Best Automatic In-Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaner

automatic-pool-cleaner-review
29 Shares

As summer approaches, cooling off in the pool is an activity loved by all! However, the maintenance of an in-ground pool cleaner is not an easy task. Necessary measures for protection from unwanted bacteria can consume numerous hours of our time daily. Irrespective of whether your pool is in-ground or above-ground, you are left with no choice but to hire one of those pool workers to get your job done.

However, with the advent of technology, a robotic pool cleaner is a smarter and reliable choice to just let an automated machine do the job for you. Automatic pool cleaners are available in various options that range from simple vacuums to intelligent robots. Due to the vast variety available, you can easily find it without costing a fortune.

Why Do You Need A Robotic In-Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaner?

The best part of buying an automatic in-ground pool cleaner is that you can constantly clean your pool without creating a mess. They work according to your pool’s maintenance requirements. Not only do they suck the debris through the suction cleaner but also they scratch out the waste materials from pressure ends using the pool’s filter.

Attached to a  long hose, robotic in-ground pool cleaners induce a uniform flow of water in the pool that moves them around to different areas for better coverage. To maximize the coverage, choose a robotic option that can travel along the floor and the walls as well.

How do We Select Top Products?

Considering that there are a plethora of options available in the market, we spend hours of research on shortlisting those which are the most durable and trustworthy by inspecting them thoroughly. To be precise, we consider factors such as the features offered by each product and the number of advantages over the number of disadvantages so that you can decide better.

Technically speaking, we also take factors like efficiency, supplemental functions, and cable arrangement into consideration to present you with the best options. Besides this, our list of products is also based on considerable factors like:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Supplemental functions
  • Technical flaws reported in the products by users
  • Reviews and Ratings
  • A warranty period of the best pool cleaners available in the market

Best Robotic Inground Pool Vacuum Reviews

Based on the above criteria, we handpick our list of the best pool vacuum cleaner so you can get the best! Our research led us to choose these products:-

Click the below fields to sort by A-Z
ModelDepthHoseWt (lbs)
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
People's Choice
50 ft60 ft19
Aiper Smart Cordless Robot
#1 Bestseller
7 ftCableless6.6
Dolphin Advantage
#1 Best Rated
33 ft50 ft13.8
Paxcess Cordless - (new)7 ftCableless12
Dolphin Proteus DX5i - (new)50 ft60 ft16.5
Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme50 ft60 ft24
Dolphin Premier30 ft60 ft22
Dolphin Triton PS50 ft60 ft16.5
Polaris Sport60 ft70 ft16.5
Hayward TigerShark QC40 ft55 ft21.5
Top Rated

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner

Endowed with a 360-degree suction pipe, Dolphin Nautilus plus is one of the most reliable pool vacuum cleaners available in the market. It is also equipped with clever clean technology that ensures your pool is sparkling clean.

Up to 50 ft | Floor and walls | 2 Hours Cycle Time | 60 ft. Tangle-free cable | 4500 GPH Suction Rate | 19 lbs Weight

The swivel cable ensures that no corner areas are left uncleaned. It also eliminates the hassle of detangling wires. The Dolphin Nautilus comes with a dual set of cartridges that ensures accurate filtration and a mesh screen that helps in cruise filtration. A three-point turning radius provides you with the solution for the most prevalent problems by reaching the center parts of the pool.

The weekly timer function allows the Nautilus plus to run throughout the week, two hours a day. The extra-large filter scans the most efficient path of your in-ground pool regardless of the different useless paths. Overall, It is available in the market with a warranty of 2 years that makes this pool cleaner worth the money.

When compared with other Dolphin Nautilus products, Nautilus Plus has an Advanced Anti-Tangle Software with Swivel, CleverClean (CC) & PRO 3D Sensing Technology and Cartridge | 4 Net & 4 Cartridge Panels with Dual Filtration which makes it superior and best robotic pool cleaners available in the market.

Pros

  • No water purging issues.
  • Power-Packed with a universal voltage of 100-240 volts.
  • Sufficient storage in suction pipes.
  • Do not get stuck on stairs, ledges, and unusually shaped areas.

