Updated for 2024! Having trouble deciding which robotic swimming pool cleaner is best suited to your pool? Here's some info on all the best robotic pool cleaners to help you make the best decision when deciding to invest in a robotic pool cleaner.
We’ve identified our pick of the best robotic cleaners:
After going through a number of robotic pool cleaners, we've compiled a list of the top seven and why they're worth every cent.
- The Water TechniX Sonix X11 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
- The Robo-Tek Robo-Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Zodiac TX30 Tornax Robotic Cleaner
- Zodiac TX35 Robotic Cleaner
- Zodiac VX40 Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Zodiac VX50 Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Pentair Prowler Robotic Pool Cleaner
P.S. A Robot pool cleaner is not something you just "buy" since it's a sizable investment, get one that's the best in its class.
Whether it’s winter or summer, your pool needs to be maintained year round. If you’ve ventured to any pool supply shops or browsed our robot pool cleaners online, you’ll have seen that there are many different kinds of pool cleaners around. And, if you know little about these contraptions, you might be wondering: which type is best for you? Is a pool robot cleaner for me?
Is a Pool Robot Cleaner for me?
Do you love seeing all the work done for you while you sit poolside with an iced tea, soaking up the sun? These days, nobody would even consider having a pool without an automatic pool cleaner. Robotic pool cleaners are affordable and take a tedious and repetitive job off your hands.
The sad thing is, a lot of pool owners don't know that robotic pool cleaners exist and that they can save a lot of time and effort by getting one for their pools.
The Truth about Robotic Pool Cleaners
Simply put, robotic pool cleaners are next level in pool cleaning. If you owned one, you wouldn't go back to a suction cleaner. You would ask yourself why you had not purchased a pool robot cleaner sooner!
Robotic pool cleaners not only look impressive, but they also do a better job and require even less attention. They are intelligent, diligent and work independently.
Given their durability and efficiency, robotic pool cleaners offer excellent value for money as they deliver savings on energy, water and pool chemical bills. They may be a bigger investment at first, when compared to a suction or an automatic pool cleaner, but the benefits outweigh the extra investment.
Pool Robots Save On Power
A pool robotic cleaner works independently from the pool's filtration system, eliminating the need to pump water through metres of piping for filtering.
Robotic Pool Cleaners Save On Water
Robots filter the water themselves, reducing clogging in the pool filtration system, translating to fewer backwashes.
Pool Cleaning Robots Save On Chemicals
Robot pool cleaners remove dirt and debris rather than storing it in the pool's filtration system, which may otherwise produce cloudier water that requires chemicals to control.
Features to Look For When Buying a Robotic Pool Cleaner
Wall Cleaning
Many modern robotic pool cleaners clean the walls and the floor of your pool. Ensure the robotic cleaner you are interested in has both of these cleaning options, as the majority of algae and slime grows on pool walls!
Cleaning Cycle
Some pool cleaners function for 6 or more hours a day, with many needing just 2 to 3 hours to ensure the pool is sparkling clean! There’s no need to manage the best robotic pool cleaners every day, 2-3 times weekly is sufficient for many pools.
Warranty
To avoid this expense, choose a unit with, at the very least, a two-year non-prorated warranty. Some pool robot cleaners have three-year low-prorated warranties, which are even better. Remember, a warranty saves you money in the long run. A longer warranty period means that you won't have to worry about spending more money on repairs and maintenance on your robot pool cleaner as long as the warranty is active.
Energy Efficiency
Modern automatic pool cleaners feature 12 or 24-volt DC motors that consume about 90% less power than AC motors. Robots with DC motors can work for about $0.05 an hour on as little as 180 watts.
Low Maintenance
Today, robotic pool cleaners are simply plug-in and play. All you have to do is turn on the pool robot cleaner drop it into your swimming pool and allow it to do the job. When you’ve finished cleaning, simply take out the vacuum filter and unload the debris and water. Most robotic pool cleaners have cartridges and filter bags which are positioned on top for quick and easy access.
