Our Top Picks: The 7 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners of 2024, Put to the Test in Our Pools

# Review: The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners for Effortless Pool Maintenance

Having a pool in your backyard is a luxury, but the maintenance can sometimes feel like a chore. Manual pool cleaning is time-consuming and often leaves you feeling like you’re constantly battling leaves, pollen, and grime. Luckily, robotic pool cleaners are here to save the day. These innovative devices can skim, scrub, and scour your pool to perfection, allowing you to sit back, relax, and actually enjoy your pool. In this review, we tested and evaluated the most popular robotic pool cleaners on the market to determine which ones are truly superior. From ease of use to cleaning abilities and value, we put these devices to the test in our own pools to bring you the best options available.

## The More You Know

A wide variety of pool cleaners exist on the market, each offering different features and capabilities. Some models can clean pool floors, walls, and stairs, while others focus on superior scrubbing and cordless designs. To help you make an informed decision, we tested 12 robotic pool cleaners and rated them based on their performance in real-world scenarios.

## Aiper Scuba S1 Robotic Pool Cleaner

The Aiper Scuba S1 robot made pool cleaning a fun and effortless process. With easy setup and four cleaning modes, including auto, eco, floor-only, and wall-only, this robot excelled in cleaning every surface of the pool. Its cordless design and intelligent navigation make it a convenient choice for pool owners. The only downside is that it doesn’t skim the pool surface, but overall, it’s a top performer.

– Dimensions: 20 x 17 x 10 inches
– Weight: 20.9 pounds
– Pool size: Up to 1,600 square feet
– Cleaning time: 150 minutes
– Charge time: 3–4 hours
– Smart features: Intelligent navigation, four cleaning modes, anti-slip treads

## Polaris Freedom Robotic Pool Cleaner

The Polaris Freedom robot impressed us with its dual filters and cleaning modes for the floor, multi-surfaces, and waterline. While it excelled in cleaning the pool floor, it lacked the ability to clean stairs. However, for pools without stairs, this robot is a great choice for easy and efficient cleaning.

– Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 14 inches
– Weight: 32 pounds
– Pool size: Up to 50 feet
– Cleaning time: 150 minutes
– Charge time: 3–4 hours
– Smart features: Cordless

## SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

For its modest price, the SE Cordless pool cleaner exceeded our expectations. With a lightweight design and efficient cleaning capabilities, this robot vacuum is a great value for pool owners. While it may require occasional filter emptying during cleaning sessions, it still offers a convenient and effective cleaning solution.

– Dimensions: 17.13 x 13.74 x 7.8 inches
– Weight: 10.67 lbs.
– Pool size: Up to 850 square feet
– Cleaning time: 90 minutes
– Charge time: 2.5 hours
– Smart features: Auto-parking, LED indicator lights, dual-drive motors

## Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner

The Dolphin Explorer E50 stood out as one of the best robotic pool cleaners we tested. With powerful cleaning modes and smart navigation, this robot delivered superior cleaning results. While it may come with a higher price tag, its performance and convenient app control make it a worthwhile investment for pool owners looking for top-notch cleaning.

– Dimensions: 21.45 x 17.55 x 11.31 inches
– Weight: 29 pounds
– Pool size: Up to 50 feet
– Cleaning time: 90-minute quick clean, 150-minute standard clean
– Smart features: Scheduled cleaning, connected app, smart navigation, large canister, quick clean, standard clean

## Wybot Robotic Pool Cleaner

The Wybot robotic pool cleaner impressed us with its lightweight design and powerful suction. While it focuses on cleaning the pool floor, it offers great performance for quick touch-ups between manual cleanings. Its simple operation and automatic navigation make it a user-friendly choice for pool owners.

– Dimensions: 16.14 x 15.94 x 8.46 inches
– Weight: 7.9 pounds
– Pool size: Up to 500 square feet
– Cleaning time: 60 minutes
– Charge time: 3–4 hours
– Smart features: Automatic navigation, dual motor power suction

## Hydrus Robotic Pool Vacuum

The Hydrus Robotic Pool Vacuum is a lightweight and user-friendly option for pool maintenance. While it may miss a few spots and get stuck around obstacles, its quick navigation and efficient cleaning make it a convenient choice for regular pool touch-ups. The stainless steel filter ensures thorough debris removal, making it a reliable option for pool owners.

– Dimensions: 14.3 x 14.3 x 8.3 inches
– Weight: 7 pounds
– Pool size: Up to 50 feet
– Cleaning time: 90 minutes
– Charge time: 2.5 hours
– Smart features: Self-parking, two suction inlets

## Aiper Pool Cleaner

The Aiper pool cleaner offers impressive cleaning power and efficiency. With a quick charge time and thorough cleaning capabilities, this robot excels in maintaining pool cleanliness. While it may have some navigation issues around stairs, its overall performance makes it a great choice for pool owners looking for a reliable cleaning solution.

– Dimensions: 19.6 x 18.43 x 14.5 inches
– Weight: 20.9 pounds
– Pool size: Up to 3,200 square feet
– Cleaning time: 180 minutes
– Charge time: 90 minutes
– Smart features: Auto-parking, quick water release, three cleaning modes

## Others We Tried

– Beatbot AquaSense Pro Pool Cleaner: Powerful cleaning but small filter capacity and heavy design.
– Dolphin Explorer E70 Robotic Pool Cleaner: App-controlled with effective cleaning but missed spots and tricky manual mode.

## Things to Consider Before Buying a Robotic Pool Cleaner

### Surface Abilities
When choosing a robotic pool cleaner, consider whether it can clean the pool floor, walls, waterline, and stairs. A cleaner that can cover all surfaces will save you from manual cleaning after the robot’s work.

### Charge Time
For cordless pool cleaners, battery life and charge time are crucial factors to consider. Ensure the cleaner can clean your pool within its run time without needing frequent recharging.

### Price
Robotic pool cleaners come in a wide price range, so choose one that fits your budget while still offering efficient cleaning capabilities. Higher-priced models may offer additional features, but mid-range options can also provide effective cleaning.

## Behind the Scenes

To determine the best robotic pool cleaners, we tested 23 popular models in real-world scenarios. We evaluated them based on ease of use, performance, and smart features to provide you with reliable recommendations for effortless pool maintenance.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How often should you clean your pool?**
Cleaning frequency depends on factors like weather and pool conditions. A general rule is to clean weekly if the pool doesn’t get visibly dirty between cleans.

**Do robotic pool cleaners work?**
Robotic pool cleaners can be effective, depending on the model and pool size. Ensure you choose a cleaner that suits your pool’s needs for optimal performance.

**What is the best robotic pool cleaner?**
After thorough testing, the Aiper Scuba S1 was our top pick for overall performance. However, the best cleaner for you depends on your specific requirements and budget.

## Why Trust PEOPLE?

Cai Cramer, a staff shopping writer at PEOPLE, compiled this review based on insights from real-world testers and expert input from Dr. Claudia Duncan. Our testing process ensures that our recommendations are trustworthy and based on rigorous evaluations.

## What Is People Tested?

The PEOPLE Tested seal of approval signifies products that have undergone thorough testing in multiple labs and with home testers. Our commitment to re-reviewing products ensures that our recommendations remain up-to-date and reliable for consumers.

In conclusion, robotic pool cleaners offer a convenient and efficient solution for maintaining a clean pool without the hassle of manual cleaning. With a wide range of models available, there’s a robotic pool cleaner to suit every pool owner’s needs. Whether you prioritize cleaning performance, ease of use, or smart features, there’s a top-rated option for effortless pool maintenance.