Top 10 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners for In-Ground Pools & Above-Ground Pools

In this article, you will get accurate and well-researched knowledge about the best robotic pool cleaners available on the market in 2020.

Swimming pools look beautiful and exotic only if they are clean and useable. But it is not the story of all times, as many times pools are dirty and filled with dust particles, tree leaves, sand particles, pieces of thread & plastic, etc. It takes real efforts and time to clean the pool water 100% for use. This is where advanced and technically upgraded robotic pool cleaner plays an important role to cut-short the human efforts in the pool cleaning process.

The compact-sized automatic pool cleaner with superior quality results works efficiently in cleaning any sort of in-ground and above-ground swimming pools. It takes much lesser time to clean any dedicated size of a pool than the old school techniques.

You can find several types of equipment and pool cleaners in the market-defining differentiated functions & operations. Every machine will speak about its Unique Selling Points (USPs). And there you will be doubtful to opt for the best robotic pool cleaner among all the options available.

So, it is of utmost importance to understand well your need for the cleaning of the swimming pool and the size of the pool you are dealing with.

There are certain cleaning machines that can be used universally for in-ground and above-ground pools cleaning purposes but those dedicated automatic pool cleaners designed for above-ground pool cleaning can not be used on in-ground pools.

In this piece of information, you will get accurate and well-researched knowledge about the high-quality automated pool cleaners available in the market. And it will also help you to know a bit about all the types of cleaners listed in this article so that you can choose the right one for your needs and usage. There are certain machines that are technically capable to be patched on the walls of the pool inside the water and it can work absolutely fine without any hassle.

It will never be always that you will get the same performance from your cleaning machine because of many technical and non-technical factors but it is very much possible to maintain the quality by keeping your equipment in good condition. Careful handling of automated pool cleaner is recommended for longer life and sustainability of your swimming pool cleaner.

There are different sources present which can help you to make a wise decision while buying a highly technical pool cleaner.

• Market Research & Comparison
• Online Research & Comparison
• Reference by family relatives, friends, peer groups, etc.
• On the basis of quality advertisement

Above mentioned are some of the factors affecting your decision though, there can be more factors present at the time of decision. But the most relevant option would be self-assessment and judgment of the available machines.

What Is A Robotic Pool Cleaner?

A robotic pool cleaner is an automatic machine that is operated by programming and directive switches used for the cleaning of any type of swimming pool. It is known as the most satisfactory swimming pool cleaner today. There might be better models available in the market with upgraded functioning in the coming years but as of now, the robotic pool cleaner is the best option possible as it creates a virtual map of area inside the pool so that every inch is cleaned properly.

It can also be called pool cleaner on the wheels, there are many designs which are configured with four wheels to function across the pool by itself. Some of the wheels are designed in such a manner that it can also grip well inside the pool on walls. These cleaners are small in size and high on the performance graph.

Robotic Pool Cleaner: Facts to Consider

Robotic pool cleaners work efficiently because the majority of pools are made with tiles and it takes fewer efforts to clean it. But it is vital for you to keep your personal pool cleaner than the public pools. The difficult part is to decide on the right design and model for your needs and wants. It may feel a little complex as the competition is among the number of models and manufacturers.

Although, it will turn possible of you to decide and choose the right pool cleaner effortlessly if you consider the below-mentioned factors affecting your decision-making process;

Pool Size

It is a very important factor affecting your purchase decision. The size of the pool is one thing you need to know before you look for a pool cleaner. Every robotic pool cleaner comes with certain limitations and so is its power cord. You will never want to have first purchase bad experience after all, because if you chose a wrong design then later you would look for extension cable too. Therefore, you need to measure the depth, height, and length of your pool accurately.

Pool Surface Make Quality

The second factor is the pool surface, you just need to know and understand the make quality of your pool surface. It can be made of sticks, fiber-sheets and tiles and even glass. There are dedicated filter pumps for different types of making. So, look for the pool cleaner which suits better for your pool type.

