Top 5 Pool Robots - Review and Compare the Best Robotic Pool Cleaners for 2023

[@Lovs2sell765]

4 years ago-ish i bought the Polaris IQ with Aqualink for $1600. It worked for 2.5 seasons and died. I spent $900 to repair trying to get a few more years. After the $900, i threw it in the pool and had the same issue. So last season i went without and just vacuumed the old fashioned way which really stinks. I may try this Dolphin on your recommendation. Thank you!

[@LeoCloutier]

Great line-up, Justin. We spent most of last year researching pool robots and ultimately chose the Dolphin Premier based on your recommendation from the 2022 video. We've been using it since October and it's been as bulletproof and efficient as you stated in your videos. It's basically a "throw it in the pool and forget it" experience, and cleaning the filters afterward is as simple as it gets. The hardest part was finding a resource with the lowest price, but we were fortunate to find an online location that had it for $100 less than Amazon at the time, so I felt justified in pulling the trigger. Thanks for your videos. They are concise, informative, and amazingly effective. You really should consider branching out into reviewing other pool-related tools/accessories/equipment and broaden the content of your channel.

[@ThePoolNerd]

Thank you! We appreciate it and glad we could help! The Dolphin Premier is a truly amazing robot (hence why it’s at the top of my list)! We do have some new videos in the work for more pool maintenance tips! They’re releasing soon, so stay tuned!

[@ianomalley3113]

Can you post the link with the best price? Thanks!

[@parraj1960]

Would like to buy the Premier, but how long is the cord? I've seen some adds saying 50' and some saying 60'. Need a 60' ft cord.

[@Cocora22]

I got the Premier last Summer and loved it from the beginning. We aren't opening the pool until tomorrow, but for the first time ever all the dirt is already out of the pool. I started with the leaf bag and ran that a couple of time to pick up the large debris. Followed with a few pases with the fine mesh filters to get the next size particles .Today finished up with the super fine corrugated filters . It was expensive but a worthwhile expense.

[@ThePoolNerd]

Yes, it’s definitely worth the extra investment! The Leaf Bag in combination with the Ultrafine filters are fantastic! Hard to beat it, especially with the 3 year warranty!

[@Cocora22]

@@ThePoolNerd Yes! I did discover though that once the filter is full, you have to , obviously remove and clean, but also reset at the source otherwise it does not suction properly.

[@billkampas3042]

Which one is meant for above ground pools?

[@krajacic21]

Great video Justin! I think I'm going to go with the Sigma because of the cleaning and Wi-Fi capability. Have you tried the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme? And if so how does that compare with the Sigma? Thanks!

[@michelewhite3262]

Can these (or any others) climb walls that meet the floor at a 90 degree angle? If so, is there a model that is preferred for all tile pools?

[@ThePoolNerd]

Yes! All for these in the list can climb the walls (you’ll want to look for waterline cleaning and wall climbing!)

[@camilapeters-quayle3021]

Hi what works best on a jelly bean pool please? As it’s 6by3meters and an irregular shape

[@danielastanciu4397]

Does the cord stay at the surface water all the time? Second question: when you say can be scheduled it means we can leave it in the pool all the time?

[@scottlong8039]

Great review, I have an inground pool with a pool liner, would these robots work with the liner ? Will they be to rough or is that something to even worry about?

[@ThePoolNerd]

They work for all types of pools! I actually have a pool liner (even though it looks like tile). You shouldn’t have any issues at all!

[@courtneychew2319]

We bought the Dolphin Premier (July 2023). I do like the 3 different options for the filter bags/ Fine filter. What they dont tell you is when you use the bag, you have to keep the screen in. and When you use the fine filter and ultra fine filter you have to unscrew the hard plastic liner. that seemed odd to me. (I paid $1247-on sale) Orig price $1747. I thought I was getting the 2023 option, now after watching this video, it seems it is the 2022 version. There are some places the Dolphin premier wont go in my pool (in the deep end). So the jury is still out for me on this Dolphin Premier. When I called Maytronics (after 30 min wait) they told me it was a better version of the Dolphin commander which I had until it broke in July 2023. I have seen this rated # 1 in a few different videos so thats why we purchased it. Lets hope it is as good as it is rated. NJ here.

