There is a clear winner. With more power, better filtration, and full pool cleaning automation, a corded robotic pool cleaner outperforms cordless models.
Maintaining a clean pool has never been easier with the advancement of robotic pool cleaners, but choosing between a cordless or corded model can be a tough decision. With so many models, marketing material, and more, cordless pool cleaners are everywhere, but beyond the marketing hype, which type of cleaner is superior?
In our testing and research, corded pool cleaners tend to deliver better long-term performance and value. After testing over 50+ models of pool cleaners, from suction-side pool cleaners, pressure-side pool cleaners, and robotic pool cleaners, we have found corded pool robots perform better than the rest by a wide margin.
In this article, we’ll explore key differences between the two, addressing battery recharging, cleaning power, build quality, safety concerns, top models on the market, and even the fire risks of cordless models (yes, fire risks) to help you make the right decision for your pool.
Convenience is the biggest factor when choosing between a corded or cordless pool robot. Cordless pool cleaners require daily recharging after each cleaning cycle. Most cordless models run for 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the battery size and cleaning load. Most cordless pool robots only can clean one cycle at a time before needing a recharge. After each session, the cleaner must be removed from the pool, recharged, and then manually reintroduced for the next cleaning session.
And let me tell you from my experience, this can be a pain! You are constantly walking outside, grabbing the robot, and plugging it in. With charging times of up to 4+ hours, it takes a long time just for a 1-hour clean.
In contrast, corded robotic cleaners are always cleaning and never charging. Connected to a power source, these models can be programmed to clean automatically, often running daily or at scheduled intervals without needing to be physically recharged or reset. For pool owners looking for hands-off maintenance, corded models eliminate the hassle of remembering to recharge the device after each use.
The only time you’ll need to touch a robotic pool cleaner with a weekly timer is to clean the filter basket at the end of the week. Besides that, the cleaner automatically will turn on and clean for you.
Consider the Dolphin Cayman and Dolphin Sigma. These corded models can be set to clean regularly, ensuring the pool remains spotless without manual intervention. The automatic scheduling ensures pool owners get consistent results without worrying about battery life or interruptions in the cleaning cycle.
Cordless Limitation: Requires frequent recharging, interrupting the cleaning routine.
Corded Advantage: Automatic daily operation, more reliable for pool owners seeking effortless maintenance.
When it comes to power and vacuuming ability, corded robotic cleaners generally outperform their cordless counterparts. Corded models, directly connected to an external power source, are not limited by battery capacity. As a result, they can use more powerful motors, advanced filtration systems, and smarter navigation technologies that are ideal for tackling larger pools and heavy debris.
Nearly every corded robotic pool cleaner filters over 4000 gallons per hour (GPH). Comparing the Dolphin Escape with 4000 GPH to the popular Aiper Seagull SE that only has 1320 GPH, that is 100% more power in a robotic pool cleaner. Talk about more power!
For example, the Dolphin Sigma uses a triple commercial-grade motor system, delivering impressive suction power of over 4500 GPH for deeper and more thorough cleaning. It also features smart navigation algorithms that ensure the entire pool surface is covered efficiently, reaching hard-to-clean areas. Similarly, the Dolphin Premier is equipped with two commercial grade motors and dual brushes that scrub large debris like leaves and dirt, making it a top performer in inground pools.
Cordless cleaners don’t match the performance levels of corded cleaners. Their motors are often optimized for energy efficiency rather than raw cleaning power, which can limit their ability to clean larger or more complex pool designs.
Cordless Limitation: Limited suction power due to battery constraints.
Corded Advantage: Superior suction and scrubbing ability, particularly in larger pools with significant debris.
When comparing cordless and corded pool cleaners, another crucial factor is build quality and overall cost. High-end corded pool cleaners tend to come with a higher price tag, but they are built using premium components designed to last for years, offering a solid return on investment.
Brands such as Dolphin, Polaris, and Aquabot are constructed with durable materials and feature robust filtration systems that ensure long-lasting performance. Additionally, their advanced technology means fewer breakdowns and repairs over time. With years of experience and customer service, these brands are highly reputable and reliable.
Cordless pool cleaners, particularly those produced by budget manufacturers in China, often cut corners on build quality to reduce costs. A growing concern with many cordless models is the use of cheap lithium-ion batteries, which are prone to degradation over time. Batteries sourced from certain manufacturers, particularly in China, have raised safety concerns due to poor construction and lack of quality control.
The Aiper Seagull Pro, for instance, has faced criticism for its alleged battery safety issues, with reports of overheating and even fires. In one severe incident, a pool owner’s house allegedly caught fire due to a battery malfunction in their Aiper Seagull Pro cordless cleaner. This highlights the potential risks of opting for lower-priced, cordless alternatives that rely on inferior components.
This wasn’t the first time either. An older model, the Aiper Elite Pro, was recalled by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (U.S. CPSC) as it was a fire and burn risk.
“17 reports of the recalled pool vacuums overheating including one report of a minor burn to a consumer’s fingertip, which did not require medical treatment. No property damage has been reported.”
So next time you look into a cordless pool robot, make sure to do your research.
Cordless Limitation: Lower build quality, higher likelihood of safety issues with lithium-ion batteries.
Corded Advantage: Superior construction, premium materials, and safer long-term use.
Several corded robotic pool cleaners stand out as market leaders due to their unmatched performance, durability, and efficiency. Here are four top models that consistently deliver excellent results:
Cordless Limitation: Lacks the advanced features, power, and navigation technologies found in top-tier corded models.
Corded Advantage: Offers superior cleaning performance, advanced technology, and long-term reliability.
Battery-powered cordless pool cleaners have gained popularity for their flexibility, but the trade-off is often safety and reliability. The Aiper Seagull Pro fire incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries. While many cordless models are convenient, they may pose a significant risk if their batteries are not carefully monitored or constructed.
In contrast, corded pool cleaners avoid these issues entirely. Powered directly from an external source, they don't rely on batteries, making them a safer, more reliable option for long-term use. There’s no need to worry about overheating or malfunctioning batteries, offering peace of mind for pool owners.
Cordless Limitation: Potential safety risks with battery malfunction or fire hazards.
Corded Advantage: No battery-related safety concerns, providing a more dependable solution.
While cordless robotic pool cleaners may seem appealing, they fall short in the areas that matter cleaning. Their limitations in power, inconsistent build quality, and concerning safety risks—such as overheating batteries—make them a questionable choice for most pool owners. Corded models, by contrast, offer uninterrupted cleaning power, superior suction, and long-term durability that cordless options simply can't compete with.
Regardless of whether you have an inground or above-ground pool, relying on a corded robotic cleaner from a trusted brand like Dolphin ensures that your pool remains not only clean but also safe from potential hazards posed by low-quality cordless models. The Dolphin Premier offers unmatched reliability, while the Dolphin Sigma boasts advanced cleaning capabilities that cordless models can't replicate. Choosing a cordless option often leads to more headaches and frustrations due to frequent recharging, weaker performance, and potential safety concerns.
Ultimately, while the portability of cordless cleaners may attract some buyers, their lackluster performance, questionable longevity, and safety risks make corded robotic pool cleaners the only reliable choice for most pool owners.