Robotic vs. suction pool cleaners, what’s the best choice? Overall, robotic pool cleaners are better than their suction counterparts. For starters, robotic pool cleaners are the most advanced when it comes to automatic pool cleaners. But still, suction-side pool cleaners have awesome advantages you might want to consider.
In today’s comparison review, we want to put the robotic vs. suction side pool cleaners debate to rest. Find out whether robotic pool cleaners are worth the money.
We have also shared the best robotic and suction side pool cleaners on the market. But what’s the main difference between robotic and suction side pool cleaners?
importantThe main difference between robotic and suction pool cleaners is their operation. Robotic pool cleaners are independent automatic pool cleaners that don’t rely on your existing pool infrastructure and come with fancy features. Suction-side pool cleaners, on the other hand, are automatic pool cleaners that rely on your existing pool infrastructure for operation and are more affordable.
There are several other differences that we will discuss in detail.
| Parameter | Robotic Pool Cleaners | Suction-Side Pool Cleaners |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Very Expensive | Cheaper |
| Assembly / Installation | Not Required | Required |
| Orientation | Floor, Walls, Waterline | Floor, Walls, Waterline |
| Smart Scheduling | Yes | No |
| Maneuverability | Excellent | Average |
| Smart Mapping | Yes | No |
| Cleaning Efficiency | Excellent | Average |
| Designed For | Inground Pools and Above Ground Pools | Inground Pools and Above Ground Pools |
| Filters | Fine, Medium and Large Debris | Fine, and Medium |
Robotic vs. Suction Side Pool Cleaners
Robotic and suction pool cleaners are two of the most popular automatic pool cleaners, together with pressure-side pool cleaners. So, what’s the deal with these two automatic pool cleaners?
The advantage of robotic and suction side pool cleaners is their autonomous operation, making them more convenient than manual pool cleaners.
In this comparison review, we have focused on the best robotic and suction pool cleaners, analyzing their working mechanisms, features, pros, and cons. As a sneak peek, here are the best robotic and suction pool cleaners.
Best Suction Side Pool Cleaners
- Zodiac MX6 Automatic Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
- Zodiac G3 Automatic Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
You can also check out our exclusive robotic vs. pressure side pool cleaners comparison review.
What is a Robotic Pool Cleaner?
As the name suggests, a robotic pool cleaner is an automated pool cleaner that leverages brushes, suction, and a filtration system to capture debris and eliminate stains in swimming pools.
In the last decade, robotic pool cleaners have been the talk of the town as they are more convenient than pressure and suction side automatic cleaners. However, they are quite expensive, but tag along with some fantastic features that take pool cleaning to a whole new level.
How Do Robotic Pool Cleaners Work?
Now, the big question is, how do robotic pool cleaners work? What sets them apart from suction side pool cleaners?
Robotic pool cleaners are independent, self-contained pool cleaners that don’t rely on your pool’s system for operation. They come with brushes for scrubbing pools, motors for generating suction to suck up debris, and a filtration system with a dirt bag for collecting the debris.
When it comes to maneuverability, robotic pool cleaners come with wheels or wheels and tracks that give them the agility to move around your pool and even climb walls. But one feature gives them the edge over suction side pool cleaners; smart navigation and mapping. Unlike other automatic pool cleaners, robotic pool cleaners have sophisticated systems that enable the robot to avoid obstacles with precision and create hyper-accurate maps of your pool for entire level coverage.
One thing that makes robotic pool cleaners a cut above the rest is the fancy features such as programmability, and mobile app operation features that pressure and suction cleaners lack.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners have advantages and disadvantages, as listed below.
- No assembly or installation is required (Plug ‘n Play)
- Don’t rely on the existing pool system
- Cleans floors, walls, and the waterline
- Excellent maneuverability and navigation
- Better in terms of energy efficiency
- Reduces water and chemical consumption
- Features smart navigation and mapping
- Come with fancy features such as a scheduler, and app operation
- Customizable cleaning modes
- More expensive than suction side cleaners
- They don’t capture floating debris
- Can’t be left in the pool
Best Robotic Pool Cleaners
Despite having some flaws, robotic pool cleaners are the new kids on the block when it comes to pool maintenance. If you are looking for the best robotic pool cleaners, below are our editors’ best picks.
1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is an upgrade of the original Nautilus CC. The two share quite a lot, but the CC Plus is the better option as it offers better scrubbing, a slightly longer cord, and larger filters. It captures all kinds of debris, from fine dirt to large leaves and acorns. Below are the pros and cons of the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is a corded vacuum cleaner with a Plug and Play design, meaning no assembly is required. Just plug it into the mains, position the control box, and you are good to go. This pool cleaner is suitable for inground pools of up to 50ft. and can handle any pool shape or surface. Be it a rectangular or kidney-shaped pool, it is up to the task. As for pool surfaces, it can clean gunite, vinyl, pebble, tile, or fiberglass pools.
