We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Gardening Reviews Pool & Spa Reviews The 9 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners of 2024 for Your Backyard Oasis, According to Testing These robotic pool cleaners are both effective and easy to use. By Adria Greenhauff Adria Greenhauff Adria Valdes Greenhauff has written for numerous publications including Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Allrecipes. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on January 22, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she's an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Learn about BHG's Fact Checking Process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Key Terms to Know The Bottom Line Our Testing Process Others We Tested What to Know About Them Your Questions, Answered Who We Are What Is BHG Recommends? Better Homes and Gardens / Michael Navarro Whether you're splashing around with the family or enjoying poolside cocktails with friends, a backyard pool is a great way to spend time with loved ones. While keeping your pool sparkling clean and free of debris may seem like a daunting task, there are many robotic pool cleaner options available that will take care of your regular pool maintenance, so you don't have to. "Robotic cleaners are pricier but are also the easiest pool cleaners to use," says Stewart Vernon, COO and founder of America's Swimming Pool Company (ASP). "They use software to determine how to clean your pool." To find the best robotic pool cleaners, we put a variety of models to the test right at home. After using our given models several times over the course of a few months, we evaluated each model based on four categories: design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value. After up to six months of use, depending on location, we reviewed a few of the robotic pool cleaners again, keeping in mind performance, as well as anything we liked or would change about each model.In addition to Vernon, we also consulted Dr. Claudia Duncan, owner and CEO of Professional Pool Management, for additional insight. Key Terms to Know Robotic Pool Cleaner: A robotic pool cleaner is a pool cleaner that uses software to determine how to clean your pool.Above-Ground Pool: An above-ground pool refers to a pool that is not built in to the ground. They're typically made of aluminum or steel and are a less expensive pool option.In-Ground Pool: In-ground pools are pools that are dug in to the ground. They're typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl. What We Tested Setup: To start, we performed a backwash and cleaned our filter, skimmer baskets, and pump basket. Then, we determined if that the chemical balance was correct and pointed all the return fittings downward.Installation: Once the pool was prepped, we timed ourselves unboxing the pool cleaner and setting it up per the manufacturer's instructions.Cleaning: We used the pool cleaner at least three times during the testing period, noting how long the cleaning cycle was and how effective it was. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner at Walmart ($1,599) Jump to Review Best Budget: Aiper Seagull SE Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon ($250) Jump to Review Best for Walls: Aiper Seagull Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon ($785) Jump to Review Best for Above Ground Pools: Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon ($679) Jump to Review Best for In-Ground Pools: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon ($849) Jump to Review Best Smart Features: Polaris Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon ($1,399) Jump to Review Best for Small Pools: Aiper Seagull 1000 Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon ($268) Jump to Review Best for Large Pools: Aquabot X4 Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon ($560) Jump to Review Best with Caddy: Polaris VRX iQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon ($1,647) Jump to Review Best Overall Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner Pool Warehouse View On Walmart $1,599 View On Lowe's $1,599 View On Poolwarehouse.com Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Design 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Value 5/5 Why You Should Get It A double-filtered waste basket ensures that even fine debris will get cleaned. Keep in Mind It’s more expensive than other options. Overall, the Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner is the best pool cleaner to consider. After using the pool cleaner three times, we found that it was highly effective and easy to use. Overall, we gave this model a perfect score during testing. Although the pool cleaner is more expensive than other options, our testing proved to us why it was worth the investment. To start, setting up the unit was easy. All we had to do was plug it in and download the pool cleaner’s app, which we found to be very user-friendly. There are a few cleaning cycles to choose from, but for our first round of testing, we gave one of the more advanced modes a try. It took 2.5 hours to clean our pool, and we found that easily picked up debris of all sizes. We also had similar results when trying other cleaning cycles that were shorter. The deep clean was due in part to the pool cleaner’s double-filtered waste basket, which helped pick up even the finest debris. Once the basket is full, it’s easy to remove and empty with the press of a button. One of our favorite features on this pool cleaner was how you could customize the interface to suit your needs thanks to the corresponding app that was easy to set up and use. Whether you need to clean the whole pool or just the floors, you’ll be able to set the model to suit your needs. How It