Best Robotic Pool Cleaners in the UK

When average robotic pool cleaners fail, the Hayward RC9990GR rises to the occasion. This is a mean machine that easily handles the most contaminated pools.

Looking inside, the model features multiple contributors that separate this robot from less impressive automatic cleaners, but the biggest one is the adaptive seek control logic (ASCL) microprocessor. Optimising the cleaning routine based on the pool's size and shape, this machine ensures spotless results despite what the pool's geometry might look like. The second most attractive quality has to be the on-board pump, providing an intense vacuuming action and picking up the tiniest dirt particles and debris.

When you remove these two attributes from the equation, everything else falls into place but without contributing as much as the aforementioned features. To start with, the simple direct drive design adopts non-corrosive bearings, so the model's even the most fragile components will not start corroding with time. To continue, this machine handles all bottom and wall types, including flat bottoms, gentle slopes, diamond-shaped pools, complex slopes, you name them. You can choose between PVC and foam brushes, with the latter offering improved adhesion to pools made from ceramic and polyester, ensuring excellent cleaning results in subpar conditions, while the former are less efficient but have an increased lifespan.

Swim with sharks and you get bitten, swim with the Dolphin Blue Maxi 40i and know that you can enjoy the pool without worrying about dirt, debris, algae, or anything like that. No, this dolphin is as effective as it is efficient, cleaning pools without naming names.

One would even argue that this is the most complete automatic electric pool vacuum but, first things first, let's start with its lightweight and ergonomic design that, along with the fast clean-water release mechanism, lets you easily remove this dolphin from the pool. The one issue we have on the ergonomics front is that the cable gets easily tangled, something that doesn't interrupt the machine's operation but also something that you'll be occasionally fixing anyway. Still, the robot is more than independent, meaning that you can kick back, relax, and watch this dolphin do all the dirty work.

Stacked up against its predecessors though, the Blue Maxi 40i is a huge upgrade, owing to the CleverClean™ system that systemically scans the pool's every inch, leaving not one tile unscrubbed. But, as important as this technology is, it is the active double brushing action that defines this robot, separating the product from its less effective relatives. Easily scrubbing away even the most stubborn algae and bacteria buildups, the model lets you have kids and pets swimming in the pool without worrying about them contracting something nasty and/or dangerous. Likewise, the robot adopts the company's signature multi-layer filtration system that captures large debris as well as fine and ultra-fine dirt particles alike. Between these systems, the Blue Maxi 40i covers the bottom, walls, and even the flotation line with its side-sweep brushes.

Robotic pool cleaners offer a lot of help in cleaning pools, but their actual real-world cleaning performance can often vary wildly. Different types of pools don't lend themselves to be cleaned easily by anything, and robotic pool cleaners, despite their ever-increasing effectiveness, can still often struggle with providing effective cleaning. The overall cleaning performance of the Hayward RC9990CUB TigerShark Robotic Pool Vacuum, though, is something else entirely. This robotic pool vacuum has been designed to work with a variety of underground pools, providing a thorough and effective cleaning in those that other robotic pool vacuums often struggle with.

To start with, setting up and controlling this robotic pool vacuum is about as easy as it can get. The cleaner doesn't require any additional hoses or pumps connected to it, nor does it need to connect to the pool's filtration system, as all of the cleaning tools are self-contained within the unit. Those who buy the optional caddy cart will also find it quite easy to transport and store the unit along with its power supply and cord. The unit is also quite efficient and reliable, able to run autonomously for a full cleaning cycle that requires little to no supervision.

The Dolphin PoolStyle PLUS is not quite as impressive as the company's previous model listed here but, having said that, this robot is also not without its advantages. While the machine might not be as effective at removing algae as its relative, the system that accelerates the brush twofold and enables enhanced cleaning makes the robot, at times, even more effective than its more expensive contemporary.

Generally speaking, this system will remove all algae (barring an occasional stubborn buildup that will require two runs) and bacteria, leaving the pool sparkling. What's more, unlike its direct relative, this robot comes outfitted with a tangle-free swivel cable that will not require frequent untangling and, measuring 15 metres length-wise, will let you unleash the dolphin without relying upon multiple adapters.

Sure, this machine is a little more basic, something that becomes evident when you find out that you cannot program and manage this robot remotely and also that you cannot choose between multiple cleaning cycles. The second is not the biggest downside since most people seldom use more than the default one but having that option is always nice anyway.

The model is just as versatile though, cleaning pools made from smooth fibreglass, vinyl, coated concrete, rough ceramics, even stainless steel without hiccups. Furthermore, the company's CleverClean™ protocols have not gone anywhere, scanning the pools' geometry using advanced algorithms and ensuring optimal coverage and precise cleaning.

The WINNY Product QP is the least expensive robot within this lineup, even with its looks revealing the model's more budget disposition right away. Needless to say, with its odd, cheap-looking orange-ish and blue paintwork, this machine does not have the sleek presence that the previous models can boast.

Still, as much as we dislike its appearance, aesthetics is the least important subject when you're discussing robotic pool cleaners. What's much more important is coverage, and this fellow covers pool surfaces measuring as 115 square metres without issues. What's also more important is the machine being versatile, which is pretty much the case here. While the people behind the product do not outline that this one can clean pebble and tile pools (even though the robot can), everything from ceramic and concrete to stainless steel, fibreglass, and vinyl pools is fair game.

Even the more expensive models sometimes struggle cleaning the float line but this robot cleans them, floors, and walls with comparable ease. Sure, the machine will sometimes produce squeaking noises whilst doing so, but this is a given when you're discussing automatic cleaners below 1000 quid.

What's not a given when you are discussing these models though is the intelligent program integrated into the control unit that figures out the best route and spends less time covering the entire pool, so the robot will usually be done within 90 minutes (there are no pre-set cleaning cycles here so the time will vary depending on the pool's size and conditions).