Last updated: 23 March 2026

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How to Choose a Pool Cleaner: The Complete Guide

You are staring at 47 pool cleaners on Amazon, ranging from £89 to £2,000. Half the reviews look fake. The specifications mean nothing to you. And every brand claims theirs is "the best." This guide cuts through the noise with a simple decision framework based on 4 factors: your pool size, surface type, debris load and budget. Answer those four questions and the right cleaner identifies itself.

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Step 1: Pool Size

Under 8 m: Any cleaner type works. Budget suction cleaners are fine. 8 to 12 m: Robotic cleaner recommended. Match cable length. 12 to 15 m: Premium robotic with 15m+ cable. 15 m+: Commercial-grade robot or pressure cleaner.

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Step 2: Surface Type

Fibreglass: All types work. PVA brushes recommended. Tiles: All types work. Any brush type. Vinyl liner: Lightweight robots only (<8 kg). PVA brushes only. No heavy wall climbers. Concrete: Rubber brushes for better grip.

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Step 3: Debris Load

Light (sand, pollen): Any cleaner with 50-micron filtration. Medium (leaves, insects): Robotic with large filter basket (3.5L+). Heavy (trees overhead): Run daily. Consider a leaf canister pre-filter or pressure cleaner with large bag.

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Step 4: Budget

Under £400: Suction cleaner (Zodiac MX8). £400-700: Entry robotic (Dolphin E20) or cordless (WYBOT). £700-1,000: Wall-climbing robotic (Dolphin S200). £1,000+: Premium with app control (Dolphin M600).

Quick Decision Matrix

Smallest budget, decent pump: Zodiac MX8 (£349)

Best value, most pools: Dolphin E20 (£649)

No cables, easy life: WYBOT Osprey 700 (£599)

Full coverage, no brushing: Dolphin S200 (£899)

Money no object: Dolphin M600 (£1,499)

Top 5 Pool Cleaners Types Compared Robotic vs Suction Full Buying Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Q What size pool cleaner do I need?
Match the cleaner cable length to your pool diagonal. A 10-metre pool needs at least a 12-metre cable. A 12-metre pool needs 15 metres. The Dolphin E20 (12 m cable) suits pools up to 10 m. The Dolphin S200 (15 m cable) handles pools up to 12 m. The M600 (18 m cable) covers pools up to 15 m.
Q Does pool surface type matter?
Yes. Fibreglass and tiles work with all cleaner types. Vinyl liners need lightweight robots (under 8 kg) with soft PVA brushes. Painted concrete may need rubber brushes for better grip. Pebblecrete needs combo brushes. Check the manufacturer compatibility list for your surface.
Q How much should I spend on a pool cleaner?
Budget £350 to £650 for a reliable entry-level cleaner (suction or basic robotic). £650 to £1,000 for a mid-range robotic with wall climbing. £1,000+ for premium robots with app control and advanced navigation. Most UK pool owners are well served in the £650 to £900 range.
Q What features actually matter vs marketing?
Features that matter: filtration micron rating (50 micron minimum), cable length (match your pool), wall climbing (if walls develop algae), weekly timer. Features that are nice but not essential: app control, gyroscope navigation, voice assistant integration. Features that are pure marketing: "AI-powered cleaning", "4D navigation".
Tom Bradshaw
Tom Bradshaw
Pool Maintenance & Automation Specialist

Tom has spent 7 years testing pool cleaning equipment in the UK. A former pool technician with ISPE certification, he has tested over 30 robotic pool cleaners across in-ground and above-ground pools. His reviews are based on real cleaning cycles, debris pickup tests and long-term reliability tracking through British seasons.

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Still deciding? The Dolphin S200 is our top recommendation for most UK homes.

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