Automatic pool cleaners make quick work of what was once a dreadful chore. Nobody wants a dirty pool, but they don’t clean themselves. When it comes to pool upkeep, you must be proactive. Robotic pool cleaners can cut down on cleaning time, allowing you to enjoy a cool plunge whenever you want during those hot summer days. Pressure and suction pool cleaners also do an admirable job of keeping the pool clean, albeit they don’t do so by themselves they just make the job of hand cleaning easier.

Maintaining your pool shouldn’t involve back-breaking work, a wide array of technology innovations allow you to work smarter, not harder. This is where a robotic pool cleaner with an automatic cleaning system can come in handy. However, they are not all made equal. Suction and pressure-side cleaners are also both acceptable products. They will get your pool clean but also tend to make your pool pump work harder.

In our 2021 Best Automatic Pool Cleaner Guide, we’ll teach you about the best robotic pool cleaning products and best suction and pressure cleaners available on the market. We also tell you their pros and cons so that you can make an informed buying decision.

Best Automatic Pool Cleaners of 2021

Dolphin Premier	Polaris Vac Sweep 3900	Hayward Pool Cleaner	Nautilus CC Plus	Polaris Vac Sweep 280	Pentair 360042
Best Robotic Pool Cleaner	Best Pressure Cleaner	Best Suction Cleaner	Best Value Robotic Cleaner	Best Value Pressure Cleaner	Best Value Suction Cleaner
Weight: 22lbs	Weight: 10lbs	Weight: 16lbs	Weight: 19lbs	Weight: 6lbs	Weight: 15lbs
Price: $$$$	Price: $$$	Price: $$	Price: $$$	Price: $$	Price: $

Aquabot Rover S240	Dolphin Triton PS	Dolphin Sigma	Dolphin E10	Polaris F9950 Sport	Baracuda G3 W03000
Best Above Ground Pool Cleaner	Best Inground Pool Cleaner	Best For X-Large Pools	Best New Robotic Cleaner	Best Wall Climber Pool Cleaner	Best Overall Proven Performance
Weight: 22lbs	Weight: 17lbs	Weight: 25lbs	Weight: 14lbs	Weight: 21lbs	Weight: 18lbs
Price: $	Price: $$$	Price: $$$$$	Price: $$	Price: $$$$	Price: $

Best Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Premier

Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:

The Dolphin Premier does not require any sort of setup, like other automatic pool cleaners. Plug it into a GFCI outlet and drop it in the water. The Premier doesn’t float around aimlessly in the water. Using its SmartNav guidance system, the robot will know exactly where it has been and where it still needs to go, so it won’t miss anything or keep cleaning the same spots over and over and over again.

Rotating brushes remove algae, calcium deposits, and other gunk from the pool’s surface as they move across it. It is able to scrub all the way down to the water’s surface because of the powerful 3,000 RPM DC motors and HyperGrip dual tracks. The steps are the one thing that’s difficult to keep clean with this particular unit.

Water passes through filters and is trapped after being agitated by a brush and then suctioned up by a built-in vacuum.

For different kinds of debris, the Premier has numerous filters. It also comes with a sand micro-filter and a leaf, twig, and acorn waste bag. The main drawback of the filters is that they can only be accessed from the bottom, which can be inconvenient because you have to flip the robot over.

For in-ground pool owners, the Dolphin Premier is one of the best automatic pool cleaners. It’s easy to clean, simple to maintain, and one of the most dependable robotic pool cleaners on the market.

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Best Pressure Pool Cleaner

Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport

Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:

For consumers that are evaluating automatic pool cleaners, this is an excellent solution, but it’s important to note that his device has a few drawbacks. Note that it needs a separate booster pump, and several production defects mean that a certain percentage of units frequently fail rapidly. Stronger hose couplings are needed in particular. When it’s working properly, it’s a terrific device, but keep an eye out for this.

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Best Suction Cleaner

Hayward – The PoolCleaner Poolvergnuegen

Robot pool cleaners are electrically powered, completely self-contained, and operate independently of your pool’s pump. They patrol the pool floor and scrub the walls and waterline with motorized wheels or rollers and rubber brushes, cleaning up trash along the route. Clean filtered water is returned to the pool after debris is collected in an onboard filter canister.

Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:

The PoolCleaner is a suction cleaner that is available in two or four-wheel drive to accommodate any pool size. Patented features include self-adjusting turbine vanes that offer maximum power at any flow and easy debris control. Adjustable skirts and tire treads operate in tandem with programmed steering to provide easy wall climbing, obstacle management, and maximum pool coverage.

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Best Value Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:

What’s nice about the CC Plus, and why it’s worth the extra money, is how well it cleans. It can clean the floor and walls of a 50-foot-long in-ground pool in 2 hours. You’ll be hard pushed to find a more efficient pool robot.

Okay, not for the parts that are not so nice. There are no other means to steer the robot save the internal navigation system. There are no smartphone apps or remote controls. While it regularly navigates nicely along the wall and floor, it is not intended to clean the waterline. Also, don’t expect this robot to clean the steps, but some customers have reported that it cleaned their pool steps and waterline.

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Best Value Pressure Cleaner

Polaris Vac-Sweep 280

Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:

The pressure cleaner has a single chamber filter bag that collects heavy debris including leaves, acorns, pebbles, and other small to large trash. Its one-of-a-kind filter bag traps dirt before it reaches your pump basket or filter, extending the life of your filtration system. The 280 requires a booster pump, such as the PB4-60, which is sold separately. Polaris pressure pumps are specifically engineered to maximize the cleaning performance of your cleaner. Maximum performance is enabled by the compact, durable design.

This pool cleaner’s dual jets enable it blast away even the most persistent stains. This model’s lightweight design and three-wheel base allow it to climb stairs and clean the side walls of your pool. To complete your cleaning set, you may wish to purchase an extra booster pump and rear sweep tail.

When compared to 12 other similar items in its category, the Polaris Vac-Sweep Pressure Side Pool Cleaner performed highly in our study.

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Best Value Suction Cleaner

Pentair 360042

Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:

The powerful suction of the Kreepy Krauly cleaner immediately eliminates dirt and debris. With only one operating moving part, you can expect years of solid service at an extremely low cost of operation. The powerful suction makes it easy to remove both large and small debris, and there is no need to purchase a costly, energy-draining booster pump, saving you money on your utility bills. It takes only a few minutes to set up and requires no tools.

Although the Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly appears to have a shorter lifespan than prior versions, it remains one of the most dependable suction-side cleaners for pool owners. This type of suction cleaner is intended for use with in-ground pools. It covers the entire area from the floor to the waterline.

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Best Above Ground Pool Cleaner

Aquabot Rover S2-40

Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:

The Pool Rover S2-40 is propelled by free-spinning wheels. They are not linked to a motor, which would necessitate sophisticated mechanical linkages and a large number of breakable parts. It saves energy and makes the S2-40 much easier to repair because it breaks down less frequently. With a suction rate of 80 gallons per minute, the S2-40 outperforms even some large in-ground robotic pool cleaners.

Because this automatic pool cleaner lacks scrubbing brushes, the added suction force is critical for cleaning. As a result, it simply uses suction to remove floating debris and filth from the pool liner. The filter bag is full of particles. You don’t have to constantly pull the cleaner out in the middle of the cleaning to empty it. The bag captures dirt as fine as two microns.

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Best Inground Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Triton PS

Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:

With simple plug-and-play technology, the robotic cleaner is exceedingly simple to use. Simply plug it in, press the start button, and watch it run! There is no requirement for any hookups to your pool system or pre-installation. The Dolphin Triton is a cutting-edge robotic cleaner with amazing features and proprietary technology that is reasonably priced.

This unit has a number of other noteworthy features. The extra-large basket, the ability to clean the waterline, and the two speed options are among them. The exact cleaning duration depends on the size of your pool, however the Dolphin Triton PS Plus features a fast option that can give most pools a mild cleaning in one hour. This is perfect for keeping clean pools that don’t get too dirty.