Cons

  • Replacing the filter grids can be a headache.
  • It’s quite heavy, so it’s not easy to pull out of the pool

Often purchased together:

Dolphin Upgraded Ultra-Fine Filter
Dolphin Pool Cleaner Cover

Comparing dolphin nautilus cc plus with Hayward tiger shark, the tiger shark is an inground cleaner, whereas cc plus operates both inground and above ground. CC plus offers remote control and scheduling. Tiger Shark provides 90 minutes of quick cleaning, it has a shorter cable and weighs 2 lbs more than CC Plus.

Best Rated

For those of you searching for dolphin pool cleaners, we have listed and reviewed the best dolphin pool vacuum on the market.

Dolphin Advantage Robotic Pool Vacuum

Equipped with a powerful suction motor, the dolphin advantage pool cleaner cleans the pool in less than 2hrs. The cleaner comes with a weekly schedule and can clean any type of pool surface.

Up to 33 ft | Floor and walls | 2 Hours Cycle Time | 50 ft. Tangle-free cable | 4000 GPH Suction Rate | 13.8 lbs Weight

Dolphin Advantage Robotic Pool Cleaner

Nothing Extra to buy

You won’t need a booster pump, extra hoses, or installation with an advantage pool cleaner. Simply plug it in and walk away to enjoy a clean pool.

Agile & Compact

Climbing and cleaning the walls is no problem for this robot. All types of pool surfaces are compatible with it, i.e. gunite, tile, plaster, and anything in between.

Low operating cost

The average cost of using the pool is only 5 cents an hour.

Customer Pros

“There are two things I love about this robot: its product weight (13.8 pounds) and its top-loading basket”
“An excellent choice for inground pools”
“It works great on my rectangular pool.”
“Great at climbing the sides as well as getting above the waterline”

Customer Cons

“I was a little disappointed to discover that the robot could not reach the deep end walls or clean large areas of the pool despite its skill.
“Pools are not always completely cleaned in a single cycle.”
“Each cleaning period is limited to two hours”

Dolphin Advantage vs Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus

Nautilus CC Plus can handle 50 ft while Dolphin Advantage can clean up to 33 ft. Dolphin advantage is equipped with a single filter and single scrubbing; Nautilus CC Plus is equipped with two filters and dual scrubbing. The anti-tangle cables were present in Nautilus CC Plus.

Best Seller

AIPER SMART Cordless Automatic Pool Cleaner

Aider smart is a cordless, rapid, and compact pool cleaner with no worries about cords getting tangled. Neither pulsing hoses nor pumps will disturb you. This automatic inground pool vacuum requires little maintenance and is cost-effective.

Up to 7 ft In-Ground & 538sq/ft Above Ground | 50 min Cycle Time | No cable | IPX8 Waterproof | 6.6 lbs Weight

AIPER SMART Cordless Automatic Pool Cleaner

The large filter allows the device to capture more sand and dirt, providing a cleaner swimming pool for 50 minutes of continuous usage.

Lightest model in the market

Due to its lightweight of 6.6 pounds, you can easily remove this pool cleaner vacuum from the pool. A retrieving hook is included in the package, so you can pull out the vacuum without going into the pool after the cycle is complete.

Cleans powerfully

Equipped with two upgraded motors, this automatic pool cleaner is able to remove dirt and debris with ease to keep your pool clean.

Clean at all times

Built-in 2600mAh lithium battery runs for up to 50 minutes before recharging. This robotic pool cleaner charges in 3-4 hours while others take 7-8 hours. Before charging, turn off the cleaner.

Quick Cleaning

In around 50 minutes, this intelligent pool vacuum cleans all kinds of dirt & debris in your 50m2pool at a speed of 16m/min, saving you time & energy.

Excellent Filtration

Additionally, the automatic vacuum improves water circulation and acts as a second filter in your pool. The suction doors allow dust particles and other debris to be drawn into the filter tray that filters water to a fine 2-micron level.

Customer Pros

“Low cost, Lightweight and cordless.”
“An easy and quick way to clean and charge your vacuum”
“Works great with my small inground swimming pool. Previously had stubborn sand that wouldn’t come off, but this cleaned it all up.”
“Goes from 3 feet to 7 feet deep”

Customer Cons

“It is not suitable for very large inground pools.”
“Can’t climb walls and stairs and does not work well cleaning algae.”

Verdict

This is a great low-cost pool cleaner with no hose, no cable, compact, and very lightweight that provides powerful cleaning for inground swimming pools.

For small inground pools, this is the best option.

