Robotic pool cleaner/vacuum recommendations for our pool post-reno

[HitchHiker]

Hoping the knowledgeable folks here on TFP can help me out. Here's a link to my pool reno thread for reference:

Backyard transformation project - many years delayed - finally under way!

Haven't been here on the forums since COVID basically, here's the original thread for reference: https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/major-backyard-pool-reno-project-planning-getting-started-advice-appreciated.146585/ We're finally starting our back yard transformation project in earnest...

www.troublefreepool.com

Long story short, we're midway through renovating a circa 1990 Anthony gunnite pool with a plaster surface. We have an old Rayvac vacuum line that we're removing as part of the reno - really just capping it off and cementing/plastering over it. I'll cut the PVC line at the pump of course - when I replace the pump (DIY) the week after next. It's a 3.5 foot shallow end to eight foot deep end pool - roughly 25k gallons - with an inbuilt loveseat area in the deep end and three stairs in the shallow end that are somewhat free form (i.e. the stairs aren't straight - they curve with the curvature of the pool itself).

Looking for a good recommendation on a "smart" robotic pool cleaner with waterline cleaning capability. I've been reading online "best rated" articles and it seems the Dolphin CC Plus/Pro gets good marks for an "overall" best choice, with the Dolphin Explorer E50/E70 getting good marks for inground pools specifically, but none of the reviews seem to specifically grade on waterline cleaning capabilities. Price isn't really the primary concern, looking for the best overall quality, ease of use, and most of all, thorough cleaning capabilities of course. Our pool is partially treed in - on one side - so ideally the robotic cleaner would do well with leaves and other tree refuse as a general rule.

 

[HermanTX]

Review the BeatBot Aquasense on the forum

Beatbot AquaSense Cordless Pool Robot

Does anyone have the non-pro version and feels that it cleans well enough? I have the bettabot for surface skimming so that being one of the primary features of the AquaSense Pro doesn't matter to me. Other differences are the lack of water clarification (don't care about this), no ECO mode...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[HitchHiker]

Review the BeatBot Aquasense on the forum

Beatbot AquaSense Cordless Pool Robot

Does anyone have the non-pro version and feels that it cleans well enough? I have the bettabot for surface skimming so that being one of the primary features of the AquaSense Pro doesn't matter to me. Other differences are the lack of water clarification (don't care about this), no ECO mode...

www.troublefreepool.com

Looks good but on the pricey side of course. There's a $330 incentive plus an extra free year of warranty at present. Puts it in the $1900 range, without the added water clarifier kit yes? It does seem like a decent unit from a newer company. Any other recommendations?

 

[reggiehammond]

Call Margaret or Seth at Marina Pool and Spa in Colorado. Best robot prices, friendly service, TFP Supporters, and many reports of them steering you to the least expensive options.

Robots are effectively a consumable, nowadays, so keep your expectation for longevity within reason.

 

[HitchHiker]

Call Margaret or Seth at Marina Pool and Spa in Colorado. Best robot prices, friendly service, TFP Supporters, and many reports of them steering you to the least expensive options.

Robots are effectively a consumable, nowadays, so keep your expectation for longevity within reason.

Without having to look through all of the threads - do we have a collective "best bang for the buck" robotic cleaner for an inground pool that is a clear winner here on TFP?

 

[reggiehammond]

Whichever one Marina has in stock at the time... they'll steer you to the right model with just 2-3 simple questions.
While it looks like there's a lot of options in robots; most are exactly the same, just a different brand on outside.

Just to be clear; most Maytronics robot models are not allowed sold online, so the reviews you see out there are just for the few that are allowed.
That's why you need to call Marina Pool and Spa to get "real" pricing and availability.

 

[HermanTX]

Without having to look through all of the threads - do we have a collective "best bang for the buck" robotic cleaner for an inground pool that is a clear winner here on TFP?

I think you see that cordless robots are challenging the corded robots - especially for pool owners transitioning from traditional pressure-side or suction-side cleaners with hoses.
So you really need to decide do you want corded or cordless.

 

[Jimrahbe]

@HermanTX

I have not been keeping up with cordless robots, but the last time I looked they were just not there yet..

Do we have any cordless robot users that have had one for more than a year??

Which one do you recommend?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[HermanTX]

@HermanTX

I have not been keeping up with cordless robots, but the last time I looked they were just not there yet..

Do we have any cordless robot users that have had one for more than a year??

Which one do you recommend?

Thanks,

Jim R.

There are 2 active threads.
One is the Beatbot AquaSense

Beatbot AquaSense Cordless Pool Robot

Does anyone have the non-pro version and feels that it cleans well enough? I have the bettabot for surface skimming so that being one of the primary features of the AquaSense Pro doesn't matter to me. Other differences are the lack of water clarification (don't care about this), no ECO mode...

www.troublefreepool.com

and the other is Aiper Scuba

Aiper Scuba S1 Review

I noticed my charging plug got pretty hot last night and I only had it plugged in for 2.5 hours. Not sure what it would feel like if you left it plugged in all night. Once it’s fully charged, I’m assuming it would power down so the charger wouldn’t be generating any more heat. Anyway, good luck...

www.troublefreepool.com

Both look promising and are at very different price points
Both robots have standard and pro models with slight differences in performance

 

[RayLovesPorkKebab]

There are 2 active threads.
One is the Beatbot AquaSense

Beatbot AquaSense Cordless Pool Robot

Does anyone have the non-pro version and feels that it cleans well enough? I have the bettabot for surface skimming so that being one of the primary features of the AquaSense Pro doesn't matter to me. Other differences are the lack of water clarification (don't care about this), no ECO mode...

www.troublefreepool.com

and the other is Aiper Scuba

Aiper Scuba S1 Review

I noticed my charging plug got pretty hot last night and I only had it plugged in for 2.5 hours. Not sure what it would feel like if you left it plugged in all night. Once it’s fully charged, I’m assuming it would power down so the charger wouldn’t be generating any more heat. Anyway, good luck...

www.troublefreepool.com

Both look promising and are at very different price points
Both robots have standard and pro models with slight differences in performance

How about AquaSense Pro?

 

[HermanTX]

How about AquaSense Pro?

It is mixed in with the link sent earlier or you can search the forum for specific posts on it.

 

[HitchHiker]

I think you see that cordless robots are challenging the corded robots - especially for pool owners transitioning from traditional pressure-side or suction-side cleaners with hoses.
So you really need to decide do you want corded or cordless.

I think I'd prefer cordless. I mean I can support a corded unit - I do have a plug on a 120v/15A breaker available, but I think I'd prefer a cordless unit especially if the cordless units are basically offering the same level of performance as the corded units.

 

[HitchHiker]

How about AquaSense Pro?

I've been watching online video reviews of the Beatbot units - both the Pro and non-Pro units. They are pricey for sure. I guess my biggest question/concern is whether the additional expense is really worth it. In general I've had a fairly good experience going cordless for lawncare for example - 3-4 years ago I converted over to the Lowe's Kobalt 80v line of lawncare equipment including mower, blower, weed wacker, trimmer, chainsaw, etc. They aren't as powerful as an equivalent corded unit of course - but not being tethered to a cord is a big enough plus for me - though at roughly four years in - I'm now facing battery replacement costs as the batteries are starting to drain much more quickly and take less of a charge. I've got four batteries - one 2AH, two 2.5AH, and one 6AH which is the mower battery. The batteries are expensive to replace without a a doubt - oftentimes just as much as the actual power tool itself or close to it. This is my chief concern with a cordless pool cleaner unit, and if the battery isn't swappable, that's an even larger concern.

 

[HermanTX]

I've been watching online video reviews of the Beatbot units - both the Pro and non-Pro units. They are pricey for sure. I guess my biggest question/concern is whether the additional expense is really worth it. In general I've had a fairly good experience going cordless for lawncare for example - 3-4 years ago I converted over to the Lowe's Kobalt 80v line of lawncare equipment including mower, blower, weed wacker, trimmer, chainsaw, etc. They aren't as powerful as an equivalent corded unit of course - but not being tethered to a cord is a big enough plus for me - though at roughly four years in - I'm now facing battery replacement costs as the batteries are starting to drain much more quickly and take less of a charge. I've got four batteries - one 2AH, two 2.5AH, and one 6AH which is the mower battery. The batteries are expensive to replace without a a doubt - oftentimes just as much as the actual power tool itself or close to it. This is my chief concern with a cordless pool cleaner unit, and if the battery isn't swappable, that's an even larger concern.

Search the forum for Beatbot, there is an active thread on the pros and cons.
There is another on Aiper Scuba or S1 robot
Both are cordless and have decent performant thus far but none are 4 + years yet so the battery life if unknown.

 

[Newdude]

They aren't as powerful as an equivalent corded unit of course

This is how I see cordless robots.

And how long will the battery last as it will cost hundreds to replace it. One of the newer players I had high hopes for (Seauto / didn't end well) had the ease of battery replacement as a selling point. K. But if the battery needs replacing every 2 years, and it's spendy........

I guess to play devils advocate they frequently spend $200 on new power cords for the wired robots, so it's probably a wash.

 

[Superblue72]

I was considering the beatbot but decided to go with the Dolphin i60 active...having the ability to run multiple cycles is a huge plus imo. I just had my concrete patio done. I was able to run my robot a couple cycles in a row to get all the sand up.