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Best for X-Large Pools

Dolphin Sigma

Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:

It’s really quick and simple to use. You may get your automatic pool cleaner and operating in less than fifteen minutes, doing the job it was designed to accomplish. Simply place it in the pool carefully. Then, on the base unit, hit the button.

It has the ability to clean a pool up to 60 feet long in as little as 2.5 hours. After this time has passed, go outside and inspect your swimming pool. You’ll find it gleaming clean and ready for a relaxing swim. Best of all, you didn’t even have to lift a finger to achieve these results!

All of these great features aren’t cheap. Sigma is one of the most expensive Dolphin pool robots for home use. However, it is worthwhile for pool owners who want best-in-class features and performance.

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Best New Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin E10

Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:

This is one of the most self-contained automatic pool cleaners, so there is no need to connect it to your primary pump system. This results in a stress-free pool cleaning experience. It features a cleaning cycle that lasts 90 minutes. Which, if we’re being honest, is quite quick as far as automatic pool cleaners go.

It uses eight times less energy than suction pool cleaners and pressure side cleaners. You’ll save a lot of money with an electricity cost of only five cents per hour!

It includes CleverClean Technology, which analyzes the pool and calculates the optimal cleaning pattern, as found in premium Dolphin models.

This not only allows the cleaner to clean more quickly and efficiently, but it also assures that no spots are missed. It employs an active brush, which spins twice as fast as a standard brush. It is more aggressive in attacking dirt, algae, and scale, making quick work of even the most obstinate debris stuck on the pool floor.

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Best Wall Climber Pool Cleaner

Polaris F9950 Sport

Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:

The 9550 includes a head unit that controls and powers the cleaner, a blue 70-foot cable that links the cleaner to the head unit, and a caddy for storing and transporting the cleaner about your yard. The cable is incredibly flexible and tangle resistant, making it simple to wrap up and place on the caddy after cleaning. The head unit is linked to the caddy, and the supplied remote control has a cradle. The caddy is easy to assemble and contains a durable 33-inch long handle as well as a cable hook. The cleaner sits upright on the caddy, allowing any surplus water to drain.

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Best Overall Proven Performance

Baracuda G3 W03000

Automatic Pool Cleaners Features:

The Zodiac Baracuda G3 has no moving parts. Connect it to the suction side of your pool’s circulation system and let it do its thing. That means a straightforward, low-fuss operation. As a pool owner, this has a significant advantage in terms of quiet operation. The G3 will clean your pool as silently as a mouse in church, allowing you to sit next to it and enjoy some well-deserved leisure time.

The cleaning disk has 36 fins that scour the surface of your pool and help you clean it faster. These fins, on the other hand, will not catch on anything, such as lights or drain covers, because they are flexible enough to bend but strong enough to clean.

This automatic pool cleaner relies heavily on a wheel deflector. It makes it simple to operate around tight corners, swimming pool ladders and steps, and anything else inside your pool. Best of all, it will not adhere to any one region of your swimming pool.

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Which Automatic Pool Cleaners Should I Consider?

Robotic cleaners and pressure cleaners are the two most common forms of automatic pool cleaners. In our evaluation, we compared the top robotic pool cleaners and the most user-friendly pressure cleaners and suction cleaners. All three types do an excellent job of keeping your pool clean, but pressure & suction cleaners are powered by your pool’s filter pump (or, in some circumstances, an additional booster pump), whereas robotic cleaners are powered by electricity. Because pressure cleaners do not require electricity, they lack Bluetooth connectivity and other smart features.