[@Fishingjunkie-y8v]

Glad I saw your comment. We just purchased our home and it has a pool. So as we speak we are looking into purchasing this.

[@chrisUSA]

I have been listening to your reviews and they are excellent; I have commented before about this. Can you review a new cleaner? The Scabots Robotic Cleaner and tell us how it compares with the top Dolphin?

[@carlosherpin47]

I live in the New Hampshire, is this going to be the best. I currently have the CC, I'm thinking of an upgrade, is this worth purchasing? Zero issues with the current CC. Thank you. Not sure what the "arms" above are useful or not? Thank you so much, love the content. Where does that "leaf" bag go?

[@ThePoolNerd]

Yes, these are the top tier models I’ve tested! It’s definitely worth the upgrade. The “arms” are Maytronics Dual Stabilizer that helps the unit clean the waterline (a feature not found on the CC). Combine that with the 3 year warranty, Leaf Bag, Multi-Media, and more, you get a lot more features and value in the Dolphin Premier! The Leaf Bag is inserted at the bottom of the unit! Super easy to use and switch with the Ultra-fine and standard filter that comes with it!

[@GDIliev]

I suggest you put in-video links to your reviews and comparisons while talking for the exact models... would be easier for your viewers ;)

[@oldkid6]

the dumping of fake leaves was great

[@tommywoodruff2953]

We are having a new pool installed and will go with the Quantum again. The units with multiple filters or bottom-style filters are a pain. The Quantum leaves very little work for you to do and the filter is by far(and I mean a long shot) the best to deal with and clean. It picks up leaves and sticks to fine particles. Many times I emptied full baskets of leaves. It was truly a workhorse and we will get it for our new pool. Beware of the bottom style bags and filters where you have to take the bottom of the robot apart (thank me later), you will hate it. No way would I use the other two "high-end" models over the Quantum.

[@dsipley86]

Hi Justin- hoping you can help me out. I have an Above Ground pool (about 25 feet, all circular pool) My parents have an Inground pool and I borrow their Dolphin Nautilus CC plus a few times each summer. it works great, but I'm ready to invest in my own so I can clean on a regular basis. I'm very torn between the Dolphin Escape and Cayman. I don't really need a Timer, because I plan to take the vaccum out each time to help it last longer. I also have an open deck, so the battery supply can't stay outside when it rains anyway, sot he timer feature isn't really necessary. I like the fact that the Cayman can climb walls. However, I've read before that Pool cleaners could tear the walls of an above ground pool because the liner isn't on as hard of a surface as an inground pool...so do I even want a pool cleaner that can climb walls in my Above ground pool? I just don't want to to get something that could cause damage. Amazon has both products right now and it's only an 80 dollar difference from what I see. Thoughts?

[@karbs76]

What are your thoughts on corded vs battery powered. I heard battery technology right now doesn’t last

[@SimonBirchNYC]

How does the Dolphin DX4 compare to Sigma and Premier? I don’t need app access as I don’t plan ti leave the robot in the pool. Is the difference just the commercial motor and one addt’l yr warranty?

[@ThePoolNerd]

The DX4 will be missing the Ultra-Fine Filter, Leaf Bag (exclusive to Premier), larger commercial motors (filters an additional 500 GPH), 1 year additional warranty, MediaAlert (Full Filter Indicator), and app (Sigma only). The ultrafine filters and/or a leaf bag are a necessity in my opinion. Once you factor in extra warranty, filters, and other added features, I would suggest going with the Premier or Sigma over any other cleaner. The DX4 is still a great unit, but the lack of the ultrafine filters, smaller motors, and shorter warranty really set it back when comparing the value of the other 2 cleaners. Even if you don't need the app, the better performance and additional features are well worth the extra money. Dolphin Premier - amzn.to/3i4IcCk Dolphin Sigma - amzn.to/3q56mky Dolphin DX4 - amzn.to/3pqzfdD If you were looking more so on a budget, the Cayman is a fantastic choice. It will have nearly all the same features as the DX4, same warranty, same motors, and same programmable power supply for significantly less. Dolphin Cayman - amzn.to/3EX95Ee Hope that can help! All are great options!

[@universaldonor3100]

do the dolphin cleaners need to be removed from pool after each cleaning?

[@ThePoolNerd]

No, they don't! They can stay in and clean for weeks at a time. The same applies to other brands with a weekly timer as well - unless it cordless, which then it needs to be charged daily, but I don't recommend any cordless cleaners!

[@reneeborg15]

Hi and thanks. So if they are programmed they can be left in pool all summer?

[@ThePoolNerd]

Yes, the Premier, Sigma, Quantum, and Cayman have programmable timers that allow the unit to run every day! You’ll just have to take the unit out to clean the filter and throw it back in! It’s super easy to use and setup!

[@gibberish5388]

@@ThePoolNerd Isn't leaving it in the pool all the time damaging? Secondly: I always feel like these cleaners die so fast, always within 4 years. Is this common? Maybe its because I take it out and should be leaving them in?

[@julierose4831]

@@gibberish5388 I’m wondering about this too. We are replacing a dolphin we bought a few years ago because the cord became crumbly. We thought this was because the unit was left in the water unless someone was using the pool.

[@cindyclaridge1815]

@@julierose4831 my dolphin just broke down/stopped working/moving after 15 months use. We usually leave it in the pool, working every day. Recently tho, the cord became crumbly/white coating almost overnight, when we topped up the magnesium levels. I wonder if there's a connection here?

[@julierose4831]

@@cindyclaridge1815 would be good to know if there is. 15 months is a very short time! We had ours at least 3 years before the cord failed. They do sell replacement cords. We did that first but it didn’t work out and we ended up ordering an updated machine and returning the cord. We won’t be leaving it in the water anymore.

[@mguerramd]

There are a tremendous amount of complaints about the app. Can these be controlled without it?

[@ThePoolNerd]

Yes, the Sigma is the only one with an app. I prefer to not use the app actually! Way easier to do it on directly on the power supply.

[@USAFreedom4Ever]

I have an M400 that has trouble climbing walls of fiberglass pool and rarely does the water line like it should water chemistry is fine no slime on the walls what is the best model for being able to climb stairs and do the waterline of a fiberglass pool?

[@RickyMohar]

Do you not test Polaris pool cleaners, if you do then any reason why they do not make the cut ? Polaris is easy to fix cuz you can take it to the nearby Leslie store and they give you free labor while charging for parts replacement. Yes those parts are slightly more expensive but still the convenience of fixing these when they break and yeah they do break irrespective of what brand they are.

[@kendaspivey2811]

Hey and thank you so much for your wonderful informative videos. I bought a QOMOTOP robotic cleaner last year and it worked great. This year I went to charge it and it won’t take a charge and the company can’t be reached and has vanished. After getting burned on that purchase, I’m very nervous about spending more money on another cleaner. You really like dolphin cleaners, how solid is the company and how good is customer service?

[@ThePoolNerd]

I've found Dolphin to be very solid, which is the exact reason I put so many in my Top 5. I've had my Premier going on two years now (what I use on a daily basis). The one time I did reach out to Maytronics, it was top notch and they quickly replied and got me the part I needed. It seems there are a lot of robots coming on the market that just don't stand the test of time, but out of all the units I have tested, they are by far the best. I'm excited to see that there are some new brands that I'll be testing as well very soon.

[@jimmyfrausto2887]

I have had the dolphin premier for 4 years now. It's been in my pool every day. I don't take it out unless we swim. I run it at least twice a day. I use the ultra fine particle filter.

[@larrymccorkle3409]

I have an AGP. That seems to limit my choices of Dolphin pool cleaners. The seemingly frail plastic input and output hardware on the side worry me regarding a pool cleaner bumping them on the side. Could it damage them in time? If that’s not an issue, it would open up my options. Maybe even get one that has a kink free cord. Maybe the Nautilus cc+? Can you offer advice? Or should I focus on the Escape doing just the floor? Thanks for your expertise?

[@ThePoolNerd]

I’d definitely recommend the Dolphin Escape for an above ground pool! It’s the best performing above ground unit I’ve tested. With its SmartNav 2.0, HyperGrip Tracks, and HyperBrush, it’s performance is unparalleled when compared to other above ground cleaners! Simply blows them out of the water!

[@Shempagne]

What are your thoughts on the explorer e70?

[@markwheaton3198]

Will you review the Aiper new cordless pool vac?

[@wittech6116]

No he won’t, they aren’t paying him.

[@gabrielvazquez81]

Haha these are all dolphins? He might be accurate but really?

[@wittech6116]

@@gabrielvazquez81 bought a quantum, returned it and bought an Aquabot elite pro. Such a better cleaner than the dolphin.

[@ColbyNeal]

@@wittech6116lol. I mean, it’s ONLY Dolphin. Still curious about Polaris. The only “downfall” is that 3 second clip of the Polaris not holding onto the wall - true for everyone?

[@wpgl3r0wneyez]

I have an above ground Coleman 22ft by 12ft, would the #1 on your list be suitable for this and then eventually a swim spa that I’m planning on replacing my pool with?

[@ThePoolNerd]

Yes, the Premier definitely would be suitable for it. It may be overkill however. You can also look into the Cayman and Escape for your pool!

[@daveb8576]

We would like to by a Dolphin robotic cleaner for our inground pool, but, because we have issue with tiles loosening along the waterline, we want to find one that cleans the bottom only. Any recommendations/suggestions? Or, can one of the models be programmed NOT to clean to the waterline? Thanks! Appreciate these videos.

[@ThePoolNerd]

I'd recommend the Dolphin Escape. It is for above ground pools, but works great on in-ground pools as well! This is going to be one of the only models that sticks to the floor only, but even that can be a huge help!

[@daveb8576]

@@ThePoolNerd Great. We will check out the Escape. Thank you!

[@enersaveltd]

Are any of these ok to use for an above ground Intex pool? I have an oval shaped one.

[@ThePoolNerd]

Yes, all of these would work in an intex pool! Our top choices would be the Dolphin Escape and Dolphin Cayman!

[@ch33kz]

​@@ThePoolNerdyour 2 choices probably cost more than the pool itself. Is there any budget friendly cleaners that do a fairly decent job?

[@bmulligan12345]

Have you found any of the cordless ones to be decent? Polaris Freedom or the Aiper Seagull Pro?

[@ThePoolNerd]

We’ve tested the Aiper and Dolphin Liberty units. They’re honestly really disappointing. They lack the power that you’ll find in the corded models. Combine with consistently having to mess with it to charge it, it requires a lot more time for a worse user experience in my experience. Hopefully they’ll improve over time, but I don’t think they’re quite there yet.

[@RisaGreenberg]

Anybody know the difference between the dolphin premier and the dolphin m400?

[@BlairLorelei]

Are these all safe for pools with vinyl liners?

[@ThePoolNerd]

Yes! All of these cleaners are safe for vinyl pool - as well as every other type of pool!

[@sea4598]

great line up. Can you use the caymen in a above ground pool. Super study wall and it is not a intex. Built in 2023. We are trying to get the mapping and the scheduling with great clean up

[@ThePoolNerd]

Yes! The Cayman is one of the best value robots I’ve tested. It does great with its wall climbing and programmable timer. It is rated for in-ground and above ground pools!

[@marvinisit]

Wait.... if the Cayman cleans every day.... do you leave it in the pool, or does it get into the pool on it's own.....

[@ThePoolNerd]

You leave it in the pool and it’ll automatically turn on and off every day!

[@jasonkav]

Can the cayman do in ground pools?

