A swimming pool surrounded by green scenery may be one of the most relaxing ways to get close to nature. But recreating this natural beauty in your backyard certainly comes with a cost; a pool full of leaves and twigs!
The price to pay is to clean your pool every so often, and for this, you need a powerful and reliable automatic pool cleaner that can collect all sorts of pool debris including leaves, nuts, twigs, pebbles, silts and algae. It can only be a robotic pool cleaner!
Investing in a good robotic pool cleaner for leaves will set you back some bucks, but it will tremendously increase the amount of fun you have in your pool. With the right robot, you will always have a clean, sparkling pool ready for swimming. So, what are the best robotic pool cleaners of 2023 for leaves and what features should you look for, let’s get right into it…
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Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features to Look For in a Great Robotic Pool Cleaner For Leaves
Every pool owner has unique needs for their pool. And for automatic pool cleaners, no single product is designed to meet everyone’s needs. However, a pool robot that’s great with leaves should have a robust filtration system, and a strong suction force to suck in and trap pool dirt.
Additionally, it should also have a powerful drive system and intelligent navigation, with the ability to cover the entire pool in one cleaning cycle.
Here’s a breakdown of the factors to consider and features to look for in the best robotic pool cleaner for leaves;
- Pool size and type: the type and size of your pool will determine the great pool cleaner for you, since there are robotic pool cleaners specially designed for different pool surface types and sizes such as vinyl liners, or gunite or plaster pools
- Wall-climbing ability: if you have an in-ground pool, then you probably need a robot with the ability to properly pool clean walls, up to the waterline.
- Size and weight: an ideal pool robot shouldn’t be too heavy, so you can lift it out of the pool with ease.
- Navigation and drive system: pool cleaner robots with smart navigation and sturdy drive systems usually clean pools better and faster.
- Suction power and filter system: a powerful suction cleaner and ultra-fine filtration ensures complete pool coverage; every dirt and grime is sucked out, including leaves and twigs.
- Anti-tangle swivel cable: this is an absolutely important feature, especially in pool robots for a large in-ground swimming pool.
- Four Cleaning modes and cycles: you may want different cleaning cycles and multiple cleaning modes (plus a weekly timer and remote control) for convenience.
Robotic Pool Cleaner For Leaves Reviews
1. Dolphin Quantum Automatic
Dolphin Quantum is a premium automatic pool cleaner designed to provide top-level cleaning for large inground pools. Equipped with dual hyper brushes, the Quantum viciously attacks tough and hard-to-remove dirt from the pool surface. It can break down the tough bacteria, algae, and debris and scrub them away for ultimate cleaning.
The Quantum features the Dolphin SmartNav 2.0 robotic scanning, with intelligent sensors for mapping the pool and navigating smartly around the pool. It also sports this Dolphin robot cleaner and has PowerStream mobility, which provides a secure grip on vertical surfaces for intense pool wall and waterline scrubbing.
For superior filtration, Quantum features a top-loading 400 sq-inch pool filter basket that traps leaves, dirt and small debris, leaving your pool sparkling clean in just 2 hours. With an anti-tangling swivel technology, the Quantum moves freely around large residential pools up to 50 feet for an uninterrupted hassle-free clean.
Read our full Dolphin Quantum review
- Climbs the walls and does a great job
- Very easy to operate, clean and manage
- Comes with a weekly smart timer
- Has an excellent suction power
- 2-years warranty
- It will not clean our tanning ledge/steps.
- Has no app control
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Paxcess Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
The cordless design of this Paxcess pool cleaner saves you the stress of battling with an extra long power cord, making it the ideal machine for automatic pool cleaning. To deliver superior pool cleaning, this robot combines the action of a powerful suction force, an active bottom scrubber, and a reusable fine filter.
An in-built 5000 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery, with the IPX8 waterproof design, powers the robots and ensures a cleaning cycle of 1.5 hours for efficient pool coverage. And with 4 rubber driving wheels, the robot moves at an impressive speed while actively cleaning and circulating water, saving time and effort, and it has a single power button for ON/OFF for intuitive operation. This pool robot is sturdily built and comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Excellent cordless design
- Thorough cleaning performance
- Easy and intuitive operation
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Doesn’t clean pool walls and steps
- Charges for about 4 to 5 hours
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is one of the best-selling Dolphin robotic cleaners, which is no surprise given the outstanding value it offers, balancing performance and price. The Nautilus features an energy-efficient motor that drives the unit and powers the dual scrubbing brushes.
