The Best Robot Pool Cleaners And Smart Water Monitors
If you’re looking to keep your pool clean and safe for swimming without spending hours of time on it, we’ve tested the best pool tech so you can simply kick back and enjoy the water.
If you own a swimming pool, you likely spend a good deal of time cleaning and maintaining it . To keep your pool looking its best, it should be vacuumed at least once a weekor more if you have lots of trees on your property. And looks arent everything: To keep the water free of bacteria and make it safe for swimming, you need to maintain the correct water chemistry.
If all of this sounds daunting, fear not. There are plenty of products out there that make it easier than ever to spend more time enjoying your pool and less time working on it. Read on for the best smart devices we’ve tested to help you keep your pool clean and ready for swimming.
How Often Should I Run A Robotic Pool Cleaner
It depends on how dirty your pool gets and how often you use it. Since robotic pool cleaners use very little power, there is no harm in running it daily.
If the cleaner has a weekly scheduler, use it to set daily, 2x, or 3x a week auto-cleaning so that you dont have to start the cleaner every time manually.
Best Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners are the future of pool cleaning and is where the industry is heading. At this point in time, its difficult to choose just one best robotic pool cleaner. Below are several we like.
Dolphin Nautilus Robotic Pool Cleaner
There are so many new self-cleaning pool vacuum cleaners on the market that its difficult to choose the best. If we had to pick one best pool vacuum robots, the Dolphin Nautilus would be our choice.
Although it has several features that enable it to do a good job of cleaning your pool, the good news is you dont need a college degree to use it.
This Dolphin pool cleaner is easy to install. You just have to fit the filters into the body and plug the swivel power cable into the low voltage socket of the transformer, connect the transformer to a standard wall outlet and the cleaner is ready to go.
It has all the features you need to clean your pool efficiently, such as filters, 60ft swivel power cable, step down transformer, and mains power cable.
Once its in the pool, it switches into learning mode and has the intelligence to investigate the best way to clean each pool. But depending on the size, depth, and how dirty the pool is, the Dolphin pool vacuum may not get your pool looking sparkling in one cycle.
Overall, its one of the best robotic pool cleaners as it does an excellent job of sucking up both fine and larger dirt particles.
Dolphin Triton PS Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner
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Compatible For Your Pool
Power
You must make sure that the cleaner you buy can meet the basic operational requirements for the job. Your pools filter must have enough power to make your pool cleaner fulfill its purpose. Its possible to get a booster pump to pad it out, but that will add quite a bit of expense to what should be a really affordable purchase.
Hose length
Youll also want to make sure that the model you buy has enough hose to reach your entire pool. You can always buy an additional hose, but this isnt just a more added expense it also dilutes the vacuuming power of your pool cleaner. So, youll want to make sure that you buy a pool cleaner that when it gets into the far corners of your pool still has the juice to remove dirt and small leaves.
Compatible connections
Finally, but perhaps most importantly, youll want to find a pool cleaner that is compatible with the construction materials used for your pool. Some pool cleaners work with everything. Others dont work well with fiberglass or vinyl pools. Others work best with concrete and tile pools. Matching the pool cleaner you buy with the kind of pool you own is a good, first step to determine whether your investment is a successful one.
Us Pool Supply Transparent Triangular Vacuum Head
Our sixth product is also from U.S. Pool Supply and is also designed for smaller pools due to its size. It is a weighted vacuum head with nylon bristles for added scrubbing power. The features that make it unique are its see-through body and triangular shape. You can see what you are cleaning, while the form is superb for cleaning corners.
The EZ clip handle makes attaching and removing the tool very fast. It fits most standard telescopic poles. This vacuum head has a swivel hose connector that fits either 1.25 or 1.5 vacuum hose. This product is very lightweight, thus not causing arm fatigue. However, this also means that it doesnt do well with suction, as it doesnt maintain good surface contact.
The head is suitable for all pool types, including those with delicate surfaces. The bristles are well-positioned to guide debris to the vacuum. However, if you use a lot of pressure for scrubbing, they may deform or fall out over time, causing it to stick to the surface.
Pros
- The triangular shape makes it perfect for cleaning corners
- The transparent body allows you to observe what you are vacuuming up
- EZ clip handle makes attaching and dethatching tool easy
Cons
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Xtremepowerus Automatic Suction Vacuum
Best Low Cost Pool Vacuum
Whether youre not sure how long your seasonal pool will last or you dont want to invest a lot in pool equipment, XtremepowerUS has the solution. The companys Automatic Suction Vacuum cleans pools up to 30 feet long and can clean the bottom and walls.
The one drawback is it wont climb stairs, but thats a small sacrifice for an overall excellent vacuum system. You might need a bit of patience for troubleshooting, as there are a few tweaks youll likely need to make to get the best performance out of the unit.
However, since its a basic flapper and suction design, it doesnt take much work to figure out what might be stopping your vacuum from running.
- Needs a 1 HP or 1,600 GHP pump to work properly
- Doesnt clean stairs and wont handle leaves
Difference Between Pool Cleaners
Tools are made different to cater to the different materials and different designs of pools. Though many maintenance tools are generally the same for both, some are designed specifically for above ground swimming pools.
The most significant difference is that above ground pools are generally smaller and more shallow than inground pools. They require less powerful filtration systems. Thus the cleaners designed for above ground pools are made to cover less ground and use less power. They are generally slower and made to work in smaller areas.
Another big difference is that many inground pools have different depths, thus requiring the cleaners to have more power to go back up from the deep end. Whereas above ground pools are usually flat bottomed or have a small bowl shape with minimal incline. Also, above ground pools typically have 90-degree corners where the walls meet the floor. So cleaners are made to overcome this or not to go up walls at all.
The last main difference is that inground pools are made of more durable material, so there are no worries of rips and gashes in the lining of an above ground pool. So above ground pool cleaners are designed and manufactured using materials that cannot damage or puncture the pool.
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What To Consider When Buying Pool Vacuum
Buying the perfect robotic pool cleaner requires proper research so that you will be able to get the most satisfactory result. If you want to get value for your money, there are some factors to consider before making a purchase and some of them are discussed below.
Vacuum pressure: The vacuum pressure of the robot cleaner you want to buy is very important. Some machines can lose their suction power when the filter bag becomes full.
This can lead to poor work because suctioning will only take place for some minutes. As a result of this, you should get a machine with guaranteed hoover pressure so that effective results can be achieved.
Filter size: You will be making a good choice if you get a machine with a filter size that is big enough for your pool. It wont be convenient for you if you will have to clean the filter frequently when it is full.
But if you choose a large filter that fits your pool, your robot will effectively carry out the cleaning process and you will not need to clean the filter repeatedly.
Wall and stage capacity: If a robot cleaner cannot clean the wall of the pool effectively, it isnt worth investing in.
A good cleaner should have the capacity to scrub all the algae causing issues on the walls of the pool. This will guarantee effective cleaning for the most satisfactory result.
As a result of this, you must ensure that the machine you are going to purchase has a perfect navigation mechanism so that your goal will be easily realized.
The Final Word On Shopping For The Best Above
Keeping a; pool clean on a continuous basis is no easy task, but the best above-ground pool vacuums on the market can get the job done in style and with relative ease. An automatic pool cleaner is the ideal choice for those who prefer to save their energy and come home to a clean pool, while a battery-operated pool vacuum may be better for folks who need a way to quickly spot-clean their smaller pool or hot tub on an as-needed basis. No matter the size or depth of your above-ground pool, choosing the best pool vacuum is key to keeping your water sparkling clean.
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Best Pool Vacuum Head
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There are many things to buy when you have a pool, but dont overlook finding the best pool vacuum head to save money on overall maintenance. With proper and regular vacuuming of the swimming pool, you will prevent hard to clean algae and damage to the pool filtration system from various debris and dirt.
In our pool vacuum head review, we have collected some of the highest-rated vacuum heads. We will share our findings, the good and the bad, and help you pick the right one for your needs. Here, in no particular order, are the highest-rated eight pool vacuum head comparison picks based on our research and customer feedback.
Polaris F9550 Sport Robotic In
The Polaris 9550 is a typical robotic cleaner that runs on a 4wheel drive. The cleaner features Aqua-Trax tire for pool surfaces and features ActivMotion Sensor Technology to promote better navigation. It has swinging brushes that remove stubborn stains and contaminants its proprietary Vortex Vacuum Technology picks up even large debris quickly. Pool debris is readily accessed from the top of the cleaner which sports a large filter canister no need to fuss with messy bags. The 9550 also features a weekly programmable timer, which includes built-in cleaning patterns, and a handheld motion-sensing remote. The 9550 also features a durable alloy caddy for transport and storage.
Highlighted Features:
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Pentair Kreepy Krauly Suction
The Kreepy Krauly has been around for decades and is extremely popular, with over 3 million customers around the world. Redesigned for greater cleaning coverage, its powerful suction removes dirt and debris without intervention. With only a single moving part, it is designed for years of dependable service and low maintenance costs. As it operates without a booster pump, it saves on utility bills. Its also quick and easy to install.
Highlighted Features:
- Dive float directional system guides the cleaner from its water line down to the bottom of the pool
- Its automatic valve regulates the flow of waterto maintain the proper speed for cleaning
- Roller strap helps navigate around pool steps and ladders
- Cleaner wings move debris, such as leaves and dirt, directly into the filtration system
- Single moving part design no gears or wheels to replace
- Type: Dropdown
- Small debris, such as acorns and leaves, can jam the mechanism
- Wall climbing and pool coverage can be affected by specific pool shapes and surfaces
How to use the Hayward Navigator Pro Swimming Pool Cleaner
What To Look For Before Buying A Pool Vacuum Cleaner
The first thing to look for when shopping for pool cleaners is to ensure the pool cleaner youre looking at is one that is suited to your pool type. Since most homeowners have inground pools, youll want to be sure that the pool cleaner you choose is suited to that purpose. There are also pool cleaners suitable to clean specialty pools, like diving pools, so keep that in mind as well.
Some pool cleaners are capable of fairly robust cleaning, such as sucking up small rocks and pebbles. Others, however, are only capable of tackling small debris, like grass and things of that nature. Its important to opt for the pool cleaner that is able to meet your needs. For instance, if you have a lot of trees in your yard, youre going to want a cleaner capable of getting rid of leaves.
Generally, pool cleaners are designed for inground pool use. If you have an aboveground pool or a very shallow pool, ensure that the pool cleaner youre considering can handle those applications without getting stuck or damaging your pool, as a more powerful cleaner may be too much for those pool types.
Pool cleaners may be electric powered or powered by your pools pump and filtration system. Both types work great. Instead of favoring one type over the other, you should really research each individual model instead, because thats where youll find the differences in quality and ability.
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Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Cleaner
Best Robotic Vacuum
For above-ground pool owners, the Dolphin Escape can handle all your cleaning needs. Without stairs to worry about, the Dolphin Escape drives along the bottom of your pool, scrubbing all the while. It wont climb walls, but its scrubbing brush effectively removes algae and other buildup on your pools bottom.
Rubber tracks grip the pool bottom, and the top-load filter can hold debris of all sizes. When the filter is full, open the cleaner from the top to empty it out.
Smart scanning software helps your vacuum navigate the pool floor and clean efficiently. It can even sense walls, ladders, and drains to avoid obstacles.
What Is The Best Manual Pool Vacuum
When it comes to manual vacuums, we couldnt pick just one because different vacuums are ranked better or worse based on price, suction power, and user-friendliness. Therefore, we listed some between the low to high price range.;
- Cheap, doesnt require an electrical outlet
- Unique vacuum head design ensures thorough and full-force suction
- Adjustable wheels allow for variable suction force
- Includes 1-1/2 vacuum hose swivel connection
- Minimal installation
- Lithium powered, and extremely rapid recharge
- Usable at any water depth greater than 9
- 45-minute continuous use
- Lithium powered, rechargeable battery with no memory effect
- Can be handheld or attached to telescoping pole
- 1.5L, transparent debris container allows user to see debris accumulation
- Versatile vacuum head allows for multi-directional movement
- Underside brushes sweep up small and large debris
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Intex Automatic Pool Cleaner For Above Ground Pools
This pool cleaner is developed explicitly for Intex above ground pools, but you can easily use it on one from another manufacturer. It is suitable for any pool with a filter pump with a flow rate between 1,600 GPH to 4,000 GPH.
It gives full coverage of any 24 foot or smaller in diameter pool by automatically reversing directions. Included with the cleaner is a 24 foot 7 hose that can be attached to your existing pool inlet easily. Applying venture suction it can sweep the pool of leaves and any other debris.
Priced to sell, its actually an excellent option for those looking for a fast and easy pool cleaning option. If you want a longer hose, you can find additional attachments for sale. Before purchasing, make sure your pool has a filter pump that fits the required flow rate. Also, upon installation, make sure to attach it to the discharge line, not the suction side.
Pros
Learn More About Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaners
There are a lot of other brands out there that make great inground pool cleaners including Hayward. But after testing and evaluating the cleaning process, we decided these were our picks.
If youre confused at all between all the different types of pool cleaners there are on the market, I recommend you check out our guides on suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic automatic pool cleaners when you get a chance. Itll explain everything you need to know. And if you happen to know someone who owns an above ground pool, check out our favorite above ground pool cleaners too.
Happy Swimming!
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The Best Pool Vacuum Keeps You From Going Off The Deep End
Like any outdoor accumulation of water, natural or otherwise, pools are subjected to a variety of elementsfrom temperature fluctuations to direct sunlight, as well as interactions with plants, wildlife, people, and a host of other environmental factors. Proper and frequent swimming pool maintenance is key to staving off buildups of algae and dirt in your above-ground pool that can stress your filtration system or develop into more stubborn muck that requires a harsher,more labor-intensive deep cleaning.
When shopping for the best pool vacuum, environmental factors such as pool size and location are key considerations to keep in mind. A suction model that connects to your pools filtration system will require no extra electricity to operate but will move randomly and offer less scrubbing power, which can translate into longer cleaning times. If your home has ample power in proximity to your pool, an electric model is by far the most efficient and easy-to-use option and will offer fully automated cleaning with a simple one-plug operation.
