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Say goodbye to leaves, twigs, and debris.
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In This Article
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Swimming in your backyard pool is great, but cleaning it?
Thats where a robotic pool cleaner comes in.
To find the best robotic pool cleaners, we tested 23 models over several months.
PHOTO: Amazon
For additional tips, we tappedPhil Whitmanof Proactive Pool Solutions.
It doesnt do waterline cleaning.
Its mapping abilities also improved with time, resulting in even more efficient cleaning.
PHOTO: Real Simple
In addition to its effective performance, we were also amazed by how user-friendly it was.
Cleaning it was similarly intuitive, as we just had to remove and rinse the top-load filter basket.
When it comes to versatility, this robotic pool cleaner does it all.
It works well in all pool shapes and on various surface types, covering up to 40 square feet.
Just keep in mind that it doesnt clean the waterline.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Vacuum Pool Cleaner makes cleaning your in-ground pool super efficient.
We loved how easy it was to operate and how thoroughly it cleaned.
After months, its still exceeding our expectations.
It comes with an app and various modes, including automatic and manual options.
And if youre not very tech-savvy, dont worryits incredibly intuitive.
The cleaners navigation system kept it on task, and it never got tangled in its 60-foot cord.
Its definitely a pricey option, and it did take a bit of time to set up the app.
PHOTO: Amazon
Still, for all its advanced features and efficiency, it’s a true time saver.
It cant handle large-sized pools.
For above-ground pools, you need a model thats lightweight, like the Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner.
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The instructions werent very clear at first, but the suggested videos made the setup process much easier.
However, for small above-ground pools, it’ll do the trick.
The app occasionally glitches.
PHOTO: Amazon
We could tell this cleaner was high quality as soon as we turned it on.
Six months later, it still works as well as it did on day one.
It comes with four cleaning modes, including a waterline-only option.
PHOTO: Amazon
It did encounter difficulty with our stairs, though.
We found that the app glitched a bit, and isnt quite necessary for use.
For battery-powered models, we considered how long it took to charge them.
PHOTO: Real Simple
For Wi-Fi-enabled pool cleaners, we downloaded the applicable app and registered the model.
For every other cleaning, we both observed the robot and left it unsupervised.
We also performed any maintenance required, such as emptying the collection bag and cleaning the filter.
Lastly, we looked at whether the price of each cleaner reflected its value.
For example, theDolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Vacuum Pool Cleaneris designed for in-ground use only.
Cords typically range from 30 and 75 feet, with 60 feet being the most common.
Features
While robotic pool cleaners are more advanced than standard ones, they still vary in features.
TheDolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Vacuum Pool Cleaner, for instance, has both manual and automatic cleaning modes.
This is most common in Wi-Fi-enabled cleaners that work with an app.
Questions You Might Ask
Is a robotic pool cleaner worth it?
In addition to their convenience, theyre also energy-efficient because they dont require pumping from the pools filtration system.
Smart navigation capabilities similarly reduce energy usage, as robotic models clean in a more methodical, time-efficient manner.
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Can robotic pool cleaners clean larger debris?
How much should you expect to pay for a robotic pool cleaner?
The price of a robotic pool cleaner varies depending on the model, brand, and features.
That said, less expensive models are usually more basic and less suitable for larger, more complex pools.
He warns that they may also have shorter warranty periods or be less durable than higher-end models.
Pricier models often have more features, making them better suited for larger pools.
The tradeoff, of course, is the steep price.
Luckily, Whitman says more advanced models typically come with a longer warranty period.
Additional reporting was done byRachel Simon, who spoke toPhil Whitmanof Proactive Pool Solutions.
