These are our top-rated robotic pool cleaners for 2022.
In this short buying guide we’ll introduce our favorite 4 new robotic pool cleaners of the year.
We’ll review each model, pointing out the best features & known limitations of each pool cleaner.
Let’s get started!
- High energy efficiency
- Multi-media filtration system
- SmartNav Intelligent Scanning
- Top Access Filter Cartridges
- Dual motor power
- Navigation with guidance
- Four-wheel drive
- 7-day programmable timer
- Remote motion sensing
Best New Robotic Pool Cleaners
All links below go to Amazon.com
Maytronics has been a pioneer in robotic pool cleaner technology for many years.
The Dolphin Series is its most famous line of automatic pool cleaners.
Dolphin systems are the best at cleaning pools. They have shown themselves to be efficient and effective. They are, therefore, the most popular robotic pool cleaners.
The Dolphin Premier is the latest addition to the Dolphin series.
Many consider the new Premier to be “the best Dolphin robotic pool cleaner.”
The Dolphin Premier is an excellent choice for cleaning because of its many features.
Although the price tag for this option is higher (around $1200), the benefits to your pool will be well worth it.
Best Features
High energy efficiency
Dolphin Premier is the most efficient robotic pool cleaner on the market. According to the manufacturer, the cleaner can reduce your energy consumption by as much as 87 percent. As a result, you don’t have to use a lot of energy to achieve high performance. This is evident in the Dolphin Premier.
The pool cleaner is powered by a 24 Volt DC motor that is highly efficient and high-performing.
Maytronics engineers have created a robot cleaner that exceeds customers’ expectations and saves them money.
Multi-media filtration system
The 2016 Dolphin Premier is distinguished by its high energy efficiency. The Dolphin Premier is unlike any other robotic pool cleaner. It offers four types of cleaning and filter media that can be used in different situations.
These media include micro-cartridges and standard-size cartridges. An oversize bag is also available. Disposable debris bags are also available.
The Dolphin Premiere can handle any cleaning task, no matter how large or complex – algae, twigs, or sand.
The micro-cartridges are used to clean algae and other small particles. The ultra-fine filter captures even the smallest particles.
Standard cartridges are suitable for larger particles.
The oversized debris bag is ideal for pools with a lot of leaves or twigs. You can store a lot of debris in it before you have to empty it.
It might seem monotonous to switch between media at first glance.
It takes only a few seconds to change a filter. You can also ensure thorough cleaning with the right media.
Most other cleaners make tradeoffs here, resulting in less-than-satisfactory results – that you cannot change!
Customers report far greater results with this pool cleaner than any other.
HyperGrip rubber tracks
Many robotic pool cleaners have wheels.
Although wheels may work well on the pool floor, they will not be able to grip walls as well. The walls are not cleaned as often.
Instead of using wheels, the Dolphin Premier uses rubber tracks. These tracks grip walls with remarkable strength and give them unparalleled vertical agility.
SmartNav Intelligent Scanning
Dolphin Premier comes equipped with an advanced microprocessor, which allows it to clean the pool quickly and efficiently.
The Dolphin scans the area when it is dropped into the pool. This determines the best navigation strategy and ensures that no inch is missed.
Proprietary anti-tangle swivel
Cable swivels are made with a unique design that allows the cable to twist and turn freely without any tangling. This allows the system to move easily underwater.
Convenient modular design
Because it only has five parts, the Dolphin is extremely easy to repair. In addition, it allows replacing one component quickly if it fails, rather than replacing the whole system.
Specifications
- Use scrubbers to remove stubborn dirt from the floor, walls, and waterline.
- 75 gallons of water per minute.
- Uses 24 Volts DC motors.
- Features an air sensor that improves water line cleaning.
- Daily cleaning is done with an automatic timer. You can also set it to clean 2 or 3 times a week.
- LED indicator to indicate when media is full.
- Plug-and-play operation.
Customer Feedback
Dolphin Premier is a relatively new product.
Customers who are the first to purchase this product are very excited. One customer was incredibly grateful for the variety of media options and the ease of changing between them.
Customers have one problem: the high price.
It’s definitely a worthwhile investment considering all the features and benefits that Dolphin Premier offers.
Conclusion
Dolphin Premier is today’s top-of-the-line robotic pool cleaner that goes further than any other in terms of technology, performance, advanced features, energy efficiency, and performance.
The Oasis Z5 is another great new product from Maytronics.
Dolphin Oasis Z5 maintains the same high-performance and advanced technology that the Dolphin series is famous for. In addition, the Z5 can be used with inground pools up to 50 feet long.
You will find various features that make cleaning simple, such as remote control or a caddy.
The Oasis Z5 differs from the Dolphin series in that it has many features that are different.
Best Features
Top Access Filter Cartridges
Many robot cleaners have cartridge openings at their bottom. Therefore, it is difficult to empty all the debris. However, cleaning out the collected debris with Oasis Z5’s top-access filter cartridges is quick and easy.
Take the unit out from the water and remove the top cover. To clean the filters, remove them and use a hose. To remove the filters, you don’t need to flip the unit upside-down.
Filters for fine and coarse particles
Two types of filters are available for the Dolphin OasisZ5 to assist in different situations.
The ultrafine filter can capture very tiny bits and particles, such as algae and sand. If you regularly clean your pool, the ultra-fine filter is a good choice.
The coarse filter works best if the pool has been neglected for a while. It catches any leaves and twigs that have accumulated in your pool.
You can do another clean after two or three cycles. This time you will use the fine filter to remove any bits left behind by the coarse filter.
It is easy to switch between filters. There are no complicated methods or tools required.
Dual motor power
The Oasis Z5’s dual-motor power is one of its most distinctive features.
It is standard for robotic pool cleaners to feature only one motor.
Two motors make the Oasis Z5 perform even better. One motor powers the propulsion system. The second motor powers the filtration system. This helps in creating strong, dedicated suction.
Oasis Z5 has separate propulsion and filter motor, which allows it to perform at a higher level than other robotic pool cleaners.
Navigation with guidance
The Dolphin Oasis Z5 is capable of navigating the pool on its own.
The unit comes with intelligent scanning (CleverClean), which allows for efficient navigation and quick cleaning of in-ground swimming pools of any shape. In addition, the unit comes with remote control for guided navigation.
If you want the cleaner to focus on a specific section or take a certain path through the pool, the remote can navigate it to that point.
Specifications
- Includes a caddy cart
- An adjustable cleaning cycle between 1.5 and 2.5 hours
- 60 ft swivel cable
- Use a split brush to scrub more effectively
Customer Feedback
The Oasis Z5 cleaner has generally received positive customer feedback. Most verified owners give it five stars. The Oasis Z5 cleaner currently holds a rating of 4.2/5 based on a few customer reviews on Amazon.
According to one Amazon customer, the cleaner removes 99 percent of dirt. In addition, he can control the remote to steer the cleaner around in one corner.
It is common for other users to have this inability to clean corners. But, again, the remote control makes it easy to solve this problem.
Conclusion
Maytronics is the top-selling robotic pool cleaner in the industry, and the Oasis Z5 machine is another fantastic option.
It is easy to use and cleans well. It’s an excellent choice if you are looking for a high-end robotic pool cleaner with solid value.
The Polaris P955 unit is identical to the Polaris-9550, but it comes in white.
It looks much better than the usual blue.
The Polaris P955/9550 robotic pool cleaner is one of Polaris’ best automatic models one of the most expensive on the market. This four-wheel-drive unit is also very high-end. It delivers.
The P955/9550 has many features that make it the best cleaning unit on the market. It can clean all types of debris, and it won’t get stuck in corners.
The Polaris 9550 is a powerful and versatile cleaning device.
Best Features
The Polaris P955 unit is identical to the Polaris-9550, but it comes in white.
It looks much better than the usual blue.
The Polaris P955/9550 robotic pool cleaner is one of Polaris’ best automatic models one of the most expensive on the market. This four-wheel-drive unit is also very high-end. It delivers.
The P955/9550 has many features that make it the best cleaning unit on the market. It can clean all types of debris, and it won’t get stuck in corners.
The Polaris 9550 is a powerful and versatile cleaning device.
Specifications
- Convenient caddy that helps in moving and transporting the cleaner and the power unit.
- ActivMotion sensor to control robots in the pool. This allows for complete coverage.
- Can handle pools up to 60 feet.
- A convenient lift system that instructs the robot cleaning unit to climb up to the top of your pool in order to allow you to lift it out.
Customer Feedback
Amazon’s verified owners have given the P955 a high rating.
Customers are very happy with the product’s cleaning abilities and performance.
Customers have complained that their remotes sometimes fail to communicate with the underwater unit.
Conclusion
The Polaris P950 robotic pool cleaner is powerful and flexible and lives up to its promises.
Its cleaning performance is exceptional, even though it comes at a high price.
Maytronics has just released Dolphin Sigma. This cleaner joins an impressive line-up of Dolphin pool cleaners, but it still stands out due to its exceptional cleaning performance and unique features.
Although it is expensive, Sigma’s exceptional cleaning abilities are well worth the investment.
The vehicle comes equipped with a variety of advanced features, including a gyro-based navigation system, smart scanning and mapping systems, strong-grip independent tracks, and triple motors.
The Dolphin Sigma robotic pool cleaner is the best option for you if you’re looking for a high-performance pool cleaner for your inground pool.
Best Features
SmartNav(TM); 3.0 and Gyroscope navigation
SmartNav mapping and scanning system has been used before in many Dolphin pool cleaners. Maytronics used an updated version of the SmartNav scanning and mapping system in the Dolphin Sigma. It has improved scanning capabilities.
The sigma can automatically map the shape and size of your pool and calculate the best cleaning route.
Maytronics also added Gyroscope sensors for improved locational awareness. For example, it can determine which direction it is heading, how fast it moves, and whether it is climbing or crawling on the floor.
This improves the robot’s navigation and allows for cleaner, more efficient cleaning.
Triple Motors
This is one of the unique aspects of Dolphin Sigma.
Robotic pool cleaners typically have one motor. Some robotic pool cleaners use two motors. Sigma, however, is the only pool cleaner to have three motors.
High-efficiency motors deliver powerful propulsion that ensures the robot does not get stuck on any obstacles and can easily climb walls. The motors also have powerful suction power, which increases the robot’s cleaning abilities.
Independent HyperGripTM Tracks
The Dolphinsia is a premium robotic pool cleaner that uses rubber tracks in place of wheels. As a result, they offer better traction and can roll over most obstacles.
The unique thing about Sigma’s tracks is their independence. The robot can turn in any direction, but it is a difficult task for robotic pool cleaners. So instead, the tracks are simply moved in the opposite direction.
Its tight turning ability allows it to change direction quickly and to navigate around tight spots more easily.
Two scrub brushes and two filters with dual cartridges
The Dolphin Sigma robot comprises two parts: two active scrubbers to remove stubborn dirt and algae, two filters to capture fine and large debris, and two cartridges to hold lots of debris.
The cartridges are accessible from the top. They are easy to remove in 1-2 minutes. After that, you need to empty the debris and then rinse them off.
Bluetooth Control and Weekly Timer
Bluetooth connectivity is another unique feature of Dolphin Sigma. The companion app is used as a remote control by connecting your smartphone to the robot.
You can also set a weekly cleaning timer to do daily, weekly or biweekly cleaning.
Specifications
- In-ground pools up to 60ft long
- Dual filters and cartridges
- Independent HyperGrip tracks.
- Automated pool scanning and mapping
- Dual active brushes.
- Triple high-efficiency DC motors.
Customer Feedback
Customers agree that the Dolphin Sigma is well worth the price. This pool cleaner cleans more efficiently than any other robot. Many people say that it picks up more debris than they thought was in their pool.