Things to Consider When Shopping for Automatic Pool Cleaners

1. Does it necessitate the use of a booster pump?
   Some pools will not have enough water pressure to run pressure cleaners. If you choose a cleaner that requires a lot of power, you may also need a booster pump, which will need to connect to your pool’s filter system. Frequently this tends to increases water pressure, so that’s definitely something to consider when choosing which unit to buy.
2. Is there a backup valve?
   Many automatic pool cleaners contain a backup valve that helps steer your pool cleaner so that it cleans the entire pool. This is especially helpful in preventing the pool cleaner from getting trapped.
3. What is the length of the hose and can it be extended?
   Another critical feature you’ll want to consider when purchasing an automatic pool cleaner for your inground or above ground pool is to ensure that the hose that came with the cleaner is long enough so your cleaner so cover the entire pool.
4. Capability to Climb Walls
   This is really only a consideration if you’re buying a robotic cleaner. Personally we consider this a must-have feature for inground swimming pools. Ideally, if you’re buying a robot cleaner you want one that is capable of climbing and cleaning stairs and walls.
5. Build and Durability
   You don’t want to spend money on an automatic pool cleaner just to have it break down again and again. Ideally you want to buy a product that is made by a reputable manufacturer and has a great warranty.

There are robot pool cleaners for every style of pool, and many are specifically built for certain types, so verify the specifications before you buy. For example, you don’t want to get an above-ground pool cleaner if you have an inground pool, and vice versa. When it comes to inground pools, make sure you select a cleaner that is intended to handle the type of pool you own. Some cleansers, for example, are perfect for gunite or plaster pools, while others are designed exclusively for pools with vinyl liners. Also, ensure that the cleaner can manage the size and volume of your pool.

A recall was announced for two popular brands of Pentair pool heaters. An official alert was issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall pertains to certain model StaRite and Mastertemp brand heaters.

The pool heaters themselves typically sold for between $2,200 and $3,100. Approximately 4,700 were sold throughout the United States (21 in Canada).

Citing a potential fire hazard, the CPSC announced an official recall stating:

“A connection in the heater can leak the combustible air-gas mixture, posing a fire hazard.”

Consumer Product Safety Commission – April 28 2021 recall

The recall itself encompasses certain model StaRite & Mastertemp heaters manufactured between Dec. 22, 2020, and Jan. 6, 2021. Consumers who have purchased one of these products can get in contact with Pentair by calling 800-831-7133 from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.pentair.com and click on Products, then Pool and Spa Equipment, then Pool Heaters, then Additional Resources for more information.

Recalled Mastertemp & StaRite Brand Model Numbers

HTR 250 MASTERTEMP LP

HTR 250 MASTERTEMP NA

HTR 300 MASTERTEMP NA

HTR 400 MASTERTEMP HD

HTR 400 MASTERTEMP LP

HTR 400 MASTERTEMP NA

HTR 400NG MASTERTMP HD ASME

HTR MT 250LP SPECIAL PACKING EC

HTR MT 250NA SPECIAL PACKING EC

HTR MT 400LP SPECIAL PACKING EC

POOL HTR 333K LP

POOL HTR 333K NAT GAS

POOL HTR 400K LP

POOL HTR 400K NAT GAS

POOL HTR HD 200K NA

POOL HTR HD 333K NA

This isn’t the first major recall for Pentair brand heaters. The company voluntarily recalled approximately 105,000 units of it’s popular MiniMax® NT STD gas pool heater. The complaint at that time was potentially excessive carbon monoxide emissions. No incidents were reported, but it’s important to note that a large number of heaters sold from April 2002 to May 2006 were part of that particular recall.

Article updated 5/3/21

A spokeperson from Pentair released the following statement:

“At Pentair, the health and safety of our customers is our top priority. Pentair has issued a recall for a limited number of pool heaters manufactured between December 22, 2020 and January 6, 2021 due to a manufacturing issue that creates a potential fire hazard. The problem was discovered on January 6 and corrected immediately.  We promptly notified our sales force and our distribution customers of the issue. At this time, approximately 80 percent of the affected heaters have been returned to Pentair or were repaired in the field.  If the manufacture date located on the heater itself is between December 22, 2020 and January 6, 2021, customers should contact Pentair customer service at 1-800-831-7133 to verify if the heater is potentially affected and coordinate a free-of-charge repair or replacement of the heater as applicable. If the heater was not manufactured within those dates, the heater is not affected by this issue.”

