Automatic pool cleaners make quick work of what was once a dreadful chore. Nobody wants a dirty pool, but they don’t clean themselves. When it comes to pool upkeep, you must be proactive. Robotic pool cleaners can cut down on cleaning time, allowing you to enjoy a cool plunge whenever you want during those hot summer days. Pressure and suction pool cleaners also do an admirable job of keeping the pool clean, albeit they don’t do so by themselves they just make the job of hand cleaning easier.
Maintaining your pool shouldn’t involve back-breaking work, a wide array of technology innovations allow you to work smarter, not harder. This is where a robotic pool cleaner with an automatic cleaning system can come in handy. However, they are not all made equal. Suction and pressure-side cleaners are also both acceptable products. They will get your pool clean but also tend to make your pool pump work harder.
In our 2021 Best Automatic Pool Cleaner Guide, we’ll teach you about some of the best robotic pool cleaning products and best suction and pressure cleaners available on the market. We also tell you their pros and cons so that you can make an informed buying decision.
Best Automatic Pool Cleaners of 2021
Best Automatic Pool Cleaners
Best Automatic Pool Cleaners for Inground Pools & Above Ground Pools
Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Premier
It’s hard to find a robotic pool cleaner for in-ground pools that can compete with the Dolphin Premier, even though it’s one of the most expensive ones in our list of best robotic pool cleaners.
It’s hard to find a robotic pool cleaner for in-ground pools that can compete with the Dolphin Premier, even though it’s the most expensive one in our list of best robotic pool cleaners.
Pool Magazine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, if you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:
The Dolphin Premier does not require any sort of setup, like other automatic pool cleaners. Plug it into a GFCI outlet and drop it in the water. The Premier doesn’t float around aimlessly in the water. Using its SmartNav guidance system, the robot will know exactly where it has been and where it still needs to go, so it won’t miss anything or keep cleaning the same spots over and over and over again.
Rotating brushes remove algae, calcium deposits, and other gunk from the pool’s surface as they move across it. It is able to scrub all the way down to the water’s surface because of the powerful 3,000 RPM DC motors and HyperGrip dual tracks. The steps are the one thing that’s difficult to keep clean with this particular unit.
Water passes through filters and is trapped after being agitated by a brush and then suctioned up by a built-in vacuum.
For different kinds of debris, the Premier has numerous filters. It also comes with a sand micro-filter and a leaf, twig, and acorn waste bag. The main drawback of the filters is that they can only be accessed from the bottom, which can be inconvenient because you have to flip the robot over.
For in-ground pool owners, the Dolphin Premier is one of the best automatic pool cleaners. It’s easy to clean, simple to maintain, and one of the most dependable robotic pool cleaners on the market.
Back to Top
Best Pressure Pool Cleaner
Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport
When it comes to automatic pool cleaners, Polaris’ Vac-Sweep 3900 is one of the best ones out there. Offering 40 gallons per minute of filtration through its bag. With an additional sweeping mechanism, you can prevent water from splashing out of the pool and onto the ground.
Due to its superior vacuuming and torque, this device is great for pools that are particularly dirty or require extra help getting cleaned.
Pool Magazine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, if you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:
For consumers that are evaluating automatic pool cleaners, this is an excellent solution, but it’s important to note that his device has a few drawbacks. Note that it needs a separate booster pump, and several production defects mean that a certain percentage of units frequently fail rapidly. Stronger hose couplings are needed in particular. When it’s working properly, it’s a terrific device, but keep an eye out for this.
Back to Top
Best Suction Cleaner
Hayward – The PoolCleaner Poolvergnuegen
Robot pool cleaners are electrically powered, completely self-contained, and operate independently of your pool’s pump. They patrol the pool floor and scrub the walls and waterline with motorized wheels or rollers and rubber brushes, cleaning up trash along the route. Clean filtered water is returned to the pool after debris is collected in an onboard filter canister.
This automatic pool cleaner can give maximum power thanks to its innovative self-adjusting turbine vanes. It comes with a 32-foot hose and can draw in heavy debris without becoming clogged. Internal steering sequences that have been pre-programmed also do all of the hard work for you.
When we compared the Hayward Poolvergnuegen Automatic Pool Cleaner to the top 12 products in the category, it performed exceptionally well.
