Choosing a Pool Robot

Choosing the right pool robot depends on your pool’s size, shape, surface, and typical debris. Key factors to consider include cable vs. cordless options, pool length, filter basket capacity, suction inlet size for large debris, and features like remote control or app connectivity. With years of hands-on experience, the friendly team at Pool Robots Australia can help you select the best cleaner for your pool.

Every pool is unique, and so are people’s preferences and budgets. When choosing a robotic pool cleaner, consider factors like your pool’s size, shape, debris load, cable vs. cordless models, and key features such as remote control or app connectivity.

At Pool Robots Australia, our experienced staff have serviced countless pools and pool robot repairs, giving us firsthand knowledge of what works best. We only recommend and sell cleaners that offer great value, backed by expert advice tailored to your pool’s needs.

Both cable and cordless robotic pool cleaners can deliver excellent cleaning performance. The key difference is in convenience.

Cordless models are easy to handle—there’s no cable to untangle or power supply to set up. They’re designed to complete a full cleaning cycle on a single charge and typically return to the pool’s edge when finished. However, they do require charging after every use.

Cable-powered cleaners are ideal for larger pools or those with heavy debris loads. They often have more powerful motors and larger filter baskets, allowing for extended operation without frequent emptying.

Many customers are moving towards cordless robotic pool cleaners as they’re forced to remove them from the pool to recharge and this reduces the likelihood of getting water in the motor from long-term submersion.

Regardless of which type you choose, proper care—such as cleaning the filter and storing the unit correctly—will help extend the life of your pool robot.

If your pool collects a lot of leaves, focus on the suction inlet size and filter basket capacity. Large leaves (like palm fronds or magnolia), gumnuts or sticks can block the cleaner, so it’s best to scoop them out before running the robot.

For heavy leaf loads, a coarser filter basket is often more effective, as it captures leaves without clogging with fine debris. Check our product descriptions for details on the best robotic pool cleaners for leafy pools.

What robotic pool cleaner suits a pool that gets a lot of dirt and dust?

Filtration level matters when dealing with fine debris. A coarse filter will catch leaves, dirt, and sand, while a finer filter is better for dust and algae. However, finer filters clog faster, so if your pool has a lot of fine dirt, you may need to clean the filter mid-cycle or run multiple cleaning sessions.

Robotic pool cleaners are best for regular maintenance. If your pool has a thick layer of dust after winter, manually vacuuming first will give you better results before switching to robotic cleaning.

While robotic pool cleaners make pool maintenance easier, they aren’t completely hands-free. You’ll still need to:

• place the cleaner in the pool and remove after use
• empty and clean the filter basket regularly
• charge battery-powered models after each cycle.

Robotic cleaners also have limits on what they can handle. Large debris like palm fronds, sticks or heavy leaf piles should be scooped out first to avoid blockages. Most models also struggle with stairs and bench seats since they aren’t designed to stay on small surfaces.

They can remove light algae, but they’re not a solution for a green or severely dirty pool. A little TLC—like brushing the walls and stairs—will help your cleaner do its best work.

Robotic pool cleaners rely on water flow for suction and propulsion. If the water level is too low, they will shut down as a safety measure.

Not all models are designed for shallow water features like beach entries. Check our product descriptions for details on robotic cleaners that can handle shallow areas.

Most robotic pool cleaners work well on all pool surfaces, including fiberglass and vinyl.

If your pool has a safety step around the edge, the cleaner will likely climb the wall and continue to the waterline but won’t clean this ledge.

Check our Compare Robotic Pool Cleaners table or individual product listings for the best models for your pool surface.

Robotic pool cleaners come in different shapes, sizes, and weights. Some models can be heavy when full of water and debris, making them harder to lift.

If you’re looking for something more manageable, consider a smaller robot with a lightweight design and a smaller filter basket. However, keep in mind that smaller models may require more frequent cleaning cycles.

Check our product descriptions for weight details, or give us a call—we’ll help find the best option for your needs.

Both tracked and wheeled robotic pool cleaners perform well. However, tracked models can sometimes get small debris like gumnuts stuck in the tracks, which may cause jams.

If your pool has a lot of small, hard debris, a wheeled model might be a better choice. All robotic cleaners have safety shut-off features if they detect a jam or blockage. We also recommend manually scooping any debris that might cause a problem.

Most robotic pool cleaners have a top-loading filter basket that’s easy to remove and clean. Some use filter cassettes, which can be a little more difficult to maintain (but they do a good job too).

Filters come in different levels of filtration:

• Fine filtration (e.g., ultra-fine or 50 microns): captures dust and light algae but clogs faster; best for routine cleaning.
• Coarse filtration (e.g., 150-200 microns): handles leaves and larger debris but allows fine dust to pass through.

Some models allow dual-stage filtration, combining both fine and coarse layers for better performance. Choosing the right filter depends on the type of debris your pool collects.

Each pool is different and you can often use a combination of fine/coarse filter layers to suit. For example, if you had a lot of leaves across the pool you may opt for the coarser filters to maximise collection of larger debris and not worry so much about the finer particles. Once the larger debris is collected, you might put the cleaner back in the following day with finer filter layers.

Some robotic pool cleaners have cable swivels to reduce tangling, but a swivel only works if the cable pulls tight and is fully extended. The main cause of cable tangling is excess cable in the pool.

To prevent tangling:

• only use enough cable to reach the furthest point in your pool
• untwist the cable after each use
• avoid leaving the cleaner in the pool for extended periods
• pool robots shouldn’t be used if a pool cover is in use.

Many modern robotic cleaners use programming to minimise tangling, making swivels less necessary.

Not necessarily. While extra features like smartphone apps and temperature sensors can be useful, they’re not essential for everyone.

When choosing a robotic pool cleaner, focus on:

1. Pool size & shape – ensure the cleaner can navigate and cover your pool effectively.
2. Debris type – consider whether you need fine filtration for dust or larger inlets for bigger leaves.
3. Features & technology – decide if extras like remote control or scheduling are things you will use regularly.
4. Durability & maintenance – look for a model that’s easy to clean and maintain.
5. After-sales support – choose a brand with reliable local service and spare parts availability.

Think about what you’ll actually use. A simple, high-quality cleaner that fits your pool’s needs will serve you better in the long run.

1. Time-saving: Tired of manually vacuuming your pool? Let technology take over and automate the cleaning process. Robotic cleaners save you time by efficiently cleaning your pool while you focus on other tasks around the house or enjoy quality time with your family.
2. Superior cleaning: Robotic cleaners are equipped with scrubbers or brushes to thoroughly clean the pool’s surface, including the floor, walls and waterline. They use optimised cleaning patterns or sensors to ensure a thorough cleaning of a pool.
3. Efficient removal of debris: Robotic cleaners excel at removing fine particles, leaves, and even algae. With their onboard filtration system and debris basket, they independently collect debris from the pool floor, allowing the skimmer box to continue skimming leaves from the surface.
4. Energy efficiency: Robotic cleaners operate using their own low-voltage power supply or are battery powered, eliminating the need for the main pool equipment to run simultaneously. By reducing the energy usage of pool pumps, you can save money on electricity bills.
5. Improved water circulation and filtration: Unlike other cleaners, such as suction cleaners, robotic cleaners don’t interfere with the skimmer box. This keeps the skimmer box open, allowing it to skim leaves and promoting better water circulation and filtration. The result is improved water quality, reduced chemical usage, and a more enjoyable swimming experience.

Robotic pool cleaners can provide a convenient and automated cleaning process allowing you to enjoy a sparkling clean pool, and the benefits of cost savings and enhanced water quality.

There are three main types of pool cleaners: suction cleaners, pressure cleaners and robotic cleaners.

Suction cleaners connect to a suction point such as the skimmer box, have a long hose that goes to a cleaner on the floor of the pool, and work whenever the main pool equipment is running.  Advantages are that they are relatively cheap and are always vacuuming the pool if the pool pump is running.  Disadvantages are that the skimmer box is not available to skim leaves, they are harder to install/remove from the pool in between use, and they tend only to clean the floor of the pool (well).  They are good for some types of pools and certain conditions.  But you have to empty the skimmer basket regularly as this can become blocked with leaves and then the equipment shuts off.

Pressure cleaners connect to a fitting on the side wall in the pool which supplies pressurised water down a hose to propel the cleaner and use a jet of water to collect debris from the floor.  They require a separate pressure or booster pump which is timed to run at the same time the main pool equipment is running.  Advantages are that they don’t connect to the skimmer box and therefore this is left open to skim debris from the surface of the pool.  Also, they tend to have larger openings to pick up larger debris from the floor of the pool.  Disadvantages are that they have an extra pump running and using electricity – of all household appliances, pool pumps tend to use some of the highest amounts – and the pump and pipework to the pool needs to be installed when the pool is built.  Also, the long hose connecting to the cleaner can be very difficult to install/remove from the pool in between use, and mostly, they tend only to clean the floor of the pool.  They cost more than suction cleaners but generally less than robotic cleaners. They are good for some types of pools and certain conditions; especially, if you have a very leafy pool.

Robotic cleaners are independent of the rest of the pool equipment and have their own power supply or are cordless/battery operated.  Generally, the cleaner has wheels or tracks as well as scrubbers that allows them to travel around the pool and even up the walls and back and forth along the waterline cleaning the surface.  They have their own onboard filter/basket to collect debris and powerful suction to vacuum as they go.  They should be removed from the pool regularly, the filter/basket emptied, and the cleaner stored in between use.  Some are controlled from a power supply unit while others can be controlled from an App on your mobile phone.

Advantages are:

• they don’t need the main pool equipment running
• they vacuum the pool as it moves along and have scrubbers which scrub the floor, walls and waterline
• there are no bulky hoses that are difficult to connect
• they are much easier to install/remove from the pool in between use
• they only run for a few hours each cycle and therefore use much less electricity
• they are suitable for most types of pools and most conditions of debris or leaf load.

Disadvantage … they cost a lot more than suction and pressure cleaners but they have many more features, use very different technology, do a lot more to keep your pool clean, are much simpler and easier to use, and operate separately to your main pool equipment.

The latest robotic cleaners have self-navigation to improve cleaning efficiency, thoroughness, and reduce energy consumption as well as being controlled from an App on your mobile phone.  You could be anywhere in the world and check if it’s been doing its job cleaning your pool.

Ask our team or expert advice to check which robotic pool cleaner is the best option for you and your pool.