Top 5 Robotic Pool Cleaners Compared
What You Should Know about Automatic Pool Cleaners
- They have the ability to mimic human cleaning. When the computer is programmed to start at certain intervals, the machine knows to clean the pool without visiting the same areas that have already been cleaned, as usually do the traditional cleaners. Therefore, just like the human cleaning, they know exactly which areas are clean and which are not, making them more efficient.
- They are the most effective when it comes to eliminating small dirt, debris, and sand. At the same time they have the ability to clean the tile lines and scrub the walls while they help improve the water circulation.
- Most of them have filters which are capable of removing small particle, such as those of 2 microns, which most residential pool filters aren't capable of removing, thus helping the filter and increasing its lifetime.
- They feature a self-monitoring diagnostic system that allows them to detect any problems, thus noticing you whenever there is a certain malfunction.
- They use high volume pumps when they vacuum, some of the models being capable of removing up to 4,000 or 5,000 gallons of water per hour. The result is that the water temperatures are more even because the entire water is recirculated. At the same time, this helps to thoroughly mix the chemicals that may lie on the floor.
The Robotic Pool Cleaner Reviews
Polaris 9550 Review
Providing an unparalleled cleaning performance, cleaning cycle customization like you have never seen before, and a high efficiency in terms of energy consumption, the 9550 sits proudly at the top of this market for all the right reasons. It is feature-rich and comes with all the accessories that it could come with, including a motion-sensing remote for at-distance control and a transport caddy that makes it easier to get it out of storage when you use it, and put it back where it belongs when you are done. Furthermore, as the cord it features measures an impressive 70 feet in length, it can even tend to clean 60-foot long pools of all shapes.
4-Wheel Drive System
The 9550 crosses the pool’s surfaces without any hang-ups as it features the 4-wheel drive system that enables it to clean the tile line, floor, and walls spotless. Of course, the solid-blade scrubbing brush it comes with aids in this process, ensuring that even the most stubborn gunk will come off without putting up too big of a fight. If we take into account the fact that it features motion sensing abilities as well, thus guaranteeing that it will never get stuck in corners, you are sure to enjoy a smooth operation of the device regardless of the situation.
Vortex Vacuum Technology
Wondering why this device is so effective at picking up dirt and debris? The answer is simple – due to the Vortex Vacuum technology it utilizes. This system ensures it sucks up dirt and debris, directing the gunk to the canister effortlessly regardless of the size debris it encounters. It is approximately 25% more efficient and effective when it comes to vacuuming power than most entries on this market, thus its placement at the top being understandable.
Programmable Timer
A unique feature is the 7-day programmable timer that allows you to pick the cleaning schedule which suits your needs best. After you set the schedule you desire, you can take your mind off of cleaning the pool completely as it will begin its operation at the set hour each day of the week. Thus, when you return back home from work, you have one less chore to worry about and you can trustfully jump in the water knowing that it’s clean.
Other Mention Worthy Details
- Features the ActivMotion sensor which automatically controls its position at all times in order to ensure a complete cleaning without hang-ups.
- To empty the filter canister, all you have to do is shake the dirt out of it.
- Features a dirty canister indicator that eliminates guesswork out of this maintenance task, announcing you when the time comes to empty the dirt gathered inside it.
- Due to the easy lift system it features, it will surface at your selected location at the simple touch of a button.
Waterline Only Cleaning Cycle
Even though low power consumption is ensured when the 9550 runs, this doesn’t mean that you should let it operate for longer than it’s actually needed. When you just want it to handle cleaning the tile line and nothing else besides it, you can opt for the Waterline Only cleaning cycle. This way, less energy will be consumed as it will only scrub this isolated section, and it won’t waste any of your time either in case you will wait around for it to finish before jumping in for a splash.
