Robotic Pool Cleaner Finder

One rated for at least your pool's surface area or length. Makers rate either square feet or pool length; this tool checks whichever the maker publishes against your pool's real floor area (length x width for a rectangle, pi x radius squared for a round pool, pi x half length x half width for an oval).

Cordless robots drop in with nothing on the deck and no cord to tangle, but each run ends when the battery does. Corded robots run as long as needed and suit large pools, and there is no battery to wear out.

For an in-ground pool, wall climbing is worth it because algae often starts on the walls. Waterline scrubbing removes the scum ring at the surface. Above-ground pools with soft walls usually only need the floor.

Only if the maker rates it for both. Some robots are heavy or built for hard walls, and some above-ground models are too light for an in-ground floor. The tool filters by the maker's pool type.

Use the longest length and the widest width and multiply them. That overstates the true surface, which gives you a safe margin against the maker's rating. For a robot rated by pool length, compare its rating with your longest length.

The robot can run out of battery or cycle time before it covers the whole pool, and corded robots may not reach the far end. Pick one rated for at least your area or length. If you are close to the limit, step up one size.

The cord limits how far the robot can reach from the power supply on the deck. In our list the Dolphin Nautilus CC is rated for pools up to 33 ft, the Polaris ERA 820 up to 50 ft and the Polaris 9550 Sport up to 60 ft.

Published runtimes in our list run from about 90 minutes (BRINBO S2) to about 300 minutes (Beatbot Sora 10). The WYBOT C1 runs about 160 minutes and the WYBOT C2 about 180. Wall and waterline cleaning use part of each charge, so bigger pools need the longer runtimes.

A few times a week keeps most pools clean, and run it again after storms, heavy leaf drop or a pool party. In spring and fall, when debris is heavy, more often helps. Empty the filter basket after every run so suction stays strong.

Lift the robot out, open the filter basket or cartridge and rinse it with a hose after every cycle. A clogged filter cuts suction and is a common reason a robot stops climbing walls. Let the robot drain and dry out of direct sun before storing it.