For the past few years the pool industry has been aware of new legislature concerning variable speed pumps. The Department of Energy as enacted a new set of minimum performance standards for homes and businesses in the United States. This new law will likely eliminate special-rate (aboveground) and max-rate (up-rate) /full-rate motor horsepower ratings. The regulation does not require variable speed, however, variable speed is the only current technology that meets the DOE requirement. Manufacturers have to comply with the new DOE regulations beginning July 19, 2021. *

• Dedicated Purpose Pool Pump (DPPP) Regulations FAQ
• Pool Pump Regulation Impact on Commercial Pool Market

Information courtesy of Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

The new variable speed pool pump legislation, took years to develop. Lawmakers included input from suppliers, trade organizations, service providers, and consumer groups. Their collective feedback was used in helping establish that the new pump regulations are both fair and feasible.

“Does this new pool pump law mean that homeowners are required by law to upgrade their pump?”.

Nicholas Angler – Pool Magazine Reader

No the law does not require that consumers upgrade their pool pump from a single speed to a variable speed pump. Unless your current pool pump fails, you do not have to consider replacing your single speed pump with a variable speed pump. After July 19, 2021, all new or replacement filter pumps over .711 Hydraulic Horsepower (HHP) — roughly 1.15 Total Horsepower — establish much higher efficiency standards. “The majority of existing single-speed pumps will not meet the new minimum requirements.” – Pentair

The law doesn’t specifically state that consumers must upgrade their single speed pool pump. Experts however seem to agree that if you’re still using a single speed pump that you probably should consider upgrading to a variable speed model. The biggest advantage to upgrading to a variable speed pump is the cost savings consumers typically see in their utility bills.

Pool owners who opt for a pool equipment upgrade typically experience an average 40-80% monthly energy savings on their electric bill. Over the lifetime of ownership of an inground pool, the cost savings can potentially be over $10,000-$20,000 dollars or more depending on the size of the pool.

Variable speed pump owners experience the biggest energy savings when running their pump at lower speeds. Higher speeds are typically used only as needed for filtering, cleaning, or heating needs. Furthemore, variable speed pumps are typically quieter than their single speed counterparts. Variable speed pumps also last longer compared to single speed motors.

How to Choose The Right Variable Speed Pump

1. Flow Rating: Your filter is designed to withstand a certain amount of water flow. Check the flow rating of your filter to see how much horsepower your setup can handle.
2. Pipe Size: If the PVC used to plumb your pool is too small in circumference size to accommodate the horsepower of your pump, you’ll have issues. Pipes in older pools were usually 1.5 inches in diameter, which were not wide enough to accommodate the water flow from a high-horsepower pump.
3. Horsepower: Extra horsepower isn’t necessarily always needed. Even if your pipes are capable of supporting a three-horsepower pump, you might not need it. It’s a waste of time and money to pick a pool pump that’s too big.
4. Voltage: Pool pumps are available in two voltages: 115 volts and 230 volts. You can check the voltage coming into your current pump with a multimeter. Using the multimeter on the output terminals of your pump timer is easy. If you’re not sure how to use a multimeter or deal with electricity, enlist the assistance of a pool contractor.
5. Side or Top-Mount: Depending on your configuration, you’ll need a specific style mount. Since water is pumped into the filter, the position of the filter determines whether a side- or top-mount pump is needed. If you’re starting an installation from scratch or moving things around in your pool equipment setup, side mounts can make things alot easier.

“Does the new variable speed pump law pertain to above ground pools?”

Katherine Lopez – Pool Magazine Reader

The new law does not apply to single speed pumps for above ground pools. It’s interesting to note that there are several other exemptions to the new variable speed pump law.

• Booster pumps used for pressure pool cleaners.
• Waterfall pumps. Single speed pumps manufactured and labeled as a waterfall pump.
• Integral sand and cartridge pump and filter units used on portable pools.
• Rigid spa pump filter pumps and circulation pumps.

“Will I still be able to buy a single speed pump after July 21, 2021?”

Frank Aldridge – Pool Magazine Reader

As time progresses it may become increasingly difficult to locate one. Consumers might be able to find some remaining stock of single speed pumps greater than 1.0 THP for a year or two. After July 21, 2021, most online retailers will no longer offer such pumps.

*Revised 4/23/2021 with information provided courtesy of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance