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Best Automatic Pool Cleaner Reviews & Buying Guide

Updated on July 23, 2020 by Joseph D. Nielson

Table of Contents

Having an inground or above ground pool in your backyard is a luxury; it’s refreshing, elevates the aesthetics of your backyard, and can improve the overall value of your home. That said, while backyard swimming pools are enjoyable to use and look at, they can also be a pain to clean.

Fortunately, with the help of an automatic pool cleaner, you can maintain and clean your pool a lot easier and faster. After all, keeping your pool clean is just as important as cleaning your bathroom and cleaning your carpets. The right pool cleaner will make it so that you can use your pool with less hassle, and more relaxation.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to pool cleaning, because every pool is different. Each pool has a different size, shape, depth, and is made of different materials. Read our list of automatic pool cleaner reviews to find the best automatic pool cleaner for you.

Product Image

Product Name

Cleaner Type

Pool Size

Coverage & Material

Pool Type

Latest Price

Dolphin 99996403-PC Dolphin Nautilus Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner

Robotic 

Up to 50 ft

All pool surfaces & materials.

In Ground

Poolvergnuegen W3PVS20JST Pool Cleaner

Suction-Side

Average Sized Pools (up to 16’ x 32’)

Coverage: Pool Floor, Walls, Coves, 


Material: Gunite, Vinyl, Fiberglass, Pebble &  Tile

In Ground

Pentair GW7900 Automatic Pool Cleaner for Kreepy Krauly SandShark Inground Swimming Pool

N/A

Average Sized Pools (up to 16’ x 32’)

Coverage: Pool Surface


Material: Gunite, Fiberglas & Vinyl.

In Ground

Zodiac BARACUDA G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner

Suction-Side

N/A

Coverage: Walls, Steps & Floor


Material: Vinyl, Fiberglass, Tile, or Gunite Pool Surface

In Ground

Solar-Breeze NX2 Intelligent Solar Robot Pool Skimmer

Robotic

N/A

Coverage: Pool Top, Surface

In Ground & Above Ground

PAXCESS Automatic Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner

Robotic

Up to 50 ft, up to 12m in length

Coverage: Floor & Wall 

In Ground & Above Ground

DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Supreme Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner

Robotic

Up to 50 ft, up to 12m in length

Coverage: Floor, Side Walls & Waterline

In ground & Above Ground

QOMOTOP Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner,

Robotic

Up to 50 ft, up to 12m in length

Coverage: Floor, Walls & Waterline

In Ground 

Robotic

Up to 50 ft.

Coverage: Pool walls & floor

Above ground & In Ground 

product image of Hayward RC9990CUB TigerShark Robotic Pool Vacuum

Robotic

Pools up to 20′ x 40′

Coverage: Pool floor, walls, coves, waterline


Materials: Gunite, Vinyl, Fiberglass, Pebble and Tile

Above Ground & In Ground 

Top 10 Best Automatic Pool Cleaner Reviews

Main Features:

  • Sequence: 2 hours
  • Clever Clean scanning system
  • Dual layered filtration 
  • Cartridge filter system 
  • Patented swivel cable helps prevent tangling
  • Scrubs, vacuums & filters in 2.5 hours
  • Cleans pools of up to 50 ft.

Overview: The Dolphin Nautilus PLUS is an affordable automatic pool cleaner that is lightweight and user friendly. There’s a lot to love about this cost-effective model that offers high quality performance at a lower price tag. 

Cleaning Capabilities: The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus uses its Clever Clean scanning system to determine the most efficient and effective way to get your pool clean. The system’s onboard sensors are also able to sense any obstacles that may be at the bottom of your pool, which helps it to avoid anything that may get in its way of getting the job done. Typically, this cleaner is able to clean an entire inground swimming pool within two hours.  

Ease of Use: At 16 pounds this cleaner is lightweight, which makes it that much easier to use. It gets rid of any water it’s collected when it’s done so that you can easily pull it out of the pool without it getting weighed down. 