Alternative Option

OT QOMOTOP Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner

OT QOMOTOP is a Multipurpose cordless automatic in-ground pool vacuum cleaner suitable for all pool types, comes with a rechargeable 5000 mAh battery that supports 60-90 mins efficient running.

Supports in-ground pool up to 7 ft depth.

Up to 6.6 ft In-Ground & 860 sq/ft Above Ground | 90 min Cycle Time | No cable | IPX8 Waterproof | 12 lbs Weight

PAXCESS Cordless Automatic Pool Cleaner

Powered by a 5000mAH lithium-ion battery, the PAXCESS robot can work for up to 60-90 minutes without having to be plugged into an electrical outlet, allowing greater mobility. It is designed with an IPX8 waterproof rating, so you can use it with confidence.

The weight of the pool cleaner is only 12.1 lbs, so it can easily be removed by elders and women.

Up to 6.6 ft In-Ground & 1614 sq/ft Above Ground | 90 min Cycle Time | No cable | IPX8 Waterproof | 12 lbs Weight

Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner

Dolphin Nautilus CC offers effective brushing that is ideal for cleaning pools that are messier. The users can operate the cleaner with a single power button, and it will plunge for efficient cleaning.

Up to 33 ft | Floor and walls | 2 Hours Cycle Time | 50 ft. Tangle-free cable | 4000 GPH Suction Rate | 13.8 lbs Weight

Comprising of different brushes, scrubs, and filters, Nautilus is affordable and easy to use simultaneously. Generally, it is most suitable for above or in-ground residential pools which are up to 33 feet long. It is lightweight and the buyer can enjoy its plug-and-play facility.

Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Cleaner

No pre-installation is needed. Neither does it require any connectivity to the pool infrastructure. Besides, it is self-programmed for thorough scanning of the pool. Overall, it comes with an extended warranty of 12 months warranty for spare parts and labor.

With a touch of a button, you can clean your pool. With three options: every day, every other day, or every third day, you can have Nautilus CC automatically clean your swimming pool each week.

A patented swivel cable prevents tangling and messed-up wires. This is the best pool cleaner option if you have a rare pool shape and if it is huge. The only drawback of using this product is that it does not reach all the crevices of the pool.

Pros

  • Affordable and Lightweight
  • Superfast
  • Huge Filter
  • Swivel cable is adapted for anti-tangling
  • Plug-n-play facility

Cons

  • Cannot be left in the pool
  • Do not clean walls and corners
  • An extra set of filters does not work efficiently

Often purchased together:

Dolphin Upgraded Ultra-Fine Filter
Dolphin Pool Cleaner Cover

Alternative Option

Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme WiFi Operated Robotic Cleaner

The CC Supreme is an upgraded version of the CC, featuring more power, better cleaning through walls, floors, and waterlines, and longer cables for efficient cleaning up to 50 feet. The pool vacuum cleaner can be controlled and operated with a smartphone.

Up to 50 ft | WIFI Enabled | Floor, walls, and waterline | 3.5 Hours Cycle Time | 60 ft. Tangle-free cable | 4500 GPH Suction Rate | 24 lbs Weight

Dolphin Proteus DX5i (Bluetooth & Wifi Enabled)

Using the MyDolphin App, you can use the Proteus DX5i to spot clean, schedule your weekly cleanings, and select quick or standard cleanings while the device is connected to your smartphone.

Up to 50 ft | Floors, walls, and waterlines | 1 Hour Cycle Time | 60 ft. Tangle-free cable | 4000 GPH Suction Rate | 16.5 lbs Weight

Powerful scrubbing

Manual brushing is a thing of the past. Using this dolphin, you can clean your pool’s wall, floor, and waterline.

Smartphone Enables

The MyDolphin App allows you to control your Proteus DX5i from your smartphone.

All Pools Types

As a universal cleaner, it can be used in all types of swimming pools, including gunite, tile, and acrylic.

Proteus DX5i produces clean and clear pool water by scrubbing the waterline and filtering out debris. Whether it’s a gunite pool or a tile pool, this cleaner is perfect for it.

Customer Pros

“Our pool is irregularly shaped and this vac struggles to get everywhere in the pool.”
Effortless to clean and maintain”
“I can say without hesitation, that I will probably never have to vac the pool again!”
“So far, there have been no algae spots in the pool.”