Built-Quality

This one is a little technical factor to be taken into consideration. Built quality can not be ignored while buying the best robotic pool cleaner for your personal pool. It should be manufactured with a high-quality component for long-lasting usage and durability. Every purchase is considered value for money when it gives your worth in years. And if you feel that quality is compromised against the number of functions don’t buy that one at all.

What You Need to Clean?

Ask yourself this question in the first place, before thinking about which pool robot to buy to clean the water? Always have a clear picture that what you need to clean?

There might be sand particles, tree leaves, and little branches, small dust particles, etc. Every filter pump works differently, for example, power filter pumps are better to clean any sort of dust across the pool.

Warranty

Sometimes, we don’t give much importance to the warranty part while buying a pool cleaner and we count it in the accessories. But more years of warranty gives you peace of mind when it comes to repairing and you calculate the after-sale maintenance cost. Therefore, always look for more years of warranty on the machine.

Filter Size

Look for the pool cleaner which serves your purpose to clean the small micron values from the water. Small dust particles are measured in microns which is the abbreviation of micrometers. The smaller micron values will be more capable your pool robot will be to clean the water in a better way.

Power Washing

It is also a significant factor to be taken into account at the time of purchase. Power washing jets is a technology that is capable to clean any type of dust in lesser time with satisfactory results. So, you can opt for power washing jets operated pool cleaner for better results.

Suction Power

The suction power of any pool cleaner pump is measured in Gallons Per Minute (GPM). And as the value of gallons per minute increases the functioning of the pool cleaner goes up. The standard measure is 70GPM for good performance.

How Do Robotic Pool Cleaners Work?

Pool cleaning is a big task to do when you have to do it regularly. The good thing is when you get problems, there are solutions too. And to clean the swimming pool every decade has many machines and equipment to offer.

The only important task is to choose the right cleaner for your swimming pool as per the size and stuff it is made of. Today, because of the technological revolution in the world there are hi-tech robotic swimming pool cleaners available in the market.

These compact sized pool cleaners are very effective in functioning. But before you get one for your personal pool you must understand how these automatic pool cleaners work. Just to give you a brief about how these automotive machines work, here are some tips;

Basic Conceptualization

The swimming pool cleaners work with the help of a pump and filter. It clears the water within one hour. The dusty and dirty water is pumped into the cleaner and it is filtered and simultaneously it throws back the clean water into the pool. Most of the pool cleaners are channelized by the direct electricity as it takes a high voltage of electricity to continuously function the machine well. But as technology has been advanced there are many robotic pool cleaners configured with power back-up systems.

Fundamental Functioning

Most of the cleaners work through the suction pump as it sucks all the dust particles and dirt with pressure and collects it in the suction beg installed with it. Because of the continuous up-gradation in technology multiple features have been added in the new automated machines. In the coming years, you can expect multitasking functions in your swimming pool cleaner.

Advanced Functioning

Earlier cleaners were only able to clean the walls and there was sperate equipment to clean the water. Which used to take more time than now. But thanks to technology, with time machines got upgraded and advanced. Now, robotic pool cleaners are capable of cleaning the walls and floor of the pool and simultaneously it can clean the dust from pool water to keep it ready for reuse within minutes.

Supply of Power

In the past decades, there were separate units of pump and filters connected to the main unit and through these units only directly electricity was supplied. Although, it was also a very convenient option with the passage of time, technology changed to automatic systems and now robotic pool cleaners are having preinstalled rechargeable power units within.

Operational Capabilities

In the past decades, these robotic machines were only able to move around the pool and clean the water and surface with quality. But now these cleaners are upgraded for better use as now these machines can climb the inside walls of the pool and it can clean them with the best results. Apar from this the navigation tool allows it to navigate the pool location, corners, wall-size, etc. The timer feature allows you to set a pool cleaning schedule for the day or a week and it works automatically on the set date and time.