Performed After Six Months After using this robotic pool cleaner twice a week for six months, we felt that it was the easiest and most efficient pool cleaner we had ever used. It worked just as well as when we first got it, and we appreciated that it could handle any debris that came its way. During testing, it became our go-to for cleaning small debris at the bottom of our pool quickly. Although this model worked well for our pool, we didn’t think the power cord was long enough to handle a larger pool. Product Details: Cycle Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours | Cable Length: 60 feet | Weight: 20 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: In-ground | Pool Length: Up to 50 feet Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Yung Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Yung Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Yung Best Budget Aiper Seagull SE Robotic Pool Cleaner Amazon View On Amazon $250 View On Aiper.com $180 Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Design 4.8/5 Ease of Use 4.8/5 Effectiveness 4.3/5 Value 5/5 Why You Should Get It The cordless model is small, lightweight, and easy to drop into a pool. Keep in Mind It’s only meant to clean pool floors. Aiper’s Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is the best robotic pool cleaner to consider if you’re in the market for a less expensive option. The 7.6-pound cordless cleaner isn’t as heavy as other models, and we found it was easy to place into the water. Set up was fairly simple as all we had to do was attach the brushes. It’s recommended you fully charge the pool cleaner before using it—we originally didn’t and it made a noticeable difference for us between uses. During our first round of testing, we used whatever charge the unit already had and it seemed weak and slow. We fully charged it for the other two uses, however, and found that it picked up a majority of the debris in our pool. The pool cleaner is ideal for pools that have flat floors and no slopes. It’s only meant to clean floors and in our experience, it did a good job cleaning pollen and other debris. It did pick up a good amount of leaves, but it’s not the best pool cleaner for cleaning larger piles. We liked that the model had a handle that made it easier to place it in the pool and it came with a retrieval hook to help take it out of the water when it’s done. Unlike some other picks, there’s no corresponding app to control it. Some advanced pool cleaners have multiple cleaning cycles to choose from but with this pick, there’s only one cleaning mode. Still, it’ll clean your pool in 1.5 hours and then will need to charge for 2.5 hours, which is considerably less than some other options. How It Performed After Six Months We used this model twice a week throughout testing and found that the battery life was still the same as when we first got it. When we first started using it, the cleaner accumulated a lot of leaves and pollen that had caused the machine to become jammed more frequently. However, as the seasons changed and the debris became smaller, the machine was able to accumulate more residue and keep the pool look cleaner throughout. Product Details: Cycle Time: 1.5 hours | Cable Length: N/A | Weight: 7.6 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: Above-ground (round) and in-ground | Pool Length: Up to 40 feet Better Homes & Gardens / Michael Navarro Best for Walls Aiper Seagull Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner Amazon View On Amazon $785 View On Walmart View On Lowe's $599 Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Design 4.8/5 Ease of Use 4.8/5 Effectiveness 4.8/5 Value 4.5/5 Why You Should Get It It features a top-loading filter basket that’s easy to remove and clean. Keep in Mind We would have appreciated an app to assist in controlling the cleaner. Pool walls can collect a lot of grime and debris but not every model is designed to clean them. Enter the Aiper Seagull Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner, a cordless style that thoroughly cleaned our pool walls with ease. The pool cleaner came fully assembled, so all we had to do was charge it before the first use. It’ll typically need to charge for 1.5 hours, which is less time than some other styles, but it took us a little less time because it came with some battery life already. Although it’s just over 20 pounds, we felt like the pool cleaner was lightweight and easy to drop into the pool.During the first use, we were surprised at how quickly it started working once it was in the water. We noticed that it didn’t seem to go in an organized pattern, so we ran it twice to make sure it cleaned everywhere. The second round of testing went better, however, and the pool cleaner seemed to do a better job of mapping out the space. In our experience, the pool cleaner did a great job at cleaning our pool’s walls. In fact, it went all the way to the top of the wall and the brush went past the waterline. It even stayed there for a few seconds, cleaning and scrubbing the area. Overall, we’re confident that we could use this pick for weekly maintenance on our waterline. The pool cleaner features a top-loading filter, which was easy to remove and clean. All we had to do was open the pool cleaner’s lid, remove the filter basket, and hose it off to remove the remnants. We did think it was a bit smaller than other pool cleaner filters, so keep that in mind based on how often you plan to use it. Given the price, we would have preferred this pick to come with an app to help map out cleaning patterns and control the unit overall. However, we still found this option to be more effective than our previous pool cleaner, so it's still one of the best robotic pool cleaners to consider. How It Performed After Six Months Throughout testing, we noticed this option got stuck every now and then. Although it was usually able to correct itself, we would sometimes need to use a pole to lift it and resolve the issue. In addition to those infrequent mishaps, we would have also liked if this option could be controlled via an app, and we noted that we would have invested a bit more in a model that had one. Otherwise, we thought this option was easy to use and it performed just as well six months in as it did when we first received it. We also like that it doesn’t have a cord and is easy to store, which is ideal if you have a small garage or shed. Product Details: Cycle Time: Three hours | Cable Length: N/A | Weight: 20.9 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: In-ground and above ground | Pool Length: Up to 3,200 feet Better Homes & Gardens / Hildara Araya Better Homes & Gardens / Hildara Araya Better Homes & Gardens / Hildara Araya Better Homes & Gardens / Hildara Araya Better Homes & Gardens / Hildara Araya Best for Above Ground Pools Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner Amazon View On Amazon $679 View On Walmart $729 Our Ratings Design 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Value 4/5 Why You Should Get It The design is compact and lightweight. Plus, it even flattened the lining of our pool. Keep in Mind The instructions aren’t very clear and recommend videos to watch for assembly. Above-ground pools are either made of steel, aluminum, or resin, so you'll need a robotic pool cleaner, like the Dolphin Escape, that is made to tackle these surfaces. This pick’s design is compact and lightweight. Plus, it even flattened the lining in our pool. One thing to love about this robot is the ultra-durable dual scrubbing brushes that can scour away algae and other stubborn contaminants that can build up on the pool's floor. During testing, the pool cleaner was very effective, and it cleaned up all of the debris and leaves in the area–the tested pool is located near a tree, so there was quite a bit of build-up. The brush and tracks work seamlessly with this robot's smart navigation feature, which acts much like a GPS and helps the cleaner navigate your pool quickly. In fact, an entire clean cycle can be completed in just 1.5 hours. Just keep in mind that while the box was neatly organized and the instructions were accessible, they weren’t very clear. In fact, they recommend videos to watch for assembly, which we found helpful. How It Performed After Three Months We tested this robotic pool cleaner for three months at home and didn’t report any issues while using it. We felt that it kept our pool clean, and we liked how practical and efficient the unit was. Our only critique was that we wished that the unit could be folded for easier storage. Product Details: Cycle Time: 1.5 hours | Cable Length: 40 feet | Weight: 14 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: Above-ground | Pool Length: Up to 30 feet Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief Best for In-Ground Pools Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner Amazon View On Amazon $849 View On Walmart $799 Our Ratings Design 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Value 5/5 Why You Should Get It The cleaner features three cleaning frequency options, so it's easy to decide how often you want your pool to be cleaned. Keep in Mind It won't work for scrubbing your waterline. The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is the best robotic pool vacuum for in-ground pools. Easy to use and ideal for in-ground pools up to 50 feet, this machine will clean your pool in just two hours. Plus, we found that it was lightweight and user-friendly. Dual scrubbing brushes effortlessly wipe down algae and grime, while a filter picks up even the finest particles of dirt and sand. Built-in sensors can detect obstacles at the bottom of your pool and avoid them with little interruption. It's also designed to scale up pool walls and clean around stairs—just keep in mind it won't scrub your waterline. Overall, we felt that it was a highly effective model to consider. It's also worth noting the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus has an easy-to-use, three-setting function, which allows you to schedule your robot to clean every day, every other day, or every third day. Thanks to the timer, you'll never have to worry if your pool is clean when you want to use it. How It Performed After Four Months Overall, we thought this option was easy to use and we liked that it mapped out our pool so well that it barely missed any spots. Although it’s an investment, we felt that it was worth it as it saved us hours of cleaning the pool ourselves. Product Details: Cycle Time: Two hours | Cable Length: 60 feet | Weight: 19 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: In-ground or above ground | Pool Length: Up to 50 feet Better Homes & Gardens / Matt Strelecki Better Homes & Gardens / Matt Strelecki Best Smart Features Polaris Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner Amazon View On Amazon $1,399 View On Walmart $1,399 View On Lowe's $1,399 Why You Should Get It It’s quiet and climbs the waterline, unlike other models. Keep in Mind It's 44 pounds, which is heavier than other options. With built-in Wi-Fi and the option to connect to its own iAquaLink app, the Polaris 9650iQ is the best pool cleaner if you prefer smart features. Whether home or away, you'll be able to control your robot right from your phone, including scheduling cleans and checking how dirty the filter is. You can also manually drive your robot around the pool and customize its cleaning pattern. Overall, we felt that the pool cleaner was effective at suctioning the pool walls and floor. It was able to easily climb up the