GoKawiilRobotic cleaners for pools come in a wide range of styles and prices, but this is an industry where you really do get what you pay for. Very inexpensive robots (under $350) are generally unsuitable for anything beyond a tiny wading pool and can largely be ignored. In this buying guide, I’ll primarily be focusing on more capable robots that can actually do the job you want them to do.
With that in mind, here are some things to consider when shopping:
Cleaning capability: Is the robot thorough in its job? While all vendors say their robots are immaculate cleaners, you’ll have to read the reviews to see how much debris they really pick up when put to the test.
Wall/waterline cleaning: Increasingly, cordless pool robots will scrub not just the pool floor but the wall and waterline of the pool too, essentially doing the same job as a pool brush, which is designed to remove algae and other near-invisible matter from hard surfaces. And brushing the waterline regularly is especially important for mitigating the risk of a grody “scum line” running across the middle of your expensive tile, staining it. Having these features is a huge add to a robot’s cleaning capabilities.
Battery life: How big is your pool, and does the robot have enough juice to clean the entire thing before petering out? Pool robot companies quote a “maximum size” pool that they are able to clean, but invariably I’ve found these numbers meaningless to the point of absurdity. In general, most robots are suitable for pools one-quarter to one-half the size of these specifications, assuming you want any level of thoroughness in cleaning.
Filtration system: Does the debris basket include a fine-mesh filter to capture dirt and sand in addition to leaves? These are commonplace now, but it’s worth checking before you buy.
Ease of retrieval: Does the robot return to the pool surface when it’s done cleaning, or do you have to fish it out of the water with a pole and hook or some other manual means? Waterline retrieval makes your job much simpler, so essential that it’s now one of the first things I look for on a robot.
Automation features: Can the robot be set to periodically clean the pool without having to retrieve, clean, and recharge it? How long can it reasonably be left in the water before the battery dies?
Mobile app: Does the system include a mobile app and Wi-Fi support, and if so, how useful is the app?
Weight and maneuverability: The bigger the robot, the harder it will be to get it in and out of the water. Check the weight of the device to ensure you’re comfortable lugging it around.
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