Using the Cleverclean tech — smart navigation algorithms — and swivel cable tech, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus cleans more efficiently and reaches every part of your pool. With a quick and efficient operation, this pool robot offers a complete cleaning for your pool, leaving it as good as new in 2 hours.
This robot is equipped with rubber tracks, providing it with a strong grip on all types of pool surfaces to maintain steady underwater movement even when cleaning the walls of a pool. It can clean the floor and walls of an inground pool of up to 50 ft.sq.
- Very energy efficient
- Easy operation with one on/off button
- Has a weekly timer
- 2.5-year warranty
- No waterline cleaning
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Polaris 9650iQ Robotic Pool Cleaner
The Polaris 9650iQ Sport is a 4WD automatic cleaner for large in-ground pools. Equipped with high-end features, this pool cleaning robot provides premium cleaning performance with the convenience of smart remote control using the iAquaLink app. With the integrated action of a four-wheel drive system, dual solid blade powerful scrubbing brushes, vortex vacuuming power and an excellent filter system, this robot always delivers a deep clean.
The tangle-reducing swivel cable prevents tangling and robust tires ensure seamless movement around the pool without getting stuck on pool drains. This robot comes with a control unit and a mobile app for remote control. You can schedule cleaning times, customize your cleaning, monitor the robot at work and lots more.
Check out our full Polaris 9652iQ Sport review
- Impressive cleaning performance.
- Doesn’t get stuck on pool drains
- Robust and sturdy build
- Backed with a warranty of 2 years
- Doesn’t efficiently clean steps
- Power cable can get tangled
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Dolphin Triton PS
![Dolphin Triton PS Robotic Pool [Vacuum] Cleaner - Ideal for In Ground Swimming Pools up to 50 Feet -...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41koiOX9uQL.jpg)
If you have a large in-ground pool and want a premium robotic pool cleaner for keeping it dirt-free and shiny, meet the Dolphin Triton PS. This pool robot is the definition of innovative and efficient.
Dolphin Triton PS comes with an active brush system that features a superfast brush for dislodging even the most stubborn dirt and grime, and a new PowerStream technology that tremendously improves the mobility of the robot on vertical surfaces.
The Triton also features anti-tangle software to keep the 60 ft power cord from tangling as it works. An extra-large top filter basket and pool deck captures and locks-in all the dirt and larger debris from the pool waters, leaving it sparkling as new. It’s an excellent robot and comes with a 2-year warranty from Maytronics.
Read the full Dolphin Triton PS Review
- Excels at pool cleaning
- Has a weekly timer
- Easy to use; no set-up required
- 2-year warranty
- Not a budget robotic pool cleaner
- No app control
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Aiper Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
With a cordless robotic pool cleaner, there’s no need to connect a power cable and deal with messy, tangled cables. The AIPER cordless automatic pool cleaner is completely cordless and comes with an integrated 5000mAh lithium battery which delivers rapid and quick pool cleaning, and in about 90 minutes your pool will be ready.
With the powerful dual-drive motors(50 watts), this above ground pool cleaner effortlessly traverses the pool bottom, and can climb an incline up to 15 degrees. Equipped with a powerful suction force, Aiper cordless pool vacuum captures all kinds of foreign matter from dirt, debris to insects, and small stones, leaves up to 5.5” wide.
It takes between 4-6 hours to completely charge this battery and enjoy an aiper cordless pool cleaner and efficient pool cleaning. Perfect for above ground pool of up to 35ft diameter and in-ground pool with flat floors up to 17×50 feet.
- Has a built-in 5000mAh battery
- Cleans your above-ground pool within 1.5 hrs
- Weighs only 6.6 lbs
- 1-year warranty
- Does not climb walls
- Does not clean steps
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Pool Robot
The Dolphin Nautilus CC pool cleaner is a robot pool vacuum designed to automatically clean small in-ground or above ground pools up to 33 feet. Dolphin Nautilus CC robotic vacuum cleans the pool for you. Ideal for small swimming pools, above or in-ground up to 33 feet.
This easy-to-use and compact pool cleaner will have your pool ready for splashing fun in just 2 hours. The Nautilus CC is agile and efficient and designed to clean your pool, effortlessly. With superior scrubbing and filtering capabilities.
To automate pool cleaning, it uses one active high-speed roller brush, a large filter basket and a powerful suction rate of 4000 GPH. With an energy-efficient motor powering the unit and grippy tracks driving it, this robot works to dislodge and pick up every dirt particle in a pool. It cleans every corner of the pool surface and will climb the walls and clean up to the waterline. Let’s explore the pros and cons of the robotic pool cleaners.
- Excels at cleaning pool floor and walls
- Very compact and lightweight (13.8 lbs)
- Has a weekly timer
- 2-years warranty
- No anti-tangle swivel cable
- No app control
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Aqua Product Evo 502
Aqua Products Evo 502 is another excellent mid-range robotic pool vacuum designed for small to medium in-ground pools up to 40 feet long. This pool robot has an active dirt-busting brush with an innovative design that removes sludge from surfaces and passes debris from bristle to bristle, pushing it straight to the inlet where it’s sucked up never to be seen in your pool again.
Evo 502 glides slowly through pool surfaces, moving from edge to edge and cleaning off dirt and grime as it goes, thanks to a clever obstacle avoidance system and a dual traction motor. The pool’s filtration system is centered around a power vacuum technology and a large EZ-clean debris basket with multiple mesh layers which keeps dirt and debris locked in.
It’s lightweight, portable, and a fantastic model that cleans your pool from the floors all the way up to the waterline every time. The Aqua Products Evo 502 comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
Read the full Aqua Products Evo 502 Review
- Extremely easy to use with one button
- Cleans both floors and walls
- Good navigation system
- A 2-year warranty
- No weekly timer
- Cannot clean steps
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. Aquabot X4 Automatic Pool Cleaner
Aquabot X4 is specially designed for large in-ground pools, and a good option for a budget pool robot. It’s equipped with the core features that make automating pool cleaning possible and will get every last piece of grime and dirt off your pool, leaving your pool water shiny and dirt-free.
The X4 isn’t only for in-ground pools, it’s a versatile pool bot and also works great for above-ground pools, and it cleans up fine. As a mid-range pool robot, it lacks most high-end features of premium and best pool cleaners like programmable weekly timer and Wi-Fi connectivity, but this has no bearing on its performance and the budget price tag justly corresponds to what you get.
It cleans pool floors and walls up to the waterline, and a 4-wheel drive system ensures strong grip on surfaces and steady underwater movement on a variety of surfaces including tiles, and it comes with a caddy for easy maneuverability.
Read our full Aquabot X4 review
- Cleans both floors and walls
- Efficient cleaning route
- Budget-friendly price tag
- A 3-year warranty
- Not very sturdy
- No remote control/weekly timer
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. Aquabot ABREIQ Breeze IQ
Designed for efficient pool cleaning, the Breeze IQ is a smart robotic pool cleaner that employs the AquaSmart technology to efficiently clean large in-ground pools in under 2 hours. The AquaSmart system enables the IQ to brilliantly navigate the pool for superior coverage in record time.
The IQ also has durable all terrain PVC scrubbing brushes effective for dislodging stubborn dirt and grime on pool surfaces, including the walls and waterline. While an extra long 60 ft. cable with the patented Aquabot Swivel makes for a tangle-free cleaning experience.
The filtration system of the IQ comprises two EZ clean top-access filter baskets that can filter down to 2 microns, which helps to remove grime, contaminants, and bacteria for a healthier cleaner pool. This simple but effective pool robot has a plug and play power supply for the ultimate convenience.
Read our full Aquabot Breeze IQ review
- Cleans pool floor, walls and waterline
- Easy to use and maintain
- Excellent suction power
- Remote Control
- Doesn’t do a great job on the wallsPoor overall quality
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Buyer Guide & FAQs
Different Types of Robotic Pool Cleaner For Leaves
Pool cleaners come in a variety of designs and capabilities, but they have a similar core function; to automatically clean pools. Pool cleaners, especially designed for leaves, can be put in 2 distinct categories, manual cleaning pool leaf vacuums and automatic pool cleaners.