The Dolphin Nautilus PLUS is also incredibly easy to clean as its dual filtration function means that, instead of all particles being filtered into the same area, one filter gathers large particulates, while the other filter gathers small debris. This makes it more efficient in cleaning your swimming pool, while also making it easy for you to discard the debris after the fact. 

 

What Makes it Stand Out: While this model’s quality for its price is a unique trait on its own, what makes this pool cleaner stand out is that it boasts unique patented features that no other cleaners have. What you can get with the Dolphin Nautilus PLUS, you can’t get with anything else. 

Takeaways: 

Homeowners will love this cost-effective pool cleaner that gets the job done. The cleaner can get rid of any stubborn debris on your pool surface easily, with little interference from you. It won’t tangle, is easy to use, and cleans effectively — what’s not to love about this top rated automatic pool cleaner?

Pros

Cons

  • Filter is easy to clean
  • Swivel cable prevents any tangling
  • Energy efficient
  • Unique patented features
  • Cost-effective
  • Smart cleaning functions 
  • Fast and aggressive deep cleaning
  • Doesn’t scrub waterline
product image of Hayward W3PVS20JST Poolvergnuegen Pool Cleaner


Main Features:

  • Sequence: Turn every 8′ to 10′
  • Traction System: 2 & 4-wheel drive 
  • Min Pump Size: 1/2 hp or 35 gpm
  • 33′ hose included
  • Self-adjusting turbine vanes 
  • Robust tire treads
  • Internal programming
  • Interchangeable throats
  • Cleans pools up to 16’ x 32’
  • Multiple pre-programmed internal steering sequences
  • Patented adjustable roller skirts 

Overview: The Hayward Poolvergnuegen 2-Wheel Suction Pool Cleaner is a unique cleaner with effective patented features that help it to clean effectively and in little time. Users will love the product’s wide range of features that work together to leave your pool spotless and free of debris

Ease of Use: This cleaner is easy to use because once it’s in the pool, it gets the job done by itself. It’s PoolCleaner (the suction cleaner) is available in 2 or 4-wheel drive to help it accomodate for the size of any pool. 

Thanks to its many unique patented features (more on that later), the cleaner is able to clean just about any pool efficiently and easily. Armed with self-adjusting turbine vanes, adjustable skirt, tire treads, and programmed steering, the cleaner can effectively climb walls and avoid obstacles to leave your pool shiny and clean.

Image of Hayward W3PVS20JST Poolvergnuegen Pool Cleaner Suction Functions

What Makes it Stand Out: The Hayward Poolvergnuegen 2-Wheel Suction Pool Cleaner is another pool cleaner that boasts unique features that have been patented — which, again, means that these features won’t be seen on any other cleaner. The main patented feature of this cleaner are its self-adjusting turbine vanes. It’s this feature that enables the cleaner to deliver maximum power and filter large beris. 

The patented tire trends, on the other hand, are what enables the cleaner to climb walls and avoid any obstacles that may be in your swimming pool. Its patented adjustable roller skirts also provide it with strong suction power to get rid of any dirt or debris 

Takeaways: 

This top rated cleaning product is a smart cleaner with unique features that you will love. It provides deep cleaning in no time at all. Its patented features make it unique, and sets it apart from other models on the market.

Pros

Cons

  • Filter is easy to clean
  • Swivel cable prevents any tangling
  • Energy efficient
  • Unique patented features
  • Cost-effective
  • Smart cleaning functions 
  • Fast and aggressive deep cleaning
  • Doesn’t scrub waterline

Main Features:

  • 40 to 50 feet hose 
  • smarttrac programmed steering system 
  • Suction based pool cleaner
  • main filtration pump
  • Vac port door fitting comes with the spring-loaded cover 
  • hose comes with the anti-tangle feature

Overview: The Pentair GW7900 Automatic Pool Cleaner is an effective in-ground pool cleaner that boasts cleaning and filtration capabilities. The pool cleaner is suction based and cleans every corner of your pool thanks to its programmed steering system.

Ease of Use: Frequent swimmers will love how easy it is to clean this pool before and after a dip with this cleaner. The cleaner doesn’t need to be assembled; it just needs to be connected to the hose and put in the pool so that it can do its thing. It’s that easy!

