How to Choose the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner

How to Choose the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner

Those of you who’ve seen the movie Wall-E may remember how the little robot picks up garbage everywhere. That’s why I refer to these automatic pool cleaners as a “Wall-E vacuum,” but they’re more commonly known as “aqua bots.” Like the character Wall-E, they pick up the junk in your pool; dirt, leaves, and more, as long as they can suck it up. These even put less strain on your pool pump because they don’t use the filtration system like a manual pool vacuum does. But not all robotic cleaners are suitable for the same pool, and that’s why choosing one that fits your pool best can be beneficial.

Scope out the territory before making other considerations on the best pool vacuum

First, you have to know how your pool is constructed. A lot of commercial pools use a square pool vacuum, often with two filters to cover the whole pool area quickly, because they can climb the square walls well. On the other hand, some backyard pools are oddly-shaped and have curved edges and tight corners making it difficult for the aqua bot to climb the walls, unless you buy a model that specifically can climb uneven surfaces, such as the Aquabot Pool Rover S2-40i. Therefore, you can have an excellent vacuum, but it could still not work well for your pool if it’s not the right fit, so buying one that’s specifically designed to work with the kind of swimming pool you own is crucial.

On a similar note, the pool size is important because a huge vacuum isn’t necessary to clean a backyard pool––a small vacuum will still do the job well and is much less expensive. Along the same lines, the cord length is another key consideration so the vacuum can reach the entirety of the pool.

Another thing to consider is what you want the vacuum to clean in the pool. Some aqua bots will only clean the floors, but others will have additional cleaning cycles, where you can tell the vacuum to clean just the walls or the floors and walls together, in addition to the pool floor. Additionally, some vacuums also operate on a timer system, which is great for homeowners who work full-time and cannot attend to their pool before leaving for work because the vacuum will clean the pool overnight.

Other key elements of choosing the best automatic pool cleaner

Having an electrical source, or the ability to run an extension cord to one, is a must. These aqua bots must plug into an outlet. Some backyard pools have easily accessible ones, while others have to plug into the nearest outlet in the house. This can be easy or difficult, depending on where your pool is located.

Furthermore, considering how well the vacuum can perform is another consideration. The suction power of robotic pool cleaners is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The higher the number, the more suction power. Any number above 70 is ideal. Next, look at what the vacuum uses to maneuver. Some use wheels that work well, but others have a “belt” that can easily slip off and be a pain to deal with. On top of that, some vacuums will drop debris they already picked up back into the pool if you pull it out and put it on your pool deck too slowly. Thankfully, websites like Pool Judge have user-friendly guides with pros and cons for some of the best aqua bots out there.

As with any pool product, budget is also a consideration. Some of these vacuums can cost quite a bit, while others may be less advanced, yet they still do the job and are budget-friendly. Those who have a bigger budget may enjoy the Polaris P965IQ, which features 4-wheel drive, Wi-Fi control, real-time scheduling programming, a filter canister with a “dirty” indicator, and customized cleaning modules. If you’re looking for something less-expensive, try the Aquabot AJET122, which works on versatile surfaces and shapes of inground or above-ground pools.

The warranty and brand name of the vacuum are also significant because you want a vacuum that will last a while, especially given the price of these machines. Looking at trusted brands and vacuums with high reviews is a great place to start because then you have verification that these vacuums work well. A couple of popular brands are Hayward and Aquabot. Even if you choose a trustworthy vacuum, having a long warranty is a good idea in case anything happens, such as when the vacuum spinner gets ruined by sucking up bobby pins.

Where can I begin?

The best way to start choosing pool vacuum cleaners is to visit your local pool store and have a chat with one of the managers or sales representatives; they can point you in the right direction. Alternatively, you can browse pool store websites––such as Leslie’s Pool Supplies––which have dedicated pages that allow you to sort by ratings, brands, and price. The product pages also generally have a PDF manual you can download for a more in-depth look at different models so you can confidently buy the best vacuum for your pool.

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Jehn Kubiak’s bio:

Swim Instructor in Los Angeles, CA

Jehn is an aspiring aquatics manager who has lifeguarded for five years and taught swim lessons for three. Jehn has mostly taught for private swim schools, but she is also a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Although Jehn loves teaching, she’s also a nerd about pool operations who thoroughly enjoys testing and balancing chemicals.