If you have a pool, you know how time-consuming maintenance can be. I've spent countless hours manually scrubbing and vacuuming pools, and it's no fun, especially during the hot summer months. That's why I started looking into pool vacuum robots as an alternative.
These devices can make life much easier by automating the cleaning process. The best ones come with features like smart navigation and custom cleaning modes that help them efficiently clean different areas of your pool without constant supervision. They save time and energy, and they can reduce maintenance costs too.
Working with the Cybernews research team, I've examined many pool vacuum robots available in 2025 to find the ones that deliver on their promises. In this article, I'll share my top 5 picks based on our research, discuss what each one does well, and explain why you might want to consider getting one for your pool.
Best pool vacuum robots – shortlist
- Dolphin Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner 2024 – best affordability
- Beatbot AquaSense 2 Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner – best performance
- Dolphin Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner 2025 – best automation
- AIPER Scuba S1 Cordless Robotic Cleaner – best mobility
- Seauto Pool Vacuum for Above Ground Pool – best surface coverage
The best pool vacuum robots compared
Below, I reviewed the best pool vacuum robots according to their weight, suggested pool type, and other factors – to see how the top 5 compare against each other.
| Model name | Model number | Suggested pool type | Cycle time | Cable length | Weight | Pool length/size (ft/sq ft) |
| Dolphin Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner 2024 | Dolphin E10 | Above ground | 1.5 hours | 40 ft | 6.6 Kg | 30 ft |
| Beatbot AquaSense 2 Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner | PRCSDE02G | Above ground, in-ground | 3.5 hours | Cordless | 9.3 Kg | 2260 sq ft |
| Dolphin Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner 2025 | Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi | In-ground, above ground | 2 hours | 60 ft | 16.2 Kg | 50 ft |
| AIPER Scuba S1 Cordless Robotic Cleaner | Scuba S1 | In-ground | up to 3 hours | Cordless | 10.8 Kg | 50 ft |
| Seauto Pool Vacuum for Above Ground Pool | SAT20 | In-ground | 2-3 hours | Cordless | 6 Kg | 2150 sq ft |
5 best pool vacuum robots – my detailed list
Below, I have compared the top 5 pool vacuum cleaners based on their features, mobility, ease of use, pool type and size compatibility, pricing, and warranty options.
1. Dolphin Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner 2024 – an easy-to-use solution
| Model Name: | Dolphin E10 |
| Cycle time: | 1.5 hours |
| Cable length: | 40 ft |
| Weight: | 6.6 Kg |
| Suggested pool type: | Above-ground pools |
| Pool length | 30 ft |
| Price: | Very affordable |
Despite somewhat basic features and limited capabilities, Dolphin’s E10 is still a good budget-friendly pick for small pools. Basics like smart navigation and quick filter cleaning are more than enough if you’re not spending each day by the pool and don’t have to remove trash that is hard to access. Additionally, the E10 is pretty lightweight and easily movable.
Even with easy management, it was pretty limited. For example, the E10 can’t reach walls or steps, with only floor cleaning available, and is only suitable for above-ground pools. The lack of automation was also a huge no, especially when it’s not a problem with other Dolphin models.
2. Beatbot AquaSense 2 Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner – for bigger debris
| Model Name: | PRCSDE02G |
| Cycle time: | 3.5 hours |
| Cable length: | Cordless |
| Weight: | 9.3 Kg |
| Suggested pool type: | Above-ground and in-ground pools |
| Pool length | 2260 sq ft |
| Price: | Mid-range |
Beatbot AquaSense is pricier than Dolphin E10 but also seems more powerful. It’s suitable for above-ground and in-ground pools and all pool materials, from concrete to fiberglass. It also cleans walls and waterlines and fits trickier, more demanding tasks.
I liked that it offers not one but 3 cleaning modes, – floor-only, custom, and floor, walls, and waterline. The custom mode was my favorite addition since it would be helpful for big pools.
Overall, it’s a valid option if your pool needs more than just simple floor cleaning.
3. Dolphin Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner 2025 – best connectivity
| Model Name: | Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi |
| Cycle time: | 3 hours |
| Cable length: | 60 ft |
| Weight: | 10.8 Kg |
| Suggested pool type: | Above-ground and in-ground pools |
| Pool length | 50 ft |
| Price: | Mid-range |
Even compared to E10, Nautilus is an affordable option. It’s also more advanced, with Wi-Fi connectivity and Doplhin’s smart app for remote control and management. Although I was a bit disappointed that there is still no waterline cleaning, I was very impressed with this robotic pool vacuum’s wall-climbing feature.