In terms of cleaning performance, the Nautilus CC Plus is designed for floor and wall cleaning only. It can’t handle the waterline. Under the hood, it packs a powerful motor that delivers high and consistent suction to capture all kinds of debris, sending them into the large top load filter system (Fine Filter Kit). It is worth acknowledging the top load system as it makes maintenance a buzz. The standard dual scrubbing brushes ensure nothing is left behind, from metal stains to algae. Unfortunately, the Nautilus CC has just a single cleaning cycle Standard (2 Hours).
When it comes to navigation and mapping, the Nautilus CC has been engineered with CleverClean smart navigation system which leverages sensors and sophisticated software to avoid obstacles and map your pool for entire-level cleaning. As for maneuverability, the Nautilus CC Plus has tracks that give it better traction and agility.
Lastly, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is not well-endowed. The only feature worth mentioning is the Weekly Scheduler, which lets you program the cleaner for a whole week. Unfortunately, there is no app operation, automation, or Delay function. But we like the fact that despite its bulky weight, there’s a Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus with Caddy for easy mobility.
- Plug and Play design (no assembly required)
- Excellent pool floor and wall cleaning
- Powerful scrubbing
- Large capacity easy access top load filter
- Smart navigation and mapping, with tracks
- Highly efficient (Reduces water, chemical, and energy usage)
- Convenient Weekly Scheduler
- Tangle-free swivel cable
- A model with a caddy is available
- Doesn’t clean the waterline or floating debris
- Single cleaning cycle (2 hours)
- No full bag indicator
- No app or remote operation
2. Polaris P965iQ Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner
As mentioned above, the Nautilus CC Plus doesn’t offer app operation. If you want a truly smart robotic pool cleaner, the Polaris P965iQ Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner should be on your wishlist. Courtesy of the iAquaLink app, you can access real-time controls of the robot from anywhere as long as it is connected to your home WiFi.
The Polaris P965iQ is a versatile pool cleaner that requires no assembly or installation courtesy of the Plug and Play design. It is designed for inground pools of up to 60ft. This is courtesy of the 70ft cord with tangle-free technology. When it comes to cleaning, it has been designed to handle the entire pool, from the floors and walls to the waterline.
This robotic pool cleaner can handle all kinds of debris and dirt. It has dual blade brushes that scrub the tough stains and grime while the super suction generated by Vortex Vacuum technology sucks up all dirt into the 5L canister. Talking of the canister, there is a dirty canister indicator, so you get alerts when it’s time to empty the bag. When it comes to cleaning cycles, the Polaris Sport lets you program it to run multiple cleaning sessions at different times.
Regarding navigation and mapping, the Polaris is indeed a sports model. It has been engineered with a smart navigation and mapping system, so it can avoid obstacles with precision and clean in a systematic pattern guaranteeing that no spot is missed. As for maneuverability, Polaris built the Polaris P965iQ with large wheels, not tracks. While the wheels are large enough to climb obstacles, tracks are the best as they offer better traction and agility, especially on the walls.
Onto convenience features, the Polaris Sport is a smart robotic pool cleaner compatible with the mobile app (FREE iAquaLink pool control app) and Alexa. You get access to all the pool cleaner’s controls on the app. Interestingly, you can manually control the robot if you want it to clean specific spots. Other features include Patented Easy Lift Removal System for easy removal after cleaning and the Premium Caddy for easy mobility.
Below are the pros and cons of the Polaris P965iQ.
- Plug and Play design (no assembly required)
- Excellent pool floors, walls, and waterline cleaning
- Powerful active scrubbing
- High suction courtesy of Vortex Vacuum technology
- Long 70ft. hose with a tangle-free swivel
- 5L canister with a full bag indicator
- Supports app (iOS and Android) and Alexa operation
- Easy to lift and remove from the pool
- Real-time remote control
- Easy-Assemble Premium Caddy
- It costs an arm and a leg
- It doesn’t capture floating debris
- Can’t be left in the pool
- Lacks push notifications
What is a Suction Side Pool Cleaner?
As the name suggests, suction side pool cleaners are automatic pool cleaners that rely on the suction generated by the pool’s existing filtration for propulsion and sucking up debris.
Suction-side pool cleaners are very popular for two reasons. First, they are more affordable compared to robotic and pressure-side pool cleaners. They are also energy efficient and require less maintenance as they have fewer moving parts.
How Do Suction-Side Pool Cleaners Work?
So, how do suction side pool cleaners work? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these pool cleaners?
