Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, cleaning it can often be the same tough chore. And thankfully, robotic pool cleaners are not built for only in-ground pools.
Often, individuals will find that getting the best above ground robotic pool cleaner robot for their budget will save them the hours of labor required to manually scrub your pool, and not only that, but reliable robotic pool cleaners can also save you hundreds of dollars from your annual maintenance too.
Why getting the best above ground pool robotic cleaner is essential
Buying one of these devices to take over for you is a great investment for essentially every swimming pool owner. It’s like a robotic vacuum cleaner for pools, packing all the necessary features to get the job done (from a quality navigation system to filter bags).
In a few minutes, you’ll discover great options for automatically maintaining your above-ground pool, and when you find the right ground pool vacuum for you, you’ll wonder why it took so long to get one in the first place.
The good news is that this buying guide makes it easy to see what’s on offer, and why some of the best devices on the market are worth buying. Whether you need one of the best above-ground pool cleaners out there or something with a lower price tag, you’re certain to find something that can help to keep your pool clean while also reducing the maintenance cost too.
*The product links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase after following one, I make a small commission from the sale at no additional cost to you. Please see our disclosure page for more information.
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Top Picks
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
- Dolphin E10 Robotic Pool Cleaner
- AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
- HYDRUS Robotic Cordless Pool Vacuum Cleaner
- Paxcess Cordless Automatic Pool Cleaner
- Nu Cobalt NC 5201 Pool Robot
- Ofuzzi Cyber Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Kalamotti Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000
- Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
10 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners for Above Ground Pools
1. Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Cleaner
The Dolphin Escape is our choice as the best above ground pool cleaner. It comes with continuous rubber tracks which ensures a superior grip on the surface and great traction during cleaning, and a high-speed scrubbing brush furiously works to remove hard contaminants.
This particular device not only offers exceptional cleaning efficiency but also sports an energy-efficient 24-volt DC motor that drives the unit and a 40 ft power cord. The Escape features the infamous CleverClean technology, which is seen in all Dolphin models, for mapping and navigating smartly around the pool.
To trap all dirt particles, an integrated filtration system that comprises an over-sized filter cartridge stores 60% more debris than earlier models so you don’t have to empty them so often. This machine offers efficient cleaning in an above ground pool at an affordable price and it’s also covered by a 1-year warranty.
All of this in a pool robot under $500, makes the Dolphin E10 a great choice.
You may also like to read our Full review of the Dolphin Advantage
- Excellent pool cleaning
- Designed specifically for larger above-ground pools
- Easy to set up and use
- Weighs only 14 lbs.
- Works well on all types of pool surface, including vinyl
- No remote control
- No anti-tangle swivel technology
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Dolphin E10 Robotic Pool Cleaner
The E10 Dolphin above ground pool cleaner is another one of our favorite Dolphin robots, it’s an easy-to-use drop and go ground pool cleaner that offers excellent value.
It’s compact design and simple operation makes it ideal for a small pool of no more than 20 ft. The unit removes both large debris and small debris such as sand, dirt, and is probably the best above ground pool vacuum for algae.
The active brushing action provides sufficient scrubbing power for dislodging all forms of dirt from pool floors. To capture pool contaminants, this gadget features a large filter cartridge that is easy to access and clean, it only takes minutes to rinse and reload.
This advanced pool cleaners also sport CleverClean technology for smart navigation and efficient cleaning, and in just about 1.5 hours your swimming pool sparkling clean and ready for you.
The unit is covered by a 2-year guarantee to help protect your investment. The automatic above ground pool cleaner uses smart navigation to clean both quickly and efficiently. The pressure propels along the bottom of the pool with water returning into the pool’s pump. The device runs around the pool’s wall and floors randomly.
Weight and Size: When choosing a robotic pool cleaner, the weight and size of the robotic pool cleaner is an important considerations.
You may also like to read our Full review of the Dolphin E10
- Removes tiny debris
- Easy to clean
- Ideal for an above ground pool
- Very energy efficient
- Weighs 13.8 lbs
- CleverClean tech scans and cleans the floor
- Ultra-fine filter comes at an extra cost
- No anti-tangle swivel technology
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
The AIPER Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner introduces an effortless way of maintaining your pool’s cleanliness, delivering convenience in a compact package. With its cordless design, you can say goodbye to the hassles of tangling cables and unruly hoses.
