Robotic pool cleaners have made the task of pool cleaning less of a hassle for us homeowners. They leave your pool water crystal clear so that you and your family can spend your summer rejoicing in hygienically clean pool.
If you are buying one for the first time, choosing the best robotic pool cleaner on the market can be a big decision. You will be overwhelmed with the options and cool features. Don’t worry, this guide has got you covered.
10 Best Robotic Pool Cleaner 2020 Reviews
Table of Contents
- 1 10 Best Robotic Pool Cleaner 2020 Reviews
- 1.1 1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
- 1.2 2. Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
- 1.3 3. Dolphin Triton PS Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
- 1.4 4. Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner
- 1.5 5. Polaris F9350 Sport Robotic In Ground Pool Cleaner
- 1.6 6. Aquabot APRVJR Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
- 1.7 7. Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
- 1.8 8. Dolphin E10 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
- 1.9 9. Dolphin Oasis Z5i Robotic Pool Cleaner
- 1.10 10. Solar Breeze – Automatic Pool Cleaner NX2 Cleaning Robot
- 2 How To Choose The Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
- 3 Robotic vs Suction vs Pressure
- 4 Dolphin Nautilus CC vs Nautilus CC Plus
- 5 Conclusion
Have a look at the reviews of the best robotic pool cleaners of 2019 under $500. It will help you make a wiser and quicker decision:
1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
It’s one of the best performing pool cleaners of all time especially designed for inground pools. You just have to set the machine and let it do the work. You can schedule the cleaning cycle and it will do the work for you automatically.
You will be glad to hear that it’s 8 times more energy-efficient than traditional suction and pressure cleaners. So don’t worry, this best robotic pool cleaner will save you your energy bill.
With CleverClean technology, it uses an advanced algorithm to clean the pool. It does not move around in random patterns. The dual scrubbing brushes get rid of the dirt and debris on the pool and walls. You don’t have to manually clean anything.
It has large top access cartridge filters that capture large debris and leaves. The manufacturers have designed an anti-tangle cable to make sure you don’t have to stop and untangle the cord during the cleaning.
Pros
- Its suction is great
- Cartridges are easy to remove and clean
- You can set it on automatic cleaning
Cons
- It’s not great at cleaning the pool steps
2. Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Nautilus CC automatic robotic pool cleaner is just as great as the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus cleaner. You can choose from 3 automatic cleaning settings – every day, every other day or after every 3 days. It works with just a push of a button. No setup is required.
Whether it’s dirt and debris or leaves, it can get rid of all types of debris from your pool. Its active brush spin 2 times faster as compared to standard bushes to remove dirt and debris.
It does not need a booster pump to work. But it’s still 8 times more energy-efficient as compared to pressure and suction pool cleaners.
CleverCleaning scanning looks for dirt and debris to target. The unit does not move in random patterns, it rather follows a cleaning algorithm.
Pros
- It can climb the walls to clean the dirt
- It has enough capacity to capture different types of debris
- It requires no effort to setup and use
Cons
- The cord tangles a bit
3. Dolphin Triton PS Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
If you have an in-ground pool up to 50 feet and you in search of an ideal pool cleaner, look no further. Dolphin Triton PS comes with superior scrubbing power all thanks to PowerStream mobility. It provides a constant grip to the surface whether it’s the floor or the wall.
There’s an extra-large top-loading filter basket that would gather leaves, dirt, and debris. Not only this, the pool cleaner cleans the pool water within just 2 hours.
Dolphin has given the liberty to its users to schedule the unit for automatic cleaning from 3 of its settings. It does not need a booster pump for cleaning. The anti-tangling patented swivel cable lets the machine move freely in the pool and do its job.
The cleaner has a front active brush that spins 2 times faster than standard brushes to hit even the most difficult spots.
Pros
- Within 2 hours, you will have a crystal clear pool
- The top-loading basket makes the job much easier
- The unit is compact and lightweight
Cons
- It cannot climb the stairs of the pool
4. Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Premier is a revolutionary machine. It’s packed with power and amazing features such as a weekly timer, waterline cleaning, etc. No wonder it’s also known as the best robotic pool cleaner.
No assembly is required, just take it out of the box, plug it and it’s ready to use with a push of a button. It also features CleverClean technology for smart cleaning. The anti-tangle patented swivel cable makes the cleaner move around easily.
If you have always been annoyed by the tough dirt stuck on the pool’s walls and floors, the dual scrubbing brushes will tackle this job. Dolphin Premier not just cleans the pool floors and walls but the waterline in just 3 hours. Isn’t that great?