Pool leaf vacuums: these are robotic pool vacuums specifically designed to remove leaves from a pool. They are manually clean and need to be attached to a long pole, garden hose, debris and filter bag. The pole helps move the vacuum around in the pool, while the garden hose creates suction to suck leaves and large dirt particles into the debris bag.
Despite being made especially for leaves, pool leaf vacuums are not very convenient, especially because there are so many automatic products that robotic pool cleaners work better. There are 3 types of automatic pool cleaners for removing leaves from pools.
Suction-side pool cleaners: these pool vacuum cleaners will connect to your pool’s filter system to create a suction force powerful enough to suck and remove leaves and small debris particles. If you have lots of leaves in your pool, suction-side pool cleaners are not the best option because they can get clogged with large debris such as leaves and sticks.
Pressure-side pool cleaners: compared to suction-side pool cleaners, pressure-side pool cleaners are better at collecting large debris, including leaves, twigs, nuts, pebbles etc. However, they often require an additional pool pump basket (also called a booster pump) installed to generate enough pressure to effectively filter the water.
Best Robotic pool cleaners: just like there is the Roomba for your floors, robotic pool cleaners are like the Roomba for your swimming pool floors. They are the most convenient type of pool cleaner because they come with an internal pump, a scrubbing mechanism and a filtration system for picking up both slit, grime, algae and large debris. However, not all robotic pool cleaners are great for leaves, hence this review article.
What to Look For in a Robotic Pool Cleaner For Leaves: Key Points for Consideration Before Buying?
Excellent Filter System
The first feature to consider in a robotic pool cleaner for leaves is the filtration system. The best pool vacuum cleaner for leaves has a powerful suction force and ultra fine filters that are designed to effectively collect leaves seeds, twigs, and small stones, as well as tiny particles like sand, silt, pollen and grime. The large filtration basket (or extra-large) with strong, fine mesh cloth to hold dirt in place.
Powerful Scrubbing Mechanism
The scrubbing mechanism, which includes the brushes, is another important aspect of robotic vacuum cleaners. High-speed scrubbing brushes with durable plastic bristles are often the best. Many robotic pool cleaners come with a single brush, while some have 2 or 3 brushes. The number of brushes doesn’t really matter, provided they are strategically attached to the robot for maximum efficiency.
Smart Navigation & Drive System
Since the goal of pool vacuum cleaners is to maximize efficiency, they should be able to clean the pool efficiently without wasting time or energy. Consequently, some pool robots include built-in smart navigation software that scans and maps the pool before determining the optimum route to clean the pool in record time.
With so many obstacles in the pool, such as filter flaps and drains, it’s imperative that the cleaner’s wheels or tracks are capable of handling the difficulties unique to your swimming pool. And there will be no mindless wandering, cleaning a location many times, or wasting time and energy.
Energy-efficient Motors
Pool ownership are well aware of the energy costs associated with owning a pool, which is why energy-efficient motors have become a must-have feature in pool robots. Traditional pool cleaners consume up to 83 percent more energy than pool robots with energy-efficient motors.
Tangle-free Swivel Cable
The majority of robotic cleaners rely on extremely long power lines to connect to a power source. And the long cables will twist and turn to follow the movements of these robots as they drive around the pool. The anti-tangle swivel technology was designed to keep these cords from tangling and impeding the robots’ movement, and it works well. This feature is included in the top robots, saving you the hassle of having to untangle a 50-foot-long cord after each cleaning cycle. So, this is a feature you should totally look for.
Cleaning Cycle and Mode
My preferred pool cleaning robots are those with multiple cleaning settings, which allows you to choose the ideal cleaning method at any given time. For instance, a 1-hour rapid clean for days when you need your pool ready quickly, and a 2 to 3-hour extended clean for days when you need a full and deep cleaning of your pool, which often includes floors, walls and waterline cleaning.