To start, suction side pool cleaners are not independent as they work off your pool’s filtration system. But note, most don’t require a separate booster pump for efficiency. Basically, there is a long hose that attaches to the cleaner and the dedicated suction line or skimmer. Once connected, a vacuum is created, drawing water and any debris into the cleaner’s filter bag, leaving the dirt and debris trapped in the bag while clean water is released back into the pool.
On to maneuverability, suction side pool cleaners are guided by the hose and move randomly, eliminating stains and debris from pool floors, walls, and deep corners. Unfortunately, they don’t have any convenience features such as weekly scheduler, programmability, and remote operation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Suction Side Pool Cleaners
- Most affordable of all automatic pool cleaners
- Easy installation and operation
- Requires no separate booster pump (most models)
- Highly energy efficient
- Set and forget (can be left in the pool)
- Fewer moving parts, translating to low maintenance
- Best for capturing large debris
- Not effective for large and irregularly shaped pools
- Limited maneuverability
- High operation noise
- Strains the pool’s filtration system
Best Suction Side Pool Cleaners
Suction-side pool cleaners have advantages and disadvantages, but at the end of the day, they come in handy when you are on a budget. Now, which are the best suction side pool cleaners that should feature in your wishlist? Below are our top picks.
1. Zodiac MX6 Automatic Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
If you are looking for the best suction side pool cleaner for inground and above-ground pools, you have one in the Zodiac MX6. It boasts advanced technology that enables it to clean the pool floors thoroughly, walls, and even the waterline. The only shortcoming is that it can’t capture floating debris.
The Zodiac MX6 can connect to your skimmer or the 1.5-inch vacuum inlet. One thing we like about its connection is the 32ft twist-locking hose that facilitates easy connection and reduces vacuum loss. There’s also the MX Flow Regulator that automatically controls excessive flow through cleaner, guaranteeing optimal performance and longevity.
The MX6 boasts a low-flow design that makes it efficient, especially with two-speed or variable-speed pumps. With powerful cyclonic suction, the MX6 is unforgiving on all debris, from fine to large. However, it struggles with larger leaves, twigs, and branches. A unique feature of this suction pool cleaner is the Flex Power Turbine, which offers ultra-efficient operation even when connected to low-flow pumps.
In navigation and mapping, we are glad it has been designed for easy mobility. The shortcoming, however, is that the MX6 doesn’t have pool mapping features. It moves randomly but still gets the job done. Regarding maneuverability, it is engineered with X-Drive Technology with X-Trax. This system consists of 4 wheels and tracks for traction and agility. But again, the MX6 will often get stuck in the pool ladder area and step corners but will, in the long run, free itself and continue cleaning.
Here are the pros and cons of the Zodiac MX6.
- Compact, strong, and sturdy design
- For above-ground and inground pools
- Cleans floors, walls, and waterline
- Powerful clean courtesy of Cyclonic Vacuum Technology
- Ultra-efficient operation
- Excellent mobility (X-Drive Technology with X-Trax)
- Twist-locking hose for reduced vacuum loss
- Struggles with large debris
- Not suitable for large pools
- Gets stuck often
2. Zodiac G3 Automatic Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
The Zodiac Baracuda G3 is the best choice for pool owners on a budget. This is a compact suction side pool cleaner that works best in small inground pools only. It is not suitable for above-ground pools. It is easy to install and requires minimal maintenance as it has fewer moving parts.
The Baracuda G3 connects to the skimmer or suction line, drawing the power for sucking debris and propulsion. A feature worth mentioning is the patented FlowKeeper Valve which automatically regulates water flow for peak performance even when working with low-speed pumps.
Regarding cleaning performance, the G3 can handle most pool surfaces, including tile, vinyl, gunite, and fiberglass but not concrete. It also has enough suction to capture small to medium-sized debris but struggles with large leaves, acorns, and twigs.
When it comes to coverage, the G3 is a basic model suited for small pools. It cleans randomly and may miss some spots in large and irregularly shaped pools. But considering its price, it is still a worthy purchase if you don’t want to break the bank.
- Very affordable option
- Easy installation
- Cleans the pool floor, walls, and waterline
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Tackles small and mid-sized debris effectively
- Quiet operation compared to other suction cleaners
- It uses a low-speed pump for maximum efficiency
- Not effective for large pools
- Designed for inground pools only
- Not effective in capturing large debris
- Diaphragm and hoses are not durable
- Requires a booster pump for optimal operation
- Gets stuck often
Robotic vs. Suction Side Pool Cleaners Comparison
Having looked at how robotic and suction side pool cleaners work and the best models on the market, here is a recap of the entire discussion. We will base the comparison on the critical factors considered when buying pool cleaners. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
1. Applications
Robotic pool cleaners are more versatile compared to suction pool cleaners. While some models are designed for inground pools only, some are suitable for both inground and above-ground pools. A good example is the Nautilus CC which works with both inground and above-ground pools.