Available Options

These robotic pool cleaners are available in the market in different sizes, weights, automation capabilities, filter bag capacities, power consumption capabilities, and portability features, etc. Among all these factors pricing is the major factor; you can get these models for different price ranges starting from $200 to $15000. This price is competitive in the market and very much affordable by one and all. The latest variant is highly complex and configured with superior automation capabilities.

Robotic Control

The robotic feature of these pool cleaners is beneficial and helps in cleaning the pool in lesser time. The automation function aids to detect the direction, space, movements, and depth by the pool cleaner machine that actually reduces the human efforts required in the whole process.

What Is the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner on The Market?

In this article, we will discuss about the top 10 robotic pool cleaners which are also termed as best in-ground robotic pool cleaners and best above-ground robotic pool cleaners. But these are not all the options available in the market. As per the requirements and needs, you can opt for the best option for you out of all the pool cleaners available.

This information will help you to find and chose the best suited automatic pool cleaner for your personal swimming pool. You can compare these 10 specific automatic machines and you can save you time and money with a one-time investment.

#1. Best Robotic Pool Cleaners for In-ground Swimming Pools — Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

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Nautilus CC Plus is a highly satisfactory robotic pool cleaner. It can take care of the swimming pool up-to 50 feet ideally. It takes nearly 2 hours to properly clean the pool and keep the water ready for use. It is customized with dual scrubbing brushes and powerful filters. It doesn’t need any additional tool or equipment to be attached to it while functioning, it is solely capable to clean the pool efficiently. Cleaning of the filter bag is very simple you just need to press one button and it is done easily. It is providing satisfactory services to the pool owners for decades.

Pros

• Strong and long power cord for easy cleaning and it makes easier for cleaner to move around the pool.
• The cleaning process can be schedule and it will start cleaning the pool automatically, no reminders are required.
• It can easily climb on the wall and grip while cleaning the pool.
• A dual scrubbing brush system cleans the floor effectively and prevents bacteria.

Cons

• Due to its advanced technology and functioning is a little expensive than other models available.
• It is heavier as compared to other designs which can be a concerning factor while buying it.

#2. Runner-Up — Dolphin Nautilus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner with Dual Filter Cartridges

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Nautilus Automatic is ideal for in-ground pool cleaning and its functions automatically require lesser human efforts. It can start functioning with the press of one single button. It is capable to clean the pool up to 50 feet in depth. It uses an advanced algorithm to properly clean your pool quickly. Within 3 hours it provides you shining clean swimming pool ready for use by suctioning all the debris and major dust particles with the help of large bottom-load cartridge with a powerful suction pump. The strong and safe cables attached to it provide safe usage and free movement around the pool to the cleaner. It doesn’t need any hoses or booster pumps.

Pros

• It takes fewer hours to clean your in-ground pool and keeps your pool ready for use quickly.
• It’s a powerful suction pump and filter works prominently in cleaning even the small particles of dust and debris.
• Top load filter cartridge makes it easy to clean the pool up-to 50 feet effectively.
• It is low in cost and easy to maintain for years.

Cons

• Replacement of parts may be expensive
• Due to upgraded technology technical support is a little disappointing

#3. Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner with Large Capacity

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It takes just 2 hours to keep the pool water ready for use, it is best optimized on the size of up-to 33 feet pool. Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic is 8 times efficient in saving the energy and it is not dependent on your swimming pool’s hose and suction pump. It is designed to clean your pool with great satisfaction using its powerful scrubbers and filter. It works really well on the walls and floor of your pool and provides a neat and clean pool. Cleaning of its filter bag is dependent only on a single button press which is easier to do. It is cleaning the pool of many owners from the past couple of decades with a high satisfaction level and reviews.