Whether you’re looking for a robotic cleaner for your large or small pool, this review has you covered. Rest assured that at the end of this guide, you would be able to choose the right model to suit your needs and you will be on your way to an immaculate, low-maintenance pool.
Water TechniX SoniX S11 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
Note: During Sale Periods, the SoniX Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner tends to sell out FAST. If you see the SoniX marked as "Pre-Order" you can still place an order and lock in the DISCOUNTED price and your unit will be shipped to you as soon as the stock hits the warehouse.
Say goodbye to tangles for good with the Water TechiX SoniX Cordless Pool Robotic cleaners. That's right, we've taken the best features you can find in pool robot cleaners and cut the cord! This means you can truly get your pool clean without that nagging thought behind your mind saying "I wonder if my pool robot cleaner is tangled up again".
The Water TechniX SoniX is the new top dog in the world of pool robot cleaners with a high capacity canister that ensure a full clean of your pool in one session. No more emptying the cleaning canister in the middle of the cleaning cycle, just set it and go! The SoniX also has a fast 1:1 charge time of 3.5 hours which allows you to use the cleaner for 3.5 hours as well.
The SoniX Cordless Pool Robotic cleaner is 10 times more efficient than non-robotic cleaners by utilizing an advanced cleaning algorithm that ensures that every single inch of your pool is cleaned.
Water TechniX SoniX Cordless Pool Robot Cleaner FAQs
Will the SoniX Pool Robotic Cleaner Work on Above Ground Pools?
Yes, the SoniX Pool Robotic cleaner will work on all types of pools. Above ground pools, in-ground pools, cement pools, and all types of pool surfaces
How much does the sonix pool robot cleaner cost
The SoniX is currently on PRE SALE for $1989.99. Don't miss this opportunity to get a cordless robotic pool cleaner at a great price! (If you're reading this at a later date, you can check out the SoniX Cordless Pool Cleaning Robot listing here)
Does the pool robot cleaner have a basket full indicator?
No, but you probably won't need it since the basket of the SoniX cordless pool cleaning robot is oversized and it will take a LOT of debris to fill it up.
On the technical side, the SoniX does not have a basket full indicator because it does not have a cord or a control box or an app to relay that information. You will notice that the cleaner will slow down when the canister is full due to the weight. That's when you need to empty it and restart the cleaning cycle.
Can it handle large debris?
We always recommend that you scoop most of the pool if there is heavy debris before using the SoniX. The cleaner can handle small and medium-sized debris, but large debris may clog or damage the canister or the impeller.
Can this pool robot cleaner work with pool covers?
Yes, sure it can! In fact, that's one of the main selling points of this cordless pool cleaning robot! The SoniX is cordless so it can power along right under any pool cover without getting tangled or stuck. Just keep in mind that you will need to hook and bring the cleaner to the surface to empty the canister and start the cleaning cycle again after 3.5 hours.
Does it only finish when the batteries are depleted, or can I tell it to run for a certain time? How long does it need to run per day?
The SoniX has a fixed timer setting of 3.5 hours per cycle. Once it's finished, you will need to lift it to the surface and turn it on again if you want another cycle. The recommended running time per day depends on your pool size and condition, but generally one cycle should be enough for most pools.
When would the batteries need replacing? Can that be done by me or has to go back to Mr Pool Man?
Mr Pool Man will be the only authorised installer of new batteries at the end of its life after approx 3 years, this will be a service for a fee but the cleaner will be like new, with a further 12 months warranty.
How much are the replacement batteries?
Replacement battery prices are still to be confirmed, but it is expected to come at around $700 to $900. Now that may sound a bit high, but that's because it is an extra large battery and believe it or not, that's the standard percentage price when it comes to replacing batteries. Depending on the battery technology after three years, we may see that price go down.
But don't worry! If your battery fails before the three-year warranty period is over, we'll replace it without cost as that's part of our bullet-proof satisfaction guaranteed warranty for all pool robot cleaners!
Will spare parts be available for the robot pool cleaner?
Yes! As with any other Water TechniX product, Mr Pool Man will be carrying the full range of spare parts on the online pool shop! We support all of our products 100%
What is the cost of the filters?
