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What To Consider Before Buying a Robotic Pool Cleaner

We all know that robotic pool cleaners are not cheap. So why not get something out of your money by picking the best one for your pool?

You may already know that these modern inventions make it easier to keep your pool clean and clear with less work on your part. robotic pool cleaners may seem like a big investment, but in the long run, they are worth it.

There are a lot of different robotic pool cleaners on the market, so choosing the model that offers the most value can be a challenge. Check out these tips to help you choose the best robotic pool cleaner for your swimming pool.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme
Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme

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Type of Pool

There are two ways to determine types of pools—above-ground or in-ground, and the pool lining material.

Above-Ground vs. In-ground

First, you need to go to your backyard right now and check whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool. Knowing which type of pool you have will limit the number of compatible robotic pool cleaner options for your pool. For instance, above-ground robotic pool cleaners do not come with powerful propelling jets that let them scale walls since you will not need the walls cleaned.

Related Post: Best In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaners

Pool Lining Material

For the in-ground pool owners out there, next, you should know whether your pool’s liners consist of tiles or bare concrete. robotic pool cleaners with scrubbers are great for removing set-in debris on smooth tiles. As for concrete pools, you should consider finding a suction-only robot since the abrasive concrete will quickly wear down rubber PVA brushes.

Dolphin Premier
Dolphin Premier

Shape of Pool

This is for the in ground pool owners only since most above-ground pools are circular in shape.

The shape of your pool will most likely determine whether or not a robotic pool cleaner is compatible or not. robotic pool cleaners with tracks like tanks are designed to clean sharp corners, whereas robots with wheels can travel up and down curved slopes while maintaining continuous contact.

Size of Pool

When looking for the best robotic pool cleaner, it is critical to consider the dimensions of your pool. To do this, simply take a tape measure and measure the length, width, and depth of the deepest part of your pool.

Every robotic pool cleaner comes with a specific cord length. You could possibly save money by finding a model that comes with the appropriate cord length. In addition, you can purchase cord extensions if the supplied cable is too short.

Steps, Stairs, Walls, and Waterlines

Some of the robotic pool cleaner models available can only vacuum and scrub floors. Others can clean floors and walls. Robots with wheels are great for cleaning curved surfaces to thoroughly remove contaminants residing in coves.

There is no robotic pool cleaner that can perfectly clean ladders, though some of them work beautifully in scrubbing steps. As for your pool’s walls, as long as the robotic pool cleaner is designed for in-ground pools, it should be able to scale steep walls without issue.

Manually scrubbing waterlines can be a pain, but luckily, your robotic pool cleaner can do that, too. Just look for a model that specifically comes with waterline-cleaning capabilities to leave your pool looking as crystal-clear from above as it does underwater.

Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaners

The Debris Your Pool Collects

Take a good look at a robotic pool cleaner’s filter to determine whether or not it is the right fit for your pool. There are two filter options to choose from—spring cleaning and ultrafine.

Spring-cleaning filters have larger pores that allow greater quantities of water to pass while trapping twigs, acorns, and dead leaves. On the other hand, ultrafine filters have smaller pores—generally 30 microns—to capture finer debris, such as silt, dirt, and algae.

Thankfully, most robotic pool cleaners allow users to swap between the two filter types.

Important Features to Look for

Not only should you pay attention to your pool and what you want your robot to clean, but you should also base your purchase decision on what extra features the robot comes with. Below are several add-ons that you should take into account.

Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaner
  • Remote Controllability: Some high-end robots offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi support, which lets owners create cleaning schedules and manually steer their robots from afar.
  • Swivel Cord: The swivel cord is a cord that supplies power to the robot. The cord swivels as your robot twists and turns underwater, thereby reducing the risk of tangling and kinking.
  • Scrubber: Some robots come with one motor-driven scrub brush, while others come with multiple that rotate in opposite directions to produce a more thorough clean.
  • Power-Washing Jets: High-end robotic pool cleaners feature power-washing jets that shoot high-pressure water into corners and sharp edges. The jets will dislodge set-in sand, silt, and dirt, allowing the robot to capture the tiny contaminants later on.

Our Recommended Robotic Pool Cleaners

Affordable Option The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is perfect for all pool types. From gunite to tile, and everything in between; you name it and Dolphin will clean it.

Best of the Best The Dolphin Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme is equipped with a center scrubbing brush, this cleaner pushes the limits for wall and waterline cleaning.

Popular Option Smart Nav software delivers highly optimized scanning and coverage for a new level of clean. Advanced algorithms clean 100% of the pool floor, wall & tile/waterline and pool floor.

Check Latest Price >


Related Robotic Pool Cleaner Articles

 • How Does A Robotic Pool Cleaner Work?
 • How to Use a Robotic Pool Cleaner
 • What Features to Look For in a Robotic Pool Cleaner?
 • How to Maintain a Robotic Pool Cleaner?
 • Robotic Pool Cleaner Troubleshooting Tips
 • What is a Swivel Cord?
 • Pressure vs. Suction vs. Robotic Pool Cleaners


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About the author

Hi I’m Alex, founder of HouseholdMe.com and I’d like to say thank you for dropping by. Like most of you, the first thing I look at before buying something online is reviews or buying guides. By reading what other people say will help me gauge whether or not a product is good or not.  I am trying to help people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired.

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