What Makes it Stand Out: This automatic pool cleaner boasts a smarttrac programmed steering system that enables it to clean your entire pool, tight corners included. This steering system helps the cleaner to avoid any in-pool obstacles and helps it to clean faster than many other models. Unlike other cleaners that have random cleaning patterns, this automatic pool cleaner boasts a consistent and effective cleaning pattern.

Takeaway: 

This is the best affordable pool cleaner for a fast and thorough cleaning job. It’s easy to use and gets the job done in no time. 

That said, the vac port door’s spring loaded cover must be opened with a tool. This is necessary for safety and is not a deal breaker. It may have not come with any attachments, but it works well and efficiently at a fair price.

Pros

Cons

  • Cleans faster than cleaners with random-style patterns
  • Misses fewer spots
  • Cleans fast & in corners
  • Powerful cleaning & suction to get rid of debris
  • Affordable
  • Need tool to open spring-loaded cover 
  • Fewer features than other cleaners on the market
  • Does not come with any attachments
product image of zodiac BARACUDA G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner

Main Features:

  • 36 Feet Hose
  • Pre-assembled
  • Additional Diaphragm.
  • Durable Long-Life Diaphragm
  • One-moving-part-technology
  • 36-Fin Disc
  • FlowKeeper Valve
  • Patented Quick Release Cassette 
  • 1-year warranty 

Overview: The Zodiac G3 In-Ground Suction Pool Cleaner is a side pressure pool cleaner that offers all of the power, and little noise. While cleaners are often known for being loud and obnoxious, this is a cleaner with strong suction capabilities and less noise.

Ease of Use: The G3 suction cleaner is an easy to use side pressure pool cleaner that boasts easy set up and use. One put in the pool, you can count on this cleaner to get rid of small and medium debris from pool surfaces, although larger debris stand to be a little bit more of a feat.  

This swimming pool cleaner is easy to use because, not only is it automatic, but it only has one moving part that gets the work done — its long-life diaphragm that is easily accessible thanks to its quick-release cassette function. Additionally, the cleaner itself moves easily due to its agility that enables it to effectively clean any tight corners.

Picture of Zodiac BARACUDA G3 W03000 Advanced Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner Part

What Makes it Stand Out: The standout feature of the The Zodiac G3 In-Ground Suction Pool Cleaner is its FlowKeeper Valve. This valve regulates water flow automatically to help the cleaner maintain its performance even when it has less power. 

Takeaway: 

The cleaner’s FlowKeeper Valve paired with its scuff resistant long-life hoses help to eliminate any scuffing or build up and makes this model an effective pool cleaner.

Pros

Cons

  • Long lasting
  • Powerful suction
  • Cleans automatically
  • Removes scuffing
  • Easy set up & cleaning 
  • A lot more quiet than other pool cleaners for sale
  • Easy set up (already assembled)
  • No complicated parts
  • Harder to catch large debris
  • Large debris can get stuck and clog the diaphragm
  • Strainer basket needs to be cleaner more often

Main Features: 

  • Long Lasting Solar Powered Technology
  • Easy Clean Debris Tray
  • Proprietary Intelligent Software
  • Trichlor Tablet Dispenser Tray

Overview: There’s a lot to love about the energy efficient Solar Breeze – Automatic Pool Cleaner NX2 Cleaning Robot. The automatic robot pool cleaner is energy efficient, easy to use, and simple to clean with. Cleaning with this pool vacuum is quick and painless so that you can enjoy a dip in the pool whenever you want, and have peace of mind that you’re not swimming amongst debris and dirt.


Ease of Use: Conveniently clean your pool with the Solar-Breeze pool cleaning robot. To clean your pool with this cleaner, all you have to do is stick the unit in. This is a cordless model that runs on solar power and operates on its own quickly and efficiently, without the hassle of a cord or hose. Its filtering properties even mean that you don’t need to run your filtration system for quite as long. When you are done cleaning the pool, all you have to do is remove the Solar-Breeze robot and enjoy splashing around!

