Are Robotic Pool Cleaners Worth It? An Honest Assessment

Robotic pool cleaners have become increasingly popular with Perth pool owners looking for a hands-off approach to keeping their pool floor and walls clean. With prices ranging from $800 to over $2,500, they represent a significant investment. The question is whether they deliver enough value to justify the cost.

Having serviced thousands of pools across Perth, we have seen every type of pool cleaner in action. Here is an honest assessment of robotic pool cleaners, including their genuine benefits, their limitations, and whether they make sense for your pool.

What Makes Robotic Cleaners Different

There are three main types of automatic pool cleaners:

Suction cleaners connect to your skimmer and use the pool pump’s suction to move around the pool and collect debris. They are the most affordable option ($300 to $700) but put additional strain on your pump and filter.

Pressure cleaners use a dedicated booster pump or the return water pressure to move around the pool and collect debris in their own bag. They cost $500 to $1,000 plus the booster pump installation.

Robotic cleaners are self-contained units with their own motor, pump, and filtration system. They operate independently of your pool’s circulation system, plugging into a standard power point. They range from $800 to $2,500 or more.

The Genuine Benefits of Robotic Cleaners

Energy Efficiency

Robotic cleaners draw approximately 150 to 200 watts during operation, compared to the 1,200 to 1,500 watts your pool pump draws. Since they operate independently, your pool pump does not need to run during cleaning. A typical 2 to 3 hour cleaning cycle uses roughly the same energy as running a couple of light bulbs.

Over a year, if you reduce pump run time because the robotic cleaner handles floor cleaning, the energy savings can be $100 to $200 annually.

Superior Cleaning Performance

Modern robotic cleaners genuinely outperform suction and pressure cleaners in several ways:

• Scrubbing: Most robotic cleaners have rotating brushes that scrub the pool surface as they move, removing algae and biofilm that suction cleaners simply pass over.
• Wall climbing: Mid-range and premium models climb pool walls and clean the waterline, which no suction cleaner can do effectively.
• Filtration fineness: Robotic cleaners have their own fine filter bags or cartridges that capture particles as small as 2 microns, far finer than your pool’s main filter.
• Consistent coverage: Most robotic cleaners use programmed patterns or smart navigation to ensure complete pool coverage, rather than the random movement of suction cleaners.

Reduced Strain on Your Pool System

Because robotic cleaners have their own pump and filtration, they do not add load to your pool pump, filter, or plumbing. This extends the life of your existing equipment and reduces the amount of debris your main filter needs to handle.

Convenience

Drop the cleaner in the pool, press start, and walk away. Most models complete a full clean in 2 to 3 hours. Some premium models can be scheduled to run automatically. When finished, remove the cleaner and empty its filter bag.

The Honest Downsides

They Do Not Replace Pool Servicing

This is the biggest misconception we encounter. A robotic cleaner handles the physical cleaning of your pool surfaces, but it does not:

• Test or adjust water chemistry
• Clean your skimmer and pump baskets
• Service your filter
• Inspect your equipment for wear or faults
• Handle algae treatment
• Skim the surface (most debris sits on the surface, not the floor)

A robotic cleaner is a complement to regular pool servicing, not a replacement for it.

Upfront Cost

Quality robotic cleaners are not cheap. Budget models starting at $800 often lack wall-climbing ability, have short warranties, and may not suit larger pools. The mid-range sweet spot ($1,200 to $1,800) delivers reliable performance with wall climbing, and premium models ($2,000 to $2,500+) add smart navigation, app control, and larger filter capacity.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs

Robotic cleaners have their own maintenance requirements:

• Filter bags or cartridges: $30 to $80 to replace, needed every 6 to 12 months depending on use
• Brushes: $50 to $100 to replace, needed every 1 to 2 years
• Tracks or wheels: $40 to $80, occasional replacement
• Power supply unit: $200 to $400 to replace if it fails (usually lasts 5+ years)
• Motor service: Some units may need motor service after 3 to 5 years

Lifespan

Robotic cleaners typically last 3 to 5 years with regular use, or up to 7 years with careful maintenance. Given the purchase price, this means you are paying $200 to $500 per year of ownership before accounting for parts and maintenance. By comparison, a quality suction cleaner lasts 5 to 8 years at a fraction of the price.

Not Ideal for Every Pool Shape

Some pool shapes, particularly freeform pools with complex curves, shallow benches, and tanning ledges, can challenge robotic cleaners. Steep walls, tight corners, and steps can cause some models to get stuck or miss areas. If your pool has unusual features, test a model in your pool before committing to a purchase.

Which Perth Pool Owners Benefit Most?

Robotic cleaners make the most sense for:

• Large pools (60,000+ litres) where manual vacuuming is time-consuming
• Pool owners who swim daily and want consistently clean surfaces
• Properties with minimal tree coverage where surface debris is less of an issue (the cleaner handles the floor, but leaves on the surface still need skimming)
• Pool owners with existing suction cleaners that are wearing out and want an upgrade
• People who value convenience and are comfortable with the investment

They make less sense for:

• Small plunge pools where manual vacuuming takes only a few minutes
• Pools with heavy leaf and debris loads where surface skimming is the main challenge (robotic cleaners work on the floor and walls, not the surface)
• Pool owners on a tight budget where the money might be better spent on professional servicing
• Above-ground pools as most robotic cleaners are designed for in-ground pools

Our Recommendation

If your budget allows, a mid-range robotic cleaner ($1,200 to $1,800) is a worthwhile investment for most Perth pool owners with in-ground pools. The energy savings, superior scrubbing performance, and reduced wear on your main filter system provide genuine value.

However, do not expect a robotic cleaner to eliminate the need for regular pool servicing. Water chemistry management, equipment monitoring, and surface skimming still require attention, either from you or from a professional service.

The ideal setup for most Perth pools is a combination of a robotic cleaner for daily or every-other-day floor and wall cleaning, paired with regular professional servicing for water chemistry, filter maintenance, and equipment checks.

Brands We See Performing Well in Perth

Based on our experience servicing pools across Perth, the brands that consistently perform well and have good local warranty support include Dolphin (Maytronics), Zodiac, and AstralPool. These brands have established service networks in Perth, readily available parts, and proven reliability in our climate.

Pool Cleaning Perth can advise you on the best cleaning solution for your specific pool. Whether you need help choosing a robotic cleaner, maintaining your existing equipment, or setting up a regular servicing plan, call us on 08 7943 6637 for friendly, expert advice.