Customer Cons

“Limited run-time options”
“Occasionally misses some areas”

Dolphin Premier Robotic In-Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaner

The latest and best model of Dolphin is all set to break the records with its breath-taking design and extreme efficiency that has never been seen before. The Dolphin Premier has set the expectations and competition high for other products. It is proved to be the highly efficient model currently available in the market.

Up to 30 ft | Floor, walls, and waterlines | 3 Hours Cycle Time | 60 ft. Tangle-free cable | 4500 GPH Suction Rate | 22 lbs Weight

It comes with commercial graded DC motors that have succeeded in delivering an optimum level of user experience. The advanced level of technology like Multimedia filtration system is used. Its great efficiency is hence proved by reducing energy level up to 87%.

To clean minuscule algae and debris that can pass through the filter pipes, an oversized collection bag is used. From a technical point of view, the best part about this robotic cleaner is its underwater robotic cable.

A patented 360 degrees swivel cable is also used to prevent the tangling mess that prevents the reduced efficiency.

A highly optimized 3000 RPM commercially graded ultra-efficient motors are used to enhance the regular efficiency up to 90%.

Unlike other cleaners that wander aimlessly on the pool site, the Dolphin Premier has a Smart-Nav software that is really helpful in delivering highly optimized coverage for a new level of clean. This robotic in-ground pool vacuum has a microprocessor that covers a large area with efficiency.

Pros

  • Scrubs Floor, Wall, & Tile/Waterline
  • Over-sized debris collecting bag.
  • No Tangle. No Hassle.
  • Ultra-Fine Cartridge
  • Patented 360-degree swivel cables are used.
  • Complete Pool Coverage

Cons

  • Heavy to lift
  • The customer service is not good

Dolphin Triton PS Robotic In-Ground Pool Vacuum

Known as one of the most feathery light and easy-to-use pool cleaners available in the market, Dolphin Triton plus comprises many advanced functions like Bluetooth navigation and weekly timer set up.

The best part about this equipment is that it can be controlled with a Bluetooth remote that can be accessed from your smartphone. It is also enhanced with large capacity filtration.

Up to 50 ft | Floor, Walls & Waterline | 2 Hours Cycle Time | 60 ft. Tangle-free cable | 4000 GPH Suction Rate | 16.5 lbs Weight

Comes with a navigation system that has been crafted using the latest technology. It also has PowerStream for complete coverage of the pool and it can be used for cleaning purposes of walls and tiles.

The newly adapted power stream technology provides a strong grip for vertical and horizontal surfaces that are proved to be superior for cleaning narrow areas. Four fine and superfine filters are provided for the elimination of debris and top-notch filtration of dirt.

Offering a 24 months warranty, the Triton Plus with PowerStream automatic in-ground pool cleaner is a top rated pool cleaner due to its substantial list of features such as quick clean mode, Bluetooth remote control and lightweight body.

Pros

  • Cleans floors, walls, and waterlines
  • Bluetooth navigation.
  • XL top load filtration.
  • Power stream for better results.
  • Also supports the tilt mode.

Cons

  • Not ideal for ball-sized pools as it has a motor at the back.

Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner

Polaris Sport is a 4- wheel driven robotic cleaner equipped with Aqua Trax tires that makes it ideal for all pool surfaces. An advanced ActivMotion Sensor Technology is also adapted for ensuring unmatchable navigation in all sizes of pools.

Polaris sport is enriched with Vortex Vacuum Technology that allows the cleaner to pick up the larger debris and simultaneously maintains maximum suction in both suction pipes.

Up to 60 ft | Floor, Walls & Waterline | 2 Hours Cycle Time | 70 ft. Tangle-free cable | 4000 GPH Suction Rate | 16.5 lbs Weight

The Rear water propulsion system is adapted to reach debris under stairs, in tight corners, and on the pool walls. It also consists of a programmable timer with the durability of a week. Also, It has a motor sensing function with an automatic hand-held remote control and an extra powder-coated alloy caddy.

Overall, it is a great buy that includes a 110v transformer, 60ft cord, and filter canister.

Pros

  • Active motor sensor technology for navigation.
  • Vortex vacuum technology to collect larger debris.
  • Rear water propulsion to reach narrow sections.
  • 7 days programmable timer.
  • Automatic hand-held remote control.