Pool Magazine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, if you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:
The PoolCleaner is a suction cleaner that is available in two or four-wheel drive to accommodate any pool size. Patented features include self-adjusting turbine vanes that offer maximum power at any flow and easy debris control. Adjustable skirts and tire treads operate in tandem with programmed steering to provide easy wall climbing, obstacle management, and maximum pool coverage.
Back to Top
Best Value Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is the most advanced pool robot in the Dolphin Nautilus family, which also includes the original Dolphin Nautilus and Dolphin Nautilus CC. They are built similarly and perform many of the same functions.
The CC models clean more quickly than the original. The CC Plus has a longer reach and larger filters than the CC. It’s essentially an enlarged version of the CC for a small fee.
Pool Magazine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, if you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:
What’s nice about the CC Plus, and why it’s worth the extra money, is how well it cleans. It can clean the floor and walls of a 50-foot-long in-ground pool in 2 hours. You’ll be hard pushed to find a more efficient pool robot.
Okay, not for the parts that are not so nice. There are no other means to steer the robot save the internal navigation system. There are no smartphone apps or remote controls. While it regularly navigates nicely along the wall and floor, it is not intended to clean the waterline. Also, don’t expect this robot to clean the steps, but some customers have reported that it cleaned their pool steps and waterline.
Back to Top
Best Value Pressure Cleaner
Polaris Vac-Sweep 280
The Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 pressure-side pool cleaner is suitable for all in-ground pools and requires the use of a booster pump. It is powered by dual jets, which provide more vacuum power and faster cleaning (3 hours or less).
The Polaris 280 connects easily to a dedicated pressure line and sweeps, scrubs, and vacuums all pool surfaces.
Buy on Amazon
Pool Magazine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, if you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:
The pressure cleaner has a single chamber filter bag that collects heavy debris including leaves, acorns, pebbles, and other small to large trash. Its one-of-a-kind filter bag traps dirt before it reaches your pump basket or filter, extending the life of your filtration system. The 280 requires a booster pump, such as the PB4-60, which is sold separately. Polaris pressure pumps are specifically engineered to maximize the cleaning performance of your cleaner. Maximum performance is enabled by the compact, durable design.
This pool cleaner’s dual jets enable it blast away even the most persistent stains. This model’s lightweight design and three-wheel base allow it to climb stairs and clean the side walls of your pool. To complete your cleaning set, you may wish to purchase an extra booster pump and rear sweep tail.
When compared to 12 other similar items in its category, the Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Side Pool Cleaner performed highly in our study.
Back to Top
Best Value Suction Cleaner
Pentair 360042
With over 3 million pleased customers worldwide, Kreepy Krauly is simply the most popular suction-side cleaner in history. It is quick, trustworthy, and comprehensive, and it lasts for years and years. It has been updated to provide better cleaning coverage from the water line to the pool floor while maintaining the simplicity and dependability that over three million owners have relied on for decades.
Pool Magazine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, if you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:
The powerful suction of the Kreepy Krauly cleaner immediately eliminates dirt and debris. With only one operating moving part, you can expect years of solid service at an extremely low cost of operation. The powerful suction makes it easy to remove both large and small debris, and there is no need to purchase a costly, energy-draining booster pump, saving you money on your utility bills. It takes only a few minutes to set up and requires no tools.
Although the Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly appears to have a shorter lifespan than prior versions, it remains one of the most dependable suction-side cleaners for pool owners. This type of suction cleaner is intended for use with in-ground pools. It covers the entire area from the floor to the waterline.
Back to Top
Best Above Ground Pool Cleaner
Aquabot Rover S2-40
The Aquabot Pool Rover S2-40 is one of the best robotic pool cleaners for above-ground pools. It cleans far better than suction or pressure-side cleaners and requires no additional setup. It is less expensive than most other above-ground pool robots without sacrificing cleaning effectiveness.
Pool Magazine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, if you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:
The Pool Rover S2-40 is propelled by free-spinning wheels. They are not linked to a motor, which would necessitate sophisticated mechanical linkages and a large number of breakable parts. It saves energy and makes the S2-40 much easier to repair because it breaks down less frequently. With a suction rate of 80 gallons per minute, the S2-40 outperforms even some large in-ground robotic pool cleaners.