It also comes with multiple filter options for optimal cleaning. You can choose from 3 filters – bottom-load fine cartridge, ultra-fine cartridge, and an oversized fine filter bag. When the filter is full and it needs cleaning, the full filter indicator lets you know.
You can also set the machine to weekly scheduler for automatic cleaning by choosing from 3 different settings.
Pros
- It cleans the pool like a champ
- Multiple filter options offer optimal cleaning
- The smart controls let you be on top of pool cleaning
Cons
- It does not pick small pieces of debris
5. Polaris F9350 Sport Robotic In Ground Pool Cleaner
Polaris F9350 is a progressive is a 2-wheel drive robotic cleaner. It is featured with Aqua-Trax tires to make it ideal for all pool surfaces. It has an aquadynamic design paired with inventive engineering that make it an impressive cleaner.
The machine also features ActivMotion Sensor technology for unmatchable navigation regardless of the size of the pool. It further features the Proprietary Vortex Vacuum technology that lets it pick large debris quickly along with maintaining maximum suction.
With its rear water propulsion system, you can reach the debris hidden in tight corners and under the stairs. It’s very easy to dispose of the debris. You just have to remove the lid from the large capacity filter canister. There is no need to change bags.
If storage and transport has been an issue for you, that problem is solved because Polaris 9350 comes with a powder-coated alloy caddy to take care of your needs.
Pros
- It does a great job picking large debris
- It can clean a heavily littered pool in just 2 hours
- It’s easy to carry and store
Cons
- It blows around debris while cleaning
6. Aquabot APRVJR Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
The name might say Junior, but Aquabot APRVJR is very reliable in doing its job. This automatic cleaner targets any round, oval, or rectangular flat-surface above-ground pool within a matter of an hour.
It’s powered by 24-volt pump motor to provide suction and jet-drive propulsion. It’s a plug and play machine.
It has an easy bottom access filter bag filtration system. This makes it capable of filtering even the smallest particles. It has a 40-foot cable and a convenient power supply. Its suction power is up to 70 gallons per minute.
The cleaner uses an exclusive hydro robotic technology that propels the machine throughout the pool using the water force. You don’t need chemicals or cleaners to clean the pool.
It also features 2-hour automatic shut off timer so that you don’t have to get up to turn off the cleaner. It is safe to use on concrete fiberglass, vinyl, tile, and gunite.
Pros
- It targets small to large debris
- It can reduce your chemical, water, and energy costs
- It shuts off after 2 hours automatically
Cons
- Customers are not happy with the cleaner’s design
7. Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Escape Robotic above ground pool cleaner is paired with a sleek design and unmatched performance. Its low voltage DC motors use 90 percent less power as compared to other cleaners. It needs 180 watts do begin its job.
If you have the kind of pool that needs much more than vacuuming, the active scrubbing brush will handle all tough debris for you. It features an oversized debris cartridge that can hold up to 60 percent more debris.
Its wheels are equipped with continuous rubber track to prevent energy wastage and slipping. You can access the filter from the top.
The SmartNav 2.0 Robotic Scanning technology allows it to clean the floor and walls of the pool efficiently.
Pros
- It’s sleek and lightweight
- The large filter cartridge can hold larger debris
- It scrubs and cleans the surface to make it crystal clear
Cons
- It’s a bit disappointing when it comes to picking debris
8. Dolphin E10 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin E10 is a lightweight and easy to use pool cleaner for above ground pools up to 30 feet. It’s backed by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
It will give you great value for the money. It starts working with just a push of a button without a booster pump. CleverClean technology makes smart navigation possible. The machine won’t move in random patterns.
The top-load filter basket makes it easy to move the pool dirt and debris after the cleaner is done with its job. As it moves on the surface, the brushes spin to scrub away the tough dirt.
It will be done cleaning your pool’s surface within 1.5 hours.
Pros
- It is sturdy and well-built
- It will leave your pool clean in just one cycle
- It does not require any supervision
Cons
- It does not pick large debris
9. Dolphin Oasis Z5i Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Oasis Z5i is fit for cleaning the toughest pools. It comes with amic dual drive-motor for precise 360-degree pinpoint turning. Hence, it covers the entire pool with its amazing maneuverability.
The scrubbing brushes attack the dirt and debris stuck on the floor, walls, and waterline to leave the pool spotless. It will be done with the job in just 2.5 hours.
Its oversized cartridge filters combined with the maximum suction rate even target the fine debris and large leaves along with circulating water.