What Makes it Stand Out: The stand out feature of this automatic pool cleaner is its energy efficiency, as it is a solar powered cleaning robot. That’s right, true to its name, the Solar Breeze is powered by energy from the sun — this also means that you don’t need to worry about the battery running out. You can still use the system at night, as the solar powered battery will hold charge.

The cleaner is able to remove 90-95% of debris on the surface of your pool and can help reduce any pollen, leaves, dust or bacteria. You can separately purchase trichlor tablets as two 3-inch tablets will fit in the cleaner’s chemical dispenser tray to help filter the other debris in your pool. 

Takeway: 

This is an energy efficient model that gets the job done with help from the power of the sun. While this is definitely an effective model, it’s worth noting that you require the sun to effectively power the cleaner.

Pros

Cons

  • No hose or cord for tangling
  • Energy efficient
  • Cleans effectively & efficiently 
  • 100% solar powered.
  • Reduces need for chemical cleaning
  • No handle to easily lift out of the pool & sometimes debris falls out when lifting
  • Can get heavy when full of debris
  • Cheaper make and known to not have long lifespan

Main Features

  • 4pcs PVA sponge roller brushes
  • Swivel cord
  • Filter basket traps
  • 2 year warranty
  • Floor and Wall Deep Cleaning
  • Auto clean setting
  • 2 Year Warranty

Ease of Use: The AXCESS automatic swimming pool cleaner boasts, you guessed it, an automatic clean setting to make cleaning your pool sufficiently easier than ever before. The cleaner uses an advanced intelligent computer program that allows you to control the pool robot cleaner — think of it like a set and forget it cleaner!  

The robot cleaner is easy to use thanks to its swivel cord that prevents tangles before and during the cleaning process. All you have to do is schedule the cleaner choosing a setting (1 – 3 hours depending on your needs) and then you can just let it go and do its thing! 

Once you set the cleaner, you can have peace of mind that while you are doing something else, the robot pool cleaner will be hard at work cleaning the bottom and walls of your pool while also filtering the water of any nasty debris! The cleaner itself is also easy to clean thanks to its cartridge filters that you can open to discard of the contents.

image of PAXCESS Automatic Pool Cleaner Climbing Wall

What Makes it Stand Out: This cleaner doesn’t just clean your water — it filters it too! The cleaner’s extra-large top access filter helps it to effectively trap any and all debris and its 4pcs PVA sponge roller brushes make it’s cleaning abilities super powerful. The customizable cleaning periods also make it easy to adjust the cleaning settings to give your pool the time it needs to get cleaned, depending on if you have a larger or smaller swimming pool.

Takeaways: 

This is a one-stop-shop cleaner that will get your pool swim ready by not just cleaning surface dirt like leaves and bugs, but filtering your water of any nasty particles like bacteria and dust.

Pros

Cons

  • Cleans & traps debris
  • Easy to use
  • Effectively cleans pool floor & wall
  • Does not clean waterline

Main Features: 

  • Triple threat cleaning action
  • Interactive pool cleaning
  • Wifi Connected
  • MyDolphin Plus App 

Overview: The DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Supreme Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner is the leader of a new generation of pool cleaning with its easy and efficient smart cleaning abilities. This is a leading model thanks to its stand out features, powerful motors, and filtering abilities. 

Ease of Use: You can easily operate this robot pool cleaner from anywhere at any time thanks to its smart capabilities — but more on that later.

image of DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Supreme Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner Smart capabilities on mobile

What Makes it Stand Out: The stand out feature of this robotic pool cleaner is its smart capabilities. Its WiFi capabilities allow you to start and pause cleaning, set cleaning schedules ahead of time, and spot clean using the MyDolphin Plus App. This way, you can clean your pool easily any time from anywhere with the push of a few buttons. 

Takeaway: 

This robot pool cleaner pushes any preconceived limitations associated with pool cleaning as its thorough and powerful cleaning leaves us with little left to do to prepare their pools for swimming or lounging. This cleaner may be pricey, but it stands up to its promise. 

It effectively cleans pool floors, walls, and even waterlines. The reality is that most cleaners are actually unable to clean the harder to reach areas like water lines, leaving pool owners to clean the areas manually.

