Keep Your Pool Sparkling Clean With the 12 Best In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaners

Keeping your pool clean used to be a time-consuming endeavor that consumed a good portion of your afternoon once a week. Fortunately, there’s a better way to do it.

This is where the Best In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaners come in handy. Robotic pool cleaners can turn a messy, frustrating job into something relatively simple and hassle-free. More expensive robots can even work autonomously, freeing you to take care of more important matters.

Even with an automatic robot, cleaning our your pool might still take the better part of an afternoon. But you’re not going to be the one to do it, and that makes all the difference in the world.

Things to Consider

While pool cleaners designed for in-ground pools will often work just as well in above-ground pools, the reverse is frequently not the case. A lot of it comes down to what is powering the robotic cleaner. A lot of in-ground pool cleaners connect directly to the filtration system, while above-ground pool cleaners often connect to the filter pump. Here are some things you should keep in mind while you’re shopping.

1. Filter Pump Compatibility

A lot of high-end robotic pool cleaners function independently of the pool’s water pump or filtration system. If you’re looking to buy a pool cleaner on a budget, however, you need to pay attention to its filter pump requirements. Robotic cleaners that connect directly to the filter pump often require a specific flow rate in order to function properly.

2. Material compatibility

Pool cleaners use different tools in order to clean your pool. Some depend on suction and function primarily as filters. Others use vacuums to remove dirt and grime, while others still remove buildup through rotating bristles. More expensive models will often use multiple methods to clean your pool. That said, not all pool cleaners work with all types of pools.

3. Programmable Timers

This is really more of a convenience than a necessity, but it’s a pretty big convenience. A programmable timer means you don’t have to babysit or supersize the robot as it cleans – simply set it to work and retrieve it later when you have the time.

4. Good Sensors

Some robotic pool cleaners have a tendency to get stuck in the corners of the pool because their sensors aren’t good enough to effectively navigate these awkward angles. Pool cleaners that have the right sensors can avoid these annoying obstacles, meaning less frustration for you.

5. Pool Size

The effectiveness of your robotic pool cleaner will vary heavily depending on the size of the pool you have. A lot of pool cleaners have an ideal size ratio, and won’t be able to clean larger pools effectively. In general, larger pool cleaners are able to cover a larger area.

QUICK OVERVIEW

The Best In-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaners

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Products	Features
EDITOR’S PICK 4.3 1,200+ 1200+ Hayward W3PVS20JSTHayward W3PVS20JST	Four-wheel design; patented tire treads enhance the climbing ability and obstacle maneuverability Multiple pre-programmed internal steering sequences ensure complete pool coverage PRICE RANGE: Under $500 Four-wheel design; patented tire treads enhance the climbing ability and obstacle maneuverability Multiple pre-programmed internal steering sequences ensure complete pool coverage PRICE RANGE: Under $500 Check price at Amazon
MOST REVIEWED 4.3 1,690+ 1690+ Dolphin Nautilus CC PlusDolphin Nautilus CC Plus	Ideal for swimming pools up to 50 feet in size and will clean them in just two hours An independent cleaning machine that does not rely on any additional equipment PRICE RANGE: Under $800 Ideal for swimming pools up to 50 feet in size and will clean them in just two hours An independent cleaning machine that does not rely on any additional equipment PRICE RANGE: Under $800 Check price at Amazon
TOP PICK 5 1+ 1+ Dolphin C4Dolphin C4	Suitable for commercial use in pools up to 68 feet; thoroughly cleans dirt and debris from the floor, walls, and stairs in just 2.5 hours Fully customizable, so you can set cleaning schedules, choose between cleaning cycles, delay start, and spot clean using a remote control PRICE RANGE: Under $2000 Suitable for commercial use in pools up to 68 feet; thoroughly cleans dirt and debris from the floor, walls, and stairs in just 2.5 hours Fully customizable, so you can set cleaning schedules, choose between cleaning cycles, delay start, and spot clean using a remote control PRICE RANGE: Under $2000 Check price at Amazon
BUDGET PICK 3.5 2,950+ 2950+ Intex Auto Pool CleanerIntex Auto Pool Cleaner	Needs a filter pump with a flow rate between 1600 and 3500 gallons per hour in order to function properly Works with Intex pools PRICE RANGE: Under $75 Needs a filter pump with a flow rate between 1600 and 3500 gallons per hour in order to function properly Works with Intex pools PRICE RANGE: Under $75 Check price at Amazon
BUDGET PICK 3.7 4,310+ 4310+ XtremepowerUS 75037XtremepowerUS 75037	Ideal for cleaning pools up to 30 feet; moves around the pool at an approximate rate of 8 feet to 12 feet per minute Smart design features a freely moveable flapper that prevents debris from being lodged inside PRICE RANGE: Under $100 Ideal for cleaning pools up to 30 feet; moves around the pool at an approximate rate of 8 feet to 12 feet per minute Smart design features a freely moveable flapper that prevents debris from being lodged inside PRICE RANGE: Under $100 Check price at Amazon