Sturdy-build
A machine with a solid and durable construction will always be better than a crappy one. And I bet you want a robotic pool cleaner that is actually worth every dime you spend on it. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to pick one with a solid build quality and readily available replacement parts. Brushes, tracks, and filter canisters, should be widely available and simple to replace. Plus, the robot should have decent warranty and excellent customer support from the brand.
Low Maintenance
Most pool robots are low-maintenance devices, but you’ll want one with an easy-to-maintain filter basket. This is quite crucial. If you want a robot that has debris bags, make sure the bags are easy to handle.
FAQs
How long does a robotic pool cleaner last?
Robotic pool cleaners generally last for about 3 to 5 years, but some very sturdy products can last up to 6 to 8 years with careful usage and proper maintenance. You should expect your pool cleaner to last for an average of 4 years and a minimum of 2.5 to 3 years. But if you carefully take care of your robot, it will last longer.
Are robotic pool cleaners good for leaves?
Robotic pool cleaners are certainly good for leaves, but not all of them are great at picking up leaves because they don’t all have filter systems with the same cleaning capability. The best robotic pool cleaners for leaves are those with filter systems that are specially designed to pick both large and small debris.
What’s the best pool cleaner for gum leaves?
If you’re looking to keep your pool clear and free of pesky gum leaves, then the best way to do that is with a quality robotic pool cleaner. Robotic pool cleaners use advanced technology to clean and scrub the walls, floors, steps and tight corners of your pool. They are designed to remove dirt, leaves and other debris from your pool quickly and efficiently. With a robotic cleaner, you can keep your pool sparkling clean without having to lift a finger. You’ll also save time and energy as robotic cleaners can do the job in half the time it would take to clean pool manually. And because robotic cleaners are programmed to avoid obstacles, you won’t have to worry about them damaging your pool’s lining or other components. Robotic cleaners are a great way to keep your pool looking its best all pool season long.
How often should I use my robotic pool cleaner?
Ideally, you should run your robotic pool cleaner daily or every other day, especially if you swim frequently. But if you don’t use your pool very often, then it’s okay to run it once a week or every two weeks. Also, endeavor to cover your pool when it’s not in use, to prevent too much dirt from getting inside.
What’s the best pool vacuum for leaves and debris?
The best pool vacuum for leaves and debris is the suction-side cleaner. These powerful robot pool cleaners are designed to suck up debris from your pool’s floor and walls without having to manually skim it off. They don’t require any electricity, so you won’t have to worry about running cords or dealing with complicated setup. Suction-side cleaners attach directly to your pool’s skimmer box and use the existing water pressure to clean. This means that you can have your pool sparkling clean in less time and with minimal effort.
Which is better for leaves: robotic pool cleaners or pressure side vacuums?
Pressure side pool vacuums are generally better at picking up leaves and large debris, but they will often require that you install a booster pump to your pool filtration system. Also, they don’t do so well with small debris in the pool and will clean floors better than walls. However, robotic pool cleaners are designed to collect all sorts of pool dirt, both small and large debris, and they don’t need an additional installation in the pool to work, and there are robotic pool cleaners that thoroughly clean the floor, walls, and waterline of large in-ground pools. And they perform exceedingly better than pressure side pool vacuums.
Is a robotic pool cleaner worth it?
Yes, robotic pool cleaners are certainly worth the investment. They are very convenient and perform much better than other pool cleaners type. Investing in a sturdy and reliable robotic pool cleaner is money well spent for any pool owner.
Final Thoughts
Owning a pool is cool, but pool maintenance is not, especially if you have a backyard with trees and your pool is a leaf-magnet. In this case, the best robotic pool cleaner for you should be powerful enough to handle every form of debris (both large and small) contaminating your pool.
I recommend an excellent robot pool cleaner like the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic cleaner, it’s a great product and comes at a good price. Dolphin Nautilus CC+ is powerful enough to automatically clean the floors and walls of a large inground pool of up to 50 ft. It also has a weekly timer for scheduled cleaning, and comes with 2.5 years warranty.
Emma Marie is a valued writer at the Little Robot Shop. She studied robotics and deeply understands technology, which shows in her writing. She consistently produces high-quality content, making her a perfect fit for the Little Robot Shop team.
While not writing, Emma works in a popular electronics retail chain. Emma also enjoys running and has two dogs with whom she loves spending time.
