Introduction
Cleaning a pool has always been a tedious job for pool owners. Who would have thought that there will come a time when robots will do all the hard work for us.
This article covers everything related to a robotic cleaners for above ground pools. Our goal is to recommend the best above ground pool robotic cleaner to you so that you can spend your summer time doing something that is actually fun.
[wptb id="4927" not found ]Factors to look after when buying the best above ground pool robotic cleaner:
All ground pool robotic cleaners are not the same. You can’t just randomly buy any of them. You need to keep the following things in mind before making any decision regarding the robotic cleaner.
Pool size
Robotic cleaners are made to operate in a limited range. So, always keep the size of the pool in mind before buying any cleaner. Most of the above ground pool robotic cleaners can provide you with an operating range of 30-50ft. Choose the robotic cleaner that suits best to your pool size.
Weight
Weight is another important factor that you should look at, as it is very crucial in providing ease of use. A heavy weighted robotic cleaner is difficult to handle and it takes a lot of effort.
Scrubbing Brushes
Scrubbing brushes are a very important feature in making sure that your pool is properly cleaned. Most of the older cleaners come with vacuum only, that is not enough to remove all the algae and dirt that is stuck on the pool.
The number of brushes that a robotic cleaner comes with is another thing to look at. Some cheap models come with only one brush while the expensive ones come with two built-in brushes.
Smart Navigation
There is no point in having a robotic cleaner if it isn’t intelligent enough to smartly navigate through the cleaning area. Most of the intelligent robotic cleaners determine the size and shape of the pool and then find the optimal path.
Filters
A top-leading filter basket is far more feasible than a debris bag. So, look out for the robotic cleaners that come with a filter basket. A filter basket makes your life a lot easier. Debris bags on the other hand are hard to empty and clean.
List of the top 7 best above ground pool robotic cleaners:
Image | Features | Ratings | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Millennium Tree stands Monster Hang-On Tree stand ☞ComfortMAX height adjustable seat with a full backrest ☞A 35-foot safelink rope with prusik knot and carabiner | 4.8/5 | View Product | |
Summit Treestands 81120 Treestand ☞Aluminum frame climbing tree stand ☞18 inches wide and 12 inches deep seat | 4.7/5 | View Product | |
Guide Gear 18’ 2 Person Ladder Tree Stand ☞Padded bench seat with the large foot platform ☞Oversleeve ladder section stability | 4.1/5 | View Product | |
Rivers Edge RE647 One Man Deluxe Ladder Stand ☞Aluminum construction ☞Comfort with affordability | 3.9/5 | View Product | |
BIG GAME Hunter HD 1.5 Treestand ☞30” Adjustable and removable padded seats ☞Flipping shooting rail | 4.1/5 | View Product | |
Big dog BDL1050 Stadium Serie ☞53” x 13” curves foot platform ☞ Weight capacity of 500 lbs | 3.5/5 | View Product | |
X-Stand Treestands Duke X 20' ☞20” shooting rail ☞300 lbs weight capacity | 4.7/5 | View Product |
1. Dolphin Escape Robotic Above Ground Pool Vac – best above ground pool robotic cleaner
Key Features
- Weight: 23.9 pounds
- Dimensions: 22.44 x 17.8 x 13 inches
Dolphin Escape tops our list of the best above ground pool robotic cleaners available in the market. Its tank-like design with rubber on the wheel provides great traction on different surfaces. Moreover, it is more energy-efficient than wheel based cleaners.
With this robot, the user doesn’t have to worry about emptying the debris cartridge frequently as it comes with an oversized top-loading basket that can hold 60% more debris. Furthermore, the robot comes with dual scrubbing brushes that are very effective in removing all the algae and dirt that is stuck on the pool.
Dolphin Escape is not very good in picking up the large-sized debris. The users were forced to clean the larger debris manually with a pool net.
Pros
- Pros Reliable
- Dual scrubbing brushes
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Not very good at picking large sized debris
2. Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner – lightweight above ground pool vacuum robot
Key Features
- Weight: 14 pounds
- Dimensions: 16.38 x 16.77 x 8.97 inches
Dolphin Nautilus is equipped with the latest cleaning technology. This robotic cleaner works well for pool size up to 33 feet. So, say goodbye to suction and pressure cleaners and save energy as this robot is 8 times more energy efficient.
This robotic cleaner uses CleverClean scanning technology to determine the size and shape of the pool and then find the optimal path. Following this optimal path, the robot doesn’t take more than 2 hours to make the pool ready for use. The robot comes with scrubbing brushes that make sure that your pool is properly clean.
Dolphin Nautilus allows the user to schedule a time at which the robot automatically cleans the pool. The only drawback of the product is that it comes with a low-quality cable that can get damaged easily.
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Lightweight
- CleverClean scanning technology
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Low-quality cable
3. Pentair K50600 Kreepy Krauly – affordable above ground pool robot
Key Features
- Weight: 14.02 pounds
- Dimensions: 33.5 x 16.5 x 6.75 inches
This one comes with a slightly different design. Pentair K50600 looks more like a regular vacuum cleaner. The hydraulic design comes with only one moving part at the bottom of the vacuum. It is a very affordable choice for small above ground pool owners.
Moreover, it provides true random pattern coverage and the users don’t have to worry about it missing any cleaning spots. The drawback of the product is that it is heavy and hence quite difficult to handle. Moreover, it produces a lot of noise and the hose length is not suitable for larger pools.