Pros

Cons

  • Smart cleaning capabilities
  • Cleans floors, walls and water lines 
  • Easy to use & cleans quickly
  • Can clean at any time due to App functions
  • Filters pool water
  • More expensive than other robot cleaners

Main Features: 

  • 4-wheel drive motor
  • Auto cleaning features
  • Anti-rollover technology
  • 4 Non-slip rubber scrubbing brushes,
  • 2 large filter baskets
  • IPX8 waterproof design
  • 50 ft. cable
  • 1/2/3 hr cleaning settings
  • 2 year warranty 

Overview: The QOMOTOP Robotic Pool Cleaner is an energy efficient cleaner that is powerful and will leave your pool spotless. The convenient pool cleaner boasts an advanced computer controlled program and automatically cleans the walls and floor of your pool while also filtering your water.

Ease of Use: This robot cleaner is able to provide effective and efficient deep cleaning thanks to its non-slip rubber scrubbing brushes. Its these brushes that help the cleaner grip onto the walls, floor and waterline to effectively clean your pool of any dirt or debris. 

All you have to do is clean your pool is plug the robot cleaner in, put it in the pool, choose how long you want it to run, and then let it do its thing. It’s that easy! The pool cleaner’s IPX8 waterproof design means that you can even leave it in the water.

Image of QOMOTOP Robotic Pool Cleaner Woman Poolside

What Makes it Stand Out: What makes this robot pool cleaner unique is its energy efficiency and environmentally friendly execution. In addition to cleaning your pool surfaces and filtering your pool water, it is also good for the environment. This is because the cleaner filters your pool water so that you don’t have to refill it and waste more water. At least, not as often as you typically would without an effective water filter. 

The cleaner’s powerful motor is also a unique feature that enables it to provide heavy duty cleaning that gets rid of any hard to get or caked on dirt on your pool’s surface.

Takeaways: 

This is a cleaner that’s multi purpose as it cleans your pool and filters its water. It’s committed to being environmentally friendly by helping you waste less water, and effectively cleans your pool. Its customizable functions also help it to accomodate for pools of all shapes and sizes. 

Pros

Cons

  • Effectively cleans both in ground and above ground pools
  • Can customize schedule based on on existing settings & cleaning cycles
  • Strong grips for deep cleaning
  • Waterproof to leave in water
  • Environmentally friendly 
  • Lightweight at 22 pounds
  • doesn’t need a water pump line.
  • 2 year warranty
  • Cleans slowly 
  • Expensive compared to other cleaners
product image of AIPER Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner

Main Features: 

  • PVA brushes
  • tangle-free cable
  • Automatic scheduling 
  • top loading filter basket traps
  • anti-rollover technology
  • 2-year warranty

Overview: The AIPER Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner is an efficient pool vacuum cleaner. It doesn’t tangle thanks to its tangle-free swivel cord, it effectively cleans walls, and it boasts a large filter basket to trap any nasty debris. The best part? It can be used for in-ground and above ground pools. 

Ease of Use: This automatic robotic pool cleaner is easy to use as you can set it and forget it — and be left with a clean swimming pool. The pool vacuum cleaner will climb the pool walls to clean off any surface debris or caked on dirt. Thanks to its anti-rollover technology, you also don’t need to worry about it falling down the sides of your pool walls or steps. 

Unlike other cleaners, this robot pool cleaner boasts PVA brushes that are absorbable and grip onto pool services for thorough and deep cleaning. The tangle-free swivel cord also prevents it from getting caught and enables it to do its job the best it can. 

All you have to do is schedule the cleaner based on your preference (1, 2 or 4 hours), set it, and forget it. Say goodbye to leads, dirt, bugs, and any other nasty things that may have built up in your pool. You can set the cleaner by connecting your smartphone to the cleaner or using a remote control. That said, it will have to connect to bluetooth.

picture of AIPER Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner Settings feature

What Makes it Stand Out: The AIPER Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner will clean your pool surfaces, while also filtering your water. It boasts built-in top loading filter basket traps that are easy to access and open to discard any trapped dirt and debris. All you have to do is discard any trapped debris and clean the filter with water for its next use. 

Takeaways:

This is an especially efficient pool cleaner as all you need to do is set the cleaner, drop it into the pool, and let it do its thing. This is great for any low maintenance families who just want to get their pool and pool water cleaned quickly.

Pros

Cons

  • Affordable for high quality cleaning abilities
  • Set it and forget it cleaning
  • Can clean for different cycles dependant on your pool needs
  • Can clean any pool under 50ft
  • Does not get trapped or stuck
  • Catches large debris like leaves and sticks
  • Will have to connect to bluetooth instead of wifi, which means you have to be within a given radius

Main Features:

  • Wireless handheld remote 
  • Unique cartridge filter system 
  •  24-volt motor
  • microprocessor-based technology
  • 90-minute Quick Clean cycle
  • Two cleaning speeds

Overview: The TigerShark® robotic pool vacuum is an automatic pool cleaner that boasts modern design. The cleaner’s advanced features make it efficient and incredibly easy to use.

Ease of Use: This robot vacuum cleaner runs separately from your pool’s filtration system and doesn’t require any pumps, hoses, or hookups. No tangled cords involved, you can just place the cleaner in the pool and let it do its thing.

Another factor that makes this cleaner easy to use is its caddy that makes for easy transportation as you move the cleaner around your backyard. This also makes it easier to store. 

What Makes it Stand Out:  What makes the TigerShark robotic pool vacuum stand out is its contemporary design. It boasts modern features like its intelligent microprocessor-based technology that makes sure that every surface of your pool is thoroughly cleaned — and fast too! The robot pool vacuum even has a 90-minute Quick Clean cycle for when you’re about to host last minute, or just really want to jump in for a swim

Another stand out factor is this model’s energy efficiency, as it’s built with a 24-volt motor that uses substantially less energy than other models. 

Takeaway:

This is a simple and straightforward robot vacuum pool cleaner that just about anyone can use. It’s easy to clean thanks to its unique cartridge filter system, and the reinforced cartridge elements mean that the cleaners filters last longer and dont need to be maintained as often. This is a low maintenance, effective pool cleaner for those who want to get the job done easily and quickly, and without the bells and whistles.  

Pros

Cons

  • Easy to use
  • Doesn’t need hoses, hookups, or additional pumps
  • Separate from the pool’s filtration system for less backwashing 
  • Easy to transport & store
  • Does not clean steps or stairs (It pretty much ignores stairs.)
  • wheel and roller bearings wear out relatively fast with constant use
image of AIPER Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner climbing wall

Automatic Pool Cleaner Buying Guide

To find the best automatic pool cleaner for your home, there are a few factors you need to keep in mind. After all, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to pool cleaning as every pool is different.  Consider these factors before purchasing your pool cleaner:

  • Pool Size

How big is your pool? The bigger your pool, the stronger a pool cleaner you will need. It is important to keep in mind the size of your pool as most pool cleaners are designed to only clean pools of specific sizes. You will need to consider the depth and diameter of your pool to ensure you get a strong enough automatic cleaner.

  • Pool Shape

What is the shape of your pool? Is it a rectangle or have lots of curves and bends? This is another factor that will impact the model you want to get. If your pool has straight edges you may be less limited in choice. If your pool has lots of curves and bends, on the other hand, then you will want to find an automatic pool cleaner that can effectively clean corners and water lines, and accommodate your pool’s unique shape.

In this case, you will want to look for a model that boasts sensors to assess the unique shape of your pool so that it can plan out an effective cleaning pattern to tackle every end of the space.

 

  • Pool Filter

Does your pool already have a filter or do you need a pool cleaner with filtering capabilities? While sometimes it may be best to have one product for both, if you are looking for convenience and efficiency, you may want to opt for a model that will filter your pool water while cleaning your pool surfaces. 

 

  • Pool Material

It is important to consider what your pool is made of so that you can purchase the best automatic pool cleaner. Some cleaners may not effectively clean certain surfaces, while other surfaces are easy to scratch. Whether your pool is vinyl, tile, concrete, or , make sure you are purchasing a cleaner that is designed to clean this type of surface.

