Automatic Pool Cleaner Buying Guide

Manually cleaning a pool is time-consuming and requires consistent effort to keep the water clear and hygienic. An automatic pool cleaner can take over this task, giving you back valuable time. However, the market offers a wide variety of models with different features, which can make the choice difficult.

This guide is here to help. As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I've made it my mission to provide you with objective information and a selection of devices for various needs. The goal is to give you a solid foundation for making an informed decision, so you can find the perfect robotic pool cleaner for your pool.

What to Look for When Choosing a Robotic Pool Cleaner

Before you decide on a model, there are a few key factors to consider. These will help you narrow down the options to devices that are suitable for your pool.

1. Pool Type and Cleaning Area

The characteristics of your pool are the most crucial factor. Is it an above-ground pool with a flat bottom, or an in-ground pool with varying depths, slopes, and steps?

• For flat bottoms: Simpler models are often designed solely for floor cleaning in pools with a flat surface. They are a cost-effective solution for many standard above-ground pools.
• For walls and waterline: If your pool has walls that also need cleaning, you'll need a robotic cleaner for walls and floors. These devices have more powerful motors and special drive systems (e.g., caterpillar tracks) to climb vertical surfaces and clean the often heavily soiled waterline.

2. Power and Handling: Battery or Cord?

Most modern devices are cordless pool vacuums powered by an integrated robotic cleaner battery.

• Battery Life and Charging Time: Pay attention to the specified maximum runtime and the duration of a full charging cycle. A longer runtime allows for cleaning larger pools in a single pass. Short charging times ensure the robot is quickly ready for use again.
• User-Friendliness: A cordless pool vacuum offers maximum flexibility without tangled cords. Features like "Auto-Parking," where the device parks itself at the pool's edge after finishing its job, make it much easier to retrieve from the water.

3. Control Options and Filtration Performance

Operation ranges from a simple one-button start to comprehensive robotic pool cleaner with app control.

• Control: An app allows you to select cleaning modes, create schedules, or manually steer the robot. Models without app connectivity are started directly on the device and run predefined programs.
• Filtration: The filtration performance determines how effectively fine and coarse particles are removed from the water. Many devices combine a coarse filter for leaves and twigs with a fine filter for sand, dust, and algae. The filter fineness, specified in microns (?m), indicates the thoroughness of the water clarification.

Outstanding Robotic Pool Cleaners

Here, we present four models that cover different requirements and pool sizes.

AIPER Scuba S1: The Versatile All-Rounder with App Control

Why this model stands out: The AIPER Scuba S1 combines a long battery life with intelligent navigation and comprehensive cleaning of the floor, walls, and waterline. App control, including over-the-air updates, makes it a future-proof device.

Advantages:

• Flexible Runtime: Up to 270 minutes in Eco mode for daily maintenance or 180 minutes for intensive cleaning cycles.
• Intelligent Navigation: The WavePath navigation system ensures systematic and complete coverage of the pool.
• Dual-Filter System: A 180 ?m standard filter for coarse debris is combined with an interchangeable 3 ?m ultra-fine filter for particles like dust and algae.
• Comprehensive Control: Five cleaning modes, scheduling, and status checks are conveniently available via app control.

Who it's for: This model is ideal for owners of in-ground and above-ground pools who want a thorough cleaning of all pool areas and appreciate the convenience of app control with customisable cleaning schedules.

View the AIPER Scuba S1

XUSHIDZ SP1: The Straightforward Solution for Flat Bottoms

Why this model stands out: The XUSHIDZ SP1 focuses on the essentials: efficient floor cleaning with maximum user-friendliness. Its one-button start and auto-parking feature make it a very accessible robotic pool vacuum.

Advantages:

• Efficient Runtime: Up to 130 minutes of cleaning time on a single charge, sufficient for pools up to 80 m?.
• Fast-Charging: The battery is fully recharged in just 2.5 hours.
• Simple Operation: A single button press starts the cleaning process. When finished, the robot automatically parks at the pool's edge.
• Wide Compatibility: Suitable for all common surfaces like PVC, vinyl, mosaic, concrete, and fibreglass in pools with flat bottoms.

Who it's for: Perfect for budget-conscious owners of above-ground pools or smaller in-ground pools without slopes who are looking for a simple, reliable, and fast solution for floor cleaning.

View the XUSHIDZ SP1

Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro: The 5-in-1 Complete Solution

Why this model stands out: The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro redefines automatic pool cleaning by combining five tasks in one device. In addition to the floor, walls, and waterline, it also cleans the water surface (skimming function) and actively clarifies the water.

Advantages:

• 5-in-1 Cleaning: A unique combination of floor, wall, and waterline cleaning, surface skimming, and water clarification.
• Intelligent Navigation: CleverNav path optimisation for efficient cleaning of pools up to 360 m?.
• Convenient Handling: The device parks at the water's surface after cleaning and can be summoned to the pool's edge via the app.
• Premium Build: Wireless inductive charging prevents corrosion on charging contacts and ensures a long service life.

Who it's for: For owners of large, high-end in-ground pools who are looking for a technologically advanced, all-in-one solution that maintains the entire pool ecosystem, from the surface to the floor.

View the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro

XUSHIDZ SP5: The Powerhouse for Large Areas

Why this model stands out: The XUSHIDZ SP5 is designed for performance and endurance. With three brushless motors, very high suction power, and a long runtime, it's built for the demanding cleaning of large pools, while intentionally forgoing app connectivity.

Advantages:

• Powerful Suction: Three motors generate a suction flow of 21 m?/h, effortlessly removing even coarse debris.
• Long Runtime: Up to 180 minutes of cleaning time per charge, ideal for pools up to 300 m?.
• Complete Coverage: Reliably cleans the floor, walls, and waterline and is suitable for all pool shapes and surfaces thanks to its caterpillar tracks.
• Simple Operation: Four predefined cleaning modes (Auto, Wall Only, Floor Only, Classic) are selected directly on the device with the push of a button.

Who it's for: For pool owners who need a powerful and durable robotic cleaner for walls and floors but prefer simple, direct operation without a smartphone app.

View the XUSHIDZ SP5

Looking for More Options?

The models presented here already cover a wide range of needs. However, if you want to compare more devices or are looking for a solution for very specific requirements, it's worth taking a look at our full range.

Discover a wider selection in our Pool Cleaners category.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should a robotic pool cleaner be used? The recommended frequency depends on pool usage, the surrounding environment (e.g., nearby trees), and the season. During the swimming season, using it two to three times a week is a good benchmark to maintain consistently high water quality.

2. Can a cordless pool vacuum also clean walls? Yes, many models are designed for this. Sufficient motor power and a good drive system are crucial. Devices like the AIPER Scuba S1 or the XUSHIDZ SP5, for example, use caterpillar tracks that give them the necessary grip on vertical surfaces to effectively clean walls and the waterline. When selecting a product, look for the explicit mention of "wall cleaning."

3. What should be considered for the maintenance of a robotic pool cleaner? Maintenance is generally straightforward. After each cleaning cycle, the filter basket should be removed and rinsed with clean water. Regularly check the brushes and drive belts for wear or trapped debris. Store the device in a cool, dry, and shaded place. For models with a charging port, it is important to ensure it is completely dry before connecting the charger.