Adria Valdes Greenhauff was in college when she began writing about food. This led her to begin leading a food-focused career, but along the way she added her passion for travel as well. She's been busy writing on these lifestyle topics for almost 15 years, so it's no surprise you might see her work at brands like Better Homes and Gardens and Food & Wine.
An internship opportunity with D'Luxe, a Miami luxury magazine startup, gave Adria a chance to spend a summer covering restaurant openings and events. The internship led to her first job as an editor for Recommend, an industry publication for travel advisors.
Following a stint in advertising as a copywriter and social media manager, it wasn't long before Adria was writing about Miami's newest restaurants and cocktail bars for the luxury-focused website Just Luxe, where she had the opportunity to get an up-close glimpse into different cultures.
Since then, she has worked as a freelance writer for well-known lifestyle brands that focus on food and travel, including Allrecipes, Southern Living, the Foodable network, AOL Travel, and Miami New Times. She's also created branded content for Seasons 52 and Royal Caribbean and served as host for the Better Food Stories podcast.
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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 help determine which are the best robotic pool cleaners, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind each style's cycle time, cable length, and weight as well as the type of pool it's best for. We also consulted Stewart Vernon, COO and founder of America's Swimming Pool Company (ASP).
With those things in mind, our top pick is the Dolphin Nautilus CC, a lightweight robotic pool cleaner that has excellent suction and traction, works well on all pool surfaces, captures debris and cleans your pool in just two hours. The Nautilus CC was also the model of choice for nearly every pool expert we interviewed for this article.
Here, the best robotic pool cleaners.
Why You Should Get It: This compact cleaner has a weekly timer and offers intense scrubbing power that works well on most pool surfaces. Keep in Mind: With a range of 33 feet, this robot won't work for very large pools.
Lightweight and nimble, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Robot was designed with both in-ground and above ground pools in mind. Superior suction allows for effective debris clean up, while its heavy-duty track system can traverse just about any pool surface type, including gunite, tile, vinyl, and fiberglass. This robotic pool cleaner also has exceptional climbing capability, helping ensure your pool walls remain spotless throughout the season.
One of the best parts about the model is its weekly timer, which allows the cleaner to run its two-hour cycle time at set intervals throughout the week. With the timer set, you won't have to worry about your pool being clean when you want to take a dip or when guests drop by. It's also worth noting that the cleaner is fairly lightweight in comparison to other picks, so it's easy to place in and out of the pool when needed.
Why You Should Get It: This cordless model is lightweight and suitable for all pool types. Keep in Mind: This model wasn't designed for climbing pool walls or cleaning stairs.
If you're looking for the convenience of a robotic pool vacuum without the steep price tag, the Qomotop is a great option. This multipurpose cleaner is suitable for all pool types, including concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl. Plus, it features two wide suction doors for picking up debris, a large bottom brush for removing grime, and a spacious filter with an easy-to-remove cover for convenient cleanup.
The battery on the Qomotop, however, isn't the most powerful on our list. It allows for 60 to 90 minutes of runtime underwater, so it's not ideal for larger pools. This robot also isn't designed for cleaning walls or stairs. With those things in mind, if you have a flat-bottom pool that isn't surrounded by a lot of trees, therefore reducing the volume of dirt and leaves that end up in your pool, this robot is certainly worth considering.
Why You Should Get It: This plug-and-play robotic pool cleaner works wonders on pools up to 50 feet. Plus, it's backed by a three-year warranty. Keep in Mind: This machine is heavier than other robotic pool cleaners on the market.
The Dolphin Premier is a great option for anyone looking to invest in a robotic pool cleaner. There are plenty of things to love about this robot, including its easy-to-use single button cleaning setting and technology that allows it to remember the parts of your pool that it's already cleaned.
This robot also works efficiently on vertical surfaces, so it can optimally scrub even the grimiest waterlines. It's compatible with multiple filter cartridges and fine filter bags, so you can set this machine for a variety of cleaning functions, including algae scrubbing and leaf removal.
When it comes to design, the Dolphin Premier features an anti-tangle, 60-foot cord that will never get twisted or interfere with your robot's work. Its long cord allows the robot to clean pools up to 50 feet in length. This machine also has a convenient handle to easily retrieve it from the water, which is helpful since this robot weighs a little over 20 pounds. A three-year warranty will protect your purchase, providing peace of mind.
Why You Should Get It: The hypergrip track design makes it easy to tackle difficult-to-remove grime at the bottom of your pool. Keep in Mind: This robot doesn't offer a weekly timer functionality.
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.
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. It also features hypergrip tracks instead of traditional wheels for superior traction underwater, so you won't have to worry about the cleaner getting stuck.
The hypergrip 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 complete in just 1.5 hours. Fans of reusable filters will also appreciate that this pool cleaner eliminates the need for messy bags. One thing to keep in mind is that this robot doesn't have a weekly timer function, so you can't program an automatic cleaning schedule.
Related: 7 Best Above-Ground Pools for Summer Fun
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.
Whether you're swimming laps or entertaining friends, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic pool vacuum will help you enjoy more time in your pool and less time cleaning it. Easy to use and ideal for in-ground pools up to 50 feet, this machine promises to get your pool sparkling clean in just two hours.
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 in 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.
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.
Related: The 7 Best Pool Cleaners for Crystal Clear Water All Summer Long
Also available at Home Depot
Why You Should Get It: You can control the cleaner from your smartphone, so you won't have to be out by the pool to change the settings. Keep in Mind: It's more expensive than other options on the market.
With built-in Wi-Fi and the option to connect to its own iAquaLink app, the Polaris 9650iQ provides an effortless pool cleaning experience. Whether you are 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 even customize its cleaning pattern.
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. Plus, it includes a caddy for easy transport and storage.
Why You Should Get It: The cleaner features dual motors and has a cord-free design, so you won't have to worry about it getting tangled. Keep in Mind: The maximum cycle time on this model is only 50 minutes, which is shorter than other options on this list.
The best robotic pool cleaner for small pools is the Aiper Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum. The cleaner offers dual motor suction that effectively picks up dirt and debris. Plus, it has two independent scrapers to remove grime and sediment from your pool floor.
Weighing in at just over 6 pounds, this robotic pool cleaner is easy to handle and more lightweight than most other options out there. Its lighter weight is partly due to its cordless design, which ensures you never have to worry about power issues or cord entanglement while it maneuvers a smaller space.
To use the cleaner, simply drop it in your pool and let it do its thing. The cleaner features self-parking smart technology, which automatically stops the Aiper Robotic Cleaner near the pool wall when the battery is too low or after completing a working cycle. Once it's done, just use the included retrieval hook to take it out of the water without getting yourself wet.
Keep in mind that this robot will run for 55 minutes when fully charged, so it's not the best choice for large pools. The device recharges in three to four hours.
Why You Should Get It: This robot comes equipped with four-wheel drive traction to ensure the thoroughest clean, even on walls. Keep in Mind: It's on the heavier side, which can make it difficult for some to get out of the pool.
When it comes to large pools, the best robotic pool cleaner is the Aquabot X4 model. The cleaner features a long cable and cycle time that ensures it'll get 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.
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.
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.
Related: The 9 Best Pool Covers You Can Buy Online, According to Reviews
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.
Why You Should Get It: The unit will park itself near a pool wall when the battery is low or the cleaning cycle is complete.
Keep in Mind: It'll need seven to eight hours to charge when the battery runs low.
If you prefer a cordless pick, the best robotic pool cleaner worth is the Super Seagull 1500 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner. The unit can clean in-ground pools up to 70 feet long without the hassle of a tangled cord.
With two brushes, three motors, and a four-wheel drive system, the pool cleaner is sure to thoroughly clean your pool, walls included. The cleaner has technology that allows it to scan the size of the pool and determine the optimal cleaning pattern.
The cleaning cycle will last for up to 90 minutes. Once the cleaning cycle is complete or the battery is low, the unit will park itself near a pool wall, so you can easily remove it with the retrieving hook. It's worth noting, however, that once the battery runs low, you'll need about seven to eight hours to recharge it, so you'll want to ensure you leave enough time to charge it between uses.
We chose the Dolphin Nautilus CC as our pick for the best robotic pool cleaner because it's lightweight enough to easily drop in and lift out of your pool, and it's designed to clean both your pool floor and walls. We also love the weekly scheduler option that lets you set it and forget it, ensuring your pool will always remain sparkling clean. For a less expensive option, we recommend the Qomotop Rechargeable Robotic Pool Cleaner because the cordless style is lightweight and is suitable for many pool types.
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 that 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.
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 collected debris, lifting your robot out of the water could be difficult to manage. To help, consider a model with a wheeled caddy that 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.
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.
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.
When choosing the best robotic pool cleaner for your needs, consider the shape, slope, and material of your pool.
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," Vernon says.
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.
You'll also 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," Vernon says.
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 a remote control or smartphone app.
Pool cleaners should be handled with care but 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," Vernon says. "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.
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.
This article was written by Adria Greenhauff, who has been writing about food and lifestyle topics for over a decade. To come up with this list of the best robotic pool cleaners, she researched top-selling models, considering factors like size, filter capacity, and added technology. She also consulted Stewart Vernon, COO and founder of America's Swimming Pool Company (ASP).
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