PROS |
CONS |
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| The addition of the Vortex Vacuum technology makes it superior to other cleaners in terms of debris picking | Does not offer bi-directional cleaning, so it won’t be able to clean when it goes in reverse |
| Cleaning cycle lasts a maximum of two and a half hours | |
| Full filter indicator feature lets you know what time is due to empty the bag of debris | |
| Features a sensor which enables it to detect and avoid obstacles that might have otherwise caused hang-ups | |
| Waterline only selection mode enables it to solely handle the tile line | |
VERDICT |
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Boasting a 4-wheel drive technology which ensures its stability, alongside the ActivSensor feature even enabling it to effortlessly cover cleaning all the surfaces of the pool without encountering any mishaps, this is your go-to cleaner if you are not willing to sacrifice quality. |
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2016 Dolphin Premier Review
Some say that this is the best Dolphin Pool cleaner and for good reason. This in-ground cleaner comes with a full package of features that will help you have a clean swimming pool at all times. The modern design combined with the HyperGrip rubber track along with the SmartNav software is a truly impressive combination that sets new standards. The multi-media filtration system allows you to pick the right media from the four media types available every time you have to remove the algae, debris, leaves, and so on. Also, the device features the ability to clean the waterline, the doors and to climb the steps and walls with the help of the Dual Power scrubbing brushes walls in a pool of maximum 50 feet. The swivel cable feature is a great discovery in this industry because it allows the unit to clean the entire surface without tangling the cable and destroying it. Another great thing about Dolphin Premium is the fact that it's programmable and it has a full filter indicator for more convenience. Unfortunately, this model doesn't come with a transportation caddy or a remote control, but you have the option to buy them separately.
PROS |
CONS |
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| SmartNav scanning optimizes cleaning efficiency so that you will enjoy top results | Remote control which would make using it a lot more convenient must be purchased separately |
| Programmable profile allows you to select exactly when it should proceed to clean the pool as well as select other cleaning settings to your liking | |
| Takes a maximum of two and half hours for it to provide a complete and thorough cleaning of the pool | |
| Can remove debris and contaminants as small as 2 microns to ensure a clean and safe water to swim in | |
| 60-foot long cable allows it to clean pools measuring up to 50 feet in size | |
VERDICT |
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Pleasing to the eye as well as highly effective in its track to leave the body of water free of any debris or impurities which might make the experience of swimming dangerous or displeasing, this Dolphin selection is one of our top recommendations to pool owners. Not only is it feature rich and quite accessible considering its capabilities, but it has received massive positive feedback from customers. |
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Dolphin Nautilus Plus Review
The Dolphin Nautilus is one of those cleaners that offer great performance and efficiency at an affordable price. The model is recommended for in-ground pools with no more than 50 feet in length, being very light weighted and very easy to use. The rubber tracks offer great traction on all types of surfaces, helping it to easily climb the walls and clean the floor and the waterline in a very efficient way. This is possible due to the PVC bristle brushes and the IntelliScan Technology that will leave the entire surface sparkling clean. The built-in software delivers a full pool scanning, cleaning it from top to bottom while learning its size and shape. Moreover, the cartridge is easy to clean and the spring clean filter is designed for all sorts of debris, small or large. Due to the swivel cable feature, the cord doesn't tangle when the device performs its job and the extra-large filter capacity will need fewer filter cleanings over time. Still, some people may consider as disadvantages the fact that the device isn't programmable and it doesn't have a remote control, but this will not influence the performance of the cleaner. At the same time, the Dolphin Nautilus doesn't feature a transportation caddy or a full filter indicator, but will surely help you save time and money because it conserves energy.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Has the capability of filtering approximately 75 gallons of water per minute | Does not come with a remote control that would have made operating it more convenient |
| IntelliScan feature ensures the cleaning device will tend to every inch of the pool | |
| Comes at a reasonable price compared to other entries – good price to quality ratio | |
| Scans the pool before it commences with cleaning it so that it will do so as efficiently as possible | |
| Product is backed by the manufacturing company with a lengthy 2-year warranty | |
VERDICT |
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One of the more reasonably priced entries in our top, this cleaner is the ideal solution for those who want to spend more time swimming rather than waiting for the pool to be cleaned up. It takes a maximum of 2 and a half hours for it to be done with the procedure, which is more than reasonable, and it effortlessly tackles pools up to 50 feet in size. |
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Dolphin Quantum Review
This long-lasting cleaner is one of the most popular robots because it uses the latest Dolphin technology, thus delivering great performance during all weather conditions. The Dolphin Quantum is designed for in-ground pools of up to 60 feet, providing an excellent underwater mobility with the help of the HyperGrip continuous tracks. Moreover, it can climb the walls and steps and it can brush the doors and the waterline with absolutely no inconvenience because it features HyperBrush dual scrubbing that delivers great all-around surface cleaning. The device is programmable, making your entire task much simpler while the bi-directional feature will give it the ability to vacuum in reverse, making it much stronger. The SmartNav 2.0 makes sure that the entire surface of the swimming pool is cleaned and the mapping system is able to recognize the places where it has been before. A great feature is the PowerJet 3D™ Mobility that expels the water in three directions through the jet nozzles. Also, the SnapLoc filtration will allow you to remove all the sides of the filter for a simpler cleaning process, having the possibility to choose the micron rating of your filter media. However, the only disadvantages of the Dolphin Quantum are the lack of a transportation caddy and a remote control.
PROS |
CONS |
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| The easy clean profile of the filter ensures a hassle-free cleaning when the time comes for this procedure | Does not come with a transportation caddy, and accessory which would have made it more convenient to handle the cleaning robot |
| Full filter indicator announces you when maintenance work is due so that guesswork is out of the question | |
| It utilizes no less than 3 jets to deliver a wide and complete range of motion | |
| It allows you to choose the micron rating in terms of filtering due to the variable size filters it comes with | |
| Bi-directional capability enables it to clean even when it goes in reverse | |
VERDICT |
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Although there are many aspects to praise when it comes to this cleaning device, we must admit that the feature which drew our attention the most and will definitely impress you as well is the bi-directional profile which enables it to clean the pool even when it goes in reverse. Thus, regardless of the situation, you can rely on it to thoroughly clean the pool. |
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Aquabot Elite Review
The Aquabot Elite comes with a modern and sleek design and a highly advanced technology. This combination is what every robot needs in order to deliver great performance every time you want to remove the dirt and contaminants from your water. The model is suitable for in-ground pools and the increased traction offered by the EverGrip rubber tracks makes it a perfect choice for the residential swimming pool of maximum 60 feet. The AquaSmart 2.0 Microprocessor Control maps the size and surface of the pool and avoids any possible obstacles for offering the best cleaning performance for the floor, walls, waterline, coves, and even stairs while using less energy. This is possible with the help of the TripleClean scrubbing brushes which work together to eliminate all the impurities from the water. The dual high-capacity filter cartridges are large enough to collect all the debris and the Quickdraw cartridges enable you to quickly remove and return them while the machine is still in the water. Moreover, the model features the 360° Anti-Tangle Swivel so the cable is safe and free of tangle while the unit is in function. Furthermore, the model can be pre-programmed, it comes with a transportation caddy and upon request, you can receive a remote control.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Transportation caddy offers a convenient, hassle-free manner of handling it and storing it/getting it out of storage | Does not provide the capability of cleaning the pool when it goes in reverse |
| The 60 feet total length of the cable enables it to clean large pools | To obtain the convenient remote control, you have to pay separately |
| Anti-tangle design of the cord ensures it won’t get caught up in its own cable when cleaning the pool | |
| Uses a pool mapping system which makes it highly efficient and effective in its task, not only reducing cleaning times but ensuring no inch of the pool will be left untended | |
| Backed by a 3-year warranty by the manufacturing company | |
VERDICT |
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If a reasonable price is your main concern when making this purchase, but you do not want to end up with a poor performing robotic cleaner either, this is your best option, by far. It can tackle large pools of up to 60 feet in length, and the smart mapping technology it features ensures speed and accuracy in debris removal, so there are only benefits to be enjoyed if you use it. |
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iRobot Mirra 530
Regardless of the shape of your pool, as long as it does not exceed 50 feet in length, the Mirra 530 is a robotic cleaner you can confidently use. There are countless factors which weigh in making it a desirable option, but we must admit the spec we consider to be most important is the fact that it handles pumping and filtering up to 70 gallons of water per minute, more than what most high-end similar products are capable of delivering. It is capable of ridding the pool of debris as small as 2 microns, and the PVA wheels give it a hefty traction on the surfaces of the pool. A big highlight of this product, one which we must take into discussion due to its importance is the iAdapt Nautiq Responsive Cleaning technology which helps the robot find the most optimal path when cleaning the pool. Thus, you are guaranteed it will take as little time as possible for it to be done with its operation. This does not only weigh a lot when it comes to convenience in use, but it ensures that not a lot of energy will be consumed either. Furthermore, its independency from the filtration system on the pool ensures a prolonged life for this part, as well as granting extra efficiency in terms of consumption for the robotic device.