[@ThePoolNerd]

Yes, the Cayman works for both in-ground and above ground pools. It’s definitely one of the best value Dolphin robots, as you get a lot of bang for your buck, especially with the programmable timer and wall climbing!

[@marthacintron3578]

What robotic pool vacuum is good for sloped pools?

[@ThePoolNerd]

Any of the ones in my video will work amazing on sloped pools! You can’t go wrong with any!

[@parraj1960]

Pool Nerd guy, have you tested the AIPER Seagull Pro?

[@ThePoolNerd]

Yes, our review is coming out very soon! Stay tuned! Spoiler: We didn't love the battery powered units. Seemed to lack a lot of power, especially compared to corded models.

[@michaelandersen1801]

I see a robotpattern, made by a dolphin ;-)

[@fauj2001]

What about the stairs cleaning?

[@AAATowDriver]

Pool Nerd I understand a majority of your videos are about Dolphin or Maytronics , but I feel your somewhat biased towards Maytronics. Hope to see a video about cordless soon.

[@ThePoolNerd]

We have a bunch of the cordless Aipers and cordless Dolphin Liberty as well! I wasn’t that impressed with either of the two! We also are looking into testing more from other brands soon as well! It may seem partial, but the Dolphin units in my video definitely are some of the best on the market currently!

[@AAATowDriver]

@@ThePoolNerd That cordless Dolphin 200/300/400 looking pretty good. Hope you get a review unit so we can see if it's up to par with any corded dolphin version.

[@curtismansell5254]

Ok. I am confused on the timer features? You leave this thing in your pool? I wouldn't think you would want it in there all the time? We swim in ours almost every day.

[@brabs_weather8048]

What would bee a good replacement for the Triton Plus older model looks like M400

[@ThePoolNerd]

I’d recommend looking into the Dolphin Premier or Dolphin Sigma! Both are two of the best units I’ve tested, plus they have the full 3 year warranty from Maytronics! They’ll both have waterline cleaning, ultrafine filters, programmable timers, and the larger commercial grade motors!

[@brabs_weather8048]

@@ThePoolNerd The Sigma looks like a updated version of mine... THIS GUY kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnzbfauXn8mglZo

[@Monarch15w]

We have a pool that is 40x25 inground, with a cover that is on when we are not in pool want a cleaner that will work with a full time track mounted in pool cover. Was thinking the Dolphin cayman but it says it is only for a 33ft pool…mine is larger. Something that can do few days a week would be nice.

[@ThePoolNerd]

I'd go with the Dolphin Quantum! With a longer cord, waterline cleaning, and an ultrafine basket option, it is a big upgrade to the Cayman. Especially with a pool your size, it should be a great fit. It also has the programmable timer where you can schedule it to run! Dolphin Quantum - amzn.to/3COWOPN

[@Monarch15w]

@@ThePoolNerd is it ok to leave in the pool while the cover is on and run or do I have to pull the cover off before having it run on like a every 3 day schedule?

[@parraj1960]

@@ThePoolNerd , Would like to buy the Premier, but how long is the cord? I've seen some adds saying 50' and some saying 60'. Need a 60' ft cord.

[@seanstrickland4970]

Hmmm I go weeks without being home.. most durable to leave in the water?

[@ThePoolNerd]

Definitely the Sigma or Premier. They both have programmable timers that can automatically run! With the Sigma, it has a special Wi-Fi app that allows you to start and schedule it from anywhere - it’s super neat!

[@yourdogwalkingrealtor-rick1480]

Will any of these Robots climb stairs and clean a large wetdeck on an inground pool?

[@ThePoolNerd]

As long as the depth of your wet deck is more than 18”! I’ve seen the Premier/Sigma do stairs in my pool, but they aren’t rated for them by Maytronics. They kinda just go over them and will avoid them. Sadly, there isn’t a cleaner that explicitly does stairs at this time.

[@ScentsIRL]

Do you have, or can you do a top 5 video under $300?

[@ThePoolNerd]

We may be making a top 3 video under $1000 soon! It’s almost impossible to find a good cleaner under $300 currently. The best entry level units are usually around $600-700, from any brand.