Under $75

Intex Auto Pool Cleaner

Robotic pool cleaners come in a wide variety of models. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a quality product. The Intex Auto Pool Cleaner is one of the most affordable pool cleaners on the market, and while it can’t match the performance of a more expensive model, it works well in most situations.

Unlike most pool cleaners, the Intex Automatic has some very specific requirements in order to function properly. It needs a filter pump with a flow rate between 1600 and 3500 gallons per hour (gal/hour), and it attaches to your pool via a 24’7” inlet connector hose. At just over 15 pounds, it’s fairly light, and it does a thorough job of cleaning the pool, although its a bit slow.

Now for the bad part: this cleaner only works with Intex brand pools. If you have an Intex, this is great news, as its guaranteed to work for your pool as long as your filter pump is strong enough. If you don’t own an Intex, however, you’ll have to find something else.

Under $100

XtremepowerUS 75037 Climb Wall Pool Cleaner

The XtremepowerUS 75037 Climb Wall Pool Cleaner is ideal for pools up to 30 feet and comes with a total of 10 different hoses so you can adjust the length as required. It requires at least a ¾ hp pool pump (or 1600 GHP), but the company recommends that you use one that’s 1 hp or above for optimum results. Weighing just 15 pounds, it’s easy to move around and store when not in use.

No tools are required and no electricity is needed for this pool cleaner to work – simply attach it onto your existing filtration system and you’re good to go. It moves around the pool at an approximate rate of 8 feet to 12 feet per minute, but it’s worth noting that it only cleans the bottom surface and walls, not stairs.

While the company states that this robotic in-ground pool cleaner is effective at cleaning algae, dirt, and dust, it does specify that it shouldn’t be used to clean leaves and large amounts of debris.

However, the smart design features a freely moveable flapper that prevents debris from being lodged inside. Lastly, it comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Under $200

Hayward W3900 Pool Cleaner

The Wanda the Whale Cleaner from Hayward is designed to clean the bottom of in-ground pools of all shapes and sizes – and it comes with 32 feet of hose. Equipped with a steering system that utilizes patented SmartDrive technology, it cleans automatically, making sure no debris is left behind. 

A unique turbine system allows this pool cleaner to move across the bottom of your pool, providing exceptionally quiet performance while improving circulation by pulling water up from the bottom as it moves. A deluxe bumper ring reduces friction, guiding it away from walls, steps, and ladders to continue the cleaning cycle until the job is done.

It operates separately from the pool’s filtration system and connects directly to the skimmer, installing in less than 10 minutes without tools. Moreover, it weighs only 17.86 pounds, so it’s easy to pick up and move, as well as small enough to store easily when not in use. Lastly, the Wanda the Whale robotic in-ground pool cleaner comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Under <$300

Zodiac MX6 In-Ground Suction Side Pool Cleaner

The Zodiac MX6 is a compact yet powerful suction side pool cleaner that features best-in-class vacuum power that utilizes cyclonic suction to remove all traces of dirt and debris from your pool. It not only cleans the floor of the pool, it also uses articulating turbine blades to climb and clean the walls. 

With an innovative low-flow design, this pool cleaner consumes less energy than most, making it ideal for pools with 2-speed and variable speed pumps.

The flow regulator controls the water flow, so there’s no need to make adjustments to the skimmer. Weighing only 17.41 pounds, it’s easy to pick up and move, as well as small enough to store easily when not in use.

This pool cleaner comes with 27.5 feet of hose, so is ideal for pools with a maximum size of 30 feet. Moreover, the swiveling hoses have a quick-connect design for easy assembly.

It’s also programmable, meaning you can leave it to work its magic without having to keep an eye on the time. Lastly, the Zodiac MX6 comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Under $400

Aquabot AJET122 Pool Rover S2-50

The Aquabot Pool Rover S2-50 is designed to clean both above-ground and in-ground pools by vacuuming and micro-filtering dirt, debris and contaminants from the pool floor. It also features a passive brush that is designed to help agitate dirt and debris in order for it to be removed. The maximum pool size is 50 feet.

It has been engineered with the finest filtration in the industry (down to 2 microns), thereby helping to keep pools cleaner and substantially reducing the number of chemicals needed.

All debris is stored in an easy-access filtration basket at the top. Weighing just under 12 pounds, it’s easy to pick up and move, as well as small enough to store easily when not in use.

This pool cleaner utilizes patented hydro-robotic technology that is able to clean and filter 80 to 85 gallons of water per minute – moreover, it has two cleaning cycles to choose from. It is also equipped with an adjustable axle pin to help maximize coverage and prevent cable tangling.

Lastly, the Aquabot Pool Rover S2-50 comes with 50 feet of kink-free, swivel hose and a one-year limited warranty.

Under $500

Hayward W3PVS20JST Poolvergnuegen Pool Cleaner

The Hayward Poolvergnuegen 4-Wheel Suction PoolCleaner uses the existing pool pump and filter for power – all you need to do is plug it into the designated suction port or the skimmer for quick and easy setup.

Featuring patented self-adjusting turbine vanes, it delivers maximum power at any flow and allows passage of larger, more stubborn debris. 

This pool cleaner comes with three interchangeable throats that allow optimization of suction performance at a lower flow as well as larger debris passage. As such, it is the ideal suction cleaner for use with variable speed pumps – and it can be used to clean pools up to 40 feet.

Patented tire treads enhance this pool cleaner’s climbing ability and obstacle maneuverability, while patented adjustable roller skirts allow the cleaner to maintain optimal suction on uneven surfaces and when encountering obstacles.

Moreover, multiple pre-programmed internal steering sequences ensure complete pool coverage – travels 11 to 14 feet before turning, and turns can range from 90 to 540 degrees. Lastly, it comes with a two-year limited warranty.

Under $600

AIPER Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner

The AIPER Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner is ideal for cleaning both in-ground and above-ground pools up to 50 feet in size. It features four PVA brushes to provide superior grip and lift dirt and all kinds of debris with ease.

Moreover, anti-rollover technology allows this pool cleaner to climb walls and stairs easily, meaning it can clean all parts of the pool.

The hose that is provided is tangle-free, leaving the pool cleaner to move around the pool freely; furthermore, a safety rope is included so that the power adapter can be fixed safely and securely away from the water.

It can be scheduled to clean the pool every one hour, two hours, and three hours, which means you can sit back and relax without having to think about turning it on and off. Lastly, the AIPER Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner comes with a two-year limited warranty.

Under $800

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin is one of the leading companies when it comes to robotic pool cleaners – and although they don’t come cheap, they certainly get the job done.

The Nautilus CC Plus is ideal for swimming pools up to 50 feet in size, and the company claims it will leave them sparkling clean in just two hours – that includes the walls and the stairs, as well as the floor.

Unlike most robotic pool cleaners on the market, Dolphins are independent cleaning machines and do not rely on any additional equipment to get the job done – which means you can ditch the hose and pumps.

Moreover, the cable is tangle-free. You can schedule it to clean your swimming pool each week using three different settings: every day, every other day, or every third day.

This model features dual scrubbing brushes and superior filtering capabilities; plus, it has two large cartridges that hold a considerable amount of dirt and debris. Lastly, the Nautilus CC Plus comes with a two-year limited warranty.

Under $1000

Aquabot Elite Robotic Pool Cleaner

The Aquabot Elite Robotic Pool Cleaner is designed to clean the floor, walls, and stairs of pools up to 50 feet in size. It’s designed with a 360-degree anti-tangle swivel feature that stops the cable from becoming tangled, so you can sit back and let it do its thing.

The dual scrubbing brushes have been specifically designed to remove stubborn dirt, grime, and algae from all kinds of surfaces, and the top-loading extra-large dual filtration cartridges are big enough to store a fair amount of debris before needing to be emptied out.

It also features a built-in variable timer, meaning there’s less for you to do. The only downside of this model is its weight – at 39.5 pounds, it’s heavier than a lot of similar products on the market.

Lastly, the Aquabot Elite Robotic Pool Cleaner comes with a storage and transport caddy, as well as a three-year limited warranty.

Under $1200

Dolphin Premier Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner

The Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner is the second model from Dolphin on this list, and it has many of the same features as the first. Again, this is an independent cleaning machine that does not rely on any additional equipment to get the job done – which means you can ditch the hose and pumps.

Moreover, the cable is tangle-free. You can schedule it to clean your swimming pool each week using three different settings: every day, every other day, or every third day.

This model features dual scrubbing brushes and superior filtering capabilities; plus, it has two large multi-media cartridges that hold a considerable amount of dirt and debris. There is also an oversized leaf bag.

The Premier is ideal for swimming pools up to 60 feet in size, and the company claims it will leave them sparkling clean in just three hours – that includes the walls and the stairs, as well as the floor.

This model also features CleverClean, which delivers a smart and efficient clean using advanced algorithms for complete pool coverage.

Moreover, you can also purchase a remote control for hands-free use. There is an LED light that indicates when the cartridges are full and need emptying.Lastly, the Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner comes with a three-year limited warranty.

Under $1500

Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Cleaner

The Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Cleaner is the step up from the Nautilus CC – but it’s almost double the price. However, it is a significant upgrade.

Again, this is an independent cleaning machine that does not rely on any additional equipment to get the job done – which means you can ditch the hose and pumps. Moreover, the cable is tangle-free.

You can schedule it to clean your swimming pool each week using three different settings: every day, every other day, or every third day.

This model features three scrubbing brushes and superior filtering capabilities; plus, it has two extra-large cartridges that hold a considerable amount of dirt and debris.

The Premier is ideal for swimming pools up to 50 feet in size (including the walls and the stairs, as well as the floor), and there are three settings to choose from: quick (1.5 hours), standard (2.5 hours), and enhanced (3.5 hours). 

This model is Wi-Fi connected, so you can set advanced cleaning schedules, choose between cleaning cycles, delay start, and spot clean using the MyDolphin Plus App on your phone or tablet. Lastly, the Premier Robotic Pool comes with a three-year limited warranty.

Under $2000

DOLPHIN C4 Commercial Robotic Pool Cleaner

The C4 Commercial Robotic Pool Cleaner is the final Dolphin model on this list and the most expensive overall. However, it’s suitable for commercial use in pools up to 68 feet.

It thoroughly cleans dirt and debris from the floor, walls, and stairs in just 2.5 hours. Dual top-loading fine and ultra-fine cartridge filters circulate thousands of gallons of water per hour, removing all types of debris and enhancing water quality.

The C4 is customizable, so you can set cleaning schedules, choose between cleaning cycles, delay start, and spot clean – plus, all this can be done using a remote control (which comes included).

As with all Dolphin models,this is an independent cleaning machine that does not rely on any additional equipment to get the job done – which means you can ditch the hose and pumps.

Moreover, the cable is tangle-free. This model features three scrubbing brushes; plus, it has two extra-large cartridges that hold a considerable amount of dirt and debris.

Moreover, CleverClean Technology, an advanced navigation and scanning software system, ensures your pool is cleaned using the most efficient route without letting obstacles get in the way.

Lastly, the C4 Commercial Robotic Pool Cleaner comes with a caddy as well as a two-year quality assurance, which we assume is the same as a limited warranty.

Conclusion

So, now you have a definitive list of the 12 best in-ground robotic pool cleaners available online for a range of prices. There should be something here to suit everyone – whether you just need a basic model for use in a small pool or if you require top-of-the-range equipment for commercial use.

When it came to the Editor’s Pick, I had to choose the Hayward W3PVS20JST Poolvergnuegen Pool Cleaner. Fully adjustable and customizable and featuring a patented design and technology, this delivers maximum cleaning power and ensures complete pool coverage for pools up to 40 feet.

However, if you’re looking for a budget option, the Intex Auto Pool Cleaner and the XtremepowerUS 75037 Climb Wall Pool Cleaner are both great picks.

Although a lot of research and consideration has been put into this article, it’s still always important to read product specifications and reviews before making a purchase, just to ensure it’s the right model for you.

After all, you don’t want to waste your hard-earned cash on a product that doesn’t fit your requirements. Lastly, if you found this article useful, please share it for others to see!