The Best Robotic Pool Cleaner Reviews for 2019

Do you have a dirty pool? What you need is the best robotic pool cleaner to relief the stress that comes with keeping sparkling clear water.

Supposedly, Shopping for robotic pool cleaners online should be easy, but the fact is it’s not a simple process like before.

Misinformation on products makes it difficult to know what works and what doesn’t.  Investing in a robotic pool cleaner requires having more than half-baked knowledge. 

We want to help you.  Our complete review and buying guide of the best robotic pool cleaners will show you the ups and downs of each product, as well as assist you to pick the right product for your pool. We also featured a buyer’s guide that walks you through the buying process, even if it’s your first time using a robotic pool cleaner.

Top 10 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners Reviewed for 2019

Here’s a comprehensive list of our top 10 robotic pool cleaners on the marketplace. All our products are carefully selected based on their features, benefits, qualities, and warranties.

1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic In-ground Robotic Pool Cleaner

We’re not surprised to find this product from Dolphin shortlisted on our top list. This model is a bit pricey and comes with a 2-year warranty. This model does a great job of cleaning both the walls and the floors. 

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is easy to operate and you can easily plug them into a standard outlet. Anyone can operate this model even if you’re using a robotic pool cleaner for the first time. The robotic cleaner is eight times efficient than other products on our list. We recommend using it in pools with less than fifty feet in length. The smart control technology features a weekly timer that ensures your pool will be automatically cleaned without you manually set up the cleaning.

 Unfortunately, the pool cleaner won’t get the job done in one cycle. Although many people love the job it does after two to three cycles, the first cycle is never enough. If you’re satisfied with that, then this model is a great deal.

Pros

• Easy to operate
• Two years warranty
• Cleans the walls and floors
• Affordable

Cons

• Requires multiple cleaning cycles

2. Dolphin Premier In-ground Robotic Pool Cleaner

Undoubtedly, this is one of the best robotic pool cleaners available in the market today. In addition to cleaning the floors of your pool, Dolphin premier also climbs through the sidewalls and cleans all dirt. The robotic pool cleaner features a smart technology that monitors its movement during cleaning to improve overall cleanliness.

The cleaner features three cleaning systems which are the standard cartridge, large leaf bag, and a micro filter to enhance cleanliness.

Going further is the tangle-free swivel that prevents your robot from getting stuck in a corner, and unable to do its job while you’re away.

Although a bit pricey, Dolphin Premier In-ground Robotic Pool Cleaner does a good job.

However, it may not be the best budget option for pool-owners because of its high price. But if the price isn’t your concern, this is the best model for you.

Pros

• Thoroughly cleans floors and climbs through to clean walls
• Smartest cleaning technology
• Tangle-free swivel
• Three cleaning solutions

Cons

• Expensive option

3. Polaris F9550 Sport Robotic In-ground Pool Cleaner

This is also a good buy for pool owners looking to make their pool aesthetically appealing all the time.  Polaris F9450 Robotic Pool Vacuum is one of the most efficient pool cleaners on this list.

The effectiveness of the vacuum is over four times higher than its counterparts on similar models, helping you achieve a cleaner pool within a short time. The robotic cleaner can also scrub both the floor and walls of the pool, leaving your pool dirt-free.

A unique feature of this model is the “waterline-only” mode, which drives the cleaner through the waterline, which is often a terrible-looking part of many pools. Also, it is the part usually ignored by many robotic cleaners.

This model features smart technology programming; for example, you can customize the cleaning schedule by setting it to a seven-day cycle mode.

The downside of the Polaris F9450 Robotic Pool Vacuum is that it doesn’t handle fine dirt properly. While that may not be a problem for some people, others may need to invest extra money on a fine-dirt filter. Overall, it is an excellent product.

 Pros

• Effective cleaning
• Scrubs floors and walls
• Seven-day programming mode
• Includes the unique waterline-only mode

Cons

• Not the best for fine dirt

4. Aquabot Breeze IQ Wall-Climbing Automatic In-ground Robotic Pool Cleaner

Although the Aquabot Breeze IQ Robotic Pool Cleaner comes at a reasonable price, it has certain limitations that affected its value when compared to other brands on our list.

Aquabot Breeze IQ Robotic Pool Cleaner cleans the floors of pools and also has the tracks feature that lets it climb the walls to remove all dirt.

Aquabot Breeze IQ Robotic Pool Cleaner features a 60-foot cable which equals about 10 feet longer than other cables from other models.  Aquabot also manufactures one of the best filters around, with tiny pores to trap dust, pollen, dander, and other bacteria.

 However, the model is on the high side of the price spectrum, and while it is expected to last for long, most past users only used it for a year, or even less. It does not survive the winter, which questions the situation of the design and manufacture.

Although manufacturers advertise the cord as “tangle-free”, it still tangles on many occasions, so if you want a robotic pool cleaner that requires minimal or no monitoring, Aquabot Breeze IQ Robotic Pool Cleaner may not be a perfect fit.

Pros

• Cleans walls and floors
• Excellent filter
• Long cables

Cons

• Cords usually tangle
• Not durable

5. Aquabot X4 Robotic Pool Cleaner

Are you looking for a model that strikes an incredible balance between quality and price? If you’re on a budget but still want a quality robotic pool cleaner, this particular model will be a saver. Aquabot X4 features a huge, single cartridge which is easily disassembled to clean. This model also features an automatic pool mapping that detects the shape of your pool and device a way to clean it effectively.

And thanks to its four-wheel-drive that facilitates the whole cleaning process. Manufactures put the  Aquabot X4 on a three-year warranty.

This robotic pool cleaner is known to last for over three years, or even more. Even though many robotic pools find it challenging to clean pools having 90-degree walls,  Aquabot X4 struggle more in this area, which is why we think it’s an averagely valued cleaner. 

Pros

• Large cartridge
• Automatic pool mapping for effective cleaning
• Four-wheel drive for deep cleaning

Cons

• May require frequent warranty
• Has a problem with 90-degree walls

6. Hayward SharkVac Robotic Pool Cleaner

Hayward SharkVac Robotic Pool Cleaner is also a decent robotic pool cleaner that delivers excellent results at a great price.

Although this model does not map the pool like the Aquabot X4, it does implement a smart technology that monitors its present location to know where to go next.

Hayward SharkVac Robotic Pool Cleaner features two filter cartridge accesses that you need to remove and clean independently. Unlike most cleaners, Hayward SharkVac does not have issues with stairs.

However, one of the downsides is with height. This model struggles to rise vertically for cleaning. Although it does well with stairs, the model performs poorly with walls.

We also noticed that it is heavier than its counterparts. You need some strength to lift it out of the pool. So make sure you slowly lift them to prevent yourself from arm or back strains. But if you’re strong and you feel this model will fulfill your need, then feel free to go for it.

Pros

• Great steering system
• Simple filter cartridge
• Performs great with stairs

Cons

• Can be heavy
• Not the best for wall cleaning

7. Hayward RC9950GR TigerShark Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner

Do you wish your pool cleaning is done on time without delay? Then you may want to check out the Hayward TigerShark Robotic Pool Vacuum. One word can be used to define this model: Speed.

Hayward TigerShark Robotic Pool Vacuum can have your pool sparklingly cleaned within 90 minutes, which is incredibly fast when compared to other models. The robotic pool cleaner features an easy to clean cartridge. That means you will only spend little time on cleaning.

And, surprisingly, you only need to press one button to get started. So you will only spend minimal time on setup. 

However, all these goodies come at a premium price. But if you value the speedy cleaning time, then this robotic pool cleaner is worth considering.  Remember that a typical robotic cleaner takes 120 minutes.

Like the Hayward SharkVac Robotic Pool Cleaner, this model is heavy. We don’t recommend to people with back problems. Overall, the robotic pool cleaner does an excellent job, but it’s a little pricey.

Pros

• The speedy 90-minute cleaning process
• Easy to clean cartridge
• Simple operation

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

8. Kreepy Krauly Prowler 910 Robotic Pool Cleaner

People shopping for a pool cleaner for the first time will be attracted to the low price of this model. So if you’re thinking of trying out the robotic pool cleaner for the first time, you might want to consider buying the Kreepy Krauly Prowler 910 Pool Cleaner.

However, apart from its price, the best thing about this pool cleaner is that it allows you to access the cartridge easily. That means you won’t waste too much time cleaning the product.

 As expected, this model has quite some challenges. The first is a quality control problem. Some parts of the unit quickly break, meaning that the company lags behind in terms of quality delivery.

It comes with a cord that easily tangles, which sometimes prevents it from thoroughly cleaning the pool. This model is not an ideal option for people who live in dusty areas because it finds it finds it hard to clean fine particles.

Overall, this is an inexpensive option with manageable flaws.

Pros

• Quite affordable
• Easy access to the cartridge

Cons

• Issues with quality
• Cord tangles
• Not the best for fine particles

9. Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid Robotic Pool Cleaner

Are you looking for another cheap option? Have a look at Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid Robotic Pool Cleaner.

You can purchase it for half the price of other models on our list. However, you should be prepared to put up with the flaws. Fortunately, this is the best model for vinyl pools. The robotic pool cleaner features oversized wheels.

On the flip side, this model usually gets stuck in corners. Although this is not a problem for those using vinyl pools, it can become a problem with concrete pools.

The cords also tangle and unable to reach some parts of the pool unless you untangle it. However, aquabot pool rover hybrid is not the ideal option for dusty areas, as this model has problems with fine particles, which usually makes the pool dirty.

Overall, if you’re on a budget and can manage the limitations of this robotic pool cleaner, kindly go for it.

Pros

• Highly affordable
• An excellent option for Vinyl pools

Cons

• Usually gets stuck in corners
• Cord easily tangles
• Difficulty with fine particles

10. Cobalt NC22 Robotic Pool Cleaner

The good thing about this robotic pool cleaner is its affordable price. You can purchase it for half the price of other models on our list. It features a large bag that helps remove debris at once. Since this model features only a 49-foot cord, we don’t recommend using it in your medium or larger sized pools.

Quite frankly, manufacturers did not design the Cobalt NC22 Pool Cleaner Robot to clean walls. So if you want to work on the floors and walls areas of your pool, this model is not right for you. But if you own a smaller pool and don’t mind having debris around your pool sides, you can check out this model.

Pros

• Affordable
• Large bag
• Excellent one-cycle machine

Cons

• Will never clean walls
• Short cord

How To Choose A Robotic Pool Cleaner

Below are some factors to consider before buying a robotic pool cleaner:

Price

One thing you’ll notice when looking for a pool cleaner is that the cost can be really expensive or very cheap.

High-quality robotic pool cleaners can be as expensive as a typical above ground pool. But you can always find averagely-priced options. It all depends on what you want. Choose your preferred features and select the product around your budget.

Technological smartness of the robotic cleaner

Before, there were only robotic vacuums with a complicated operation that follows the same boring pattern all the time.

Today, there are now high-quality robotic pool cleaners which can now detect your pool’s layout and clean in accordance. In other words, you don’t have to worry about the pool cleaner leaving out the large swaths of your pool unattended. The high-end cleaning cycle is more expensive, but it’s worth it.

Size of pool

Your pool size is an essential factor which you shouldn’t ignore. Even excellent cleaners have their preset limitations, with each cleaner preprogrammed to a particular range. A cleaner with a smaller range will affect productivity.

 If you own a pool with an average shape and size, many models will work for you, but we recommend doing your research on size before purchase. 

Type of pool material

The material make-up of your pool can determine what cleaner to buy. Some manufacturer clearly states the materials they use, for example, vinyl, pebble tech, etc. If your pool contains materials such as tile or fiberglass, carefully select the vacuum to use.

Brand

Snubbing a brand’s name is not a good idea when it comes to making a buying decision. Some brands are reputable for a reason.

Make sure you buy your product from a company with a great reputation. Products from reputable companies are usually sophisticated and more reliable.  It’d be a gamble to purchase from an obscure company.

Scheduling

Some cleaners can be scheduled to clean your pool on selected days. This smart technology makes the product more user-friendly. Just make sure the vacuum is kept plugged in to enjoy frequent maintenance.

Wall Traction

One major complaint of users about robotic pool cleaners is how they find it hard to scale through the walls of the pool. With the wrong traction level, wheels will be dismantled, and the robot will float aimlessly inside the pool throughout the cleansing cycle.

Most robotic pool cleaner usually has an occasional floating day, but specific models try as much as possible to navigate the problem.

Bottom Line

The aim of our review of the best robotic pool cleaner is to inform you of the ideal product for your pool.

Hopefully, we’ve been able to achieve our aim. If you love to spend more money to purchase an excellent product, you may go for Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is easy to operate and you can easily plug them into a standard outlet. Anyone can operate this model even if you’re using a robotic pool cleaner for the first time.

Furthermore, if you want excellent features but on a budget, you may want to go for the Aquabot Pool Rover Hybrid Robotic Pool Cleaner which you can purchase for half the price of other models on our list. Good luck.