5 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners For Your New Pool!

Best Robotic Pool Cleaners
Written By: Chris Tebbutt
Date Published: March 21, 2020

If you have a swimming pool, you know how annoying cleaning it can be. But you can't just leave your pool to its own devices hoping that everything will be alright. If you don't clean it frequently besides just dirt, leaves, and debris, you never know all the bacteria, pee, and poop particles floating around your pool under direct sunlight, stinking up your entire backyard.

Luckily, with technology and science, people have invented robot pool cleaners to take care of all the dirty work, so you don't have to! They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit any type of pool.

These little machines are a hassle free cleaning solution for maintaining a clean pool, so you can relax and enjoy your swimming pool without any worries. You can just simply set it and forget it!

In this post, I'll round up the best robot pool cleaners you can buy and share some insights based on my experiences dealing with such machines.

Most Recommended: Hayward TigerShark

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The Hayward TigerShark Swimming Pool Robotic Cleaner is one of the top-notch robot swimming pool cleaners out there. Many customers have reported unmatched performance and an extended period of two hours more power than other models. It can clean all kinds of pool surfaces, dirt, and debris with ease.

You just need to plug it in and let it do its job, that's it! Let us see if it can make a real difference!

Unboxing experience

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While the package itself could be a bit heavy, the unboxing experience is not that bad. Besides coming with a manual to set everything up, things are quite organized and easy to follow.

A grown man can carry it around without any problems, but you do have the option of ordering the Hayward Tigershark with a caddy for easy transport and use.

Ease of use

It's very simple to use. Just follow the manual and you can have it ready within a few minutes after unboxing it. Then it's a matter of plugging it into an outlet or a power supply and dropping it into the pool floor.

You have the option between 90 minute quick clean or a three-hour full clean. For best results, go with the three-hour full clean.

Quality of clean

It has a long floating cord that lets it get into the bottom end of deep pools without getting tangled and stuck. In addition, to giving a thorough clean, the pool robot can incline on walls and steps.

The best thing about the Hayward Tigershark is it can map out the bottom of your pool and design the most efficient route for your pool, thus saving time and energy. Its energy efficient design is thanks to its unique cleverclean technology and smart navigation that allows it to avoid obstacles.

Sometimes it can miss some minor difficult-to-reach spots, but overall this machine will keep your pool sparkling clean!

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Once it's done with the cleaning cycle, you can simply remove the filter, and spray it with a water hose to get the gunk and debris off, then put the filter back in place for another clean if you wish.

Some of the downsides

Cords: Even though I like how well it can clean a pool, I am not a big fan of the cords. However, I suppose it makes sense. It would be hard to get the best quality clean and suction power if it were not connected to an outlet. If you plan on purchasing this model, then consider purchasing a floating cable that prevents tangling and additional equipment such as a water resistant power source.

Other thing is cost. These things are quite expensive! Even if you get the cheaper model, it still ain't cheap, so it may not be for everyone.

But overall, if you want a robot that can clean pool debris down almost down to fine particles, then Hayward TigerShark is your go-to choice.

Best Bang For Your Buck: AIPER Seagull 1000

If you are however looking for a cordless pool robot that can provide a decent clean, then AIPER Seagull 1000 will give you the best bang for your buck.

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Pros:

  • Cordless: There are no cords! Personally, I prefer when such machines don't have cords because moving it around is easier and there is less hazard for someone to trip and fall. Moreover, it can navigate 360 degrees and turn clockwise by itself when cleaning.
  • Portable: This thing is light! At just 15 pounds, almost anyone can carry it.
  • Long battery: Even though it's advertised as 90 minutes of working time, actually the AIPER Seagull 1000 can work for 2-3 hours on a full charge, unlike other models which are complete energy hogs. It means you have to spend only a few hours to charge it, and you can use it right away without spending time connecting it to water line and power supply.

