Buying guide for best pool vacuum robot
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A backyard pool is fantastic for spending hot summer days with friends and family, but keeping up with pool maintenance to keep the water safe for swimming can be a chore. You can clean the pool yourself, but it takes time and labor. You can contract with a pool-cleaning service, but that can be costly over time. The best, most cost-effective and easiest solution to cleaning your pool is to use a pool vacuum robot.
If you’re familiar with robot vacuum cleaners, picture a similar device that cleans your pool instead of your floor. Pool vacuum robots suck debris into a filter and scrub away the bacteria and biofilm stuck on the floors and walls of your pool. They’re expensive appliances, but one is well worth it for those who want to keep up with pool maintenance without spending too much time or doing it manually.
After researching dozens of options, comparing features such as smart mapping, wall-crawling and cleaning time, we found the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner to be the best choice for most people’s needs. It boasts a powerful filtration system and smart-navigation technology, so it never misses a spot.
Which pool vacuum robot is best for hands-free pool maintenance?
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
Best of the Best
Dimensions: 20" L x 20" W x 20" H | Wall-Crawling Capabilities: Yes | Smartphone Capabilities: Yes | Cycle Time: 2 hr | Mapping: Yes
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus hits all the right notes and is one of the best solutions for anyone with a large in-ground pool. Its intuitive design, easy operation and premium features make it the best pool vacuum robot.
For starters, this pool cleaner has Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to connect it to your smartphone and control it remotely. Through the app, you can create schedules and timers and map the cleaner to scrub your pool’s walls and floors thoroughly.
It has easy-access top-loading fine filters for picking up debris and a powerful filtration system. And the plug-and-play system is simple: all you need to do is drop it in your pool and turn on the power supply. Smart navigation allows it to scan your pool to determine the best route, and it can clean pools of up to 50 feet in two hours.
This robotic pool vacuum cleaner is suitable for various pool surfaces and shapes, making it one of the best all-around cleaners. It’s one of the better mid-range models, and its Wi-Fi capabilities add a nice touch that allows you to manage your cleaner no matter where you are.
Seauto Seal SE Robotic Pool Cleaner
Best Bang for the Buck
Dimensions: 16.8" L x 15.6" W x 11.3" H | Wall-Crawling Capabilities: Yes | Smartphone Capabilities: No | Cycle Time: 2.5 hr | Mapping: No
Many pool owners are interested in robotic pool cleaners because they offer a convenient and automatic way to keep their pool clean, but some are priced as high as $1,500, which could be out of some budgets. The Seauto Seal SE is priced at a much easier to swallow $500, and it’s still an effective cleaner that’s easy to use.
This cordless pool cleaner uses sonar technology for navigation and debris pickup, and it’s excellent at scrubbing walls and floors, leaving your pool looking fresh.
The battery can last up to 2.5 hours on a full charge, and the LED status indicators let you know when the unit needs charging, resetting or updating. The battery is easily replaceable, and the cleaner automatically positions itself by the edge of your pool when battery life drops below 10%.
Overall, the Seauto Seal SE is a fantastic choice if you don’t want to spend too much on a cleaner but still want a cordless pool vacuum robot to effortlessly clean your in-ground or aboveground pool.
Betta SE Solar-Powered Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
Best Skimmer
Dimensions: 22" L x 19" W x 8" H | Wall-Crawling Capabilities: No | Smartphone Capabilities: No | Cycle Time: NA | Mapping: No
Unlike some robotic pool cleaners that sink and suck up debris off the bottom of the pool, the Betta SE Solar-Powered Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner focuses on keeping your pool's surface clear. This cordless device harnesses the power of sunlight to skim debris like leaves, dust and pollen. A remote control allows for targeted cleaning, and a UV-resistant coating protects the Betta SE from sun damage. The skimmer can be used in salt and freshwater pools.
It boasts ultrasonic radar sensors to detect obstacles and automatically reroutes itself to give your pool a proper cleaning. One drawback reported by some customer reviewers is that the Betta SE can get stuck on the top step or in a connected spa. A simple solution is to block these areas with a pool noodle to prevent the cleaner from getting trapped.
Overall, it does an excellent job of picking up all kinds of debris floating on the water, including large floating insects and fine pet hair. Its debris basket is generously sized and easy to clean. Since the cleaner is powered by the sun, you don’t have to worry about recharging it.
