Overview
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Polaris Alpha IQ+
The Best Smart Pool Cleaner - Jump To Details
Seauto Shark Pool Cleaner
Best Basic, Wire-Free Pool Cleaner - Jump To Details
Polaris 9550 Sport
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Polaris 9650iQ Sport
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WaterGuru Sense
No Hub or Subscription Needed - Jump To Details
Crystal Water Monitor
Best Water Monitor for Hot Tubs - Jump To Details
Sutro Smart Pool Water Monitor
If you own a swimming pool, be it an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool, you likely spend a good deal of time cleaning and maintaining it (or pay someone to do it for you). To keep your pool looking its best it should be vacuumed at least once a week or more if you have trees on your property and that can take hours. That said, looks aren’t everything: in order to keep the water free of bacteria and make it safe for swimming you must maintain the correct water chemistry. If all of this sounds daunting, fear not. There are plenty of devices out there that make it easier than ever to spend more time enjoying your pool and less time working on it. Read on to see what kind of smart devices are available to help you keep your pool sparkling and ready for swimming.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Polaris Alpha IQ+
The Best Smart Pool CleanerBottom Line:
The Polaris Alpha IQ+ is a pricey smart robotic pool cleaner you can control with your phone. It’s simple to install and even easier to use, and it does a fantastic job of keeping your pool spotless.Pros
- Excellent cleaning performance
- Easy to clean out
- Supports app control
- Simple to set up and use
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks notifications
Learn MorePolaris Alpha IQ+ ReviewSeauto Shark Pool Cleaner
Best Basic, Wire-Free Pool CleanerBottom Line:
The Wi-Fi-enabled and battery-powered Seauto Shark pool cleaner is effective and easy to use, though it's otherwise short on features.Pros
- Good cleaning performance
- Runs on battery power
- Cable-free design
- Easy-to-clean filter
- Wi-Fi enabled
Cons
- Expensive
- No remote control
- Loses Wi-Fi connectivity in water
- No easy-lift system
- Can't measure water temperature
Learn MoreSeauto Shark Pool Cleaner ReviewPolaris 9550 Sport
Bottom Line:
The Polaris 9550 Sport is a well-priced robotic pool cleaner that does an excellent job of removing debris from the bottom and sides of your in-ground pool.Pros
- Excellent cleaning performance.
- Lots of programming options.
- Sturdy, well designed caddy.
- Debris canister is very easy to clean.
Cons
- No speed control.
- Sluggish remote response.
Learn MorePolaris 9550 Sport ReviewPolaris 9650iQ Sport
Bottom Line:
The Polaris 9650iQ Sport is a top-notch, easy-to-use robotic pool cleaner you can control from your phone.Pros
- Excellent cleaning performance.
- Easy to use and maintain.
- User-friendly app.
- Sturdy construction.
- Numerous programming options.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Lacks push notifications.
Learn MorePolaris 9650iQ Sport ReviewWaterGuru Sense
No Hub or Subscription NeededBottom Line:
The WaterGuru Sense smart monitor sits inside your pool’s skimmer and monitors chlorine and pH levels to let you know when you need to add chemicals and how much to add.Pros
- Monitors pool water chemistry
- Accurate readings
- No subscription or hub required
- Easy to install
Cons
- Lacks HomeKit support
- No voice control
Learn MoreWaterGuru Sense ReviewCrystal Water Monitor
Best Water Monitor for Hot TubsBottom Line:
It's expensive, but the Crystal Water Monitor provides spot-on measurements of your pool's or hot tub's water chemistry, plus tells you how to keep the levels balanced.Pros
- Easy to install and use
- Works in pools and hot tubs
- Accurate chemical readings
- Measures water temperature
- Doesn't require a hub
Cons
- Pricey
- All-but-required subscription fee
- No voice controls
Learn MoreCrystal Water Monitor ReviewSutro Smart Pool Water Monitor
Bottom Line:
The Sutro Smart Water Monitor measures your pool or spa’s water chemistry and tells you what chemicals are needed to make it safe for swimming.Pros
- Accurate readings
- Measures water temperature
- Easy to install
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires a hub and monthly subscription
- Large canister
- No voice control
Learn MoreSutro Smart Pool Water Monitor Review
Buying Guide: The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners and Smart Water Monitors for 2024
To keep your pool looking its best, you should vacuum it at least once a week, and to keep the water free of bacteria and safe for swimming, you need to maintain the correct water chemistry. Fortunately, smart home devices can help you with both tasks. At PCMag, we've been reviewing robot pool cleaners and pool water monitors for the better part of a decade, and we put every device below through its paces in our own pools at home. Polaris models dominate this list of the best robot pool cleaners, while the WaterGuru Sense is our favorite pool water monitor because it accurately tracks chlorine and pH levels and lets you know when you need to add chemicals and how much to add. Check out all of our recommendations below, and be sure to read our individual review of each model you're considering.