The Seagull SE has seen significant improvements in battery life over time. It takes a mere 2.5 hours to charge fully and provides over 90 minutes of cleaning, making it an ideal choice for above-ground pools (up to 33′ diameter) and in-ground flat-floored pools (up to 40′ X 20′).
This cleaner’s powerful dual-drive motors and dual scrubbing brushes ensure a thorough cleaning experience. It successfully collects various types of dirt and debris, ensuring that your pool stays in pristine condition. The robot pool cleaner features a self-parking system, automatically stopping near the pool’s edge when its battery is low or the cleaning cycle is complete.
However, as seen from users’ experiences, this cleaner may require multiple passes to remove all fine deposits of dirt and silt, and strong water currents from the pool pump may affect its movement. Despite these minor drawbacks, users have lauded the Seagull SE for its affordability, ease of use, and adequate cleaning performance.
The four 3-color LED lights are a handy addition, giving you real-time updates about the device’s status. Its compact size and lightweight design also make the cleaner easy to store and maneuver.
- You may also enjoy: Aiper Seagull SE vs Aiper Seagull Plus for a more in-depth look at this model.
- Cordless and user-friendly.
- Efficient battery life with short charging time.
- Powerful dual-drive motors and brushes.
- Self-parking feature with LED status indicators.
- Might require multiple passes for thorough cleaning.
- Strong water currents from the pool’s pump may affect their cleaning pattern.
- Might not live up to the cleaning performance of more expensive models.
- CORDLESS & EASY TO USE: No more messy hoses and no more tangled cords. The Seagull SE is completely cordless and hassle-free! Simply power your cleaner on and submerge it in your pool and the cleaning...
- INCREASED BATTERY LIFE: The newly designed battery only takes 2.5 hours to fully charge and provides over 90 minutes of cleaning capabilities. Ideal for above-ground pools up to 30 feet in Length.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. HYDRUS Robotic Cordless Pool Vacuum Cleaner
The HYDRUS Robotic Cordless Pool Vacuum Cleaner offers the luxury of effortless pool maintenance. Its main attraction is its strong, high-speed brushless motor, which powers the device’s impressive suction power capabilities. It is designed to effectively trap collected debris and filter out dirt and leaves, ensuring a clean and refreshing pool environment.
The HYDRUS cleaner is powered by a high-capacity rechargeable battery that supports up to 90 minutes of running time. This makes it suitable for both in-ground and above-ground pools up to 50 feet, providing adequate cleaning with one charge.
The cordless feature of this cleaner eliminates the hassle of entangled wires and tubes, providing minimal effort cleaning and saving your valuable time. It comes with a stainless steel mesh filter, resistant to corrosion and deformation due to water flow, offering longevity and consistent performance.
In terms of efficiency, the HYDRUS cleaner moves at a rate of 54.5 feet per minute, cleaning small pools under 50 feet thoroughly. Once the battery is low, it automatically stops at the poolside, enabling easy retrieval.
However, based on customer reviews, the HYDRUS cleaner has a limited capacity, necessitating frequent cleaning of the filter when the pool is dirty. Users with deep pools or wells reported difficulties, suggesting that the cleaner might be more suitable for flat pools. Some users also pointed out difficulties with the power button and top cover removal, which might be areas for potential improvement.
- Strong high-speed brushless motor for effective suction.
- Up to 90 minutes of running time.
- Cordless design for easy and hassle-free cleaning.
- Durable and long-lasting stainless steel mesh filter.
- Limited debris capacity may require frequent filter cleaning.
- Might not be suitable for deep or large pools with wells.
- Power button and top cover might be tricky to operate.
- No larger size available for bigger pools.
- 【Sucks Clean for Every Place it Walks】Equipped with strong high speed brushless motor, the robot has powerful suction and longer service life up to 500 hours. Features two suction inlets, which is...
- 【Up to 90 mins Running Time】Hydrus cordless automatic pool cleaners adopt large capacity rechargeable battery and less consupmtion brushless motor, which can work up to 90 minutes running time,...
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Paxcess Cordless Automatic Pool Cleaner
Automatic robotic pool cleaners usually come with a long power cord that has to be connected to a power source while the robot is working. But if you’d like a pool cleaning machine without all the hassles that come with a long power cable, this cordless pool cleaning machine may just be what you need.