It’s also very simple to use, especially with top-loading filters.
Conclusion
The Dolphin Sigma robotic pool cleaner is undoubtedly the best on this list. Although it is not inexpensive, it is well worth the investment.
This robotic pool cleaner is a great choice if you’re looking for something that cleans your pool thoroughly and keeps your family healthy.
What to Look for When Buying a Robotic Pool Cleaner
These are the most important features to consider when choosing a robotic cleaner for your pool.
Tangle-Free Cables
Robotic cleaners spin around constantly and climb steps and walls so cables can become tangled and twisted without a good cable swivel.
The most frustrating part about owning a pool cleaner is the tangled power cables. Don’t let your budget get in the way of a tangle-free setup!
The underwater robot cable swivel is now available. It’s our favorite engineering achievement for automatic pool cleaners.
Pool owners who do not have a swivel are forced to spend much time untangling power cords.
Efficiency and effectiveness disappear when the power cord becomes a knotted spider web.
Navigation
Some cleaners are programmed to move around the pool randomly. Others use microprocessor-controlled navigation to tackle cleaning the pool in a very determined and reliable way.
Although pool cleaners with Intelligent Navigation are less expensive, they require more time to clean your pool and use more energy. However, this can also reduce the number of cleaning cycles your pool requires before it becomes damaged.
The Variable Interval Timer feature is a favorite. Many of the cleaners in this new generation are so efficient that it’s not necessary to use them daily for multiple pools.
Variable Interval Timers give your cleaner the freedom to run every day, every two days, or every three days. This is energy efficient!
Wall Cleaning
Did you know that only 1% of the debris in a pool is actually in the water? The rest is on the walls.
While some cleaners can only pick up small pieces of trash, others can clean every inch of the pool using powerful spinning brushes. This is how dirt, dust, and other contaminants are removed.
Some of the more recent units can remove material stuck to the pool wall, including bacteria, algae, and biofilm, which can attach to any pool wall.
A jet propulsion unit, larger wheels, and grabbing brushes are all essential to help the unit climb up a wall.
Cleaning Cycle
Pool cleaners can work for up to 6 hours per day. However, some pool cleaners take only three hours to complete their cleaning cycle.
It is less expensive to use a cleaner that cleans faster and is more efficient.
Robotic pool products are best managed 2-3 times per week.
Warranty
Repairing a robot cleaner can be costly.
This will save you money. A few models come with three-year low-prorated warranties, which is even better.
After the warranty ends, you eventually need to replace the motor. Swimming pool owners may be surprised to learn that some motors are almost as expensive as new units.
Look for cleaners that use a substitute motor for $450 or lower.
Energy Efficiency
Modern pool cleaners use 12-volt or 24-volt DC motors, which consume 90% less power than AC motors. DC motors are able to work at 5 cents per hour using as little as 180 Watts.
Energy Star is going to start reviewing robot cleaners over the next few years.
This will be great. However, you can’t just focus on power ratings when considering power efficiency. Energy efficiency is not just about the power rating.
You should also consider these three things:
Brush Contact with Surface: Cleaners with rubber tracks have a larger contact area that grabs the pool’s surface much better than plastic tracks and wheels. Efficiency increases.
Intelligent Navigation further improves efficiency and allows the microprocessor to manage the route taken. Entry-level cleaners move around the pool. It is impossible to find any, as they are all working within the same share. Intelligent Navigation works intelligent, saving you money.
The Variable Interval Timer allows your cleaner to start as often as needed. This can increase productivity up to 3X. Nearly all products come with a daily timer. You don’t need to clean your pool every day.
How We Choose The Best
My team has over 6 years of experience reviewing and comparing pool cleaning gear, including reviewing over 40 robotic pool cleaners.
To make it to our list, a new model must have been on the market for over a year with favorable customer reviews to ensure it works as intended.
We also take into account customer reviews and ratings on shopping sites such as Amazon.com amd word of month in the pool industry.
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