Replacement filters for the pool robot cleaner will be priced around $90 and will be available on the online pool shop.
What maintenance is needed on the Pool Robot Cleaner?
Apart from the regular canister being emptied between cycles, the SoniX includes a maintenance kit for the basic wear and tear with normal operation including:
- Axle Sleeve Transfer Gear x 2
- Axle Sleeve Front Wheel x 2
- Axle Sleeve Rear Wheel x 2
- Lubricating Grease x 1
- Screws x 4
How long do the filters for pool robotic cleaner the last?
This depends on the application, the debris and maintenance of the customer, in ideal conditions we would expect the canister to last 12 - 24 months, sometimes longer!
Robo-Tek Robo-Plus Pool Robotic Cleaner
Robo-Tek Robotic Pool Cleaners are equipped to handle large leaves as well as super fine dust, making them the most comprehensive cleaner on the market. Whether you need a robotic pool cleaner for the Backyard pool, a complicated resort, or a massive water park….Robo-Tek have a solution for you.
The Robo-Tek Robo-Plus has Twin High Torque Drive Motors, so we know it will do all shape pools, and climb walls like nothing else available.
Included are all the essential accessories, like the Remote Control (so you can drive it to a particular spot if you want too), and a Caddy for easy storage and transport to and from the pool.
- Suitable for most shapes of in-ground pools up to 10m x 5m
- Suitable for all pools surfaces, excludes Vinyl*
- Suitable for small, medium and large debris
- Cleans both floor and walls
- Scrubs waterline
- 4 Sponge Wheels
- 15m Cable
- 0.5, 1, and 2 hour cleaning cycles
- Dry weight 12.5Kg
- Includes Caddy Trolly
- 3 Year Warranty
Zodiac TX30 Tornax Robotic Pool Cleaner
Equipped with a smart motion system, the robot cleans the pool walls and floor while you sit back and relax. Its brush feature ensures optimum cleaning as it quickly removes debris stuck on the walls before sucking it up. The TX30 Tornax robot has one cleaning mode, ‘floor and wall’ cleaning which runs for 2.5 hours.
Feather light, weighing just 5.5kg, the Zodiac TX30 Tornax is one of the lightest robots on the market. This means it is quick, simple and effortless to handle.
The filter can be accessed from the top of the robot and is easy to clean, making things simpler for you and helping you to avoid coming into contact with the debris.
- Suitable for most shapes of in-ground pools up to 8m x 4m
- Suitable for most pool surfaces, including concrete, pebblecrete, fibreglass, quartzon and vinyl
Key Features:
- Floor and wall cleaning
- The TX30 Tornax covers both floor and walls hassle free during its 2.5 hour cleaning cycle
- Front scrubbing brushes quickly brush and remove debris from floor and stuck on walls for deep clean
- Easy top access filter canister with large handle
- Easy-to-clean filter canister means no contact with debris
- Transparent window to view debris collected
- Easy to remove cleaner from the water with large handle
- The TX30 Tornax is lightweight with the body only weighing 5.5kg
- 2 year Zodiac Warranty Limited
- 1 year only on filter canister
- For use in tiled pools a ‘Tile’ specific model is required, available separately
The Zodiac TX30 Tornax is our biggest seller, with exceptional performance at an affordable price, this is the cleaner we use in our own pool!
Zodiac TX35 Pool Robotic Cleaner
Effortless and lightweight handling of the TX35, coupled with its agile operation, delivers an extreme clean of both floors and walls. Store the TX35 in the easy to assemble transport and storage caddy.
- Suitable for most shapes of in-ground pools up to 10m x 5m
- Suitable for most pool surfaces including; concrete, pebblecrete, fibreglass, quartzon and vinyl
- For use in tile surface pools, PVA brush required. Available separately.
Key Features:
- Floor and wall cleaning
- The TX35 covers both floor and walls hassle free during its 2.5 hour cleaning cycle
- Front scrubbing brushes quickly brush and remove debris from floor and stuck on walls for deep clean
- Storage caddy is easy to assemble, with no tools required
- Easy-to-clean filter canister means no contact with debris
- Easy to remove cleaner from the water with large handle
- The TX35 is lightweight, with the body only weighing 5.5kg
- 2 year Zodiac Warranty Limited*
- 1 year only on filter canister
Note: The TX35 is the same unit as the Zodiac TornaxTX35, the main difference is that the TX35 has an included storage caddy with it.
