Best Robotic Pool Cleaners Australia - Which is #1 in 2024?

Short on time? Here's our #1 recommendation:

Our Top Pick - Pentair Prowler 920

👍Why It's #1:	All the standard features you'd expect from a robotic pool cleaner, with few reported issues and a stellar price point

Product Comparison Table

Before we discuss each of the products in detail, let's take a look at how they compare to each other.

Only show product differencesHighlight product differences

	Dolphin S200Robo-Tek Robo-PlusPentair Prowler 920Dolphin M400 CBZodiac CX20	Dolphin S200Robo-Tek Robo-PlusPentair Prowler 920Dolphin M400 CBZodiac CX20
Name	Dolphin S200	Robo-Tek Robo-Plus
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Best Price

Key Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Robotic Pool Cleaner

Before rushing out and locking in a purchase, carefully consider how the cleaner you are interested in stacks up in terms of the factors below.

Pool Compatibility

Robotic pool cleaners are not always compatible with every type of pool. Many pool cleaners are limited to in-ground pools or above-ground pools only, and different models also have specifications about the type of pool lining that they are appropriate for.

It is also crucial to buy a machine that is capable of handling your size of swimming pool. Buying a cleaner that is too small for your pool size can lead to poor cleaning and may require that you repeat cleaning cycles to achieve adequate results.

Large pools tend to require more cleaners with longer cycles and cables.

Ease Of Transport

Robotic pool cleaners need to be able to be lifted into and out of your swimming pool with relative ease, even once they are full of debris and water.

Because most pool cleaners are not designed to be left in water constantly, it is important that you choose a relatively lightweight option that can be easily carried.

If you have difficulties lifting, you may want to shy away from the heaviest cleaners among our comparison models.

You will want to opt for a unit that comes with a caddy, which makes manoeuvring the machine much easier.

Cleaning Performance

When we talk about cleaning performance, we mean a few different things: the micron rating of the filter, the cleaning cycle length, and if the machine cleans steps and ledges in your pool.

In general, it is better to have a pool cleaner equipped with a fine-particle rated micron filter. These machines tend to be equally good at picking up large debris, but without a low micron rating, they may miss dirt, sand, and dust on the pool floor.

Tech Features

Tech features for your robotic pool cleaner may make using your machine easier or more convenient. The most common tech feature for robotic pool cleaners is a weekly timer, or ‘set-and-forget’ scheduling feature.

This timer allows you to set your cleaner to begin cleaning cycles automatically depending on how many days per week you select.

Another tech feature to consider is remote control capability. These are controlled either through the control panel that comes with the machine, or by syncing your machine to a smartphone app via wifi or bluetooth connection.

This is useful for directing the machine towards specific problem areas of your pool. As a pool owner, this can also make cleaning your pool fun again!

Build Quality

Robotic pool cleaners of any kind are prone to their own problems. Issues with build quality include any parts that are prone to breaking easily, or flaws in the design of the machine that prevent it from cleaning your pool properly.

One example of an issue with build quality is the lack of a swivel port for your pool cleaner’s power cable.

Due to widespread frustration associated with these cables becoming tangled as the cleaner runs a few laps around your pool, and how difficult they can be to reshape once kinked, most newer models of robotic pool cleaner come with a power cord that can swivel.

Warranty And Longevity

It is important to consider the manufacturer provided warranty when purchasing a robotic pool cleaner. The information included in the warranty often contains hints as to how long you can expect your machine to last before it may require more extensive repairs.

Most pool cleaners on the market have a warranty period of two years. Robotic pool cleaners with the shortest lifespans tend to last till approximately the end of their warranty period before considerable repairs are needed, giving the most basic pool cleaners a lifespan of approximately 2 years.

Certain cleaners in our comparison have extended warranties, with some parts having coverage for up to 3 years. This guarantee increases the expected lifespan of these machines when compared to those with shorter warranties.

Best Robotic Pool Cleaners Australia

Pentair Prowler 920

Top Pick

Pros & Cons

The Pentair Prowler 920 is our top pick for robotic pool cleaners in Australia. This machine is fairly lightweight and comes with a caddy, making it easy to carry, and has consistently positive reviews regarding its cleaning performance.

With a filter rated at 20 microns, this machine is excellent with fine dust and is also designed to tackle steps and ledges in your pool, so long as these areas are wide enough for the machine to fit on comfortably.

Although this machine does not have remote-control capabilities, it does include a weekly timer setting for cleaning cycles, which makes it convenient for users who want a set-and-forget kind of pool robot.

Minor issues with this machine include the robot getting stuck in certain areas of the pool or stirring up nearby debris that it has not yet cleaned, but due to its convenience-oriented features and affordable price, it’s easy for us to name this machine the best value for your money.

If you are still on the fence about this one and want more info, check out this Pentair Prowler 920 review.