Dolphin Liberty 200 Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
Best Cordless Cleaner
Dimensions: 20” L x 20” W x 20” H | Wall-Crawling Capabilities: Yes | Smartphone Capabilities: No | Cycle Time: 1.5 hr | Mapping: No
The Dolphin Liberty 200 offers powerful suction for deep cleaning and plenty of outstanding features, making it one of the best pool vacuum robots. This cordless cleaner is compatible with all pool types and shapes, and it does a terrific job of cleaning walls and surfaces.
One of its best features is the automatic docking system. After the vacuum finishes its cleaning cycle, or when the battery starts to run low, it automatically navigates back to the edge of the pool so you can easily retrieve it. This way, you'll always know when your pool is ready to use again without having to search for the cleaner. In addition, LED status indicators keep you informed about when the unit needs charging, and its magnetic charging system ensures a safe and hassle-free charging process.
This automatic pool cleaner is an excellent all-around pool vacuum robot that’s perfect for those with small or medium in-ground or aboveground pools. We particularly like its cordless design and quick cleaning time of under 90 minutes.
Dolphin Quantum Robotic Pool Cleaner
Best for Large Pools
Dimensions: 22.3” L x 17.6” W x 12.8” H | Wall-Crawling Capabilities: Yes | Smartphone Capabilities: No | Cycle Time: 2 hr | Mapping: No
The Dolphin Quantum offers a compelling value considering the cost of high-end robotic pool cleaners. While some premium competitors can cost double the price, the Dolphin Quantum sits comfortably in the middle ground.
This luxury cleaner boasts a comprehensive feature set, delivering a clean pool without breaking the bank. What sets the Dolphin Quantum apart is its clever design that allows it to scrub from side to side, not just forward. This innovative movement results in a more thorough clean, especially along the waterline and tiles, compared to lower-priced competitors.
It has top-loading filters that are easy to access, and the 360-degree swivel effectively prevents tangling. Its HyperBrushes work well to dislodge even the toughest bacteria, algae and biofilm stuck to pool walls. For extra convenience, it’s completely programmable for daily, biweekly or triweekly cleaning thanks to a built-in scheduler function.
Hands down, the Dolphin Quantum Robotic Pool Cleaner is one of the best high-end pool vacuum robots. It tackles in-ground pools up to 50 feet and even handles aboveground pools with ease. While its price might be difficult to swallow, its exceptional waterline cleaning, built-in timer and durability prove it’s a reliable cleaner that’s built to last.
How we analyzed
We researched the top pool vacuum robots on the market to compile a list of the top-tier models available. We considered specs, design, quality and performance and gathered data based on testing and customer reviews.
Features to look for in a pool vacuum robot
Programmable timers and automatic functions
Not all pool vacuum robots have timers, but those that do allow you to schedule cleanings ahead of time, which is useful because you might forget to clean your pool from time to time. Some pool vacuum robots can scan the pool, detect how dirty it is and run a cycle accordingly. That means it will only run for as long as it needs to.
Smart navigation and mapping capabilities
One primary problem many low-end pool robot vacuums face is getting stuck or jammed when encountering an obstacle, such as a step. However, the best cleaners have smart navigation, which allows them to scan your pool and map out the best possible route for thorough cleaning.
Adaptable to different pool types and surfaces
The best pool vacuum robots are versatile enough to work on various surfaces and in pools of different shapes. It’s important to note that not all pool cleaners are compatible with all surfaces, so to be on the safe side it’s best to get a unit that’s explicitly compatible with your pool. The most common surfaces include vinyl, fiberglass and gunite. Plus, you must get a unit that’s designed for the kind of pool you have, whether in-ground or aboveground.
Debris handling and filtration efficiency
Most pool vacuum robots are adept at picking up small debris like leaves, pebbles, dirt, dead insects and hair. You want a cleaner with a reliable filtration system that’s easy to access for easy cleaning or replacing.
Maintenance and care for pool vacuum robots
Pool vacuum robots are expensive, but one can help you save on cleaning costs in the long run. However, you want to take the necessary precautions to make sure your pool vacuum robot is always in optimal condition. Doing so prolongs its life and keeps it cleaning your pool properly.
- Empty the filter. Most units alert you when the filter is full, but if your model doesn’t do this, check it periodically.
- Clean the unit. Hose down the unit’s scrubbers, brushes and wheels.
- Inspect your pool vacuum robot regularly. Check the wheels, body and other components to make sure everything is functioning as it should and that there are no damaged parts.
- Store the pool vacuum robot properly. To extend its life, clean it and store it in a dry, covered and cool location whenever it isn’t in use.
- Hire a technician to maintain the unit. A professional can check the unit’s motor to make sure it’s running optimally.
