Two things we can count on: the long-awaited arrival of summer each year, and the dependable power of automatic cleaners to get pools ready for it. Winter and spring's debris are no match for these small but mighty tools. APCs have long been saving time and energy for pool owners and service technicians alike — and they just keep improving. Check out some of the newest models on the market here.
Pentair
Prowler robotic cleaners make cleaning fast, easy and convenient with their powerful high-speed scrubbing brush and top-access filter basket. They operate independently from the pool's filtration system, making them cost-effective and eco-friendly. The newest addition to the family, Prowler 917, is ideal for smaller inground pools and has all the same features as the top-selling 920 — except that the 920 can swivel, making it the ideal choice for larger inground pools.
pentair.com | (800) 831-7133
Steward Group DBA Aquabot
Thanks to its patented AquaSmart Gyro Technology, the Aquabot Rapids 1500 robotic pool cleaner brushes, vacuums and micro‑filters dirt, debris and contaminants from the pool's floor, walls and waterline in the shortest amount of time while preventing cable tangling. Features a 59-foot cable with swivel, vibrating brush, caddy and a two-year warranty.
aquabot.com
Hammer-Head Patented Performance
Hammerhead manual pool cleaners are battery powered, rechargeable and completely portable, allowing the user to vacuum water features without the need for the filtration system, outside electrical power or water pressure.
hammerheadvac.com | (866) 887-7983
Red Leopard
Red Leopard's Orbit suction pool cleaner is now available in two different models: one with a hose and one without a hose — ideal for customers that are upgrading from a previous automatic pool cleaner. This one-piece, diaphragm-powered pool cleaner has no clips, nuts, bolts or hinges to corrode, split, wear or break. The unit's 18-inch diameter cleaning-path includes a 'ski-jump' ramp and an up-turned edge to move easily over drains, lights, stairs and ladders plus beats 360 times per minute — or over 170,000 times in eight hours. The flexible diaphragm and four suction ports ensure debris is collected both in the direction of travel and also on the side. Easily assembled and ready to go in minutes.
red-leopard.net | (800) 753-1233
Hayward
The AquaVac 250Li cordless robotic cleaner provides superior performance without the hassle of tangled cords or getting stuck, the company says. A large debris canister adds 30% more debris pickup, reducing the need for frequent emptying. Its extended battery life lasts up to two hours. A patented drive system provides complete coverage in aboveground and most flat-bottomed, inground pools.
hayward.com | (888) HAYWARD
Water Tech Corp
The Volt-FX8 cordless vacuum cleans an entire pool in minutes and spot-cleans in seconds. Completely independent from main filtration systems, the Volt FX-8 attaches to any standard telescopic pool pole and features a run time of up to 60 minutes. Equipped with a 12.75-inch vacuum head and two reusable filter bags, the Volt FX-8 can vacuum all types of debris including dirt, gravel, leaves, sand and algae.
watertechcorp.com | (800) 298-8800
Polaris - A brand of Fluidra
Polaris' ALPHA iQ+ intelligent robotic pool cleaner provides strategic cleaning for a brilliantly visible pool. Offering a customized cleaning solution with SMART Cycle functionality, the ALPHA iQ+ calculates the most efficient amount of time to eliminate debris while simultaneously collecting data to make automatic adjustments while cleaning. Information is then sent to the iAquaLink app, where owners have full access and can utilize capabilities including in-app scheduling, water temperature monitoring, cleaning status monitoring and targeted spot cleaning.
polarispool.com | (800) 822-7933
Caretaker
The Revolution 6-Port Valve is the most durable, efficient and serviceable system to ever come from Caretaker, the company says. The machine's shifting mechanism maximizes the time of full cleaning pressure to each zone, and the new one-piece gear cartridge makes its valve easier than ever to service and maintain.
caretakersystem.com | (855) 280-6465
Paramount Pool & Spa Systems
Paramount's patented nozzles are strategically placed in the pool floor, steps and benches. These in-floor nozzles pop up systematically to direct a powerful jet of water to sweep large debris and dirt into the pool's main drain, then retract flush with the pool floor, becoming virtually invisible. While cleaning, the system circulates the water for better chemical and heat distribution. Paramount makes systems for concrete, vinyl and fiberglass pools.
1paramount.com | (800) 621-5886