Cons

  • Lacks the swivel cord and tangles the wires.
  • No control over speed.
  • Slow remote response

Hayward W3RC9990CUB TigerShark (Quick Clean Tech)

Hayward TigerShark QC is a perfect choice for in-house pools that measure 20′ x 40′. It is built with an efficient 24-volt motor that ensures the usage of less energy and low-cost maintenance. TigerShark QC is enhanced with patented quick clean technology that cleans in 90 minutes flat.

Up to 40 ft | Floor, Walls & Waterline | 3 Hours Cycle Time | 55 ft. Tangle-free cable | 4000 GPH Suction Rate | 21.5 lbs Weight

It also has a  patented filter cartridge system that makes the entire clean-up process easy and follows up a system of just removing and rinsing with a garden hose.

It consists of an onboard pump for intense vacuum power that sucks up the debris and removes the dirt from the bottom lines. As an additional safety measure, all TigerShark features a 24 DC volt, energy-efficient motor.

Comparing Hayward Tiger Shark vs Dolphin Pool Cleaner: The best part about Hayward W3RC9990CUB TigerShark is that it is extremely easy to use. It does not require any extra fixtures including pumps or hoses. Everything is carried out automatically and it is capable of cleaning your pool in 1.5 hours.

Pros

  • A separate vacuum from the pool filtration system.
  • Provides a 90 minutes cycle.
  • Consists of a patented filter cartridge system.
  • No additional hoses, pumps, or hookups are needed
  • Complete cleaning cycle for full floor, walls, coves, and waterline.
  • Excellent product quality.

Cons

  • No automatic shut-off from the power box.
  • The cord gets tangled easily.

Robotic In-ground Pool Cleaner Buying Guide

While purchasing a robotic pool cleaner, there are few points that you need to consider. We have listed those points as follows-:

Pool size

Some robotic pool cleaners are designed according to the need of different pool sizes whereas some just don’t seem to work properly on larger pools.

There are many in-ground pool cleaners in the market which are ideal for all pool types. Hence, determine your pool size and make the purchase.

Pool surface

The Residential pools are made of materials like concrete, fiberglass, tile, and vinyl. But all robotic pool vacuums can brush and filter such materials.

A few cleaners are designed for both horizontal and vertical surfaces where many are degraded for not climbing up the stairs and walls.

The Swivel Cables

The swivel cables sum up as a principal feature while buying the best pool cleaner.  The robotic cleaners sometimes make a mess of cables while climbing up the wall or rotating at 360 degrees.

Hence, the swivel cables act as a solution to the tangling problem.

Safety Features

Safety is an integral and important part while buying a robotic or automatic pool cleaner. It is recommended by experts to use provide you autonomous timer settings, swivel cables, and a reliable cover.

Warranty

Robotic pool cleaners are not purchased by all which is why they cost a fortune. Therefore, it is vital to find a pool cleaner that provides the customer with trustworthy warranty plans.

An expert’s advice indicates that it is best to buy a pool cleaner with at least 24 months warranty.

Editor’s Choice

Needless to say, is Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is the best in-ground automatic pool cleaner available in the market which has a minimal number of cons. This is undoubtedly a supreme product that runs on advanced technology and uses a smart design to float, climb and roll on the water surface.

For an average pool, the Dolphin takes only 2.5 hours to make the water crystal clear. It works automatically by scrubbing and vacuuming out the debris from the pool. Every function is completely automatic, so you don’t have to be concerned about settings and programming up the cleaner.

You do not have to worry about the shape or size of your pool as this one pool vacuum cleaner is capable of cleaning all kinds of pools. It is endowed with software that helps it in working systematically by scanning the pool completely and then working on it. We bet you that finding the best pool vacuum that is better than this is difficult!

Final Thoughts

Pool cleaning is a challenging job that takes up a significant amount of your time. The creation of such an advanced level of pool vacuum helps you cut down on hiring costs and saves you from the hassle of cleaning your pool manually. Moreover, there are numerous options available in the market suitable for different needs.

A good pool vacuum cleaner not only saves your precious time and is a one-time investment. The vast variety of pool cleaners allows you to enjoy summer days by the poolside and reduces the monthly investment you make in paying professional help.

In this article, we have researched and presented you with outstanding features of some best in-ground pool vacuum cleaners. These are editorial and unbiased product reviews that give you a fair idea about what to choose for your next purchase.

Our Reader Score
[Total: 5 Average: 5]
29 Shares