Zodiac VX40 Pool Robotic Cleaner
Packed with the latest innovations, such as Vacuum Vortex technology and Lift System, the Zodiac VX40 robotic pool cleaner cleans your pool smarter and faster than you have ever dreamed possible.
Key Features:
- The eBox makes it easy to operate the cleaner at the touch of a button. It indicates when the filter canister is full and also allows you to activate the Lift System.
- Captures large debris such as gumnuts, twigs and eucalyptus leaves, while ensuring constant suction power throughout the cleaning cycle
- The easy to access and hygienic filter design allows you to clean and remove debris in a matter of minutes with minimum effort
- The easiest robotic cleaner to remove from your pool; 20% less effort than competitive offerings
- 150 Watts/Hour energy consumption (less than a LCD TV). Simply plug the power cord to a regular 240V wall socket and press the button 'Play' on the control box. The Zodiac VX40 starts cleaning whilst you can sit back and relax
- For in-ground pools, all surfaces and shapes
- Supplied with 18m cable (only insert as much cable into pool as necessary)
- Suitable for pools up to 12m x 6m
Zodiac VX50 Pool Robotic Cleaner
Engineered to tackle the toughest pools with its 4-wheel automotive drive system, the Zodiac VX50 4WD tackles any pool terrain, climbs over obstacles and delivers a thorough pool cleaning of floor, steps, walls and waterline. The VX50 4WD now features a swivel floating cable to help prevent cable from tangling.
Key Features:
- Most shapes of in-ground pools up to 12m x 6m
- Suitable for most pool surfaces, including concrete, pebblecrete, tile, fibreglass, quartzon and vinyl surfaces
- Supplied with a 18m floating swivel cable helps prevent cable from tangling
- Captures large debris, such as gum nuts, twigs and eucalyptus leaves without losing suction power
- Overcomes all obstacles with an amazing agility, thanks to its 4-wheel automotive drive system, making sure all areas of your pool are clean
- Can access floors, walls, steps and the waterline, ensuring your pool is as clean as possible
- The improved electronic control box, or eBox, makes it easy to operate the cleaner at the touch of a button
- The eBox allows you to program the cleaner to run each day for up to 7 days when you’re out of the house, e.g. on a holiday
- Designed for increased ease of use, cleaning debris in minutes with minimum effort
- The new Contact+ brushes and the large opening mouth underneath the cleaner adapt to all kinds of debris for thorough cleaning of the pool floor, walls and waterline
- 150 Watts/Hour energy consumption (less than a LCD TV)
- Zodiac 3 year Warranty Limited*
- 1 year only on filter canister
Pentair Prowler Pool Robot Cleaner
The Prowler 920 Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner gives your pool a powerful clean with the unmatched convenience and efficiency of a robotic cleaner. It’s built to minimise effort, so you can spend more time enjoying your pool with family and friends. Just plug it in and watch it go to work. The Prowler 920 will get your pool sparkling clean and ready to enjoy in practically no time.
Key Features:
- Powerful, high-speed scrubbing brush for all-surface deep cleaning
- The 18-metre cord allows the Prowler 920 to travel further, suiting small to large pools
- Top-access filtration basket for fast and easy debris removal
- Dual filtration options for Large or Fine Debris
- Built-in timer for programmable daily cleaning schedules
- 2 year limited warranty
The Prowler 920 Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner offers a superior level of cleaning for inground pools. Your pool’s walls and floor are deep-scrubbed and vacuumed, all the way up to the tile line. Prowler 920 comes with separate mesh baskets made for either large or fine debris.
Advanced scanning software ensures the floor and walls are fully covered using the most efficient route. The Prowler automatically navigates around obstacles and quickly returns to its cleaning pattern.
