5 Best Automatic Pool Vacuums
Are you looking for an automatic pool cleaner? Selecting one of the best pool vacuums can be a tough nut to crack. There are thousands of automatic pool cleaning models on the market today. How do you figure out which one will serve you best?
This post will cover our top 5 robotic cleaning models and answer some of the most common questions our experts get from pool owners. Find your next convenient cleaning method here.
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Best Automatic Pool Vacuum
Our picks for the best automatic pool vacuum cleaners are:
- Polaris P965iQ Sport – Most Tech Features
- Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus – Easiest to Use
- AIPER Cordless Robotic Cleaner – Best Cordless Vacuum
- Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 – Best Pressure Side Cleaner
- Polaris P825 Sport – Best for Large Debris
If you’re looking for a way to reduce your maintenance and keep your pool spotless while saving money, then read on below to get our picks for the best automatic pool cleaners.
1. Polaris P965iQ Sport
Most Tech Features
You cannot mention pool cleaning robots without referring to the Polaris P965iQ Sports Robotic Pool Cleaner. The P965iQ is unlike any robotic cleaner our cleaning experts have tested on the market. The tool comes complete with Wi-Fi capabilities that enable you to instruct the vacuum using the iAquaLink app. The app allows you to see when the filter needs cleaning and create a schedule for it to follow.
The P965iQ model takes cleaning to the extreme with its four-wheel drives, which clean walls, floors, and the waterline. It also comes equipped with a system that blows debris off the stairs and off hard-to-reach corners to suck it up.
It cleans even the deepest and largest in-ground pool, courtesy of its 70-foot cable length. It even has its own removal system to make picking up your vacuum easy. It sends the robot up the wall to make it easy to grab it out from the water.
Only the P965iQ Polaris Sports Robot cleaner comes with an Alexa-enabled voice assistant. Surely, the designers of this high-end robotic cleaner were bragging at this point.
Features:
- Hose length: 70 feet
- Weight: 41 pounds
- App compatibility
Pros:
- Ideal for pools of all shapes and size
- Effective wall brush feature
- Wi-Fi and Alexa assistant enabled
- It has a tangle-reducing cable system
- Includes caddy
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- On the heavier side. The weight might be an issue for some people.
Final Verdict
A brilliant robot that can do every bit of pool cleaning for you as you control it remotely. No doubt, your pool will benefit greatly with the Polaris P965iQ.
2. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Easiest to Use
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is another excellent robotic tool for cleaning pools. It can be used with pools of 50 feet in length that are in-ground, although we’ve also found that it works excellently in above-ground pools. You won’t lift even a finger with this tool as it scrubs the walls and floors. Moreover, it does this in under two hours.
When testing this tool, we found it super easy to set up. In fact, setting up is as easy as turning on the machine and dropping it into the pool. The Dolphin robot scans and maps for more efficient cleaning. The tool comes with tangle-free swiveling cables, which prevent the device from getting stuck while cleaning.
Now, when it comes to cleaning, the cleaner did an impressive job, picking up all kinds of grime and dirt in the pool for an excellently completed task. We found the automatic schedule feature on this machine to be great as well. You don’t have to turn it on manually when cleaning.
Features
- Hose length: 60 feet, tangle free
- Weight: 19 lbs
- Weekly schedule
Pros
- Automatic scheduling feature
- Strong suction power
- Extremely easy to use
Cons
- Not the best tool for cleaning the pool staircase. We found that it tends to get stuck on ladders and steps.
- The company’s customer service has room for improvement.
Final Verdict
A cool robot with excellent smart features – you won’t even have to turn it on for it to start cleaning. Simply use the automatic scheduling feature and you’re good to go!
3. AIPER Cordless Robotic Cleaner
Best Cordless Vacuum
AIPER is one of the top cordless cleaners on the market today. This feature alone eliminates the problem of cord entanglement and damage, which is a massive problem for pool cleaners today. The cleaner operates efficiently, cleaning at a rate of 538 square feet in less than an hour.
In addition, the cleaning process is smoother than that of other pool cleaners.
This cordless tool can work on any pool size. It also comes complete with an intelligent system that ensures every bit of debris is scrubbed and cleaned up. Its lightweight design is also a plus for the robotic cleaner and enables easier and faster transportation from one area to the next.
With the AIPER cleaning tool, you’ll spend more time actually swimming than cleaning.