PROS |
CONS |
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| iAdapt Nautiq Responsive technology ensures it will find the quickest, most optimal path to cleaning your pool | On the expensive side – not the cheapest product of its kind |
| Low power consumption during operation ensures using it won’t add too much to the electricity bills | |
| Due to the 4 PVA wheels it utilizes, it ensures a superior traction which helps it clean the pool body quicker | |
| Can handle pools of all shapes as long as they don’t exceed 50 feet in length | |
| As opposed to other cleaners, it can tackle the steps of the pool as well | |
VERDICT |
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With a clean, modern design, wonderfully low power consumption during use, and a high efficiency in picking up even the smallest debris it encounters, the Mirra 530 is an investment definitely worth making for any pool owner looking to simplify pool maintenance. Sure, it might cost a pretty penny, but in the end, it is understandable why you have to pay so much for it. |
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Hayward RC9740 SharkVac
Convenience is what you are looking for first and foremost, and with this Hayward robot it is ensured as your interference is not required. You are only to program it to start cleaning the pool at a certain hour, and from there on, you can mind your own business as it will tend to thoroughly clean the surfaces of the water body on its own. Of course, when you are in a hurry and you find that its normal 2-hour cleaning cycle is too long and you need the pool to be clean faster, you can set it on the quick cycle which lasts only 1 hour. This quick cycle is granted by the Quick-Clean technology it features, and when there is a party coming up which you didn’t really plan for, it comes in handy. In terms of energy efficiency, it’s hard to beat this robot as it first establishes what is the most energy efficient cleaning pattern to take up, and only after mapping it will it proceed to its operation. Although it does not come with a transport caddy, this perk being enjoyable only through a separate purchase, there is no high need for it as the device is pretty alright in terms of design, so you shouldn’t find it hard to put it back in storage on your own when it is done cleaning. You will find the asking price for the RC9740 to be quite tempting as it is more affordable when compared to other entries on this market. To end our review on a positive note as well, we praise its top-access debris container which endorses a quick and easy debris clean-up, as well as a hassle-free removal of cartridge filters whenever it is needed.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Can handle cleaning the pool in only 1 hour due to the Quick-Clean technology it features | Transport caddy must be purchased separately |
| It can find the most efficient cleaning pattern to finish the job quick and without consuming more energy than it’s necessary | |
| Easy debris cleanup ensured by the top-access debris container which is easy to remove | |
| You can program it to start cleaning the pool at a certain moment of the day | |
| Designed for use in pools measuring up to 20 feet by 40 feet | |
VERDICT |
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A full customization of the pool cleaning process is what this Hayward product offers as it allows you to choose between quick and more thorough cycles, and it gives you freedom to choose the exact hour at which it should start operating. Best of all, it is relatively affordable when compared to other robotic cleaners, so there are only benefits to reap if you use it. |
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