Regarding pool sizes, it all comes down to the cord length, but there are both robotic pool cleaners for small and large pools.
As for pool shapes and surfaces, the intelligent navigation and mapping system enables robotic pool cleaners to handle all pool shapes and surfaces.
As for suction-side pool cleaners, most models only work with inground pools. A good example is the Baracuda G3, but we also have the likes of Zodiac MX6, which can work with above-ground and inground pools.
As for the pool sizes, it all depends on the hose length, with longer hoses having the ability to handle large pools. But you will find that most suction side pool cleaners are designed for small and medium-sized pools.
As for pool shapes and surfaces, suction side cleaners also have limitations as they are not intelligent enough to map irregularly shaped pools.
2. Functionality
On the other hand, suction side cleaners are not independent. They need a connection with your pool system to work. Others may require a booster pump for efficiency.
Unfortunately, no suction side cleaner has intelligent navigation and mapping systems or fancy features such as app operation.
3. Cleaning Performance
In terms of cleaning performance, robotic pool cleaners are a step ahead. They come with super suction and advanced brush systems that leave no stains or debris unattended. They also offer comprehensive cleaning, from the pool floor to the walls and even the tile line.
What’s more? The fact that they have intelligent navigation and mapping systems ensures that no spot is missed, and cleaning is faster.
Suction-side pool cleaners are also great when it comes to cleaning performance. They, too, can capture all kinds of debris.
Some models can clean the pool floor, walls, and tile line. However, they don’t guarantee entire-level cleaning as they don’t have advanced navigation and mapping systems like robotic models.
4. Energy Efficiency
Suction side pool cleaners are also energy efficient, especially models that don’t require a booster pump. They rely on your existing pool filtration system to operate. There are no extra costs for running a booster pump.
But things are different in models that require a booster pump, as installing a separate pump means higher energy bills.
5. Maintenance
Robotic pool cleaners may be the winner in many areas, but you should think twice when it comes to maintenance.
First, the bin must be emptied manually when full. Also, considering they have many components, maintenance, and troubleshooting can be a challenge. Replacement parts are also not readily available and cost a lot.
On the other hand, suction side pool cleaners have few moving parts, so troubleshooting and maintenance tasks are not as intensive as robotic pool cleaners. Besides, parts are readily available at affordable prices.
6. Convenience
Robotic pool cleaners are the best when it comes to convenience. They come with plenty of features that make pool cleaning a buzz. Good examples are the Polaris Sport or Dolphin Sigma Robotic Pool Cleaner, which feature a weekly scheduler.
What’s more? They allow for smartphone app operation and can sync with Alexa so you can control them with your voice.
Suction side pool cleaners, on the other hand, lack any worthwhile convenience features. That’s why they cost much less than their robotic counterparts.
7. Purchase Costs
Robotic pool cleaners come with fancy features that shoot up their prices. On average, robotic pool cleaners cost $1000 to $2000. So, if you are on a tight budget, you have to opt for suction side pool cleaners.
Suction side pool cleaners, on the other hand, are very affordable. The cheapest models retail at around $200, give or take, so you can find something worthy in this category if you are on a budget. The high-end models, for example, the Zodiac MX6 and MX8, retail at under $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a robotic pool cleaner worth it?
Yes. Robotic pool cleaners have been designed to offer excellent cleaning on a range of pools. They also guarantee entire pool coverage and pack many convenience features that take pool cleaning a notch higher.2. Do suction pool cleaners work?
3. How long should you run a suction pool cleaner?
4. How long do robotic pool cleaners last?
Wrapping Up
That’s it, folks, a robotic vs. suction pool cleaners comparison review. Indeed, robotic pool cleaners are revolutionary. They are expensive but offer excellent pool cleaning and plenty of convenient features. But if you are on a budget, you can still consider suction side pool cleaners though they lack any extras. Check out the best deals and discounts on robotic and suction side pool cleaners today!
Hi! I’m Markus Robertson, and water is my passion.
Five years ago, I graduated from the University of California-Los Angeles and was going to become a professional marine biologist. However, my fate had other plans for me, and due to family problems, I had to find a more stable and well-paid job. I had only one wish for my job to be connected with water.
During this period of my life, I worked as a sales manager at Olympic Pool & Spa Supplies. The job helped me learn everything about swimming pools and related pool equipment, as well as how to choose the best option and what to pay attention to.
Having worked there for three years, I decided to start my own blog about pools, where I can tell people about the best new pool equipment models and share my knowledge and experience.
A marine biologist by education, I became a pool blogger by trade. Now I’m glad I can help the guests of my store and the visitors of my blog know a lot of exciting things about pools, their types, best pumps and filters, necessary equipment maintenance, and so on.
I welcome all people who want to choose a proper basin and the stuff to my blog! Hope you’ll find this information interesting and useful!