Pros

• It is very efficient in saving energy as it has its own power section within. It uses fewer units of electricity to function.
• It is quite easy to handle because it is portable and light in weight so you can carry it
• with you.
• There are no multiple levels of using filter and cleaning process so it makes easy to clean the pool with single level filtration.
• It gives you fast cleaning that saves you an abundance of time.

Cons

• It is capable to clean the pools up-to 50 feet so; it cannot be used for larger pools.

#4. Dolphin Triton Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner with Extra Large Filter

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It is capable to clean your pool up-to feet deep ideally within 2 hours and it can keep your pool water ready for use without any hassles. As it is robotic and works automatically you can relax and keep clam while it cleans your pool. Dolphin Triton PS is designed to climb and clean the vertical heights in the pool smoothly. It is configured with superior quality of filtering power and it suctions the smallest particles of dust and debris out of the pool water. It is energy efficient and saves more units for your next usage as compared to suction pool cleaner or pressure pool cleaner. Because of its newly built functioning, you can schedule the cleaning process and it will start cleaning automatically.

Pros

• It is configured with a smart navigation system which allows it to improve the cleaning efficiency.
• It has the largest filter basket to collect the maximum dust out of the water in one go.
• There are two filter options available in this machine named the Fine Filter and the Ultra Fine Filter, so you can choose what kind of debris you want to filter out.
• You can use a smartphone app to control its functions effectively.

Cons

• It is a little expensive and pricy among other models.
• The controller app is complex and many individuals feel difficulty while using it.

#5. Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner with Powerful Dual Scrubbing Brushes

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It is easy to use with a single button press. Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner is ideally capable to clean up-to 50 depths. It comes with 3 years of extended warranty. It uses the advance level of an algorithm to clean and cover the whole swimming pool. It comes with an anti-tangled cord which makes it easier for the machine to move around the pool. It provides you multiple filter options to opt for the right cleaning method for a specific type of dust and debris. It is configured with a bigger sized filter bag and ultra-fine cartridge filter. You can schedule it for the automatic cleaning in the periodic gaps.

Pros

• It comes with a timer feature which can be used for automatic cleaning schedules every week.
• The advanced cartridge filter is easy to use and cleaning the pool water effectively.
• It is suitable for all types of the pool such as in-ground pool and above-ground pools.

Cons

• It is not configured with a storage stand.

#6. Zodiac Polaris Sport Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner

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Zodiac Polaris sport robotic pool cleaner is lightweight and compact in size which allows it to move around with ease. It comes with ultra-track tires that function on 2 wheels drive and it is suitable for any kind of pool. It comes with an advance level of motion sensors that helps in action and motion for navigation. Zodiac Polaris sport is configured with Vortex vacuum technology which helps in maximum suctioning and collects the large size of debris easily.

Pros

• It is efficient in cleaning and costs parallel to the traditional pool cleaners.
• It is not dependent on the pool’s pump and hoses for energy supply.
• It releases the dust quick which helps in easy maintenance in the long-run.
• Its sturdy design grips it well and prevents it from flipping over in any condition.

Cons

• It is not well efficient in cleaning the pool walls effectively.

#7. Aquabot Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner

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Aquabot pool rover junior comes with 2 filter bags and a powerful transformer for energy supply. It can float in the water with the help of 40 feet long cable. It comes with a fully automatic vacuum cleaner capable to clean any corner or shaped swimming pool with high-quality results. It takes just 1 hour to clean the above ground pool to keep the water ready for use. It is configured with extra-large wheels that can easily run over any kind of walls and surface. Pool rover junior comes with 2 hours automatic shut down function to reduce the wastage of water, fuel, and chemicals.

Pros

• It works without attaching the heavy hoses with it.
• It comes with extra space for large dust and debris collection
• It is cheaper than other options with similar functionality and features installed.
• This pool cleaner takes only 1 hour of time to clean the above ground pool properly.

Cons

• It can malfunction in a short period of usage.
• It comes with poor cord designing.

#8. Dolphin Escape Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner

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The sleekly designed Dolphin Escape model is suitable for above ground pool cleaning. It is available in the market for an affordable price. It comes with the prominent filter bag to collect the 60% more dust and debris from the pool water. It is configured with tracks instead of wheels for better grip underwater. The active scrubbing brushes help in removing the hard stains from the walls quite easily. It has a SmartNav 2.0 Robotic Scanner installed for better cleaning patterns. The cleaner is energy efficient and controls the wastage.

Pros

• It cleans the above ground pool within an hour with the help of a hyper brush.
• It is not dependent on your swimming pool pump.
• It comes with a 40-foot longer cable to connect your cleaner from the distant place.
• It is as light as 9 pounds in weight that even a child can handle it easily.

Cons

• It doesn’t have a timer function to schedule the cleaning process for a day or a week.

#9. Dolphin E10 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner with Easy to Clean Top Load Filter

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The E10 Automatic robotic pool cleaner is a perfect cleaning solution for the above ground pools. It can work for the depth of up to 30 feet. The best part is it comes with 2 years of warranty for technical repair. The E10 Automatic cleaner is capable of cleaning any above ground pool in the mentioned size in less than 2 hours with efficiency. It saves you ample energy and controls the wastage as it doesn’t require any hoses and pool pump for functioning. This model is in the market and is satisfying the needs of pool owners from the past couple of decades.

Pros

• It provides you clean and healthy pool water for every time use.
• It is considered value for money because at this price range it provides you all the latest features installed.
• It is easy to install and maintain each time you use it.
• It is configured with a large filter basket to collect the debris.

Cons

• You need to buy ultra-fine filters separately because the already installed filter is not efficient in collecting the small dust particles.

#10. Breeze Automatic Pool Cleaner NX2 Cleaning Robot

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The Solar Breeze Automatic cleaner removes 90-95% of dust particles and debris from the pool water effectively. The design is powered with a solar system that is cost-efficient and uses natural energy. It is the most eco-friendly pool cleaner available in the market. It works for hours after the sunset due to its power absorption in the daylight. Its advanced function of NX2 helps in navigating the pool location, corners, sticky situations, and throughout the debris collecting and cleaning process. It accommodates two times debris storage capacity as it is configured with a chemical dispenser tray.

Pros

• Its powerful filter is easy to remove and clean for the next use.
• The robotic pool cleaner never stuck in the sticky areas and it takes no time in coming out of the situations.
• The model is channelized through 100% solar power which lasts for hours in the evening.
• The robotic pool cleaner is capable to clean the surface and filter the debris and dust from the water simultaneously.
• The uniquely designed pool cleaner is waterproof and even weatherproof too.

Cons

– It doesn’t have long-lasting life when used regularly in the year.

Types of Pool Cleaner: Robotic vs. Suction vs. Pressure

If you already own a swimming pool or you wish to have one personally, then you also need to think and plan for a best-suited pool cleaner unless you are capable to afford a technician to clean the pool twice in a week. The cost of hiring a technician for pool cleaning is high but having one owned robotic pool cleaner would be a great substitute. Basically, there are three types of pool cleaners available; Robotic Pool Cleaner, Suction Pool Cleaner, Pressure Pool Cleaner. So, before you buy one for yourself to understand that for what purpose you need a pool cleaner and take a wise decision thereafter.

Robotic Pool Cleaner

Robotic pool cleaners are very cost-effective and need lesser human efforts in the operations. As the name suggests robotic cleaners work automatically. You just need to plug-in the machine connecting to the long cord. Place the power system at a distance. It is having a pre-installed pump and filter so it doesn’t need any separate unit to be attached. It is a cost-effective option and all you need to do is to keep it under the water and then you can leave it for a couple of hours. The water gets filtered automatically because it has a fixed filter bag.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool is the most favorable robotic pool cleaner.

