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Best Auromatic Pool Cleaners For Small Inground Pools For 2024

Gretchen Rubin
  Apr 18, 2024 10:26 PM

Consider the best automatic pool cleaners for small inground pools if you want to save money on cleaning costs and keep a happier, cleaner pool. These bots are made to roll around the bottom and sides of your pool, filtering out debris and cleaning the surface to help get rid of any new algae or other problems. The best automatic pool cleaners for small in-ground pools have smart navigation systems, suction brushes, and quick cleaning times. When we looked at the best pool cleaners, we looked for all of these things and more to make sure we gave you the best advice. We also tried out some other cleaners for your home and compared robot vacuums to regular vacuums. You can find them on our website, along with a guide to the best vacuum cleaners.


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Buying Guide

Above Ground vs. In-Ground

A pool vacuum robot for an above-ground pool is usually made for smaller spaces and easier cleaning jobs, since above-ground pools are usually smaller. In-ground pools are bigger than above-ground pools, so they usually need bigger pumps that can clean the water better. Both in-ground and above-ground pools can use our best models, but it's important to know the difference. For example, the floor of each of these types of pools is different from the others.

Type And Size Of Pool

Choose the best robotic pool cleaner based on how big and what kind of pool you have. A device that was made for small pools won't work well in a big pool. Also, a bigger cleaner is not good for small pools or pools that are not in the ground. Make sure you buy a cleaner that is right for the size of your pool.

It is also important to buy a cleaner that works well on different materials like gunite, tile, or vinyl. The best robotic pool cleaner should also be able to clean corners and steps.

Climbing Ability 

The best robotic pool cleaners, like the Aquabot Breeze 4WD cleaner, can climb the walls and stairs of your pool and clean them thoroughly. Black and yellow algae tend to grow on the walls of pools, making them look dirty.

A good in-ground pool cleaner, like the Aquabot Breeze XLS we looked at, should be able to clean the floor and the walls of the pool. Most robotic pool cleaners can climb up walls and scrub at the waterline. Some models, though, get stuck on the stairs. Check the specs of the devices before making a choice.

Pool Debris  

Depending on where your pool is, the dirt and other things you need to clean up will be different. When you put a swimming pool in your backyard, it attracts things like leaves, sticks, bugs, and even pollen.

A good robotic pool cleaner should be able to get rid of all of these things and bring back water that is completely clear. Before you choose a model, make sure it can clean the dirt and other things that are usually in your pool. Your vacuum should have ultra-fine filters for small dust or pollen particles.

It doesn't make sense to buy an expensive in-ground pool cleaner if you still have to use a net to pick up the leaves.

Certifications

When you mix electricity and water in a device, you need to know that it will be safe. Certifications give you peace of mind about this. There are a lot of different certification options, such as CE, UL, ETK, and CSA, and they are usually based on where you live.

 

Make sure a model has been approved for your area. Multiple approvals show that a brand knows how important safety is.

Remote Control

Does the pool bot come with a remote, or do you have to turn it on and off by hand? Most of the time, remote controls are more useful. There is, however, some room for personal choice here. If you don't want to carry around a pool remote, you might prefer manual controls. This is especially true if you're already in the pool when you need to change the program for the robot.

Mobility

Mobility is a general factor that looks at how well the pool bot handles and turns. Most of the time, soft turns with good mapping are better because they clean corners better and make it less likely that cables will get tangled. The bot should also be able to find grip easily and climb your pool walls all the way to the water line without falling off.

Cables And Cords  

Electricity is needed for robotic pool cleaners to work. It might be scary to think about just water and electricity. But these devices have safety features that keep accidents from happening.

When looking for a robotic pool cleaner, make sure that the length of the power cord is long enough for the machine to clean the whole pool.

It makes no sense to buy a tool with a 30-foot cable to clean a 50-foot pool. Even if your robotic cleaner has a swivel cable that keeps it from getting tangled, a larger cable will cause it to get tangled.

Always choose a cleaner with the right length cable for the size of your pool.

Budget

A suction-side pool cleaner is the cheapest of the three types of automatic cleaners because it is the simplest and most basic. If you are on a tight budget, this is a good choice.

The most expensive pool cleaners are the ones that clean themselves. The best ones cost close to $1,500. But robotic pool cleaners that are above ground are usually less than $500.

Pressure-side cleaners are in between suction cleaners and robotic cleaners. They can cost as much as $900, but start at around $300.

Your time

Most automatic pool pumps can only clean themselves on their own. It still needs to be put together and put in the water.

 

Robotic pool cleaners are best for people who are busy and don't have much time to set up and run the cleaner.

A robotic cleaner doesn't need any hoses to work. You just plug it into a GFCI outlet and put it in the pool. When you push a button, it starts to clean.

Most models let you set a time for them to clean themselves automatically.

FAQS

How Long Do Robotic Pool Cleaners Last? 

A good robotic pool cleaner can work for as long as eight years. The cleaner will last longer if you store it properly when you're not using it and clean its filters.

How Do I Choose A Robotic Pool Cleaner? 

When choosing a robotic pool cleaner, you need to think about things like the type and size of the pool and the type of debris in it. Also, make sure the model you're thinking about can clean both the walls and the waterline. Smart features, like smart navigation systems, are also very helpful.

How Often Should I Use My Robotic Pool Cleaner? 

You can use the robotic pool cleaner every day, once a week, or once every two weeks. If you swim in the pool every day, you should run the cleaner every day. It will pick up any small or big pieces of trash that might get in the way of your swimming. People with allergies have a hard time with pollen.

Why is my automatic pool cleaner, not working?

When your automatic pool cleaner isn't working, the first thing to look for is a blockage. There may have been something in the vacuum that stopped it from sucking.

 

Stones can also get stuck in the wheels, making it hard for the cleaner to move.

For cleaners that use suction or pressure, check the pump and filter as well. It could be that the pump isn't working right or that the filter is clogged.

For other possible problems, look in the manual's troubleshooting section or call customer service.

Can I leave a robotic pool cleaner in the pool?

Yes, you can (but check the manual to be sure). In fact, you will have to if you have set your computer to clean itself every week.

But don't let it stay in the water for too long. Some parts will break down faster if they are submerged for a long time.

Take the robot out once a week to let it dry and clean the filters. Also, take the cleaner out when you add chemicals or close the pool for the winter.

Conclusion

Automatic pool cleaners are now a must-have for people who own pools. They make taking care of your pool easier and save you money at the same time.

There's an automatic pool cleaner for everyone, whether you have an above-ground pool or a pool that's built into the ground, and whether you want a cheap cleaner or one that does a great job.


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