Robotic pool cleaner vs suction-side cleaner: Robotic wins for actual cleaning and convenience

Robotic cleaners cost more ($500–$1,500 vs $200–$400) but actually work — they scrub walls, steps, and waterline, filter finer particles, and don’t tax your pool’s circulation system. Suction-side cleaners rely on your main pump, use more electricity, clog filters faster, and can’t climb walls well. If you hate messing with your pool, the robotic is the obvious choice.