Dolphin S200

Honourable Mention

Pros & Cons

The Maytronic Dolphin S200 is a more affordable robotic pool cleaner with quality cleaning. With a weight of only 7.5kg, this cleaner is one of the lighter weight models in our comparison, and it should be easy for most users to lift it in and out of the pool as needed.

This machine climbs walls to scrub the waterline and includes the ability to put it on a set-and-forget cleaning schedule, a highly sought after feature.

One small drawback of this model is that it is not designed to do steps and ledges; the operation manual suggests that users sweep debris from these areas to the bottom of the pool before starting the robot’s cleaning cycle.

The biggest downside of this model is that it is not as long-lasting as comparable machines.

Most users of this model are very happy with the machine’s performance, that is at least until the robot starts requiring sometimes expensive repairs, which tends to occur as it nears the end of the 2-year warranty mark.

Get the full rundown on this unit in our Dolphin S200 review.

Robo-Tek Robo-Plus

Honourable Mention

Pros & Cons

The Robo-Tek Robo-Plus is a higher-end automatic pool cleaner that comes with remote control capabilities. This machine is great with all sizes of debris, and has the best performance for fine dust among all of our comparison models with a filter rated for 20 microns.

One plus-side to this cleaner is that it offers an extended three-year warranty for the motor unit specifically, which is great to see.

Many robotic pool cleaners experience issues with moisture getting into the motor unit after a year or two of use, but with this machine the extended motor warranty provides peace of mind that you won't have to replace any expensive parts so soon.

One of the biggest downsides of this machine is that the filter basket can be difficult to empty.

This is often mentioned in customer reviews of this product, especially because users become frustrated when the debris from the filter basket falls back into the pool as they try to empty it.

This model is also exceptionally heavy at 12.5kg, and may be difficult for some users to lift in and out of the pool, especially once it is full of debris and water.

Although this machine has remote control capabilities, we are disappointed that at this price range there is no set-and-forget scheduling function for cleaning cycles.

Robo-Tek actually specifically states that their unit must be removed from the pool after each cleaning cycle and stored properly, which may be disappointing for some users.

Interested? Get more information in this Robo-Tek Robo-Plus review!

Dolphin M400

Best For Remote Control Features

Pros & Cons

The Maytronics Dolphin M400 is the best model among our comparison for those seeking a robotic pool cleaner with remote control capabilities.

This model also includes a set-and-forget scheduling feature, meaning you no longer have to choose between these two highly-sought-after tech features.

This machine has the longest warranty and expected lifespan among the cleaners in our comparison, and does not tend to require significant repairs until after three years of regular use.

One downside of this machine is that it is fairly heavy at 11kg, and some users may struggle to lift it. Luckily, the machine does come with a caddy.

This cleaner has two models, the CB and the WB, allowing you to find one to fit your pool type regardless of the type of lining used and whether it is inground or above ground.

The biggest downside of this robotic cleaner is that the user manual has poor instructions; many customer reviews have mentioned having to seek help from third-party resources in order to figure out the settings on their machine.

At $2,500, this model is the most expensive cleaner in our comparison, so we only recommend it if you are seeking remote-control features specifically.

Find out more info in our Dolphin M400 review.

Zodiac CX20

Honourable Mention

Pros & Cons

The Zodiac CX20 is the most affordable model among our comparison with a price tag of $1,400. This machine is easy to operate and empty, but does not come with any sought-after tech features such as a cleaning schedule or remote control capabilities.

With a filter rating of 200 microns, this machine may fail to capture small dust and sand from your pool, but will still be successful for mid-to-large sized debris that has settled to the floor of your pool.

If you do have a lot of fine debris, consider purchasing the 100 micron filter as an add-on.

This machine is intended to clean steps and ledges in your pool so long as there is enough room for the cleaner to stand on these areas comfortably.

One downside of this cleaner is that the power cord does not attach to the cleaner via a swivel port, making it easier for the cable to become tangled during the cleaning cycle.

Although this machine is a fairly good value considering the price point, it does not have a very long lifespan, with many customer reviews mentioning that they needed parts repaired before the warranty period ends.

Find out more over at our Zodiac CX20 review.

Final Thoughts

The best robotic pool cleaner in Australia is the Pentair Prowler 920. With all the standard features you’d expect, including a set-and-forget scheduling system for cleaning cycles, this machine is bound to make pool maintenance much simpler.

At a fairly affordable price-point compared to other top of the line machines, this cleaner also makes a great option for those seeking to invest in a robotic pool cleaner for the first time.

The only case where we would not recommend the Pentair Prowler 920 is if you are seeking a cleaner with remote-control capabilities. In this case, we recommend the Dolphin M400.

Even though this machine has a more premium price-point, it comes with highly sought after bluetooth connectivity and Maytronics & Dolphin are reputable names in the pool robot industry.

Do you have any questions about the best pool cleaners in Australia? Get in touch with us down in the comments, we’d love to help answer any remaining questions you may have about these machines!