Features
- Moving speed: 16 meters/minute
- Cleaning surface: 538 square feet
- Weight: 11.5 pounds
Pros
- Cordless, making it perfect for all pool sizes
- Easy to lift and transport
- AIPERs innovative cleaning ensures faster scrubbing
Cons
- Relatively more expensive compared to other models on the market
Final Verdict
A lightweight cordless pool cleaner that can work on any pool size. Its fast cleaning ability makes it a must have.
4. Polaris Vac-Sweep 280
The Most Affordable
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Cleaner is another top model pool cleaner. It’s one of the most lightweight models on the market today, only weighing 17.2 lbs, making it great for cleaning pool walls.
It has a reach of 31 feet, which should be okay for most pools. The Vac-sweep model is compatible with the Polaris booster pump, which boosts pressure, giving you even more power for the toughest jobs.
The Vac-Sweep cleaner has very high ratings among pressure pool cleaners because of its thorough input and filter bags that can collect lots of debris before getting into the pool filter. As per our experts, Vac-sweep cleans in less than 3 hours, which should be good by any standards.
The 2-year warranty on this model is the icing on the cake. But you’ll probably not need it as it’s built well to last more than two years.
Features
- Hose length: 31 feet
- Weight: 17.2 lbs
- Has a unique filter bag that removes debris before reaching the pump
Pros
- Lightweight design makes it ideal for cleaning
- The filter bag protects the pool’s filter
- Powerful double jets
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Requires some add-on purchases like the rear sweep tail for full functionality
Final Verdict
A great piece of engineering from a reputable firm in the industry of smart robotics.
5. Polaris P825 Sport
Best for large debris
The Polaris P825 Sport Robotic Pool cleaner is another smart in-ground surface pool cleaner with a unique triangular look. The P285 series from Polaris cleans every inch of the pool, including stairs, coves, and even down to the waterline – it scrubs it all.
Polaris P285 was designed for pools of 40 ft or less that are in-ground. The machine utilizes a smart technology known as a cyclonic vacuum system that enables the tool to trap debris with ease without losing its suction power.
One of the design features that we liked about this model is the transparent lid –a really thoughtful feature that enables you to look at the debris canister and know when it needs emptying. And in case you want to get rid of the filter content, the model has a Push’N’Go emptying mechanism that keeps you from touching the filter content.
The P285 model is one of the few that sucks large leaves up with ease due to its large intake area.
Features
- Smart cyclonic vacuum technology
- Hose length: 40 feet
- Push’N’Go filter canister
Pros
- The oversized intake is a plus as it can take large debris
- Cleans coves, stairs, and even the waterline effectively
- It has an easy-to-empty mechanism
Cons
- The cord can get twisted and inhibit the cleaning abilities
Final Verdict
The smart features like the wall climbing and cyclonic vacuum technology on this tool make difficult pool cleaning tasks seem like a walk in the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are automatic pool cleaners worth it?
Absolutely! They are some of the best pool care investments you can make. If you’d rather be swimming, than cleaning, consider an automatic pool cleaner. They’ll clean your pool in less than three hours, depending on your pool’s size. Plus, you won’t have to move a muscle.
How much does an automatic pool vacuum cost?
Robotic cleaners cost an average of $500 and $1,200. However, you may find a more pocket friendly model with a budget of about $200-$300. Just keep in mind, it will be limited in features and cleaning capacity.
Do automatic pool vacuums work?
Yes, they do.
There are three types of automatic pool cleaners: pressure, suction, and robotic. They may have different mechanisms for operation, but all function with the same goal in mind – to collect dirt and debris for you, so you can keep your pool clean without hardly lifting a finger.
How often should I run my automatic pool cleaner?
If you’re swimming every day, our cleaning experts recommend running at least once a day. If you’re not a regular swimmer, use the cleaner once a week or twice a month.
How long do robotic pool cleaners last?
Robotic cleaners last at least five years, depending on quality. Of course, the better the quality, the more durable it is. Expensive cleaners are usually more durable. Whatever the case, proper care and maintenance of your robotic pool cleaner will increase its lifespan.
Conclusion
Investing in the right pool cleaner is essential for having sparkling water that you and your family want to jump right into. When shopping, use these pros and cons to weigh your options carefully. This way, you can choose the cleaner that best suits your needs, so you can worry less about cleaning and focus on enjoying your pool.
About the Author
Stefan Schulz is the founder and owner of PV Pool Cleaner. He spent his college years working at Niagara Pools and Spas, one of the largest Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Dealers in the Eastern United States.
Today, he utilizes his background, experience as a pool owner, and the resources of his digital marketing agency, Orpical Group, to generate informative and engaging content for pool owners everywhere.