 

  • Debris Size & Type

What type of debris are you looking to clean, and how big is it? If your pool tends to gather large debris like leaves and sticks, find a cleaner that has a big enough trap to gather these things. If you are looking to trap small debris like dust, dirt, and other particulates, you’ll want to opt for a cleaner that has a filter to effectively get rid of these materials.

 

  • In Ground or Above Ground

Do you have an in ground or above ground pool? While some automatic pool cleaners can effectively clean both, some are designed to clean a specific type of pool. It’s important to consider what type of pool a cleaner can effectively clean before purchasing it. 

 

  • Type of Cleaner

What type of cleaner is best suited for your pool cleaning needs — a pressure-side pool cleaner, robotic pool cleaner, or suction side pool cleaner? It’s important to know the different types of cleaners on the market so that you can choose the one that is best suited to your preferences and your pool’s unique needs.

image of Solar Breeze – Automatic Pool Cleaner NX2 Cleaning Robot In Pool

Types of Pool Cleaners

Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners

Like suction-side pool cleaners, pressure-side cleaners also rely on your pool’s filter and pump. That said, this cleaner uses pressurized water from the pump to effectively clean the pool. This pressure is what powers the cleaner to rotate and suction up any debris or dirt. These types of cleaners are more efficient as they tend to have their own filter bags. This means that your pool’s filter won’t have to work as hard, which can also help you conserve energy and costs.

 

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic pool cleaners are the most convenient type of pool cleaner because you can just set and forget them. You program this cleaner before use and then just place it in the water for it to do what it’s been programmed to do by you. These are automatic and tend to not require much effort on your part. 

Oftentimes, these cleaners aren’t attached to a water circulation system or pool pump as they have their own system to trap or capture debris. In most cases, you can pre program how long your robot cleaner cleans for. The best way to use this cleaner is to disable your pool’s pump. By doing this, any debris or dirt will float to the bottom of the pool where it will be cleaned by your cleaner. 

These tend to be more expensive models, but its efficiency tends to make up for it, especially because of its effectiveness and efficiency. There is a good reason why there’s a fair share of robot pool cleaners on our list of automatic pool cleaner reviews.


Suction-Side Pool Cleaners

Unlike a robot pool cleaner that doesn’t require your pool pump, suction-side pool cleaners require you to have your pool pump running. This is because this type of pool cleaner needs your pool pump to scoop up the debris with its strong suction, so that the cleaner itself can then trab this debris. These cleaners boast long hoses which can sometimes get tangled, unless you invest in a pool cleaner with a hose that boasts a tangle-free technology for easy and convenient use.

Suction-side pool cleaners take on the role of a water-based vacuum cleaner of sorts. This is because using a predetermined pattern — often established by sensors — these cleaners tend to vacuum to the floor of your pool and sometimes the walls depending on the cleaner’s technology. 

If you are considering a suction-side pool cleaner, make sure your pool pump is in good condition, because your new cleaner will be relying on that pump to do its job. After using this type of cleaner you’ll need to clean out the filter and skimmer basket to discard any gathered debris. According to The Spruce, you should be emptying your skimmer basket every week [X]. Consider the power of your pool’s filter because you can always opt for a model with its own filter bag that can help your pool filter do its job 

image of woman stretching beside pool cleaner

In Conclusion: The Best Automatic Pool Cleaner

If there’s one thing you should take away from our list of automatic pool cleaner reviews, its that the best pool cleaner for you is largely dependent on your personal preferences, current pool tools, and your lifestyle. 

If you need quick, efficient cleaning you may opt for a robot cleaner, whereas others may prefer a suction-side pool cleaner. Consider our individual reviews of each product to help you make an education decision to buy the best automatic pool cleaner that will help you keep your pool clean in a way that best suits your needs.

Joseph and Family
About Joseph D. Nielson

Former journalist and editor for various press groups, I now dedicate my time to reviewing products for the home and family life. When I get time to myself, I enjoy rock climbing, taking my dirt bike for a rip, and most importantly providing my family with the best home possible!