Above ground pool cleaner robot: what to look for

Start with your pool, not the robot

Above-ground pools aren't all alike. Some have flat floors. Some slope toward the middle. Walls can be straight or curved.

Maytronics says the answer depends on the pool. ¹ It also says it "offers robotic pool cleaners for above ground pools in various models to suit every need." ¹

So measure first. Write down the pool's length, its shape and what the floor is like. Then read each maker's page for the same details.

If you're new to these machines, the main robotic pool cleaner guide explains the basics first.

Flat floors and sloped walls

A flat floor is the easy case. Beatbot says "a flat-bottom pool gives a robotic cleaner a predictable surface." ³

Sloped walls are harder. Beatbot notes that "non-flat above ground pools introduce sloped walls that curve inward toward the floor." ³ It adds that "sloped walls require the robot to sustain suction pressure while climbing at an angle." ³

Beatbot also calls "the minimum platform or shallow-area cleaning depth" the most important spec for a non-flat above-ground pool. ³ If your pool has a shallow ledge or step, look for that figure.

Floor-only or walls too?

This is one difference to check. Some clean the floor and the curved edge where the floor meets the wall, called the cove. Others climb walls.

The Leslie's listing for the Aqua Products Sol says it "is recommended for above ground pools and flat bottom in ground pools up to 30 feet in length with slopes less than 15 degrees." ⁴ The same listing gives "Cleaning Coverage: Floor & Cove." ⁴

Trevi lists its Flix as "For above-ground pools with flat bottoms." ⁵

A Maytronics model on the other side of the split is the Dolphin Pool Up. Its page says "Cleaning Coverage Floor and Walls." ² The page calls it "Designed for above ground pools." ²

Don't assume a robot that handles walls will suit every pool shape. Read what the maker says it's made for.

Pool size and cable length

A corded robot's cable has to reach every part of the pool. If you'd rather skip the cable, our guide to the cordless robotic pool vacuum covers run times and limits.

The Dolphin Pool Up page lists "Maximum Pool length 8 m" and "Cable Length 12.0 m." ² The Leslie's listing says the Aqua Products Sol "includes a 40-foot floating cable." ⁴

One page uses meters and the other feet. Convert carefully and compare with your pool's length.

Power is a job for the manual. Where the power supply goes, and whether people can swim while the robot works, are questions for your model's own instructions.

Warranty and filters

Warranty terms differ. The Dolphin Pool Up page shows "Warranty (years) 2 Years." ² Its filter is listed as "Filter Type Filter bag." ² The Leslie's listing gives the Sol a "Two (2) Year Limited Warranty on Product," and points to the owner's manual for the full coverage details. ⁴

Check the manual for how to reach and empty the filter.

What to check before you buy

Use this as a short shopping list. Copy each figure from the maker's page and write down the day you looked.

- Pool match: the length, shape and floor type the maker lists. - Coverage: floor only, floor and cove, or walls too. - Slope limits: what the maker says about slopes. The Leslie's listing for the Aqua Products Sol gives "slopes less than 15 degrees." ⁴ - Cable length: compared with the longest run in your pool. - Warranty: how long, and what's covered.

None of these robots has been used by us. We won't rank them. Your pool's numbers decide.