Basic Robotic Pool Cleaner maintenance
Once you find the best robotic pool cleaner for your needs, make sure to take good care of it! Always ensure basic care and checks are performed on your pricey investment to ensure it will give you years of enjoyment and a sparkling pool.
- Take the cleaner out of your pool once its cycle is complete. It’ll help preserve the motor and make your pool a safer place to swim. Don't leave the cleaner sitting in the chemically treated water.
- Keep an eye on the wear of your brushes, tyres and other common wearing parts, replacing them when they are worn down.
- Store your cleaner in a shady area, any parts left in direct sunlight will fade and become brittle.
Summary
Choosing the best robotic pool cleaner doesn’t have to be difficult. With proper knowledge and research, rest assured that you’ll end up with a product that works best for your pool and, of course, your budget.
Robotic pool cleaners are by far the most efficient and effective pool cleaners. They can handle any kind of debris, vacuuming it directly into its own filter. Plus, they have their own smart technology that helps them master any shape or sized pool. Not only does this robotic cleaner help you with pool cleanliness, it also helps circulate water, guaranteeing a fresher swim. But if you truly want the best of the bunch, our pick would be the Water TechniX SoniX S11 Cordless Pool Cleaning Robot!
Note: During Sale Periods, the SoniX Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner tends to sell out FAST. If you see the SoniX marked as "Pre-Order" you can still place an order and lock in the DISCOUNTED price and your unit will be shipped to you as soon as the stock hits the warehouse.
Are you tired of spending hours cleaning your pool manually? Do you want a hassle-free solution that can handle any pool size and surface? If so, you need the SoniX Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner!
The SoniX is an innovative pool cleaner that uses smart technology to deliver exceptional cleaning results without any cords or cables. It has a high-capacity canister that captures all debris with an easy-to-open lid for quick cleaning.
Unlike traditional random suction cleaners that miss spots or get stuck in corners, the SoniX has a powerful 188W suction power and triple smart motors that allow it to cover a larger area in less time.
It also has an advanced algorithm that enables it to plan an intelligent cleaning path in the pool, resulting in an efficient coverage rate.
The SoniX can clean both the floor and walls of the pool, as well as scrub the waterline with its dual ultra-scrubbing brush wheel drive system.
It can easily pick up leaves, dust, grit, hair, and algae and has active traction tires for easy navigation.
The SoniX is fully rechargeable in 3.5 hours and has a long run time of 3.5 hours (210 minutes), which means it can clean most pools with one cycle.
It’s also very easy to use - simply turn it on, place it in the pool, and let it do its magic!
The SoniX is suitable for all pools and surfaces up to 19m x 20m (380 sq meters!) and comes with a huge 2 year factory warranty.
Order yours today and enjoy a sparkling clean pool without any effort!
*Doesn’t include telepole for hook attachment
So do your pool (and your back!) a favour and invest in a robotic pool cleaner today!
Bonus Recommendation: The Zodiac TX30 Tornax
Last season's star robotic pool cleaner is an even more amazing value now that it's been reduced in price! Yes, we can't stop talking about this robotic pool cleaner so we decided to talk about it some more!
- It is excellent value for money with a price point much lower than the other models that offer exactly the same features.
- The filter access points are roomy, this means less spillage when pulling out the collected dirt.
- It has a simple "push to pop" button which allows you to remove and hose down the filter canister with ease, talk about convenience.
- It's super light weight yet it's one of the most durable models out there.
- It's covered by a full two-year warranty so you don't have to worry about it breaking down. Not to mention Mr Pool Man's life-time after sales support.
- We stock all of the spare parts that may need replacing due to normal wear and tear over it's life span.
- Its handles are easy to grasp so you won't have to struggle when pulling it out of the pool.
Looking for ways on how to keep your pool sparkling clean whole-year-round? Check out all of our pool maintenance articles here!
Do you have any questions about this topic or the featured products? No worries, we're here to help! Drop us a question down below and we'll get back to you ASAP.
Happy swimming :)
1 comment
prefabpool
The guidelines you posted here are very useful. All the information is to the point and simple to learn. Thank you for the useful ideas you have shared in this article.