Because this automatic pool cleaner lacks scrubbing brushes, the added suction force is critical for cleaning. As a result, it simply uses suction to remove floating debris and filth from the pool liner. The filter bag is full of particles. You don’t have to constantly pull the cleaner out in the middle of the cleaning to empty it. The bag captures dirt as fine as two microns.
Back to Top
Best Inground Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Triton PS
The Dolphin Triton PS Robotic Pool Cleaner is recommended for in-ground swimming pools up to 50 feet in length and will clean the pool walls, floor, and cove. The Triton Scrubs, vacuums, and filters all pool surfaces in less than two hours and is self-programming for optimal pool scanning to assure a clean pool in less than two hours. It comes with an easy-to-clean, extra-large cartridge filter system with top access and fine debris cartridges.
Buy on Amazon
Pool Magazine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, if you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:
With simple plug-and-play technology, the robotic cleaner is exceedingly simple to use. Simply plug it in, press the start button, and watch it run! There is no requirement for any hookups to your pool system or pre-installation. The Dolphin Triton is a cutting-edge robotic cleaner with amazing features and proprietary technology that is reasonably priced.
This unit has a number of other noteworthy features. The extra-large basket, the ability to clean the waterline, and the two speed options are among them. The exact cleaning duration depends on the size of your pool, however the Dolphin Triton PS Plus features a fast option that can give most pools a mild cleaning in one hour. This is perfect for keeping clean pools that don’t get too dirty.
Back to Top
Best for X-Large Pools
Dolphin Sigma
The Dolphin Sigma uses cutting-edge technology to keep your pool water perfectly pure. This useful robotic helper has cutting-edge features that make pool cleaning a breeze. The Sigma will scour every inch of your pool as it rolls through it. It’s a powerful robotic servant that keeps your swimming pool clear of unpleasant bacteria of all kinds.
It has three motors, dual brushes, and dual filters, as well as gyroscope-assisted smart navigation and blue-tooth connectivity.
Buy on Amazon
Pool Magazine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, if you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:
It’s really quick and simple to use. You may get your automatic pool cleaner and operating in less than fifteen minutes, doing the job it was designed to accomplish. Simply place it in the pool carefully. Then, on the base unit, hit the button.
It has the ability to clean a pool up to 60 feet long in as little as 2.5 hours. After this time has passed, go outside and inspect your swimming pool. You’ll find it gleaming clean and ready for a relaxing swim. Best of all, you didn’t even have to lift a finger to achieve these results!
All of these great features aren’t cheap. Sigma is one of the most expensive Dolphin pool robots for home use. However, it is worthwhile for pool owners who want best-in-class features and performance.
Back to Top
Best New Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin E10
Put your money down for the Dolphin E10 if you want a tireless mechanical assistance who is less expensive than a pool guy. It’s a good mid-priced pool robot that will make cleaning your above-ground pool a breeze. The E10, one of Maytronics’ newest models, includes features found in in-ground Dolphin cleaners such as pool scanning, a top-loading filter basket, and active brushing.
Buy on Amazon
Pool Magazine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, if you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:
This is one of the most self-contained automatic pool cleaners, so there is no need to connect it to your primary pump system. This results in a stress-free pool cleaning experience. It features a cleaning cycle that lasts 90 minutes. Which, if we’re being honest, is quite quick as far as automatic pool cleaners go.
It uses eight times less energy than suction pool cleaners and pressure side cleaners. You’ll save a lot of money with an electricity cost of only five cents per hour!
It includes CleverClean Technology, which analyzes the pool and calculates the optimal cleaning pattern, as found in premium Dolphin models.
This not only allows the cleaner to clean more quickly and efficiently, but it also assures that no spots are missed. It employs an active brush, which spins twice as fast as a standard brush. It is more aggressive in attacking dirt, algae, and scale, making quick work of even the most obstinate debris stuck on the pool floor.
Back to Top
Best Wall Climber Pool Cleaner
Polaris F9950 Sport
Anyone with a big inground pool that requires frequent maintenance will be interested in the Polaris F9550. It will not appeal to those on a limited budget or who have a tiny pool that does not necessitate enough upkeep to warrant the cost.
The Polaris F9550’s primary selling feature is the Sofware-created cleaning path, which allows the robot to clean every inch of your pool surface. Other noteworthy features include a seven-day programmable timer, remote control operation, and an easy-lift technique for retrieving the robot from the water.
Buy on Amazon
Pool Magazine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, if you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:
The 9550 includes a head unit that controls and powers the cleaner, a blue 70-foot cable that links the cleaner to the head unit, and a caddy for storing and transporting the cleaner about your yard. The cable is incredibly flexible and tangle resistant, making it simple to wrap up and place on the caddy after cleaning. The head unit is linked to the caddy, and the supplied remote control has a cradle. The caddy is easy to assemble and contains a durable 33-inch long handle as well as a cable hook. The cleaner sits upright on the caddy, allowing any surplus water to drain.
Back to Top
Best Overall Proven Performance
Baracuda G3 W03000
The Zodiac Baracuda is quiet, powerful, and extremely well-built. This suction-side pool cleaner goes about its work diligently cleaning the debris at the bottom of your pool. It’s not sophisticated or flashy and doesn’t have a ton of features, but it’s long-lasting and has tremendous suction force thanks to its 36-point fin. It will also not cost you a lot of money in comparison to some of these other products listed.
Pool Magazine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, if you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:
The Zodiac Baracuda G3 has no moving parts. Connect it to the suction side of your pool’s circulation system and let it do its thing. That means a straightforward, low-fuss operation. As a pool owner, this has a significant advantage in terms of quiet operation. The G3 will clean your pool as silently as a mouse in church, allowing you to sit next to it and enjoy some well-deserved leisure time.
The cleaning disk has 36 fins that scour the surface of your pool and help you clean it faster. These fins, on the other hand, will not catch on anything, such as lights or drain covers, because they are flexible enough to bend but strong enough to clean.
This automatic pool cleaner relies heavily on a wheel deflector. It makes it simple to operate around tight corners, swimming pool ladders and steps, and anything else inside your pool. Best of all, it will not adhere to any one region of your swimming pool.
Back to Top
Which Automatic Pool Cleaners Should I Consider?
Robotic cleaners and pressure cleaners are the two most common forms of automatic pool cleaners. In our evaluation, we compared the top robotic pool cleaners and the most user-friendly pressure cleaners and suction cleaners. All three types do an excellent job of keeping your pool clean, but pressure & suction cleaners are powered by your pool’s filter pump (or, in some circumstances, an additional booster pump), whereas robotic cleaners are powered by electricity. Because pressure cleaners do not require electricity, they lack Bluetooth connectivity and other smart features.
Things to Consider When Shopping for Automatic Pool Cleaners
- Does it necessitate the use of a booster pump?
Some pools will not have enough water pressure to run pressure cleaners. If you choose a cleaner that requires a lot of power, you may also need a booster pump, which will need to connect to your pool’s filter system. Frequently this tends to increases water pressure, so that’s definitely something to consider when choosing which unit to buy. - Is there a backup valve?
Many automatic pool cleaners contain a backup valve that helps steer your pool cleaner so that it cleans the entire pool. This is especially helpful in preventing the pool cleaner from getting trapped. - What is the length of the hose and can it be extended?
Another critical feature you’ll want to consider when purchasing an automatic pool cleaner for your inground or above ground pool is to ensure that the hose that came with the cleaner is long enough so your cleaner so cover the entire pool. - Capability to Climb Walls
This is really only a consideration if you’re buying a robotic cleaner. Personally we consider this a must-have feature for inground swimming pools. Ideally, if you’re buying a robot cleaner you want one that is capable of climbing and cleaning stairs and walls. - Build and Durability
You don’t want to spend money on an automatic pool cleaner just to have it break down again and again. Ideally you want to buy a product that is made by a reputable manufacturer and has a great warranty.
There are robot pool cleaners for every style of pool, and many are specifically built for certain types, so verify the specifications before you buy. For example, you don’t want to get an above-ground pool cleaner if you have an inground pool, and vice versa. When it comes to inground pools, make sure you select a cleaner that is intended to handle the type of pool you own. Some cleansers, for example, are perfect for gunite or plaster pools, while others are designed exclusively for pools with vinyl liners. Also, ensure that the cleaner can manage the size and volume of your pool.