It operates with just a push of a button. For effortless cleaning, you can schedule it for automatic cleaning by choosing from 3 different settings. You can even connect the cleaner with your smartphone and use Bluetooth to operate it.
Pros
- The filters are super easy to clean
- It will leave your pool spotless in 2.5 hours
- You can operate it from your smartphone
Cons
- It might get stuck on your main drain
10. Solar Breeze – Automatic Pool Cleaner NX2 Cleaning Robot
Solar Breeze is designed to ditch the hand skimming. You can count on it for removing 90 to 95 percent debris whether it is leaves, pollen, dust or bacteria.
It’s powered by solar energy. It can last for several hours, even if the sun is down. Its maximum running time per day is 23.5 hours.
The Solar-Breeze NX is programmed to navigate your pool and get out of sticky situations. Along with cleaning the pool, it filters the water so that you can step into fresh and clean water.
It has a larger collection capacity. It’s twice the size of a wall skimmer basket. This machine will save you time and leave your pool clean for everyone’s use.
Pros
- It cleans the pool and filters the water
- It comes with a large collection bag
- It saves your energy bill
Cons
- It tends to get stuck when climbing the walls
- It might not be a good fit depending on the shape of your pool
How To Choose The Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
Here are some tips that can help you land on the best robotic pool cleaner:
- Type Of Pool
Usually, homeowners have two options in pools – above ground pool and inground pool.
Above ground pools are built by the owners themselves. They are designed for family use and they have a simple shape. A robotic pool cleaner would be ideal to clean this type of pool.
An inground pool has a solid foundation. It’s built by digging up the ground and them forming a pool in it. Robotic pool cleaners can be used for cleaning inground pools too. However, you have to be certain that the model you choose specializes in cleaning inground pools.
- Volume And Size Of Debris
Is your swimming pool surrounded by trees? If the answer is yes, then it must have plenty of falling leaves floating inside too. During the fall, your pool must be filled with acorns, flowers, and twigs as well.
In that case, you will need a powerful robotic pool cleaner that can collect the debris underwater and rise to the surface for collecting the floating leaves and other particles too.
If floating debris is not your problem, choose a cleaner that runs along the surface and leaves it spotless.
Depending on the volume of debris, you must check the size of the filter bags as well. Ideally, it’s best if the cleaner can hold a large volume of debris. You won’t have to stop the cleaner in the middle of the cycle to empty the filter.
- Wall Climbers
Not all robotic pool cleaners are wall climbers. You must decide which one you would like.
Along with scrubbing the floors, such a model can climb the pool’s walls and target the debris stuck there as well. Keep in mind wall climbers are expensive as compared to the models that just clean the floor.
- Pool Floor
It’s important to have a look at your pool’s floor before choosing a robotic pool cleaner. These cleaners can target tiles, fiberglass, and vinyl.
Always investigate if the cleaner you are planning to buy is compatible with your pool’s floor.
- Automatic Setting
Since you are investing in a robotic pool cleaner, it would be great to get one with an automatic setting.
The automatic feature allows you to programme the cycle in advance. The best models come with different settings. You can choose from every other day of cleaning or weekly cleaning.
This feature helps maintain pool cleanliness. You don’t have to remember when to run the pool cleaner. This also ensures that you have a clean pool all times.
- Tangle-Free Cable
A great feature of modern robotic pool cleaners is that they don’t have a thin electric cable. That means you don’t have to keep a close eye on the cable to make sure it doesn’t get tangled while the machine is doing its job.
Hence, look for a robotic pool cleaner with a tangle-free cable. Such cables rotate freely without getting caught on itself. A model with swivel cable is mostly preferred by homeowners.
Robotic vs Suction vs Pressure
Pool cleaners are sold in three different categorizes robotic, suction and pressure. Let’s have a look at each one.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners require minimal effort to clean the pool. You simply have to programme them and drop them off in the water. They clean the pool automatically and some of them shut down automatically too.
The best part is you don’t have to attach them to the filter pump of your pool. They come with their own filter bag to capture dirt and debris. They have the plug and play function. There is no need for assembly.
You just have to plug in the socket, push a button and it is ready to use. Within a few hours, you will find your pool crystal clean.
When you are using a robotic pool cleaner, you can turn off the pump of your pool so that the debris settles down. The pool cleaners are designed to scoop off the debris. This extends the life of your pool’s filtration system as well as the pump.