The Paxcess cordless automatic pool cleaner comes with an integrated 5000Ah lithium battery which delivers rapid and quick pool cleaning, and in about 50 minutes your pool will be ready. It takes between 3-4 hours to completely charge this battery and enjoy a cordless and efficient pool cleaning.
Its wheels can easily travel around your pool, while the auto pool cleaner attacks and traps all kinds of debris including leaves, buds, tough dirt, and debris, and it also cleans out hard-to-reach areas. This robotic cleaner is specially designed for above-ground pools of up to 50 ft and water depth of 6.56 ft.
You may also like to read our Full review of the Paxcess cordless pool cleaner
- Integrated 5000mAh lithium battery
- Cleans your above-ground pool within 1 hour
- Features touch & reverse technology
- Weighs only 6.6 lbs
- 1-year warranty
- Does not climb walls
- Does not clean steps
- 【Convenient Robotic Pool Cleaner】Cordless automatic pool cleaner is the most innovative pool robot cleaner for Max.100㎡ inground pools/above ground pools. Put aside the restraint of the power...
- 【Super Cleaning Performance】With deflector and powerful motor, this automatic pool cleaner with a fast-moving speed(appr.16m/min) and powerful cleaning ability, high frequency, fast speed, deep...
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Nu Cobalt NC 5201 Pool Robot
The Nu Cobalt robotic pool cleaner is a robust underwater pool cleaner that’s popular for its impressive cleaning power. It’s a compact and lightweight robotic cleaner with a simple design; using a powerful suction force, an active scrubber and an integrated filtration system it cleans every part of a pool, eliminating all sorts of debris and grime from your pool within 1.5 hours.
Its design permits it to clean only the pool floor; it doesn’t climb walls. This ground pool vacuum robot is specially designed for small above-ground pools of about 18 ft round and a maximum depth of 4 ft.
It comes with a 26 ft power cord which supplies the robot with power and keeps it moving as it effortlessly tackles the pool. It’s most suitable for Intex, Bestway, or other small above-ground pools.
- Intelligent navigation with built-in sensors
- Thoroughly vacuums pool floors
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- No anti-tangle technology
- Does not clean walls
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Ofuzzi Cyber Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Ofuzzi Cyber Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner offers a smart solution to pool cleaning, thanks to its powerful motors and dual suction inlet. These features enable the cleaner to remove other debris from your pool, including leaves, pet hair, and sand.
This cleaner boasts a long-lasting run time of 120 minutes, capable of cleaning up to 1,076 sq ft in pools up to 6.56ft deep. As such, it is suitable for various pool shapes and types. One notable feature is the device’s cordless and IPX8 waterproof design, which eliminates the hassle of tangled wires while ensuring the safety of your cleaner during operation.
Upon completion of cleaning or when the battery is low, the Ofuzzi Cyber cleaner will stop near the pool wall thanks to its intelligent auto-dock technology. This makes it easy to lift out the cleaner using the floating handle. Maintenance is also quite straightforward; you only need to remove the lid and rinse the filter.
This pool cleaner has an additional fun aspect – it comes with DIY stickers, allowing you to customize your cleaner with your family or friends. However, the instructions clearly state that removing the stickers once applied is challenging, so choosing carefully is essential.
While the reviews mostly appreciate the cleaner’s power and effectiveness, some users report that it might take multiple runs to clean a very dirty pool floor thoroughly. There are also concerns about the charging time, which some users report to be between 3 to 4 hours. There are also concerns about potential water leakage into the charging port, which might result in corrosion over time.
- You may also enjoy: Are Ofuzzi pool cleaners any good?
- Extended run time of 120 minutes.
- Powerful motors and dual suction inlet for efficient cleaning.
- Cordless and IPX8 waterproof design.
- Intelligent auto-dock technology for easy retrieval.
- DIY stickers for customization.
- Requires multiple runs to clean very dirty pool floors.
- Long charging time.
- Potential for water leakage into the charging port.
- Longevity of the product is unclear.
- Long-last Run Time - Simply start up by turning the knob for efficient cleaning. With 120 minutes maximum runtime the pool vacuum can clean up to 1,076 sq ft for the pool bottom up to 6.56ft deep,...
- Powerful Cleaning Capability - With two powerful motors and dual suction inlet part，the automatic pool vacuum cleaner can efficiently clean leaves, debris, pet hair, and sand to keep your swimming...
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Kalamotti Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Kalamotti Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner features an upgraded, high-efficiency motor. This automatic pool cleaner delivers lower power consumption alongside 60L/Min water absorption. Its two large suction ports and four brushes make it proficient in clearing various types of debris, including leaves.
The Kalamotti cleaner has adopted a cordless robotic pool cleaner design that eliminates the worry about tangled wires or power short circuits, a significant improvement over previous models or similar dolphin pool cleaners in the market. Powered by a 7500mAh battery, the cleaner offers extended working times (120-140 minutes), efficiently covering your entire pool area.
The intelligent navigation system uses the latest touch technology and algorithms. The cleaner automatically reverses when it encounters a wall and stops near the pool wall once the cleaning cycle concludes or when the battery runs low. Furthermore, its lightweight design (8.1lbs) makes it user-friendly and suitable for above-ground pools up to 630 Sq.Ft; with a depth of 10 ft.
However, based on actual usage, some shortcomings are noticeable. The cleaner occasionally fails to park near the pool edge when the battery runs low, leading to inconvenient retrievals. Additionally, it seems to have some difficulty dealing with leaves and large debris. Some users found it challenging to discern the on/off position of the power button and noted an awkward charging setup from the bottom of the device. Its cleaning efficacy could also vary depending on the pool’s type and amount of debris.
- Efficient motor for powerful cleaning.
- Cordless design with a long-lasting battery.
- Intelligent navigation system for autonomous cleaning.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Difficulty in handling large leaves or significant fine debris.
- May not park itself at the pool edge when the battery runs low.
- The power button is not easily distinguishable.
- The charging setup could be more user-friendly.
- 【Upgraded Efficient Motor】Kalamotti automatic pool cleaner adopts a customized version of high-efficiency motor, with lower power consumption, up to 60L/Min of water absorption, providing strong...
- 【Cordless Efficient Cleaning】Kalamotti robotic pool cleaner with cordless design no longer has to worry about the risk of tangled wires and power short circuits; The inground pool vacuum cleaner...
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Obviously this post is about robotic pool cleaners, but the next two products aren’t technically robots, but still do a great job at automated pool cleaning.
Suction cleaners have to be hooked up to your pool filter, rather than being an all in one device and they are often a more affordable choice. For that reason, I thought I would include a couple of the best for your consideration and a few bonus products below.
You can read our post about the key differences between suction cleaners vs robotic pool cleaners if you would like some more information on the subject.
9. Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000
The Zodiac Baracuda is an automatic suction pool cleaner, it hooks up to your pool’s filter through an included 36 ft long garden hose to clean.
These best pool cleaners are designed to deliver efficient and thorough cleaning to your pool’s floor, walls, sides, corners, steps, ladder, and waterline, thanks to a wheel deflector for navigating it around your pool. And coupled with a 36-finned disc, this device will rarely get stuck on pool steps and drain covers. This robotic pool vacuum smoothly moves around the pool sucking up all dirt particles and debris, leaving your pool neat and shiny.
The G3 W03000 works well with variable pumps and it’s also compatible with 2-speed pumps. A FlowKeeper valve automatically regulates water flow to maintain peak cleaning performance even with lower horsepower pumps. This pool cleaner works great for regular pool maintenance, and it’s quick and easy to set up. It can be used for both in-ground and above-ground pools.
- Great quality and works well
- Easy to set up
- Very affordable
- Durable parts
- Quiet operation
- Low maintenance
- Can get stuck on the raised drain cover
- Stops working when clogged with leaves
- Quiet, powerful suction cleaner; works with low-speed pumps for maximum efficiency.
- Devours small and medium-sized debris and cleans floor, walls and steps of your entire pool.
Last update on 2023-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
Pentair 360042 Kreepy Krauly is a suction pool cleaner with a simple design, it features just one moving part which ensures long-term reliability and dependable performance without costly maintenance or repairs. It uses a drive float directional system to drive through the entire pool from the water line to the pool bottom for great cleaning coverage.
This cleaner comes with a valve that automatically regulates water flow to set it to an ideal speed for thorough cleaning. For uninhibited cleaning, this unit sports a roller strap, which it uses to navigate around the pool, efficiently moving around steps and ladders while the cleaning wings channel all pool contaminants into the filtration system.
- Traps both large and small debris
- Automatically adjusts water flow
- Easy to set up and use
- Great build quality
- Can get stuck in tight corners
- Works better in small pools
- Dive float directional system helps guide cleaner throughout entire pool from the water line to the pool bottom for great cleaning coverage
- Automatic valve automatically regulates water flow to set the ideal travel speed for more thorough cleaning
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Look For in a Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above-Ground Pools
You can find the best robotic pool cleaner for every above-ground pool but choosing the best one for your needs will depend on a number of factors specific to your unique requirements.
When choosing a pool cleaner, the most important factor to consider is your pool size, since all battery operated pool vacuums are designed for specified sizes and depths which determines the cord length of the product.
Next is how frequently your swimming pool needs to be cleaned, for this, you’ll need a device that has both great design features and excellent built quality. Let’s explore other features that make an outstanding pool cleaner.
Powerful suction and filtration system
If you live in an area where a variety of pool contaminants find their way into your pool on a daily, then you’ll need a pool robot with powerful suction force and superior filtering capability to suck up and trap every dirt particle in your pool. The best devices are able to capture both large and small debris like leaves, seeds, twigs, small stones, sand, pollen, etc. (and for the most efficient pool cleaning process for any type of pool, this can often be essential).
Energy-efficient motors
All pool owners know the energy cost that comes with a pool and this is why energy-efficient motors have become an essential feature for in-ground and above ground pool vacuums. A device with an energy-efficient motor will use up to 83% less energy than traditional pool cleaners (which is considerably less in terms of power consumption).
Powerful scrubbing system
The ability of a pool robot to scrub off even the toughest of grime and dirt stains off the pool surfaces of your largely depends on the speed and scrubbing power of its active brushes. The number and position of active scrubbers also matter. Automatic pool cleaners usually come with either 1, 2 or 3 scrubbers. Pool cleaners with either 2 or 3 brushes are usually better than those with just a single brush.
Pool robots are all for efficiency. Smart gadgets, they should be able to efficiently clean the pool without wasting time and energy.
For this reason, some pool robots come with integrated smart navigation software for scanning and mapping the pool before following the best route to clean the pool within the shortest possible time. No aimless wandering, no cleaning a place multiple times and no wasting of time.
Anti-tangle swivel technology
Most robotic pool cleaners do not come with rechargeable batteries, the robotic pool cleaners work with very long power cords connected to a power source. While these robots drive around the pool scrubbing the surfaces, their cords will twist and turn to follow their movements.
To prevent these cords from getting all tangled up and inhibiting the robots’ movement, the anti-tangle swivel technology was invented, and it works beautifully. The best robots come with this feature and save you the stress of having to untangle a 50-ft long cord after every cleaning cycle.
Pool robots are all for efficiency. As smart gadgets, they should be able to efficiently clean the pool without wasting time and energy. For this reason, some pool robots come with integrated smart navigation software for scanning and mapping the pool before following the best route to clean the pool within the shortest possible time. No aimless wandering, no cleaning a place multiple times, and no wasting of time.
Power cable length
If you want to get the most coverage on each cleaning cycle, you’re going to need to find robotic pool vacuum cleaners that have a long enough reach. While features like steering technology and navigation are both important, the device will need to be able to travel far enough away from your power source to actually use these features.
If you simply want to be able to plug and play, be sure to find above-ground pool cleaners with a long enough cord (preferably with anti-tangle swivel technology).
Smart features
If you want the convenience of being able to program your robot or control it from anywhere, then you should get one with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth that connects with a smartphone app for remote control. Some models also come with remote control for manually driving the robot while it cleans. A pool robot with a programmable weekly timer is also great for scheduling weekly pool cleaning times.
Cleaning time
It’s always best to go for a product that offers multiple cleaning modes, this is to enable selecting your preferred cleaning mode. A quick clean of 1 hour for days when you want your pool ready in a short time and an extended clean of 3 hours when you want you a thorough and deep cleaning of your pool. Just choose the right cleaning cycle and leave your device to do its job.
Cleaning features
Pool robots come with different cleaning features. You need a pool robot that will efficiently clean every part and corner of your pool, which is why choosing one with the best cleaning system can often be so crucial to swimming pool owners. Here are what you should look for:
- Waterline scrubbing — easiest pool cleaners with waterline cleaning will scrub the waterline of your pool, this is a convenient feature and it’s most important for in-ground pools. It’s worth noting that most above-ground pools do not have this feature.
- Wall climbing — the walls will also get dirty with algae and all sorts of gross things, this makes wall climbing in a pool vacuum cleaner essential. An in-ground or above-ground pool vacuum cleaner shouldn’t just scrub the floor, it should scrub walls too.
- Steps — generally, an in-ground or above-ground pool vacuum cleaner that can clean the steps is always a great choice.
Low maintenance
Most above-ground pool robotic cleaners are low maintenance gadgets, but you do want one with a top loading filter basket that is very easy to remove dirt, clean out, and replace. This is very important. Most will have either filtration baskets or debris bags (if you purchase one with a debris bag, make sure the bags are easy to handle).
Sturdy build with replaceable parts
When buying one of these types of machines, it’s significantly important that you choose a pool vacuum cleaner with great build quality and easy-to-find replacement parts. You don’t want a crappy product that will quickly fall apart because that’s a complete waste of money. Replaceable parts like the brushes, tracks, filter canisters, and pool deck should be readily available and easy to replace.
FAQs
What is the best robotic pool for an above-ground pool?
Many robotic pool cleaners, the Dolphin Maytronics is one brand that has continued to stand out. In terms of efficiency, reliability and convenience, the Dolphin Maytronics has the best robotic pool cleaners for in-ground pools, and Dolphin Advantage is one excellent gadget that completely crushes pool cleaning.
What are the main differences between an above-ground pool robot and an in-ground robotic pool cleaner?
Pool clean robots for in-ground and above-ground pools are basically the same, however, the major differentiating feature is the size of pools the robots can clean. On average, in-ground pool robots are designed to clean swimming pools with more depth and length, apparently because in-ground pools are usually larger than above-ground pools. The design feature that accounts for this difference is the cord length of the robots as in-ground pool robots have longer power cords. In-ground pool robots are also designed with more cleaning power and will clean pool walls, waterlines, steps, slopes, etc. While most in-ground pool robots will easily handle above-ground pools, most above-ground pool robots will get stuck in the deep ends of in-ground pools.
What’s the difference between a robotic pool cleaner and a suction cleaner?
The major difference between these two types of pool cleaners is that robotic pool cleaners have integrated filter systems while strong suction side pool cleaners rely on the pool’s filtration system to clean. While suction cleaners will retrieval hook up to a pool skimmer and rely on the suction line of a pool to trap dirt, pool robots are automatic underwater cleaning machines that work independently to clean pools.
Can you use an in-ground pool cleaner in an above ground pool?
Be careful. Yes for some models you can. A pool robot designed for in-ground pools can clean above-ground pools just fine. However, it’s always better to find a model that is designed for the specific pool type you want to use it for, there are also hybrid robots that are designed to clean both in-ground and above-ground pools. Sometimes an inground pool cleaner will be too much for a lighter weight above ground pool and could cause damage.
Best above ground pool cleaner robots: final thoughts
With the hundreds of pool robots available in the market, choosing the absolute right one for your above-ground pool can be a bit of a challenge. However, once you find the right pool vacuum, all your worries about cleaning and swimming pool maintenance will be in the past.
Before you make a purchase, weigh your options very carefully and consider even the seemingly insignificant factors. You certainly do not want to need up with a crappy gadget. If you’re unsure of which one to go with, we recommend our favorite manual cleaning pool vacuum cleaner for above-ground pools, the Dolphin Escape.
In terms of reliability, efficiency, and performance, the Dolphin Escape delivers on all three. Another great option that you can trust to reliably get the job done without any stress on your part is the Paxcess robotic pool cleaner, and thankfully you wouldn’t have to break the bank to get it.
Matt is the founder of the Little Robot Shop, who has spent much of the last decade hacking home cleaning with various robots and devices to make keeping his home clean as easy as possible. Not an easy task with two young children.
When not working on the Little Robot Shop website or YouTube channel, he works as technical support and product specialist for a fast-growing digital company. He does his best to get his younglings to code, which will be an essential skill in the future.