waterline, unlike some other models. Plus, it runs quietly and can be programmed to different cleaning modes based on what your pool needs. The cleaner is 44 pounds, which is heavier than some other options out there. However, with this model, you can activate the cleaner's lift system through the app, which will tell your robot to scale the wall so you can easily lift it out of the water. How It Performed After Three Months We tested this pool cleaner for three months and used it about four times a week and we didn't experience any issues with it. In fact, we noted that this was the first pool cleaner that we used in our free-form pool that covered all of the pool's edges without getting stuck. The filter pump also doesn't need to run at full speed, so it's quiet, making it more enjoyable to be near the pool while it's cleaning. Product Details: Cycle Time: Variable programming | Cable Length: 70 feet | Weight: 44 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: In-ground | Pool Length: Not listed Best for Small Pools Aiper Seagull 1000 Robotic Pool Cleaner Amazon View On Amazon $268 View On Lesliespool.com $390 Our Ratings Design 4/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Effectiveness 4/5 Value 4/5 Why You Should Get It The compact, cordless design made it easy to set up and store. Keep in Mind It took us a few tries to find the best angle setting for the cleaner to work effectively. The Aiper Seagull 1000 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is the best pool cleaner if your pool is on the smaller side. We appreciated that it was simple to assemble, and the cordless style made it easy to store between cleanings. The model is ideal for pools that are up to 50 feet. Since it’s cordless, you won’t have to worry about any tangled cords while it navigates your pool. We found that it was effective and was impressed with how much the small model cleaned. However, you’ll want to be careful when you lift it out of the water as some debris may fall back into the pool. It took us a few tries to find the best angle setting for the cleaner to work effectively. We also noted that the model spent a lot of time in the deeper end of the pool, so you should start it in the shallow end and return it there to ensure your whole pool gets cleaned. However, we recommend the compact model, which is less expensive than other options. How It Performed After Two Months Throughout testing we found that this pool cleaner was quite easy to use. We did notice that the unit had some difficulties climbing out of the deep end of the pool, however, so we thought this pick may be better suited for a more shallow pool. That being said, we did think it worked well overall. Product Details: Cycle Time: 90 minutes | Cable Length: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Suggested Pool Type: Above-ground | Pool Length: Up to 50 feet Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief Best for Large Pools Aquabot X4 Robotic Pool Cleaner Amazon View On Amazon $560 View On Walmart $847 Why You Should Get It This robot comes equipped with four-wheel drive traction to ensure a thorough clean, even on walls. Keep in Mind We would have appreciated a more detailed instruction manual. When it comes to large pools, the best robotic pool cleaner is the Aquabot X4 model. The cleaner features a long cable and cycle timer that ensures it gets the job done. The cleaner features a 60-foot cord as well as an oversized top-loading filter cartridge that can scoop up to 190 cubic inches of leaves, twigs, dirt, and debris before needing to be cleaned. Plus, it also has four-wheel drive traction and micro brushes that ensure optimal cleaning on both floors and walls, a feature we highly recommended after testing. You can also choose your preferred length and frequency of cleanings. Program settings are available for one-, 1.5-, and two-hour cleaning cycles, and the convenient timer can be set to automatically run every 48, 72, or 96 hours. When it came to the cleaning cycles, however, we found that the instructions were not detailed and didn’t indicate the length of each cleaning program, so we weren’t sure we were using the best cycle for their pool. No matter the shape of your pool, you'll appreciate the AutoX Pool Mapping technology, which calculates your pool's shape and the best cleaning approach for speed and efficiency. As it runs, you won't have to worry about the cord getting tangled, thanks to the anti-tangle swivel feature. Be aware, though, that this pool cleaner, at 30 pounds, does weigh a bit more than others on our list. Product Details: Cycle Time: One to two hours | Cable Length: 60 feet | Weight: 30 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: Above-ground, in-ground | Pool Length: Up to 60 feet Best with Caddy Polaris VRX iQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner Leslie's View On Amazon $1,647 View On Walmart $1,647 View On Lesliespool.com $1,649 Our Ratings Design 4/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Effectiveness 4/5 Value 3/5 Why You Should Get It The pool cleaner has multiple cleaning modes, can be controlled with an app, and has a long floating cable. Keep in Mind The unit is more expensive than other options. The Polaris VRXIQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner with iAquaLink Control is the best pool cleaner if you prefer a unit that has multiple settings and is easy to transport. The pool cleaner comes with a steel caddy that makes it easy to move the unit from the pool to its storage spot. The robot cleaner features a 70-foot cable that comes in handy with each of the unit's cleaning settings: SMART cycle, quick clean, deep clean, waterline only, and custom. It can be controlled via an app, which allows you to also do targeted spot cleanings. Once you're done using the pool cleaner, you'll appreciate the included powder-coated alloy caddy. The design, which doesn't require any tools to assemble, has a handle that'll make it easy to move the robotic pool cleaner to a storage space in your backyard, so you won't have to worry about doing any heavy lifting. The wheeled caddy was easy for us to set up as it snaps in place and doesn’t require any hardware. Plus, the caddy allows the unit to sit upright, which may end up saving you space depending on where you store it. How It Performed After Two Months We tested this pool cleaner for a little over two months and didn’t experience any issues with it. We especially liked that this option can be controlled by an app, making it easy to start the cleaner and know when the cycle is finished. Overall, we’d recommend this option to anyone who has a large pool and has difficulties cleaning the bottom and/or the walls. Product Details: Cycle Time: Not listed | Cable Length: 70 feet | Weight: Not listed | Suggested Pool Type: In-ground | Pool Length: Up to 60 feet Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief The Bottom Line Overall, the best robotic pool cleaner is the Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner. Although it’s an investment, we liked the double filtered waste basket that ensured even the finest debris was cleaned up. It also earned a perfect score in testing due in part to its easy setup and multiple cleaning cycles. Our Testing Process To find the best robotic pool cleaners, we put a variety of models to the test right at home. After using our given models several times over the course of a few months, we evaluated each model based on four categories: design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value. After up to four months of use, depending on location, we reviewed a few of the robotic pool cleaners again, keeping in mind performance, as well as anything we liked or would change about each model. Throughout testing, we used the cleaners at least three times. Prior to putting the pool cleaner in the water, we recorded the pool conditions, like what kinds of trees and plants surround the pool, as well as any weather conditions that may have contributed to the level of debris. We then set up each pick based on the instruction manual. In terms of design, we evaluated if the pool cleaner had an ergonomic design and was comfortable and easy to use. A pool cleaner received a higher score if it had features like a handle or caddy. Ease of use was evaluated based on if the unit came already set up, as well as how easy it was to do any necessary assembly and place it in the water. A pool cleaner’s effectiveness was scored based on how well it removed debris from each pool. The best pool cleaners received high scores if it was easy for us to remove debris from the product, as well as clean or replace the filter. After evaluating each category, we were given the price of the product we were testing. Value was then determined based on our opinion of the product, like if we felt the price was reasonable and if we would recommend it. While testing, we also considered the noise level of the device, charging times, ease of storage, which areas of the pool it could clean, and if the pool cleaner ever got stuck and needed assistance. Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief Other Robotic Pool Cleaners We Tested Aiper Seagull 600 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner Overall, we felt that the Aiper Seagull 600 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is ideal for smaller pools. We appreciated that it came with a hook that can connect to the cleaner’s long handle, making it easier to take it out of the water. Assembly took us a bit of time as there weren’t very clear instructions. After the cleaner went through a cycle, we still noticed leaves and other debris on the bottom of the pool. Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner We appreciated that the Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner was lightweight and liked the built-in handles that made it easy to use. It’s also designed to work in both in-ground and above-ground pools and had strong suction. After six months of use, however, the unit broke and we sent the unit in for repairs. Dolphin sent us a pre-paid shipping label and we received the unit back after a few weeks. HYDRUS Robotic Pool Vacuum The HYDRUS Robotic Pool Vacuum was easy to use and was so quiet you could barely tell it was on. It was also so lightweight that we felt like we could drop it into the pool one-handed. However, the pool cleaner only cleans the floors, not the walls, and we would have liked if there was an app to better control the cleaning patterns. Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief What to Know About Robotic Pool Vacuums Before Shopping Pool Size and Cord Length One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for robotic pool cleaners is the size and depth of your pool. Robotic pool cleaners have varying cable lengths, so you want to make sure you choose one that's going to reach the entire span of your swimming pool, from your power source to the furthest, deepest point of the pool. Most robotic pool cleaners come with cables that range from 50 to 60 feet. If you need a longer cable, consider the Polaris VRXIQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner with iAquaLink Control or the Polaris 9650iQ. Both models have a 70-foot cable, which are the longest on our list. Weight A robotic pool cleaner can be anywhere from 6 to 30 pounds, more or less, so it's worth noting the weight of the unit while you shop—once you factor in water and the collected debris, lifting your robot out of the water could be difficult to manage. Most options on our list are about 20 pounds or more. If you prefer a lightweight option, consider our best budget pick, the Aiper Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner, which is 7.6 pounds. To help, you can also consider a model with a wheeled caddy, like the Polaris VRXIQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner with iAquaLink Control. An option with a caddy allows you to roll your robot to and from storage, as well as designs with sturdy handles. Some models even have settings that'll bring the robotic pool cleaner up the side of the pool when it's done cleaning, making it easier to take it out of the water. Run Time Automated robotic pool vacuums typically run between two and six hours, with some models offering a quick clean in as little as 1.5 hours, depending on your pool size. Keep in mind that you should never program your robot to run continuously, as it can wear out the motor and filter. The Aiper Seagull Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner, our best for walls pick, has a three-hour cleaning cycle, which is the longest on our list. Filter Canister When picking up debris from your pool's floor, your robot deposits that waste into a bag or cartridge. Some models use disposable filter bags, while others offer reusable filter bags or cartridges that can be cleaned with a quick spray from your garden hose. If your pool gets particularly dirty, choose a model with a larger capacity; otherwise, you'll find yourself frequently emptying the bag. More advanced models even have multiple filters for different types of debris. Pool Type When choosing the robotic best pool cleaner for your needs, consider the shape, slope, and material of your pool, as well as the type of pool you have. In-ground pools are either made of concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass, so it is important to make sure your vacuum is compatible with cleaning those surfaces," says Vernon. Though we tested several options for in-ground pools, we thought the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus was the best robotic pool to consider. For above-ground pools, you'll want to look for something compatible with your pool's material type, often aluminum or steel, as well as a model with larger, sturdier wheels that will be able to tackle a less-smooth pool floor. If you have an above-ground pool, the Dolphin Escape was the best robotic cleaner we recommend trying. You'll also want to consider the shape of your pool and the slope of its floor, making sure the pool cleaner is compatible with it. "Choose a model that will clean your pool well and not get stuck on obstacles such as stairs, ladders, and drains," says Vernon. Your Questions, Answered Are robotic cleaners worth the investment? Although robotic pool cleaners are more expensive than other pool cleaner options, they offer many conveniences that can save you time and money in the long run. For example, These devices use advanced motors that allow them to operate seamlessly without consuming a ton of power. Much like a traditional vacuum, robotic pool cleaners suck up dirt and debris, storing it in an attached filter bag or canister that can be emptied after each use. High-quality robotic pool cleaners have exceptional mobility, allowing them to easily move around curves, stairs, and sharp corners. Robotic pool cleaners often use software to determine how to clean your pool, using built-in sensors to detect things like the size and shape of your pool as well as areas with more debris, allowing for a more effective clean. Some models also offer additional features like the ability to schedule pool cleanings via remote control or smartphone app. Can you swim in your pool while using the cleaner? Whether you, small children, or pets are swimming in the pool, robotic pool cleaners should be handled with care. That being said, they are perfectly safe to use while swimming. However, the robot may not do as great of a job cleaning while you're in the pool with it. "Technically, you can swim while your vacuum is at work, but I do not recommend it," says Vernon. "It's best for debris to settle at the bottom of the pool for the vacuum to suck it up." If you are swimming, Vernon explains, the water will be churning and make it harder for your vacuum to do the same job. How often should you clean your pool cleaner? Though keeping your pool clean is an important step, how often you should run your robotic pool cleaner is based on a few factors. "The answer depends on how often you use your pool, how dirty it gets from the surrounding area, and the model of vacuum that you purchase," Vernon says. " If you use your pool daily or find a lot of debris sweeping into your pool, you can run your cleaner daily." If you do not use your pool as often, Vernon suggests running it once a week for optimal upkeep. It's also important to be mindful of your filter and ensure you're cleaning it out regularly. "For the best results, you'll want a clean filter so that it can pick up as much debris as possible within its capacity," Vernon says. Who We Are This article was written by Adria Greenhauff, who has been writing about home products for over a decade. This article was updated by Jamie Weissman, a commerce editor for Better Homes & Gardens who specializes in pool content. To come up with this list of the best robotic pool cleaners, they researched top-selling models, considering factors like size, filter capacity, and added technology. In addition to analyzing testing date, they also consulted Stewart Vernon, COO and founder of America's Swimming Pool Company (ASP), and Dr. Claudia Duncan, owner and CEO of Professional Pool Management, for additional insight. What Is BHG Recommends? Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit