There is no single right robotic pool cleaner, only the one that fits your pool. This guide is for owners who are ready to buy but stuck on the model, and it matches three cordless cleaners to pool size and type, so you buy for your pool rather than for the longest spec list. Autumn is a sensible time to sort it, before the big end-of-season clean and ready for next year.

Start with your pool size and type

The size and surface of your pool decide which cleaner suits you, more than any single feature does. A small above-ground pool and a fifteen-metre in-ground pool need different machines. A cleaner rated for a small pool will not cover a large one, and a large unit is more than a small above-ground pool needs. Measure your longest length, or work out your surface area, then match that to the figure on the product page. The whole current range is cordless, so you charge it between cleans rather than running it off a supply.

Smaller or above-ground pools

For a smaller pool, the Fairland Inver Air XA44 is the simplest option. It cleans the floor and walls, runs button-controlled with no app to set up, and Fairland rates it for pools up to 6m by 10m, in-ground or above-ground. Suited to owners with a smaller or above-ground pool who want a straightforward machine.

Mid-sized in-ground pools

For a mid-sized in-ground pool, the Aiper Scuba P1 Pro adds waterline cleaning on top of floor and walls, and is app-controlled with several modes. Aiper rates it for pools up to around 200 square metres. Suited to the typical family pool that wants full coverage including the waterline.

Larger pools up to 15 metres

For a larger pool, the Dolphin EON 120D is rated by Maytronics for pools up to fifteen metres and cleans floor, walls, waterline and steps. It maps the pool over its first few cycles, is controlled through the Maytronics app, and comes with a three-year manufacturer warranty. Suited to bigger pools, including freeform and kidney shapes.

What about odd shapes or very large pools?

If your pool is an awkward shape or larger still, that changes the pick. Models that map the pool cover irregular layouts without missing patches, and a few in the range are rated for pools up to 300 square metres. Look through the full robotic pool cleaner range for those, or tell us your pool shape and size and we will point you to the right one.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know my pool size for choosing a cleaner? Measure the longest straight length, or work out the surface area. Match that to the maximum stated on the product page, and go up a size if you are in between.

Does the surface, concrete, liner or above-ground, change which cleaner I need? It can. Some models are rated for specific surfaces or types, so check the product page. The Fairland XA44, for example, suits in-ground or above-ground pools.

Is a bigger or dearer cleaner always the right choice? No. Match the cleaner to your pool size and how you will use it. A unit sized past your pool is money you do not need to spend, and one sized under it will leave gaps.

Are these cleaners cordless? Yes. The current range is cordless, so you charge the cleaner between cleans rather than running it off a power supply or the pool pump.

Find the one that fits your pool

Match the cleaner to your pool and it will pay you back every week. Compare the full range in the robotic pool cleaner category, see our pick for heavy autumn leaves, or get in touch with your pool size and we will recommend the right model.