Suction Pool Cleaner

The suction pool cleaner depends on the pool’s pump to scoop up the debris through suction. A long hose is connected to the skimmer to the water intake valve. The vacuum cleaner moves near to the pool with a pre-set pattern. It is very easy to use so it can be recommended to the first users. All you need to do is, keep your pool pump in good condition and functioning and every time you perform the cleaning process you need to clean the skimmer basket and wash the cleaner properly for next time use. Some suction pool cleaners are having their own filter bags installed but most of these types are dependent on the pool filter.

Hayward PHS41CST Aquanaut Suction Pool Vacuum is the best make under this category.

Pressure Pool Cleaner

Pressure Pool Cleaner or Pressure Side Pool Cleaner works as same as suction pool cleaner it requires the help of the pool’s pump for the suction process. It is given this name pressure side pool cleaner because it uses the water from the pressure side on the pool. The pressurized water forces the pump wheel and it channelizes the suction process which cleans the dust and debris from the water. The process takes hours of time but it is effective. The best part of the pressure pool cleaner is that it has its own filter bag configured within its cleaner so that reduces the external wear and tear.

Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner is the highest in demand.

Benefits When Using an Automatic Pool Cleaner?

Although, hiring a professional for your pool cleaning would be really beneficial because you don’t need to focus on the cleaning process and even you don’t need to keep the maintenance of your pool cleaner. He is solely responsible for everything. But if you cannot afford a professional every time then it is better to buy your own automatic pool cleaner.

The automatic pool cleaner is also having many benefits while using it for periodic pool cleaning and filtering the debris and dust out of the pool water with efficiency.

Efficient Cleaning

The best robotic pool cleaner is efficient in cleaning the pool in a couple of hours. These automatic machines are capable of suction and clear all types of debris and dust from the water with the help of an advanced filter pump.

Cost-Effectiveness

Robotic swimming pool cleaners are advanced in technology and that is why it involves less cost to maintain it. Although, some of the designs of spare parts might be costly if they get discharged. The life of these machines is longer so it involves less after-sales services costing.

Less Time Consuming

These highly-technical machines take lesser time to clean the whole pool in any shape and size with efficiency than any other pool cleaner. As these pool cleaners are robotic and work on pre-set commands.

Automation Capabilities

We have already discussed about the automation capabilities of robotic pool cleaners. These cleaners are designed and installed with hi-tech functions such as; digital timer, navigation and automatic shut off.

Multi-Functioning

The automatic pool cleaners are upgraded for multi-tasking. Earlier these machines could only clean the surface area and a separate filter pump was required to clean the water but now these latest machines are capable to clean the surface area and clear the water efficiently simultaneously.

Portability Feature

Unlike the old models, these highly technical and upgraded swimming pool cleaners are designed with portability as these models are light in weight and it can be carried anywhere, anytime for use.

Warranty

The most important benefit of any pool cleaner would be its warranty. Different models are available with different durations of warranty. Robotic pool cleaners are reviewed best by the customers because each model comes with 1 to 3 years of warranty on it.

Conclusion

And In-ground robotic pool cleaner or above ground robotic pool cleaner is a highly advanced and technically superior option for cleaning your swimming pool quickly with great productivity. There are several models that provide you unmatched functions for effective cleaning and control over the cleaning process automatically.

The cost-effective easy to use and carry pool cleaners review best in the market. It shares the maximum of your burden of cleaning the swimming pool regularly on a periodic basis and functions automatically without any technical failure.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner is a highly recommended design for your pool cleaning. This particular variant comes with all the latest hi-tech features in one machine with a high-performance indicator. The automatic functions allow it to perform itself and need fewer human efforts to operated it during the cleaning process. Although, you will always get a little confused between Dolphin Nautilus CC vs. Nautilus CC Plus as there are many features that are similar in both the models but for better performance you can opt for the suggested one.

So, if you are planning for buying a best suited robotic pool cleaner for your own pool then this information can help you better in taking the right decision.