Robot Pool Cleaners

How to choose a robotic pool cleaner

Four things matter more than suction figures.

1. Which surfaces

   Entry models such as the WYBOT A1 and Aiper Scuba 800 clean the floor of flat pools. Most cordless robots also climb the walls and clean the waterline, where the scum line forms. Check the surfaces listed on each product.

2. Pool size

   Makers rate robots by pool area. The range here runs from 860 sq ft (Aiper Scuba 800) to about 3,230 sq ft (WYBOT S2 and Aiper Scuba X1 Pro Max).

3. How it charges

   Most robots charge out of the pool between cycles. The WYBOT S2 Solar models return to a solar charging dock, and the WYBOT S3 docks and empties its debris into a bin on the deck.

4. The surface

   Floor robots do not catch floating debris. Betta skimmers, the WYBOT F1 and the Aiper EcoSurfer M2 run on solar power and clear the surface, and many owners pair one with a floor robot.