What is a robotic pool cleaner?
A robotic pool cleaner is a self-contained, electric robot that drops into your pool and cleans it automatically. It scrubs the floor — and, on most models, the walls and waterline — while filtering debris into an onboard basket. It runs on a low-voltage power supply, completely independent of your pool's pump and plumbing, for only pennies per cleaning cycle.
How to choose the right one
The best cleaner for you comes down to a few key decisions:
- Pool type: Inground pools benefit from full floor-to-waterline coverage, while above-ground pools need a lightweight, liner-safe model.
- Debris: If you have trees, prioritize capacity — see our cleaners for leaves. For pollen and silt, focus on fine filtration.
- Coverage: Floor-only, floor + walls, or floor + walls + waterline.
- Budget: Options span under $500 to premium flagships.
- Features: Wi-Fi & app control, weekly timers, and anti-tangle cables.
Corded vs. cordless
Corded cleaners plug in and deliver 4,000+ GPH of constant suction with no charging and the best value. Cordless cleaners offer cable-free convenience but shorter run times and higher prices. For most pools, a corded Dolphin is the smarter buy — but if cable management is a dealbreaker, the Dolphin Liberty line is the cordless family we sell and stand behind.
Run time, filtration, and warranty — what actually matters
Beyond the headline features, three specs separate a robot you'll love from one you'll return. Cycle coverage: a good inground robot should finish floor, walls, and waterline in 2-3 hours; above-ground models typically finish the floor in about 90 minutes. Filtration: look for dual-level or fine filters if your pool collects pollen, dust, or algae — top-loading baskets are far easier to rinse than bottom-loading trays. Warranty: flagship Dolphins carry up to 3 years, and because we're a factory-authorized dealer, every warranty is registered and honored — something gray-market listings can't promise.
Which brand should you buy?
Dolphin (Maytronics) is the market leader and our most-recommended brand — proven reliability, huge parts availability, and the best corded lineup from the budget E10 to the flagship Premier and Sigma. Beatbot leads the cordless category with AI-driven mapping and surface skimming on the AquaSense line — we don't sell Beatbot, but we review the full range and link to the best price we can find. Aquabot delivers strong value in the mid-range, and commercial operators trust the Dolphin Wave series for pools 60 feet and up. See our full Dolphin vs Beatbot comparison for a deeper dive.
Why buy from Pool Robots
We've been testing, reviewing, and selling robotic pool cleaners for over 15 years — since 2011. We're one of the largest authorized dealers and retailers of robotic pool cleaners online — a factory-authorized retailer for Dolphin (Maytronics), Aquabot, and Beatbot, not a marketplace reseller. Every robot ships factory-direct with the full manufacturer warranty (up to 3 years), free shipping, and 30-day returns. Our recommendations across this site come from hands-on testing of 70+ robots and from supporting more than 10,000 pool owners after the sale. Robots bought from unauthorized sellers often arrive with voided warranties — buying from an authorized dealer protects your investment.
Still not sure? Take our 60-second quiz, read our how-to-choose guide, or talk to a pool robot specialist — we'll match you to the perfect cleaner for your pool.