[@stevierusso529]

Are these cordless as well? Strictly robot?

[@ThePoolNerd]

All of these have cords. We’ve found the cordless ones are gimmicky and hardly produce any suction in comparison. It was very disappointing. Make sure to check our reviews on the cordless cleaners, as we have full in-depth reviews on those and other robotic pool cleaners!

[@DecemberSemexant-ro4he]

What do you recommend for curved pool?

[@ThePoolNerd]

I’d go with the Sigma! With its gyroscope and dual split brushes, it works fantastic on curved pools!

[@mattkleinberg971]

We got the Premier based on reviews as well. And were very disappointed. Wouldn't clean the stairs (Maytronics fine print says it won't, kinda sneaky), and there's a 3" foot wall about a foot from the pool floor that this vacuum simply can't figure out. For $1500, it went back. I now have to adjust my expectations to a cheaper option that just does the floor. Really disappointed.

[@ColbyNeal]

So, premier is #1 in all your videos. Buttttt, the app is going to be the control standard moving forward, not offered on the premier. Which model / series of Dolphin is within the quality and price of premier w the technology for the long haul, Sigma?

[@ThePoolNerd]

The only other unit with the same commercial grade motors is going to be the Dolphin Sigma, which is apart of their ProLine. It actually has an extra motor (3 motors) to power the dual split brushes. It also will have the app to control it! The main thing with the app, is that it simply doesn’t add much of anything, and it takes away from controlling it directly on the power supply. So essentially, it just moved the control from the power supply to a smartphone app. While the Sigma has the advanced scheduling (where you program it for what day you want to run and what time), not all robots have the same app features and it’s relatively hidden by Maytronics. Both are fantastic units though, especially with the longer 3 year warranty! We have continued to use the Premier and Sigma in our pool without any issues whatsoever! Absolutely love them!

[@ColbyNeal]

@@ThePoolNerd thanks for the details. I think i watched so many videos that i know have selection dysphoria. The online to retail versions are VAST! Dolphin Sigma seems like the winner. The only downfall is the filter in place of the larger basket :/

[@ColbyNeal]

We ended up going with the E70. Only because my 7 year old somehow accidentally completed the Amazon cart order. Well, she actually ordered 7 robotic cleaners, no joke. I was doing the research on each model number, 2 arrived in the mail, 5 others were caught by visa fraud and cancelled prior to shipment. I was a sucker for the best of the best (?) upon front door arrival. Good times :)

[@d.r.1091]

Why are all of these made by Dolphin? Do they really have the market cornered?

[@ThePoolNerd]

After testing a bunch of brands, they by far have the best robots in terms of quality, performance, and longevity. Every battery operated cleaner I’ve tried has given up after a few months. The difference in performance is insane. We’ve had a few other brands in past years, but none of them can truly keep up with Dolphin yet. Hopefully that will change in the future though! We’re making some more reviews on other brands very soon, so stay tuned and subscribe if you can!

[@d.r.1091]

@@ThePoolNerd I have a Polaris sport 955 that I've had for 3 yrs. I'm now getting an error 10 message (cable). This is the 2nd one to do that. How do the Dolphins do with this issue?

[@wpgl3r0wneyez]

I have an above ground Coleman 22ft by 12ft. Im in process of getting a swim spa to replace it, would the #1 on your list be suitable for my pool now and eventually the swim spa once I get it?

[@cutoats]

​@@d.r.1091My dolphin died after 2.5 years

[@DJAM87]

coincidentally your top 5 are all from the same company ?

[@Brahma001]

The quantum looks terrible at cleaning the Waterline. At 02:36 you can clearly see, that the brush does not function properly and does not spin because the lack of sucking pressure. I wanted to buy it, but this video shows that it does not work properly.

[@petkuscinta9797]

They all with cables

[@punjabifurniture2798]

All cleaners are dolphin brand

[@gdubyadubya8961]

What a croc. Should have just called this the best Dolphin cleaner. Rubbish