Pros
- Adequate for small-sized pools
- Inexpensive
- Provides true random pattern coverage
Cons
- Very heavy & loud
- Hose length is not suitable for larger pools
- Work well only on obstacle-free pool conditions
4. XtremepowerUS 75037 – high quality above ground pool cleaner robot
Key Features
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Dimensions: 40.5 x 5.5 x 17.5 inches
This above ground pool robotic cleaner is great in terms of its performance and affordability. XtremepowerUS 75037 doesn’t require electricity to work, the user just needs to connect it with the existing filtration system. It is designed as such that it has only one moving part at the bottom of the vacuum.
XtremepowerUS 75037 is very efficient in cleaning the pool’s bottom surface and wall but avoid using it on uneven surfaces as it has a limitation of working on uneven surfaces like stairs. To make it function properly, the user is required to have a 3/4 hp swimming pool pump.
XtremepowerUS 75037 doesn’t work well in shallow water. And it can be a bit irritating to use because of the noise it produces.
Pros
- Connects to the filtration system directly
- Doesn’t require extra electricity
- Highly inexpensive
- Comes with proper instructions on how to install it
Cons
- Need constant supervision
- Doesn’t work well in shallow water
- Limitations of working on uneven surfaces like stairs
5. Zodiac Ranger Above-Ground Pool Cleaner – best above ground pool vacuum
Key Features
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Dimensions: 16 x 9.5 x 40.5 inches
Zodiac Ranger beats all its competitors of the same design in terms of its mobility and durability. This robotic cleaner is made to clean the above-ground pools effectively. The product comes pre-assembled which saves a lot of your time and effort. The product doesn’t require much maintenance as well.
In contrary to its competitors, it is pretty effective in cleaning all types of surfaces. It doesn’t get stuck on pool stairs or any such uneven pool surfaces. It can even climb the wall to make sure that the walls of the pool are properly cleaned. It comes with a flow controlling valve that automatically regulates the water flow.
This robotic cleaner comes with 32-feet of hose that could prove to be a liability in large-sized pools. It is not good with larger debris and the user is required to unclog it in case of large debris getting stuck in it. The diaphragm of the cleaner has a life of 1-2 years and the users are required to replace it after that.
Pros
- Quieter operation
- Outperform its competitors in term of mobility
- Highly durable
- Requires very little maintenance
Cons
- 32-feet of hose could prove to be a liability in large-sized pools
- Not good at dealing with larger debris
- The diaphragm of the cleaner has a life of 1-2 years only
6. Hayward 2025ADV Pool Vac Pool Cleaner – toprated robotic pool cleaners for above ground pools
Key Features
- Weight: 18.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 51.5 x 1 x 15 inches
It is the most expensive product out of all the ones on this list and comes with a completely different design. It gives a bulldozer-like look with rubber at the bottom that offers easy maneuverability on all types of surfaces. In addition to that, its pre-programmed steering pattern offers full coverage.
It follows a pre-programmed course that is quite effective in cleaning the pool. The best thing about the product is that it doesn’t require any human supervision. But, it takes about 6 hours to fully clean a pool which can be quite frustrating if you are in a hurry.
Pros
- Easily connects with the existing filtration system
- Doesn’t require any human supervision
- Offers easy maneuverability
- Silent turbine operation
Cons
- Takes several hours to clean
7. Aquabot APRVJR Pool Rover Junior – aquabot above ground pool cleaners
Key Features
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Dimensions: 21 x 18 x 19 inches
Pool Rover Junior belongs to the type of traditional wheel-based above ground pool robotic cleaners. The robots belonging to this type are inexpensive but quite un-durable. The wheel-based design limits its traction to only a specific type of surface.
This product doesn’t look bad on paper. It comes with a 40 feet long floating cable that provides you with a greater range of use. The robot is capable of cleaning a pool of any shape in an hour. In addition to that, it comes with a fine debris bag and the user can reuse it by emptying it once it is filled with all types of debris.
The product is not equipped with the latest technology and hence have some coverage issues. Users reviewed that it has issues of missing the cleaning areas and repeatedly going over the same area.
Pros
- Efficient at sucking up all types of dirt and debris
- 40 feet long floating cable
- Reusable debris bag
Cons
- Coverage issues
- Durability and motor issues
- Deceptive warranty
Conclusion
We know that buying a robotic cleaner is not an easy decision to make. That’s why we have created a list of the top 7 best above ground pool robotic cleaners. Now it should be easy to decide which one suits you the best according to your pool size, surface, and most importantly; your budget. Best of luck!
FAQs
- Do robotic pool cleaners work?
Yes, they do work. They are relatively new and it will take time to make it completely human independent but they are pretty effective in cleaning your pool by removing all the types of debris from your pool. - Is there any difference between in-ground and above ground pool robotic cleaner?
There is a slight difference between both. To properly clean the in-ground pools, you need a little extra reach and suction as compared to cleaning above ground pools. So, the in-ground robotic cleaners provide extra reach and suction capabilities which is not a necessity for cleaning above ground pools. - Can you leave the robotic pool cleaner in the pool?
Yes, you can leave it in the pool even after using it for cleaning. The robot when placed in the pool could act as a water filtration system. - Do you need a pool vacuum for an above ground pool?
yes, vacuuming is very helpful in removing the stuck algae from the pool’s wall and floor. If you want to swim in sparkling clean water, a pool vacuum is a must. - How often should I use my robotic pool cleaner?
It depends upon your usage. If you like to swim regularly, you would be required to use it at least once a day. But, if you don’t swim that often, using it once in a week would be enough. - What is smart navigation that modern robotic cleaners come equipped with?
Modern cleaners are intelligent enough to smartly navigate through the cleaning area. They determine the size and shape of the pool and then find the optimal path. In this way, the robot doesn’t miss any cleaning area. This optimal path also prevents the robot from repeatedly going over the same area.