Cons:

  • Does not climb walls: While the clean quality is quite good for flat in ground pools, it does not climb up walls or perform well on non-flat surfaces. So if you have oval or uniquely shaped pools with curved surfaces, then I suggest you choose a different robot cleaner.
  • Long charging time: 5-6 hours of charge is long, so you won't be able to clean your pool whenever you want compared to a pool robot with a cord.

Honorable Mentions: Best Robot Pool Cleaner

Here are some other cleaner choices that I would also recommend to pool owners. From dual scrubbing brushes to remote controls, they are equipped with the latest tech that will give you the best deep clean whether it is in ground pools or above ground pools.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner

Pros:

  • Small and compact
  • It climbs walls and can clean hard-to-reach spots like the pool liner
  • Good at cleaning pool surfaces, the water line, pool steps, and the pool's floor
  • Lightweight and easy to replace
  • Requires only two hours of charge

Cons:

  • Has issues in the cleaning of curved walls
  • The caddy needs to be purchased separately
  • Challenging to replace motors and gears
  • Gets stuck on cleaning raised drains
  • Can't handle cold temperatures, and won't be usable year round

The Dolphin Nautilus CC is a robotic pool cleaner that is designed for use in above-ground and inground pools. It features a two-wheel drive system that allows it to move easily around the pool, which allows it to clean to whole pool with an efficient path. It also has a scrubbing brush that helps to loosen dirt and larger debris. Its kidney shaped compartment which makes adding chemicals easier.

The Nautilus CC also includes a tangle-free swivel cord, making it easy to maneuver around obstacles even on the first cleaning.

Additionally, the cleaner has a large capacity filter bag that can capture up to 50% more debris than other brands of pool cleaners. The Nautilus CC is an affordable and effective way to keep your in ground pool clean. It's very similar to Hayward TigerShark, but more like a poor man's version of it.

Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner

Pros:

  • Excellent in cleaning bottom pools
  • Can scrub everything even the algae because of the quality brushes
  • The cleaning cycle can be programmed and set up whenever you want.
  • The cord rarely tangles.

Cons:

  • Quite expensive
  • It could flip when trying to climb walls, need to set the mode right.

The Polaris 9550 Robotic Pool Cleaner is a top-of-the-line cleaner that features four-wheel drive. It can remove all kinds of debris, including leaves, twigs, and bugs in an in ground pool. It has a large debris bag and an automatic shut-off feature that kicks in when the bag is full. Equipped with superior filtering capabilities, you are sure to get a thorough and quality clean with this machine.

In addition, the 9550 features a remote control with a motion sensor, so you can direct it anywhere in the pool if it misses a spot. If you have a large pool, you'll also appreciate the fact that this cleaner can cover up to 60 feet. Whether you're looking for a cleaner that can handle a lot of debris or one with advanced filtration capabilities, the Polaris 9550 is sure to meet your needs. Moreover, you can install a weekly scheduler to save you some free time.

The only thing to keep in mind is the price. It is quite expensive, but for such a portable and lightweight machine, which is around 15 pounds, you are getting really good features with this thing.

Hayward RC9740 SharkVac Robotic Pool Cleaner

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Pros:

  • Useful in cleaning small and larger debris
  • Mid-range price

Cons:

  • Not economical as you need to do some dirty work
  • It can't climb pool walls
  • It cannot navigate in some areas depending on your pool layout

The Hayward model RC9740 SharkVac pool cleaner is not part of the high-end prices of a robot vacuum cleaner, but if you want to get the job faster, you can get their bigger size, but you need to add a few hundred for it.

It does a good job when it comes to fine or small debris and can pulverize leaves. However, bigger debris isn’t its forte. If the robotic pool cleaner sucks too much debris, it can land back in the pool again when you try to change the filter, so it needs monitoring.

Its weakness is that it can climb walls so it won’t be able to clean the walls of your pool. I must say it could be clumsy as well because it usually misses steps and might fall to the deep end of your pool and won’t get back on its own to the shallow end.

