Joybuy Insights

Your Guide to Robotic Pool Cleaners

A clean pool is the centerpiece of summer relaxation, but manual cleaning can be time-consuming and tedious. A robotic pool cleaner handles this task autonomously, ensuring crystal-clear water while you use your time for more important things. However, the selection of models is vast, and the technical differences can often be confusing.

This article serves as your guide. We will introduce different types of devices and explain the crucial criteria to help you find an automatic pool cleaner that perfectly matches your pool and your needs.

What to Look for When Buying a Robotic Pool Cleaner

To make an informed decision, three main aspects should be considered: the cleaning coverage, the power source, and the device's filter performance.

1. Cleaning Coverage: Floor, Walls, and Waterline

Not every robotic pool cleaner is suited for every task. Simpler models focus exclusively on cleaning the pool floor. These are often a great choice for smaller or shallow pools, such as many robotic cleaners for above-ground pools.

More advanced units offer a robotic pool cleaner with wall-climbing function. Thanks to special drive mechanisms and brushes, they can also climb and clean vertical surfaces. Some models additionally clean the waterline, where stubborn buildup from oils, sunscreen, and dirt often forms. For comprehensive cleaning, such all-in-one units are the most efficient solution.

2. Power Source: Cordless Battery-Powered or Corded Model?

The choice of power source significantly impacts usability.

  • Cordless Pool Cleaners: These battery-powered pool vacuums offer maximum flexibility. There's no cable to get tangled or limit the range. They are particularly practical for pools located far from a power outlet. Pay attention to the battery life and charging time. Many models feature an auto-parking function, where the device moves to the pool's edge when the battery is low.
  • Corded Pool Cleaners: These models are powered by a long, buoyant cable and offer uninterrupted cleaning performance with no time limit. However, the cable can get tangled in complex pool shapes. The cable length must match the pool size to ensure complete coverage.

3. Filter Performance and User Convenience

The effectiveness of a robotic pool cleaner heavily depends on its suction power and filtration system. Suction power is often specified in liters per hour (LPH) or cubic meters per hour (m?/h). Higher suction power allows it to pick up coarser debris like leaves or small twigs.

The filtration system usually consists of a basket or a cartridge. A large filter canister needs to be emptied less frequently. The filtration fineness (measured in microns, ?m) determines how small the particles it can capture are.

Modern devices also offer convenience features like a remote control or an app-controlled robotic pool cleaner, which allows you to select cleaning modes and set schedules.

Our Robotic Pool Cleaner Picks

Based on the criteria mentioned, we have compiled a selection of devices that cater to different requirements and pool types.

Beatbot Sora 70 Robotic Pool Vacuum

Beatbot Sora 70 Pool-Vakuumroboter

Why it stands out: The Beatbot Sora 70 is a comprehensive cleaning system that not only cleans the floor, walls, and waterline but is also one of the few models that cleans the water surface. The JetPulse system uses water jets to direct surface debris towards the suction inlet.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive Cleaning: Cleans the floor, walls, waterline, water surface, and even shallow areas as little as 20 cm deep.
  • High Suction Power: With a flow rate of 25,700 LPH, the device picks up even larger debris.
  • Large Capacity: The filter canister holds 6 liters, reducing the frequency of emptying.
  • Long Battery Life: The 10,000-mAh battery allows for up to 5 hours of floor-only cleaning and covers areas up to 300 m?.
  • Smart Features: Auto-parking at the water surface and control via the Beatbot App.

Who it's for: For owners of large pools (both in-ground and above-ground) who are looking for a powerful, all-in-one solution for every area of the pool and value smart control and high efficiency.

View the Beatbot Sora 70

Gosvor Cordless Pool Vacuum LiteVac 800

Gosvor Akku-Poolsauger LiteVac 800

Why it stands out: The Gosvor LiteVac 800 focuses on the essential features for straightforward floor cleaning. Its simple one-touch operation and light weight make it a very accessible entry-level model.

Pros:

  • Simple Operation: Starts with the push of a button without any complicated installation or setup.
  • Cordless Operation: Up to 90 minutes of cleaning time without a cumbersome cable.
  • Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Weighing only 3.4 kg, the device can be effortlessly lifted into and out of the water.
  • Auto-Parking Feature: Automatically moves to the pool's edge when the battery is low.
  • Quick Maintenance: The 2-liter filter basket is easy to remove and clean.

Who it's for: For owners of smaller above-ground pools or pools with a flat bottom up to 80 m?, who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use cordless pool vacuum for basic floor cleaning.

View the Gosvor LiteVac 800

XUSHIDZ Robotic Pool Cleaner SP5

XUSHIDZ Poolreiniger Roboter SP5

Why it stands out: The XUSHIDZ SP5 combines a very long battery life with wall-climbing capability, making it a powerful all-rounder in its price range. Operation is simple with one-touch control, no app required.

Pros:

  • Long Runtime: Cleans for up to 180 minutes on a single charge and is suitable for pools up to 300 m?.
  • Wall and Waterline Cleaning: Three motors and caterpillar treads enable effective cleaning of the floor, walls, and waterline.
  • Four Cleaning Modes: Offers flexible cleaning options (Auto, Wall Only, Floor Only, Classic) for different needs.
  • Fast Charging: The battery is quickly recharged in about 2.5 hours.
  • Easy Handling: One-touch start and an auto-parking feature at the pool's edge for easy retrieval.

Who it's for: For pool owners who want a powerful cordless robotic pool cleaner with wall-climbing functionality for medium to large pools and prefer straightforward operation without app connectivity.

View the XUSHIDZ SP5

Didn't Find the Right Model?

The models presented here cover a wide spectrum. If the right device for your specific needs isn't among them, you can find a larger selection of solutions for pool cleaning in our main category.

Discover More Pool Cleaners

Frequently Asked Questions About Robotic Pool Cleaners

1. How often should a robotic pool cleaner be used? The frequency depends on pool usage and the surrounding environment. During the swimming season, it is recommended to run the robot 2-3 times a week to maintain consistently high water quality. In cases of heavy debris, such as from leaves or after a storm, daily use may be beneficial.

2. Does a robotic pool cleaner also clean the pool walls? That depends on the model. Basic devices are floor-only cleaners. Models with climbing capabilities, like the XUSHIDZ SP5, are specifically designed to also clean vertical walls and often the waterline. When selecting a product, look for "wall cleaning" or "floor and wall cleaning" in the description.

3. What is the difference between a pool vacuum and a robotic pool cleaner? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, a robotic pool vacuum (or automatic pool cleaner) refers to a fully autonomous device. It navigates the pool on its own, collects debris in its own filter, and does not need to be connected to the pool's main filtration system. In contrast, manual or semi-automatic pool vacuums must be guided by hand or connected to the skimmer.


Written by your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer