If your robotic cleaner hasn't moved at all, first make sure the indicator light on the power supply is on and that the cords are secure. It is also possible that the poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) brushes haven't absorbed enough water to move, and this can be fixed by adding more pool water to the unit. If the problem persists, there could be debris stuck in the pulley teeth or in the drive tracks, and these can be inspected and repaired or replaced as needed. Lastly, the unit might need new lock tabs that are used to keep the bottom lid secured.

Robotic cleaners are independent of your pool's pump and filter, using an internal motor to suck in water and then eject it through tractor-like tires or synthetic tracks and "brushes" attached by rubber or plastic bands to a metal shaft. They need a separate electricity source through a set-down transformer kept at least 10 feet (3.0 m) away from the water, and you'll need to set up a 7-day programming timer.

These cleaners typically come with a caddy that lets you coil the power cable on top and holds the cleaner in the middle, making them easy to move around your pool or store in a cool shaded area. This is a major selling point for this type of cleaner, as it can be more portable than suction or pressure cleaners that require hoses and a pool pump to operate.

Another big selling point for this cleaner is that it can go over walls and stairs, and even vacuum up waterlines and the main drain — something that other types of cleaners struggle to do well. It has a large filter basket that doesn't need to be emptied mid-cycle, and it comes with a button that pops the basket up and out so you can easily dump the debris. The app alerts you when the cycle is done and also gives you the option to pause the cleaning.

One of our favorite features is the ability to change the direction and cleaning pattern of the cleaner with the thrust jet located on the back of the unit, allowing you to get around obstacles such as ladders or steps. The hose can be adjusted to a 9 or 1 o'clock position to create different patterns and avoid getting stuck. If your cleaner is getting stuck on or under your pool ladder, install a ladder guard kit, or shorten the hose for entry step handrails.

These cleaners can be more expensive than suction or pressure cleaners, but they have the added benefit of not needing a dedicated pool pump or relying on the suction or pressure side of your pool's return system. However, you'll need to regularly remove them from the pool and rinse off, as well as keeping them in a shaded cool area out of direct sunlight, to extend their life and help maintain their efficiency.