Robotic pool cleaners

How Do You Tell Whether a Pool Robot Review Applies to Your Pool?

Published · By the BotLineup editors · Prices and specs as of that date, from the pages under Sources

Summary

Start by checking that the reviewer's pool is the same type as yours, above-ground or inground, and similar in length and shape. Then separate what the robot actually cleaned: floor only, or walls and waterline too. That usually explains why two reviews of the same robot disagree. For rated pool size and other specs, go to the manufacturer.

Match the pool first

A small rectangular pool is a much easier job than a freeform pool with a deep end and steps. Manufacturers draw the same lines: Maytronics lets you filter its lineup by inground or above-ground, by floor-only or floor, walls, and waterline, and by pools up to 40 ft or up to 50 ft. Pentair lists the Prowler 930W and 920 for inground pools and the 910 for above-ground pools.

Models within one brand target different pools, so don't lump reviews together by brand.

Split the coverage

"It cleaned well" means something different if the reviewer only looked at the floor.

Even the specs don't always agree

A manufacturer's own page can give more than one number. For the Aiper Scuba S1, the spec table says in-ground pools, while the body text says both above-ground and in-ground. Run time is listed as up to 180 minutes in the spec table, 150 minutes in floor mode, and 270 minutes in Eco mode. When a review reports how long the robot ran, note which mode it was in.

Use reviews for day-to-day handling

For cordless robots, charging time (3 to 4 hours for the Scuba S1) and how you lift it out of the water shape every use; for corded ones, it's cable handling. How easy the filter basket is to rinse and how well it picks up debris are hard to judge from specs, and that's where reviews help most.

Shopping for one? Find a cleaner for your pool →

Sources

  1. pentair.com/en-us/pool-spa/products/cleaners/robotic-pool-cleaners.html
  2. maytronics.com/en-us/store/residential-pools/best-seller-cleaners
  3. aiper.com/us/aiper-scuba-s1

We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.

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