleaner

Polaris P825

$

Proprietary Cyclonic Vacuum Technology

Transparent Push ‘N’ Go filter canister for easy, clean debris removal

Covers all terrain, walls, and waterline

Surface Control System adjusts pool surface settings for optimal wall climbing.

2 year

Most Efficient Robotic Pool Cleaner

Hayward AquaVac 500

$$

Dual-Mode technology for two cleaning programs

90-min floor only or 3-hour deep clean

Equipped with two scrubbing brushes

Top access debris container and removable cartridge.

Beach-entry sensors

Covers all terrain, walls, and waterline

Microprocesser calculates most efficient cleaning path

up to 94% less energy than most pressure pool cleaners.

3 year

Best Value Robotic Pool Cleaner

Hayward eVac

$

Smart steering

Covers pool floor in about 2 hours

Covers all terrain pool floor only

1 year