Robotic pool cleaners are expensive but they are a worthy investment. They are extremely efficient. Even if you have the dirtiest pool, they will scrub off the debris to make your pool as good as new. Additionally, they don’t require any manual operation or labor.
Suction Pool Cleaners
Suction cleaners rely on the pump of your pool to provide suction for scoping the debris. The model has a hose that is supposed to connect to the skimmer. It is responsible for taking water to the pump.
The cleaner moves around inside the pool following a predetermined pattern to clean all the dirt and debris. Such a cleaner is ideal for first-time pool owners. The machine does a great job cleaning the sides of the pool.
Suction pool cleaners don’t have high pressure. Therefore, they are not that effective in cleaning a pool. They are prone to clog because of participles larger than 2 inches.
Since the suction pool cleaner uses your pool’s pump, you can expect to pay a higher electric bill. They put a strain on the filtering system of your pool as well.
If you are looking for an inexpensive option to clean your pool, a suction pool cleaner is ideal. You might have to do some manual cleaning along.
Pressure Pool Cleaners
Pressure pool cleaners use the pump of your pool as well. However, they use water on the pressure side of the pump.
As the pressurized water moves through a pressure pool cleaner, its wheels are powered and suction is created to take in all the dirt and debris.
Just like robotic cleaners, pressure cleaners have their own filter bags as well. Therefore, your pool’s filtration system will have to go through less wear and tear. Since it uses the pump to power up, it’s going to consume electrical energy.
Pressure pool cleaners are easy to maintain, they don’t clog and they are durable. Their replacement parts are also easily available. You can count on these cleaners to pick both large and small debris.
Dolphin Nautilus CC vs Nautilus CC Plus
Which one is the best robotic pool cleaner – Dolphin Nautilus CC or Nautilus CC Plus? It’s no surprise that both are robotic pool cleaners. As the name implies, Nautilus CC Plus comes with extra features and cost, of course.
Both units have great cleaning capabilities, great design, and a nice set of features. These are some qualities that set them apart:
Design
Both units have an intuitive design. Nautilus CC Plus has a more sleek design though. It’s bigger in size, it features a longer cord and slightly bigger filters. In other words, it has been designed to do tough cleaning.
Performance
Both units feature CleverClean technology. It enables the machines to scan the pool and create an optimal cleaning course. Both are required with the same scrubbing technology.
However, Nautilus CC Plus has a longer power cord with a tangle-free operation. That means the cord will not tangle itself while the machine moves around inside the pool doing its job. You won’t have to pause the cycle to detangle the cord.
Other than this, Nautilus CC Plus has a large filter bag. It can contain more debris and dirt as compared to Dolphin Nautilus CC. Yes, that means you will only have to empty the filter once the cleaner is done with the cleaning.
Active Brushing
Dolphin Nautilus CC is equipped with a standard brush. It moves at a fast pace to ensure it scrubs away dirt and algae from the surface of the pool all the way to its waterline. The brush also provides the machine enough traction to remain in place when it’s climbing the walls.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is equipped with two brushes. This has given a boost to its cleaning abilities. The unit has a drive pulley track that helps it stay on the walls of the pool. They are not exposed like they are on Dolphin Nautilus CC.
Touch Controls
When it comes to controls, the manufacturers have kept Dolphin Nautilus CC simple. The unit takes 2 to 2.5 hours to complete the cleaning cycle.
Nautilus CC Plus has similar controls to that of Dolphin Nautilus CC. It also takes about 2.5 hours to complete one cycle. It has a quick cleaning mode that lets you finish the job faster.
Have a look at the key features of Dolphin Nautilus CC and Nautilus CC Plus at a glance:
| Dolphin Nautilus CC | Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus | |
| Pool Type | In-ground pool | In-ground pool |
| Pool Size | Up to 33 Feet. | Up to 50 Feet. |
| Filter Type | Large Basket, Top Load | Large Cartridge, Top Load |
| Scrubbing Brushes | 1 Active | 2 Standard |
| Weight | 13.8 lbs. | 19 lbs. |
It’s pretty obvious that Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is better as compared to its predecessor. However, more features come at a higher price.
Conclusion
When the question arises, “what is the best robotic pool cleaner”, the top pick is Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner. It’s efficient, it’s programmable, and has all the features a homeowner desires in a robotic pool cleaner.
It’s recommended to do your homework as well before settling a pool cleaner. If your budget doesn’t allow you to choose an expensive model, no worries, there are tons of other options. Feel free to pick other models from the list of the best pool cleaners. Follow the guide to narrow down your options.
