It`s an axiom that any pool requires regular cleaning. And as far as pools have recently stopped being a luxury and increasingly appeared in the backyards of average people like us, we all long to know how to maintain them most quickly and cheaply.
Sure, there are three options: to hire a professional pool guy, to do cleaning yourself, or to buy a vacuum cleaner. While the first option is the most expensive, the second is the most time- and effort-consuming, the third seems to combine all possible benefits.
Robotic pool cleaners occupy a special position among their vacuum brothers. They offer autonomous work, remote control, or even scheduling, and the best cleaning result in the shortest time. So, let`s have a look at the three currently best robotic pool vacuum cleaners, namely Maytronics Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, Maytronics Dolphin M500, and Hayward W3RC9990CUB TigerShark, more information about this models you can read in this review.
Maytronics Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
We start our top with one of the best Maytronics models – Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic cleaner, which is designed for all inground pools up to 50 ft in length. The type of pool facing doesn`t matter, as it deals with everything from cement to tile.
The type of the pool pump or filter doesn`t matter either, because the CC Plus is a fully independent model that requires only a standard 120v outlet for power. Besides, it`s energy-saving. The Dolphin uses a 60 ft power cord with tangle-free swivel technology.
The model consists of black-and-blue 20 lb plastic body and dual rubber brushes that capture large debris, as well as scrub sediment. The drive part functions on the principle of tank caterpillars. It also allows the cleaner to work on the bottom and climb walls, steps, and other niches. The whole cleaning takes about 2 hours.
Water goes through the double cartridge filtration. The first fine filter captures big debris, and the second ultra-fine filter deals with the smallest particles. Cartridges are easily removable and washable.
The Nautilus CC Plus applies the CleverClean navigation to plan the route, scan the space, and avoid obstacles.
The cleaner also offers you programmable scheduling. Set one of the three cleaning scenarios – every day, every other day, or every third day cleaning. But mind that this device doesn`t feature a remote or smartphone control.
As the item weighs about 20 pounds (which is a standard weight for robotic cleaners), the kit includes a caddy for easier transportation.
The price of the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus may seem scaring, but it`s quite beneficial for such a class of appliances – $779.
Maytronics Dolphin M500
Dolphin M500 is another Maytronics robotic cleaner for inground pools up to 50 ft. It features some similar functions, which we highlight in Nautilus CC Plus, but in some moments, it surpasses the previous bot.
The M500 operates independently of the pool`s filtration and pump systems, being powered from a 120v net through a 60 ft tangle-free swivel cord.
It has a dual drive-motor, tree roller-brushes (two soft and one rough for extra dirt), and high suction. These elements eliminate all debris of any complexity from any surface. The cleaner deals with the floor, walls, and waterline, climbing with its tank caterpillars even slippery slopes. Depending on the cleaning mode, the process may take 1.5, 2.5, or 3.5 hours.
Here we see the same dual cartridge filtering for large and fine dirt. The cartridges prevent clogs and require minimum maintenance.
The navigation of the Dolphin M500 was much improved. Now, it applies not only the CleverClean technology but also the gyroscopic navigation system. This combination provides sophisticated scanning, route building, and automatic obstacle avoidance.
The most significant improvement of the cleaner is the presence of the Remote MyDolphin smartphone app and Bluetooth connection. Here you can turn it on/off, choose the cleaning mode, set the weekly schedule and timer, etc. Besides, there`s an additional digital switch panel for manual settings like on/off, timer, full bag indicator, and Bluetooth indicator.
This Dolphin weighs about 22 pounds. To transport and lift the bot, one can use a caddy and convenient handles on the body. We also not quick water elimination system, easy maintenance and repair, and a 36-month warranty.
Unfortunately, Dolphin M500 is currently unavailable for purchase, but there`s still a chance of its re-release or buying a used model.
Hayward W3RC9990CUB TigerShark Quick Clean
The TigerShark series of Hayward company presents an excellent robotic cleaner model with a powerful, yet quick cleaning. It deals with all inground pools up to 40 ft in length.
One of its main advantages is the Quick Clean cycle that allows performing cleaning in record 90 minutes. That`s possible thanks to the so-called microprocessor-based technology. The bot processes all surfaces like floor, walls, water line, recesses, etc. There is also the second Standard cycle mode when the work takes about 3-4 hours.
The TigerShark QC functions independently of the pool`s pump/filter systems and plugs into a standard 120v outlet with a 55 ft flotation cord. It uses an efficient 24-volt motor and an on-board pump. Both contribute to high suction and perfect dirt collection.
A set of rubber scrubbing brushes pick all types of pollution from leaves to sediment. Debris comes through the dual fine filter cartridge. After the operation, you can easily remove it and rinse for further usage.
The built-in drive system allows it to climb all types of surfaces like vinyl, tile, fiberglass, and so on without slipping and getting stuck.
A standard weight of the model also contributes to the maneuverability. It measures 21.5 pounds. Though a transport caddy isn`t included in the kit and should be bought separately, the case has a handle.
Nevertheless, one should mind that The TigerShark QC doesn`t feature a remote control, navigation, and scheduling.
The current price of the Hayward W3RC9990CUB TigerShark Quick Clean is $1118.
These, as well as some other models, form the top of the modern robotic pool cleaners. They combine extra efficiency, functionality, and autonomy. And though the prices may seem high, these cleaners are an investment that will pay off within 12-18 months. Anyway, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So, do try it yourself!