Nautilus supports both in and above-ground pool cleaning. However, the robot’s movements might feel limited because of the cord. It’s also pretty heavyweight compared to E10 or AquaSense.
On the brighter side, Nautilus comes with a 2.5-year warranty – one of the best offers available.
4. AIPER Scuba S1 Cordless Robotic Cleaner – best cleaning capabilities
| Model Name: | Scuba S1 |
| Cycle time: | Up to 3 hours |
| Cable length: | Cordless |
| Weight: | 10.8 Kg |
| Suggested pool type: | In-ground pools |
| Pool length | 50 ft |
| Price: | Very affordable |
Scuba S1 is a relatively affordable robot with decent cleaning capabilities. This includes wall climbing, caterpillar treads for mobility, WavePath navigation technology with inertial, acceleration, and infrared sensors, and a quick water release system.
My favorite thing was the record number of cleaning modes. This time, there were 4 of them – floor mode, wall mode, auto mode, and even eco mode, a relatively rare feature.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer recommends it for in-ground pools only. In contrast, BeatBot AquaSense works with both above and in-ground pools.
5. Seauto Pool Vacuum for Above Ground Pool – an affordable pick
| Model Name: | SAT20 |
| Cycle time: | 2-3 hours |
| Cable length: | Cordless |
| Weight: | 6 Kg |
| Suggested pool type: | In-ground pools |
| Pool length | 2150 sq ft |
| Price: | Extremely affordable |
SAT20 is one of the most affordable options on the list, with advanced particle filtration and full-coverage cleaning that includes floor, walls, water lines, and slopes. It offers 3 modes – floor-only, wall-only, and all-cover. I also liked the water parking feature, which is pretty convenient.
Sadly, it’s not the best pick for you if you have an above-ground pool, with in-ground as the only recommended option. It also has a one-year warranty, compared to most competitors that offer at least two years.
How did we select the best robotic pool cleaners?
To select the best pool vacuum robots, the Cybernews research team conducted a detailed analysis and studied dozens of models based on their specifications, expert reviews, and customer feedback. We looked at cleaning efficiency, types of trash the robot can remove, battery life, overall mobility, and other factors.
Here are some of the key criteria:
- Suction power and cleaning efficiency: We looked at the vacuum robots’ ability to clean both fine dirt and larger debris, as well as the types of trash they would be able to remove, such as sand, pet hair, or leaves.
- Smart navigation and coverage: We evaluated how the robot handles its cleaning path and how efficiently it navigates areas like walls or tight corners. Compatibility with pool materials, types, and shapes also mattered.
- Battery life: We reviewed the robot’s charging time, how long the battery can last, and the overall battery lifespan, aiming for the most enduring options that offer a quality-to-price balance.
- User-friendliness: Advanced features and different cleaning modes are useless if you can’t navigate them successfully. That’s why we paid attention to the ease of setup, navigation, maintenance, and filter cleaning.
Is a robot pool cleaner really worth it?
Manually keeping your pool clean requires plenty of effort and time. So, if you’re looking for a less demanding solution, robotic pool cleaners are a great alternative.
Here are the main benefits of using a robot pool cleaner:
- Convenience. With robot cleaners, you can automate the cleaning process based on specific needs, such as pool size or surface type, reducing the need for manual labor.
- Time-saving. Manual pool cleaning can take hours at a minimum, depending on how much work your pool requires. A robotic cleaner requires less human time and labor, often reducing the work by half.
- Efficiency. Robotic pool vacuum cleaners provide thorough cleaning without effort, even letting you control the process remotely from the comfort of your sofa. With advanced sensors and various cleaning modes, robots can reach walls, steps, and waterlines, which may be tricky when doing the work yourself.
- Energy-efficiency. Good robotic pool cleaners use low-voltage electricity and consume less power than traditional pool filtration and cleaning systems. That doesn’t just let you save on electricity costs, but can potentially prove more environmentally friendly.
- Improved water quality. By regularly removing debris and trash like leaves, algae, and sand, robot pool cleaners can improve water filtration and, thus, overall water quality.
A good robotic pool cleaner can automate the cleaning process, adjust to your needs, and sometimes even prevent such issues as algae and bacteria formation. Although it may be a pricey purchase, it can also last 5 to 7 years, which is an impressive price-to-quality balance.
Different types of powering for pool vacuum robots
Different pool vacuum robots use different power sources that restrict their suitability, depending on your pool’s size and architectural layout. You'll need to understand the differences to choose wisely and meet your goals.
- Cordless battery-powered robots. These are highly portable and easy to use, with no need for a power outlet – a great pick for users who prioritize mobility, reduced setup time, and a stress-free experience. However, the battery life and cleaning cycles will be limited, which is not ideal for large pools.
- Corded electric pool cleaners. Such robots don’t require charging but do require you to keep them plugged into a power outlet. They are often more powerful and better able to handle fine and large debris than cordless units. However, having a power source nearby is a must, as the power cord can limit mobility.
- Pressure-side pool cleaners. These use the water pressure from the pool’s pump to collect trash and will suit pools with larger, hard-to-remove debris. However, they can be high-maintenance, often requiring a booster pump for better performance.
- Suction-side pool cleaners. These vacuum robots attach to the pool’s existing filtration system, using suction to remove dirt. They are usually cost-effective and suitable for dealing with fine debris but can put additional strain on the pool pump and your electricity bills.
Pool vacuum robot buying guide (what to look for)
Getting a pool vacuum robot can be an excellent investment if you’re looking to save time and effort – but only as long as you’re selecting the right robot for your needs. Here’s what you should consider:
- Pool size and type. It’s essential to determine which pool types the robot is the most suitable for since not all models are universally compatible. The form, size, and length of your pool also matter. For example, the larger the pool is, the bigger the battery capacity you might need.
- Cleaning coverage. Not every pool vacuum robot can clean all surfaces like walls or waterlines. Some models have minimal mobility and can only clean the pool floor. However, it’s still a valid option if you have a small pool.
- Filtration system. Focus on robots with reliable filtration and simple filter maintenance. The very best filters will allow you to quickly discard debris without touching them and return to action after a quick rinse.
- Navigation and sensors. Advanced models use smart mapping technology for improved navigation to reach less accessible spots, detect steps, and find specific debris types. They would be a priority for bigger pools.
- Battery life and charging time. If you’re using a cordless model, your robot’s battery runtime will be one of your key concerns. Always check the battery life and charging time before purchase.
- Climbing ability. Not all robots can handle the pool’s walls and steps, so if you need more than just floor cleaning, look for a robot with climbing capabilities.
- Ease of maintenance. Consider options with simple filter maintenance, easy debris disposal, and, when possible, high automation to minimize manual labor. After all, you’re not getting a robot to do the work yourself.
- Price and warranty. Most robots will offer you at least a one-year warranty, but the longer it is, the better. For example, Dolphin provides a 2.5-year warranty for some models.
Other gadgets you might be interested in:
A final word on the best pool vacuum robot
A good pool vacuum robot can be a life-save for pool owners, especially if they want to save time and automate the cleaning process. A top pool vacuum robot can help you quickly remove debris from hard-accessible places and even prevent algae formation. And with the right maintenance, you’ll be able to use the robot for at least a few years.
Choosing the right model depends on pool length, surface type, ease of use, warranty, and battery life. Some models even take it further with smart sensors and advanced navigation, covering demanding households and small pools.
As with any home appliance or other substantial purchase, consider all the factors, compare available options, and select the best vacuum cleaner for your specific needs.
FAQ
How often should I use a pool vacuum robot?
It depends on how – and how often – you use your pool. You may want to clean every day if you’re spending most of your time in the pool or there are many nearby trees or plants. Around 2-3 times a week will be enough in less intense scenarios.
Do pool vacuum robots work in saltwater pools?
Yes, most modern pool vacuum robots work equally well in freshwater or saltwater pools. However, this usually depends on the specific model. Some robots may also have a salt concentration limit or require additional maintenance when used in saltwater.
Can a pool vacuum robot clean walls and stairs?
Yes, some models like Beatbot AquaSense can climb and clean different surfaces, including walls and stairs. However, some pool vacuum robots are more limited and only cover flours. Be sure to check the model’s specifications before purchasing.
How long do pool vacuum robots last?
With proper care, a pool vacuum robot can last 3-5 years, although some models may last even longer thanks to regular parts replacement. The lifespan usually depends on various factors, such as the specific model, regular maintenance, management, and use frequency.
Are pool vacuum robots safe to leave in the water?
Yes, certain robots may be safe to leave in the water. Some robots can safely stay submerged between cleanings or have the ‘water parking’ feature, while others require removal from the pool after use. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to increase your robot’s lifespan.
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