The Hayward model SharkVac pool cleaner works best if you don’t have trees near your pool, and if you have a simple pool design that doesn’t have complicated slopes, deep drop-offs, and multiple steps.

Pentair Model Kreepy Krauly Prowler 830 Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner

Pros

  • Cleans large pool quickly
  • It does everything you want in a robot cleaner
  • Easy to clean filter

Cons

  • It misses steps
  • Maintenance and servicing are challenging

The Pentair Kreepy Krauly Prowler is one of the heavy-duty robotic pool cleaners out there. Good for an in ground pool and an above ground pool alike, it weighs 45 pounds, and it's proud to have a 19” by 19” footprint that can clean large pools fast. It is known to scrub, filter the water, and can scrub everything in the pool.

The unique thing about this robotic cleaner is that it can be programmed to return to specific spots that it missed. If ever it gets caught up on a modern safety drain, it will smartly reverse itself. You don’t have to worry when it comes to using it, as it can be easily set up and put in the pool.

When it comes to cleaning, it is easy to clean. However, with its amazing features, the price is in the higher range. It can also be challenging to find someone to change it if ever there is a defect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by a lot of people.

What is a robot pool cleaner?

This is the most advanced kind of pool cleaner as it is independent and self-contained. It will keep your pool clean and sparkling as it has its filtration mechanism and also uses advanced and high technology programs that can effectively clean your entire pool.

Robotic pool cleaners are smart as it has computer chips inside. They can monitor cleaner activities and is very efficient in cleaning pools. It is a remote-controlled machine that is easy to use and manageable.

Why use a robot pool vacuum?

Robotic cleaners are popular because it uses the latest technology when it comes to cleaning pools. It is the most convenient cleaning device out there that can let you save time and energy.

Some robotic cleaners are so efficient, and you need to turn it on and let it all do the cleaning. You can even time it and let it clean at the time of your liking.
So, let me tell you the best robotic cleaner that you can get in the market today.

Are robot pool cleaners worth it?

The biggest benefit of robot cleaners is that they automate the process of cleaning your pool. This can save you a considerable amount of time, as you no longer need to manually clean the pool yourself.

In addition, robot cleaners are much more effective than manual cleaning, as they are able to reach all areas of the pool and remove debris more thoroughly. As a result, your pool will be cleaner and healthier, and you will be able to enjoy it more.

While the initial cost of a robot pool cleaner may be high, many people believe that the long-term benefits outweigh the costs.

Do you need a pool filter if you have a robot cleaner?

Yes, you still need a pool pump and a filter. A pool filter's main job is to sift through germs and bacteria down to a few microns, then circulate clean water around your pool.

A robotic cleaner's job is to clean any large debris, leaves, dirt, etc that fall into the pool, making it easier for your pool filter to work more efficiently.

Ideally, you would want to have both because a robotic cleaner will clear any large debris that a pool filter can't. Not only will your whole pool look cleaner visually, but the water itself will be filtered down to a few microns, making the pool water much safer.

So... Which Robot Cleaner Should You Choose?

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If you want the best cleaner, then Hayward TigerShark should be your top choice. I and many other owners have had good results with it and the product itself can last for many years without replacements or repairs. The only thing that bugs me is the cord, but other than that it's a solid piece of machine.

But a close second for me is Polaris 9550. It's a very lightweight and portable robot pool cleaner with amazing cleaning capabilities on top of a great design and aesthetic look. It's just a little bit expensive.

For best value and something similar to Polaris, then definitely AIPER Seagull 1000 would be my choice. It's 5-6 cheaper, but with pretty much the same functions and features.

So depending on your budget and what you are looking for, it's mainly up to you to decide which one is better suited for your needs and circumstances.

Article written by Chris Tebbutt
In 2016 I got my first house that had a pool and I had no idea where to begin. Over time I have learnt how to do most things myself (I am really into DIY) and wanted to share my information with other. I was one of the people who thought if water smelt like chlorine, that meant there was too much chlorine in the water!

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